On an unified framework for approachability in games with or without signals

We unify standard frameworks for approachability both in full or partial monitoring by defining a new abstract game, called the "purely informative game", where the outcome at each stage is the maximal information players can obtain, represented as some probability measure. Objectives of players can be rewritten as the convergence (to some given set) of sequences of averages of these probability measures. We obtain new results extending the approachability theory developed by Blackwell moreover this new abstract framework enables us to characterize approachable sets with, as usual, a remarkably simple and clear reformulation for convex sets. Translated into the original games, those results become the first necessary and sufficient condition under which an arbitrary set is approachable and they cover and extend previous known results for convex sets. We also investigate a specific class of games where, thanks to some unusual definition of averages and convexity, we again obtain a complete characterization of approachable sets along with rates of convergence

Robust approachability and regret minimization in games with partial monitoring

Approachability has become a standard tool in analyzing earning algorithms in the adversarial online learning setup. We develop a variant of approachability for games where there is ambiguity in the obtained reward that belongs to a set, rather than being a single vector. Using this variant we tackle the problem of approachability in games with partial monitoring and develop simple and efficient algorithms (i.e., with constant per-step complexity) for this setup. We finally consider external regret and internal regret in repeated games with partial monitoring and derive regret-minimizing strategies based on approachability theory

Advances in Zero-Sum Dynamic Games

International audienceThe survey presents recent results in the theory of two-person zero-sum repeated games and their connections with differential and continuous-time games. The emphasis is made on the following(1) A general model allows to deal simultaneously with stochastic and informational aspects.(2) All evaluations of the stage payoffs can be covered in the same framework (and not only the usual Cesàro and Abel means).(3) The model in discrete time can be seen and analyzed as a discretization of a continuous time game. Moreover, tools and ideas from repeated games are very fruitful for continuous time games and vice versa.(4) Numerous important conjectures have been answered (some in the negative).(5) New tools and original models have been proposed. As a consequence, the field (discrete versus continuous time, stochastic versus incomplete information models) has a much more unified structure, and research is extremely active

How Online Psychotherapy Platforms Facilitate Accessibility to Mental Health Services in Cairo; The Case of Shezlong Mental Therapy Platform

Mental disorders are considered as one of the biggest causes of disabilities that are common in several countries. Egypt lacks societal awareness of mental illness and mental health maintenance that could be attributed to the cultural and religious influence on the society which certainly affects the accessibility to mental care. Whether due to financial barriers, social barriers or privacy issues the concept of mental health and mental wellbeing is not fully developed in Egypt. With the technology advancements we’re experiencing today Telemedicine is becoming a popular way of practicing medicine and delivering medical services specially in mental health. Shezlong is one of the most popular online platforms offering mental health services to those in need, utilizing the power and convenience of the technology to overcome the barriers of access specially in Egypt. The utilized theoretical framework comprised 10 dimensions acting either as barriers or facilitators to accessibility to mental healthcare. The research design is descriptive with the correlational and inferential statistics type of instrumentation. The data will be collected via a structured questionnaire. The correlation and regression analysis revealed that “Acceptability, Affordability, Ability to seek, Availability and Accommodation, Ability to pay, Appropriateness, Ability to engage and Ability to reach” are the main barriers that influence the Egyptian patients to accessibility to mental services. The results suggest that the higher the levels of these specific dimensions, the higher degree of accessibility will be experienced by the patient

Approachability with Discounting

We establish a version of Blackwell’s (1956) approachability result with discounting. Our main result shows that, for convex sets, our notion of approachability with discounting is equivalent to Blackwell’s (1956) approachability. Our proofs are based on a concentration result for probability measures and on the minmax theorem for two-person, zero-sum games

Robust approachability and regret minimization in games with partial monitoring

Approachability has become a standard tool in analyzing earning algorithms in the adversarial online learning setup. We develop a variant of approachability for games where there is ambiguity in the obtained reward that belongs to a set, rather than being a single vector. Using this variant we tackle the problem of approachability in games with partial monitoring and develop simple and efficient algorithms (i.e., with constant per-step complexity) for this setup. We finally consider external regret and internal regret in repeated games with partial monitoring and derive regret-minimizing strategies based on approachability theory

Through Their Eyes: A Phenomenological Analysis Of Perceived Leadership In Special Purpose Private Schools

The purpose of this study was to identify perceptions and experiences of leaders and followers within a special purpose private school during on-going crisis events to better understand demonstrated behaviors, values, and characteristics of leaders. The study site was the state of Maine, USA. The participants completed a survey and semi-structured interview. Four leaders and eight followers participated in the study from four schools and two agencies. A survey asked participants to prioritize leadership characteristics in the areas of relationships, operational style, and personal qualities; and to describe the five most challenging crisis experiences they have encountered working in their role. Semi-structured interviews addressed perceptions of leaders and followers based on demonstrated characteristics, behaviors, and values that leaders within each of the schools encompass and whether these characteristics, values, or behaviors are effective or beneficial within ongoing crisis settings. Analysis generated four major themes including (a) presence, approachability, and availability of leaders, (b) the ability for leaders to demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence when working with followers specifically in the area of emotional regulation, (c) leaders assisting followers in order to be heard and feel valued, and lastly, (d) a leader who understands the complexity of responsibilities, competing interests and needs within special purpose private schools. Most areas identified included leaders’ and followers’ agreement on areas of need, however, the leaders tended to have a bigger picture outlook on the areas of need which suggests that followers may not perceive the implications of competing responsibilities outside of their immediate roles at the schools. Further areas of study include expanding to other schools outside of Maine with similar populations, other follower roles, and conceptualizing the notion of supervision of staff in order to operationalize support for leaders and followers