Specification and Simulation of Statistical Query Algorithms for Efficiency and Noise Tolerance

AbstractA recent innovation in computational learning theory is the statistical query (SQ) model. The advantage of specifying learning algorithms in this model is that SQ algorithms can be simulated in the probably approximately correct (PAC) model, both in the absenceandin the presence of noise. However, simulations of SQ algorithms in the PAC model have non-optimal time and sample complexities. In this paper, we introduce a new method for specifying statistical query algorithms based on a type ofrelative errorand provide simulations in the noise-free and noise-tolerant PAC models which yield more efficient algorithms. Requests for estimates of statistics in this new model take the following form: “Return an estimate of the statistic within a 1±μfactor, or return ⊥, promising that the statistic is less thanθ.” In addition to showing that this is a very natural language for specifying learning algorithms, we also show that this new specification is polynomially equivalent to standard SQ, and thus, known learnability and hardness results for statistical query learning are preserved. We then give highly efficient PAC simulations of relative error SQ algorithms. We show that the learning algorithms obtained by simulating efficient relative error SQ algorithms both in the absence of noise and in the presence of malicious noise have roughly optimal sample complexity. We also show that the simulation of efficient relative error SQ algorithms in the presence of classification noise yields learning algorithms at least as efficient as those obtained through standard methods, and in some cases improved, roughly optimal results are achieved. The sample complexities for all of these simulations are based on thedνmetric, which is a type of relative error metric useful for quantities which are small or even zero. We show that uniform convergence with respect to thedνmetric yields “uniform convergence” with respect to (μ, θ) accuracy. Finally, while we show that manyspecificlearning algorithms can be written as highly efficient relative error SQ algorithms, we also show, in fact, thatallSQ algorithms can be written efficiently by proving general upper bounds on the complexity of (μ, θ) queries as a function of the accuracy parameterε. As a consequence of this result, we give general upper bounds on the complexity of learning algorithms achieved through the use of relative error SQ algorithms and the simulations described above

General Bounds on Statistical Query Learning and PAC Learning with Noise via Hypothesis Boosting

AbstractWe derive general bounds on the complexity of learning in the statistical query (SQ) model and in the PAC model with classification noise. We do so by considering the problem of boosting the accuracy of weak learning algorithms which fall within the SQ model. This new model was introduced by Kearns to provide a general framework for efficient PAC learning in the presence of classification noise. We first show a general scheme for boosting the accuracy of weak SQ learning algorithms, proving that weak SQ learning is equivalent to strong SQ learning. The boosting is efficient and is used to show our main result of the first general upper bounds on the complexity of strong SQ learning. Since all SQ algorithms can be simulated in the PAC model with classification noise, we also obtain general upper bounds on learning in the presence of classification noise for classes which can be learned in the SQ model

Feet Microbial Infections

Microbial foot disorders are quite common around the globe. People who usually don’t take care about their foot hygiene and overall health often suffer from serious foot ailments. Causes of these disorders may be poor cleanliness, diabetes miletus, improper foot ware and socks use.  Among them, shoes and socks as remain moist due to sweat and dirt, are a potent source of microbial invasion which may be either of bacterial, fungal or viral origin, sometimes algal too. People of third world countries are more prone to such disorders because of lack of awareness. These issues can be controlled by introducing proper general mass awareness regarding foot care and hygiene and by spreading information regarding foot ulcers and wounds handling to medical staff and common people

Principles and Interpretations of Local Dispute Resolution body in Sharīʿah perspective

This is the common practice in society to seek local system of justice other than Conventional court’s system. People like to resolve their disputes through most reputes or juries of the society due to various reasons. They believe that conventional system requires more money and time than the previous method. It is experienced and people are aware of the current situation of these courts that some cases approach to fifty years and not yet resolved. Therefore, the wise people engross in local justice system, easy to access, simple to resolve and effortless to execute the decision. Comprehensively, the process of seeking justice and to resolve the disputes through well-known, repute referees beside the conventional court system is called ‘Taḥkīm’ in Shariah terminology and refers as Jirga in Pakhtūn Society. The present paper emphasis on highlighting the detailed comparison of Taḥkīm and Jirga coupled with bringing up the differences and similarities with respect to their modes and principles along with recommendations to bring the local system in full conformity of Shariah Standards

Epidemiology of Oral Cancer in Pakistan

Oral carcinoma is one of the most frequently reported form of cancer in Pakistan. In time oncogenic prognosis facilities are still available in various regions countrywide. Provincial comparison indicates that more than 67% cases of oral squamous cancer are reported from Punjab whereas ratio in KPK is also high than Sindh and Baluchistan. The prevalence of this growing ailment can be minimized only by collaborative efforts of both government and general public regarding awareness of oral hygiene, causes of oral and esophageal carcinogenesis, early symptoms of this disease and its management.  &nbsp

Engineering the Catalytic Properties of HZSM5 by Cobalt Modification and Post-synthetic Hierarchical Porosity Development

Hierarchical zeolites have been identified as special catalytic materials with improved catalytic properties. In this study, hierarchical bifunctional ZSM5 based catalysts were prepared by desilication for controlled mesoporosity development and have been modified by Co doping. Their performance in the catalytic pyrolysis of oak in a lab scale reactor was evaluated. Desilicated counterparts were proven more active in deoxygenation of bio oil, while carbon deposition on the catalysts reduced compared to non-desilicated counterparts. Increased Lewis acidity favors decarboxylation reactions, while higher olefins as well as PAH content indicate easier diffusion within and from the porous network and interactions in the mesopores. The conversion of bulky lignin molecules (alkoxy phenols) is enhanced by the mesopores, while acidity is of secondary importance. Coke deposition inside the pores is more profound in the desilicated catalysts due to larger pore size. Carbon deposition on the catalysts is reduced in the following order: HZSM5 > Co/HZSM5 > Ds-HZSM5 > Co/Ds-HZSM5. GC–MS characterization of the CH2Cl2 soluble coke indicated that for the desilicated counterparts the main coke precursors are the bulky lignin molecules which are partially deoxygenated

Partially Demineralized Macroporous (PDM) Allografts for Cranial Tissue Engineering

poster abstractDecompressive Craniectomy is a cranial surgery where a large part of the cranial bone is removed in order to mitigate swelling in the brain tissue. Consequently, a scaffold biomaterial is required to substitute the lost bone. Ideal cranioplasty biomaterials should have the following features: fit the cranial defect and achieve complete closure, radiolucency, resistance to infections, no dilation with heat, resistance to biomechanical wear, pliability, and inexpensive. Partially Demineralized Macroporous (PDM) allografts exhibit such properties to correct these cranial defects. The main objectives of this study include: (1) examining the effects of demineralization and macroporosity formations on the mechanical and biological properties of allograft bone disks; (2) conducting finite element analysis (FEA) to stimulate the mechanical properties of the PDM allografts; and (3) evaluating the in vitro response of the PDM allografts utilizing pre-osteoblast cell lines. Tibias were harvested from Ossabaw mini-pigs and cylindrical cortical bone sections of 2 mm in thickness and 8 mm in diameter were obtained. Macropores of 600 micrometers in diameter were created to generate porosity levels of 0-40% in the bone disks. The bone disks were then demineralized in 14-wt% EDTA for 6 to 48 hours at 37℃. The relative stiffness was determined for each class using a material testing machine with a loading rate of 1 mm/min using a piston-on-ring set up. To analyze the deformation characteristics, FEA software LS-DYNA was employed. In order to understand the in vitro response, biocompatibility of PDM scaffolds were evaluated by culturing MC3T3-E1 cell lines where XTT and ALP assays were conducted. PDM allografts display the suitable stiffness required for cranial defects. The PDM allograft scaffolds aid in osteogenic proliferation and differentiation of pre-osteoblast cell lines in vitro. However, there will be further in vivo testing regarding the validity of PDM allografts in rat cranial defects. Mentor: Tien-Min Gabriel Chu, Department of Restorative DentistryDecompressive Craniectomy is a cranial surgery where a large part of the cranial bone is removed in order to mitigate swelling in the brain tissue. Consequently, a scaffold biomaterial is required to substitute the lost bone. Ideal cranioplasty biomaterials should have the following features: fit the cranial defect and achieve complete closure, radiolucency, resistance to infections, no dilation with heat, resistance to biomechanical wear, pliability, and inexpensive. Partially Demineralized Macroporous (PDM) allografts exhibit such properties to correct these cranial defects. The main objectives of this study include: (1) examining the effects of demineralization and macroporosity formations on the mechanical and biological properties of allograft bone disks; (2) conducting finite element analysis (FEA) to stimulate the mechanical properties of the PDM allografts; and (3) evaluating the in vitro response of the PDM allografts utilizing pre-osteoblast cell lines. Tibias were harvested from Ossabaw mini-pigs and cylindrical cortical bone sections of 2 mm in thickness and 8 mm in diameter were obtained. Macropores of 600 micrometers in diameter were created to generate porosity levels of 0-40% in the bone disks. The bone disks were then demineralized in 14-wt% EDTA for 6 to 48 hours at 37℃. The relative stiffness was determined for each class using a material testing machine with a loading rate of 1 mm/min using a piston-on-ring set up. To analyze the deformation characteristics, FEA software LS-DYNA was employed. In order to understand the in vitro response, biocompatibility of PDM scaffolds were evaluated by culturing MC3T3-E1 cell lines where XTT and ALP assays were conducted. PDM allografts display the suitable stiffness required for cranial defects. The PDM allograft scaffolds aid in osteogenic proliferation and differentiation of pre-osteoblast cell lines in vitro. However, there will be further in vivo testing regarding the validity of PDM allografts in rat cranial defects

Screening of previously reported microsatellite markers, associated with panicle characteristics, for maker assisted selection in Malaysian rice (Oryza sativa l.)

Rice (Oryzasativa L.) is an important crop that vital to the lives of billions of people providing almost 23percent of the calories intake. Most of the yield related traits are quantitative in nature. To improve these traits, quantitatively traits loci (QTL) are needed to be identified. Major QTLs have the tendency to be detected across populations and it mainly depends on high phenotypic variations for respective traits. Panicle characteristics are the main determinant of rice yield. Several investigations related to the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for these traits have been reported. Present studies were carried out to screen the QTLs in Malaysian rice cultivars for the selection of desirable plants through marker assisted breeding. Malaysian rice cultivars were evaluated for three panicle traits; panicle length, number of panicle per plant and number of grains per panicle. Eight microsatellite markers, which have shown association with panicle traits in the literature, were selected to identify the microsatellite loci for panicle traits. Among these microsatellites markers, RM310 distinguished the Malaysian rice varieties based on number of grains per panicle. It is therefore suggested to utilize microsatellite marker RM 310 in molecular screening of rice breeding populations to identify the plant possessing high numbers of grains

Characterising the Analgesic Effect of Different Targets for Deep Brain Stimulation in Trigeminal Anaesthesia Dolorosa

BACKGROUND: Several deep brain stimulation (DBS) targets have been explored for the alleviation of trigeminal anaesthesia dolorosa. We aimed to characterise the analgesia produced from the periaqueductal grey (PAG) and centromedian-parafascicular (CmPf) nucleus using a within-subject design. METHOD: We report a case series of 3 subjects implanted with PAG and CmPf DBS systems for the treatment of anaesthesia dolorosa. At follow-up, testing of onset and offset times, magnitude, and thermal and mechanical sensitivity was performed. RESULTS: The mean pain score of the cohort was acutely reduced by 56% (p < 0.05) with PAG and 67% (p < 0.01) with CmPf stimulation at mean time intervals of 38 and 16 min, respectively. The onset time was 12.5 min (p < 0.05) for PAG stimulation and 2.5 min (p < 0.01) for CmPf. The offset time was 2.5 min (p < 0.05) for PAG and 12.5 min (p < 0.01) for CmPf. The two targets were effective at different stimulation frequencies and were not antagonistic in effect. CONCLUSION: The mechanisms by which stimulation at these two targets produces analgesia are likely to be different. Certain pain qualities may respond more favourably to specific targets. Knowledge of onset and offset times for the targets can guide optimisation of stimulation settings. The use of more than one stimulation target may be beneficial and should be considered in anaesthesia dolorosa patients