Can online trading algorithms beat the market? An experimental evaluation

From experimental evaluation, we reasonably infer that online trading algorithms can beat the market. We consider the scenario of trading in financial market and present an extensive experimental study to answer the question "Can online trading algorithms beat the market?". We evaluate the selected set of online trading algorithms on DAX30 and measure the performance against buy-and-hold strategy. In order to compute the experimentally achieved competitive ratio, we also compare the set of algorithms against an optimum offline algorithm. To add further dimensionality into experimental setup, we use trading periods of various lengths and apply a number of evaluation criteria (such as annualized geometric returns, average period returns and experimentally achieved competitive ratio) to measure the performance of algorithms in short vs. Long term investment decisions. We highlight the best and worst performing algorithms and discuss the possible reasons for the performance behavior of algorithms

Competitive algorithms for online conversion problems with interrelated prices

The classical uni-directional conversion algorithms are based on the assumption that prices are arbitrarily chosen from the fixed price interval[m, M] where m and M represent the estimated lower and upper bounds of possible prices 0<m<M. The estimated interval is erroneous and no attempts are made by the algorithms to update the erroneous estimates. We consider a real world setting where prices are interrelated, i.e., each price depends on its preceding price. Under this assumption, we drive a lower bound on the competitive ratio of randomized non-primitive algorithms. Motivated by the fixed and erroneous price bounds, we present an update model that progressively improves the bounds. Based on the update model, we propose a non-preemptive reservations price algorithm RP* and analyze it under competitive analysis. Finally, we report the findings of an experimental study that is conducted over the real world stock index data. We observe that RP* consistently outperforms the classical algorithm

Disparity between theory & practice beyond the worst-case competitive analysis

Online algorithms are used in a variety of situations such as forex trading, cache replacement, and job scheduling etc. In an online problem, the algorithms is presented with a sequence on input in a serial fashion such that the algorithm does not have knowledge about the future inputs. For instance, in case of forex, the online algorithm is presented daily exchange rates. The algorithm does not have knowledge about future exchange rates, and has to make an irreversible conversion decision on each day. Competitive analysis is the standard tool to analyse the performance of online algorithms. Competitive analysis measures the performance of an online algorithm against a benchmark optimum offline algorithm. Competitive analysis is a worst case measure and is criticized as a pessimistic approach for performance evaluation. The assumption of online algorithms designed under the competitive analysis paradigm also suffer from the same set of problems as competitive analysis itself. In this work, we contribute towards bridging the gap between theory and practice by considering a set of algorithms for online conversion problems and discuss the disparity between the assumed worst case competitive rations and experimentally achieved competitive ratios using real world data. We present modified worst-case input sequences in order to make them comparable to real world data. In addition, we also investigate, how the assumptions made by the algorithm differs from real world. Further, we highlight other performance measures for online algorithms with the goal of realistic performance evaluation process

THYROIDISM EFFECT ON ALOPECIA PATIENTS IN PAKISTAN

TSH is a hormone that is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and stimulates the secretions of the thyroid gland. Its secretions are controlled by the TSH-R on the epithelial cells of the thyroid gland. It controls the production of the thyroxin hormone from the thyroid gland that is involved in the production of heat and energy. But the excessive amount of this hormone leads to the hair fall in some of the peoples. Hyperthyroidism correlates with the human skin and hair structure and its function. In the case of hyperthyroidism hair bulb cell proliferation increases and hence hair fall rate also increases. While in the case of hypothyroidism the bulb cell proliferation reduces and so, hair fall increases. Samples from different regions of the south Punjab were taken that were analyzed by the special chemistry analyzer (minividas). The concentrations of the T4, T3, and TSH were measured. Some of the alopecia patients were recorded high-level TSH. The patients were treated with thyroxin tablets that reduce TSH level. After that, the patients are also treated with hair fin tab, folli one shampoo, wistin tab, and multivitamins. Now the patients were observed with a microscope. The growth of hair follicles and hairs was recorded. Hence, the thyroxin tab uses to decrease the TSH level in the body for 1 month. Hair fin tab, folli one shampoo, wistin tab, and multivitamins are the best treatment methods for the growth of hairs in alopecia patients

CORELATION OF HIV WITH PROSTITUTION IN PUNJAB

Introduction: HIV belongs to the genus lentivirus within the family of retroviridae and subfamily orthoretrovirinae.&nbsp; In 2017, 1.8 million people were infected with AIDSand 940,000 died due to this serious disease. HIV found in semen, blood, vaginal and anal fluids, breast milk. It is mainly passes on through unprotected sex, sharing needles or syringes and pregnancy during birth and also passed from one person to other person through this route. Methodology: The HIV patient’s blood sample collected in vial, serological test and HIV Elisa test performed on Elisa plate Reader. Results: The results shows that 35 (70.00%) out of 50 patients were HIV Elisa positive while15 individuals were HIV Elisa negative. The maximum no of patients were observed in age 45 and 55, minimum no. of patients were found in both age 63 and 25. Conclusion: These positive tests suggests that the spread of the HIV is due to the unsafe sex or oral sex. Sex may be randomly with HIV effected patients or they do sex without the use of condom. Other main reasons that are responsible for the transmission of HIV includes common use of syringes either by the doctors or by the drug addicted patients that usually share common syringes

Impressions and attitudes of adult residents of Karachi towards a possible public health insurance scheme

Objective: To gauge the general population\u27s knowledge and attitude towards a possible public health insurance scheme.Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from April to May 2015, and comprised permanent residents of the city. Convenience sampling was used. Data was collected via questionnaires. SPSS 22 was used for data analysis.Results: There were 340 participants in the study with an overall mean age of 32.9±12.4 years. Besides, 159(46.8%) participants were aware of the concept of medical insurance while the correct definition was identified by 160(50.5%) respondents. Overall, 256(75.3%) participants were willing to join a theoretical public health insurance scheme. Of all the respondents, 107(31.5%) had faced a catastrophic event in the past and consequently were more willing to join. Of those unsure or not willing to join, 33(37.9%) respondents identified lack of trust in government programmes as the main reason for their choice.CONCLUSIONS: A large majority of adults had a favourable attitude towards the implementation of a possible public health insurance scheme

Comparison of Efficacy of Double Dose Oral Terbinafine versus Itraconazole in the Treatment of Dermatophyte Infections of Skin

Objective: To compare the efficacy of double-dose oral Terbinafine and Itraconazole in treating dermatophytic infections. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04880980). Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Mar 2021 to Mar 2022. Methodology: One hundred and twenty patients with dermatophyte infections of the skin (i.e., tinea corporis and cruris) diagnosed by clinical presentation and KOH mount were included in this study. After randomization, patients were divided  into two groups. Group-A was managed with double-dose oral Terbinafine, while Group-B was managed with double-dose oral Itraconazole. Clinical response and side effects were seen and recorded initially at two weeks and then at four weeks.Efficacy and adverse effects were compared in both groups at the end of four weeks. Results: Out of 120 patients with dermatophyte infections of the skin included in the study, 59(49.2%) took double-dose oral Terbinafine while 61(50.8%) took double-dose oral Itraconazole after randomization. It was revealed that Itraconazole was more efficacious in achieving cure at the end of 4-weeks as compared to double dose Terbinafine (p-value=0.001), while adverse effects studied were not statistically significant or different in both the groups (p-value>0.005). Conclusion: This randomized controlled trial showed that double dose oral Itraconazole was more efficacious in treating dermatophyte infections of the skin (i.e., Tinea corporis and cruris) compared to double dose oral Terbinafine. Adverse effects were minimal in both groups and were not specially related to any of these medications

The Psychological Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Patients Attending a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a damaging impact on global health. Post-infection, patients may experience mental health difficulties and therefore require suitable psychological treatment and support. The objective of this study was to identify the psychological impact of COVID-19 on patients who were recovering from the physical effects of the disease, and to examine socio-demographic correlates within one month of treatment at a tertiary healthcare facility in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was employed that utilized the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5. A questionnaire was administered to 250 patients, with data collected over three months. Mild to extremely severe scores of depression, anxiety and stress were reported by approximately 43%, 52% and 42% of participants, respectively, and 8% developed PTSD. The incidence of depression, anxiety, stress or PTSD was not significantly associated with gender, age or previous interaction with COVID-19 patients. Depression was significantly associated with levels of education, severity of COVID-19 disease and a patient’s current condition. Anxiety was associated with healthcare worker status. The severity of disease and a patient’s current condition were also linked to the levels of anxiety, stress and the presence of PTSD. Collectively, these results indicate that a high percentage of patients recovering from COVID-19 experience psychological distress

A Comprehensive Assessment of Blood Transfusions in Elective Thyroidectomy Based on 180,483 Patients.

OBJECTIVES To assess the incidence, risk factors, and complications of blood transfusions (BTs) in elective thyroidectomy patients. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Adult patients who underwent elective thyroidectomy from 2005 to 2019 were divided into two cohorts based on whether they received BT or not. Multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors of BT and its impact on postoperative complications. RESULTS Of 180,483 patients, 0.13% received BT. Risk factors for BT included underweight body mass index (BMI) (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.179, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.444-6.996), bleeding disorders (OR 2.121, 95% CI 1.149-3.913), anemia (OR 4.730, 95% CI 3.472-6.445), preoperative transfusion (OR 7.230, 95% CI 1.454-35.946), American Society of Anesthesiology physical statuses 3-5 (OR 3.103, 95% CI 2.143-4.492), operative time >150 min (OR 4.390, 95% CI 1.996-9.654), and inpatient thyroidectomy (OR 5.791, 95% CI 3.816-8.787). In addition, transfusion was independently associated with any postoperative complication, non-infectious, cardiac, pulmonary, renal, vascular, or infectious complications, surgical site infection, sepsis, septic shock, wound disruption, pneumonia, unplanned reoperation, prolonged length of stay, and mortality. CONCLUSION Recognition of risk factors of BT is imperative to identify at-risk patients and reduce transfusions by controlling modifiable risk factors such as anemia, operative time, and BMI. In cases where transfusions are still indicated, surgeons should optimize care to prevent or adequately manage transfusion-associated complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Laryngoscope, 2022

Late Acceptance Hill Climbing Algorithm For Solving Patient Facing Problems In Hospitals

The current study is to evaluate the patient facing problems by applying Late Acceptance Hill Climbing Algorithm (LAHC) in hospital settings. The recent proposed procedure of LAHC is based on metaheuristic algorithm which is linked with one-point clarification method. Patient’s satisfaction regarding the performance of the hospital is a composite mechanism. The optimization procedure is connected with NP-hard problems which is practically related to the problems faced by patients. These problems are concerned with assigning the group of patients visiting the hospital for receiving healthcare services. The common issues faced by patients include communication gap, response time to attend patients, early symptomatic relief, getting proper advice for dosage and usage of medicines, clean hospital environment. Moreover, patient education and guidance before discharge from hospital is also the missing element. The suggested algorithm of LAHC to PFP is developed and it has two phases: the first phase includes providing the initial feasible solution using communication-oriented methodology. The second phase uses three neighborhood framework which are implanted inside the segment of PFP based on LAHC to additionally upgrade the underlying feasible solution of the introductory phase