The Complexity of Partial Function Extension for Coverage Functions

Coverage functions are an important subclass of submodular functions, finding applications in machine learning, game theory, social networks, and facility location. We study the complexity of partial function extension to coverage functions. That is, given a partial function consisting of a family of subsets of [m] and a value at each point, does there exist a coverage function defined on all subsets of [m] that extends this partial function? Partial function extension is previously studied for other function classes, including boolean functions and convex functions, and is useful in many fields, such as obtaining bounds on learning these function classes. We show that determining extendibility of a partial function to a coverage function is NP-complete, establishing in the process that there is a polynomial-sized certificate of extendibility. The hardness also gives us a lower bound for learning coverage functions. We then study two natural notions of approximate extension, to account for errors in the data set. The two notions correspond roughly to multiplicative point-wise approximation and additive L_1 approximation. We show upper and lower bounds for both notions of approximation. In the second case we obtain nearly tight bounds

Understanding Institutions in the Context of Entrepreneurship

Purpose- Entrepreneurs propose; institutions facilitate; markets decide; knowledge grows and development occurs. This process of development with growth of knowledge through institutions and entrepreneurship may be of interest for many. But the topic „Institutions and Entrepreneurship‟ overlaps several areas of research, and therefore works are fragmented. Design/methodology/approach- The paper pulls together these various strains of research. Various theoretical and empirical studies have been discussed related to this but are of course not exhaustive. Findings- The contributions of both the classical and modern literatures are equally important in understanding the two related and valuable concepts of Institutions and Entrepreneurship. Identifying the variables through which the mechanism of Institutions affect the quantity and quality of Entrepreneurship of a region are crucial. The paper advocates the study of Institutions in a cluster; in a general framework rather than in isolation. The efficiency of an institutional set up hinges on the various complementary elements and therefore there is a need of coherence among all related variables to deliver a unified and mutually reinforcing environment. Research paper Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Kumar, G. (2014). “Understanding Institutions in the Context of Entrepreneurship”

Partial Function Extension with Applications to Learning and Property Testing

Partial function extension is a basic problem that underpins multiple research topics in optimization, including learning, property testing, and game theory. Here, we are given a partial function consisting of n points from a domain and a function value at each point. Our objective is to determine if this partial function can be extended to a function defined on the domain, that additionally satisfies a given property, such as linearity. We formally study partial function extension to fundamental properties in combinatorial optimization - subadditivity, XOS, and matroid independence. A priori, it is not clear if partial function extension for these properties even lies in NP (or coNP). Our contributions are twofold. Firstly, for the properties studied, we give bounds on the complexity of partial function extension. For subadditivity and XOS, we give tight bounds on approximation guarantees as well. Secondly, we develop new connections between partial function extension and learning and property testing, and use these to give new results for these problems. In particular, for subadditive functions, we give improved lower bounds on learning, as well as the first subexponential-query tester

Skeletons and Minimum Energy Scheduling

Consider the problem where n jobs, each with a release time, a deadline and a required processing time are to be feasibly scheduled in a single- or multi-processor setting so as to minimize the total energy consumption of the schedule. A processor has two available states: a sleep state where no energy is consumed but also no processing can take place, and an active state which consumes energy at a rate of one, and in which jobs can be processed. Transitioning from the active to the sleep does not incur any further energy cost, but transitioning from the sleep to the active state requires q energy units. Jobs may be preempted and (in the multi-processor case) migrated. The single-processor case of the problem is known to be solvable in polynomial time via an involved dynamic program, whereas the only known approximation algorithm for the multi-processor case attains an approximation factor of 3 and is based on rounding the solution to a linear programming relaxation of the problem. In this work, we present efficient and combinatorial approximation algorithms for both the single- and the multi-processor setting. Before, only an algorithm based on linear programming was known for the multi-processor case. Our algorithms build upon the concept of a skeleton, a basic (and not necessarily feasible) schedule that captures the fact that some processor(s) must be active at some time point during an interval. Finally, we further demonstrate the power of skeletons by providing a 2-approximation algorithm for the multiprocessor case, thus improving upon the recent breakthrough 3-approximation result. Our algorithm is based on a novel rounding scheme of a linear-programming relaxation of the problem which incorporates skeletons

STUDY OF THYROID PROFILE IN GERIATRIC TYPE-2 DIABETICS IN JHARKHAND

Objective: To study the  association of the two endocrinal disorders (Diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease) in randomly selected geriatric patients.Method: The study includes 80 patients in geriatric age groups with type 2 diabetes mellitus visiting the Medicine out patients department. Thyroid profile were assayed  in type 2 diabetic patients.Results: It was noted that thyroid dysfunction was prevalent in 41(51.25%)  out of the 80 geriatric age group patients with 31(38.75%) being hypothyroidism, 7 (8.7%) having subclinical hypothyroidism and 3 (3.7%) having a hyperthyroid state.Conclusion: The study shows that screening should be strongly recommended for all type 2 diabetics to rule out thyroid dysfunction in patients with increasing age.Keywords: Thyroid profile, Geriatric patients, Diabetes mellitus.Â

Revisión del aprendizaje automático modelos para puntuación de análisis de crédito

Introduction:Increase in computing power and the deeper usage of the robust computing systems in the financial system is propelling the business growth, improving the operational efficiency of the financial institutions, and increasing the effectiveness of the transaction processing solutions used by the organizations. Problem:Despite that the financial institutions are relying on the credit scoring patterns for analyzing the credit worthiness of the clients, still there are many factors that are imminent for improvement in the credit score evaluation patterns.  Objective:Machine learning is offering immense potential in Fintech space and determining a personal credit score. Organizations by applying deep learning and machine learning techniques can tap individuals who are not being serviced by traditional financial institutions. Methodology:One of the major insights into the system is that the traditional models of banking intelligence solutions are predominantly the programmed models that can align with the information and banking systems that are used by the banks. But in the case of the machine-learning models that rely on algorithmic systems require more integral computation which is intrinsic.  Results:The test analysis of the proposed machine learning model indicates effective and enhanced analysis process compared to the non-machine learning solutions. The model in terms of using various classifiers indicate potential ways in which the solution can be significant. Conclusion: If the systems can be developed to align with more pragmatic terms for analysis, it can help in improving the process conditions of customer profile analysis, wherein the process models have to be developed for comprehensive analysis and the ones that can make a sustainable solution for the credit system management. Originality:The proposed solution is effective and the one conceptualized to improve the credit scoring system patterns.  Limitations: The model is tested in isolation and not in comparison to any of the existing credit scoring patterns.&nbsp

Osmotic dehydration of litchi pulp as a pretreatment for drying processes

Effects of osmotic dehydration on mass transfer properties such as water loss (W), solute gain (S) and weight reduction (G) during osmotic dehydration were investigated in order to determine the usefulness of this technique as pre-treatment for further drying of litchi pulp.  The effects of variations in sucrose (50% and 60 % w/w) and salt concentrations (10% w/w), solution temperature, and length of immersion time on the moisture removal of the product and its organoleptic characteristics’ on osmosis were analyzed.  About 80% of the water loss occurred between 4-6 h under most of the conditions.  Longer treatment time in high concentrations of sucrose resulted in a very soft product, which is difficult to handle and unsuitable for further drying.  Increasing concentration at the same temperature did not cause significant increments in weight change.  After osmotic treatment, the pulp was dried in a tray dryer at 70℃ for 10 h.  Osmotic treatment was responsible for increasing drying rate in a subsequent convective tray drying. Keywords: osmotic dehydration, cabinet drying, rehydration ratio, pretreatment, solute gain, weight loss&nbsp

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MICROALBUMINURIA AND GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN LEVELS IN TYPE 2 DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS

ABSTRACTObjective: Microalbuminuria occurs when the kidney leaks a small amount of albumin into the urine or when there is an abnormally high permeabilityfor albumin in the renal glomerulus. Microalbuminuria is a powerful risk factor of cardiovascular disease and for the presence and severity of diabeticretinopathy and neuropathy. The aim of this study is to compare the levels of microalbumin and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in Type 2 diabeticcomplications.Methods: The study includes 100 patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus visiting the diabetic out-patient department patients with complications,such as hypertension, retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular complication, was diagnosed based on history and clinical examination and relatedinvestigations. Microalbuminuria levels and HbA1c levels are compared in patients with complications (subjects) of Type 2 diabetes mellitus andpatients without complications.Results: The study revealed that microalbumin levels are at a significantly higher range with high HbA1c levels in patients with complications(p<0.05). When compared to patients without complications.Conclusion: The study supports that strict glycemic control can prevent microalbuminuria and thereby prevent progress on to diabetic nephropathyin patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.Keywords: Microalbuminuria, Glycated hemoglobin, Diabetic complication