Genetic Algorithm (GA) as Optimization Technique

Genetic Algorithm (GA) as Optimization Technique Preference learning (or preference elicitation) is a critical problem in many scientific fields, such as decision theory [1,2], economics [3,4], logistic [ref] and database [5]. When modeling user preference, researchers often model the preferences as a solution to an optimization problem which maximizes some utility function. In reality, however, we are not a-priori given a utility but have only access to a finite historical user choice data. Therefore, the passive preference learning problem, that is, how to learn user preferences using her historical choice data, has gained a lot of attention in recent years. When dealing with preference learning, it is often assumed that user preference over the values of each attribute is independent of the values of other attributes. However, this assumption is not a sound in many world scenarios. For example, as it is shown in Fig. 1 for cloth shopping problem, one might choose the color of her shoes depending on the color of dress she will buy, i.e. her preference over shoes color is conditioned by the available dresses. More formally, we say the preferences induced by the users behavior are intrinsically related to textit{conditional preferential independence}, a key notion in multi-attribute decision theory[20]. Conditional preference networks (CP-nets) have been proposed for such problems [4] and have received a great deal of attention due to the compact and natural representation of ordinal preferences in multi-attribute domains [8-12, 17-19,22]. Briefly, a CP-net, fig. 1, is a digraph, whose nodes correspond to alternative attributes and edges correspond to the dependency between nodes and each node is annotated with a conditional preference table which describe the preferences over that particular attribute (chapter 3). It is sometimes claimed that CP-nets are `easy to elicit [16]. That is, we first explain CP-nets to the user, and then ask her to write down the CP-net that best describes her decision-making process [18,30]. However, it has been shown that when facing the choices, people often act differently from what they described previously as their preferences [39,40,97,103]. As an example, Kamishima and Akaho [53] point out that when customers were asked to rank ten sushi items and then later to assign rating scores to the same items, in 68% of the cases, the ordering implied by the ratings did not agree with the ranking elicited directly only minutes before. Based on these experiments, several CP-net learning algorithms have been developed depend on the users choice data. Some algorithms work on the historical choice data [23,64], a process known as passive learning. Others actively offer solutions in an attempt to learn the users preferences as they choose [23,29,47,58].   The work of this paper falls into the category of passive learning, in which the learner uses the recorded users choices and then fits a CP-net model to the observed data. Formally, we collect the set of samples $S = {o_i succ o_i}$, where   $o_i succ o_i$ means that the user strictly prefers outcome $o_i$ over outcome $o_i$ and then find a model $N$ that can best describe $S$. Such set of samples may be gathered, for instance, by observing online users choices. Table1 shows the number of binary CP-nets up to 7 nodes, i.e. each outcome consists of 7 attributes [A250110]. From the values, it is evident that, even for a small number of attributes, finding the best CP-net is not a trivial task due to the huge size of the search space. textbf{inja np-completo begoo.} To the best of our knowledge, there is no existing approach that can perform well on problem with more than 7 attributes hence they are not practical when facing real world problems, in which the alternatives usually consist of tens or even hundreds of attributes. Another problem that rises when learning preferences from human subjects is the possibility of noise or comparison data that are ultimately inconsistent in the chose data-set $S$. While noise is results of the observation of the users behavior,   inconsistency is the result of randomicity of the users behaviors; that   is, the transitive closure of data-set may result in a cycle in which some outcome $o$ is seen to be preferred to itself. The objective of most CP-net learning techniques is to learn (i.e. rebuild) a CP-net that can describe the whole data-set[ref]. However, since the $S$ is not usually clean,   there is no possibility of finding such a CP-net, that is consistent with every example in $S$. This fact motivated us to frame the CP-net learning problem as an optimization problem that is, to identify a model that maximizes some objective function, $f$, with respect to choice data-set. In this work, we utilized the power of Genetic Algorithm (GA) as an optimization technique. GA is an optimization algorithm inspired from the mechanism of natural selection and natural genetics, which can work without any a-priori knowledge about the problem domain and have received a growing interest in solving the complex combinatorial optimization problems especially for their scalability as compared with the deterministic algorithms [1]. In this work, we investigate the feasibility of implementing the GA to solve the passive CP-net learning problem.

The Concepts of Leadership Theories

This essay begins with how the concept of leadership starts with understanding what leadership means. According to Robbins and Judge, Organizational Behaviour, 15th edition states that leadership is the ability to influence a group towards the achievement of a vision or set of goals (p, 402). A good leader is more likely to accomplish this task through knowledge and skill.Knowledge to know about how to use what is known to influence workers in an organization to reach the goals of a company and skill to put in the effort to actually do what is meant to be done well to achieve organizational goals. In other words an effective leader should be capable of inspiring and motivating even the most inefficient employees to strive towards attaining the goals of the organization. Organizational effectiveness is critical to success in any business.In order to achieve increased and sustainable business results, organizations need to execute strategy an engage employees. T he validity of the stat ement ‘’an organisations performance and effectiveness are directly related to its leadership,† can be further explained by drawing a little focus on the theories of leadership. These theories include situational theory, participative leadership model, the path-goal theory and the transformational leadership theory. Situational theories focus on the followers.Situational theories propose that the effectiveness of a particular style of leadership is dependent on the context in which it is being exercised. For example, in a situation where the leader is the most knowledgeable an experienced member of a group, an authoritarian style might be most appropriate but in other instances where group members are skilled experts, a democratic style would be more effective. Fieders situational theories identify effective leadership style under changing situations (Fieder, Chemers and Mahon, 1977). These can be either relationship motivated or task motivated.A leader participat ive model is a leadership theory that provides a set of rules to determine the form and amount of participative decision making in different situations. These leaders encourage participation and contribution from groups members and helps members feel more relevant and committed to the decision making process. Persons are less competitive and more collaborative when they are working on joint goals. It has been proven that when decisions are made together, the social commitment to one another is greater and increases the commitment to he decision rather than when decisions are made by one person alone. Participative leadership can be effective in unstructured situations because it can increase role clarity and it can also be very effective for people who have a high need to control their environment. The path-goal theory which was developed by Robert House is a theory that states that it is a leader’s job to assist followers in attaining their goals and to provide the necessary direction and support to ensure that their goals are compatible with the overall objectives of the group or organization. Robbins and Judge 15th Edition) Effective path-goal leaders must recognize the needs of those they manage and try to satisfy their needs through the workplace by rewarding persons for achieving their goals, helping subordinates to identify the most effective path they need to take to reach their goals and clear the paths so that these subordinates can reach their goals. The transformational leadership theory focuses on the connections formed between leaders and followers.Transformational leadership is a process in which the leaders take actions to try to increase their associates' awareness of what is right and important, to raise their associates' motivational maturity and to move their associates to go beyond the associates' own self-interests for the good of the group, the organization, or society. Such leaders provide their associates with a sense of purpose that goes beyond a simple exchange of rewards for effort provided. The transformational leaders are proactive in many different and unique ways.These leaders attempt to optimize development, not just performance. Development encompasses the maturation of ability, motivation, attitudes, and values. Such leaders want to elevate the maturity level of the needs of their associates (from security needs to needs for achievement and self-development). They convince their associates to strive for a higher level of achievement as well as higher levels of moral and ethical standards. Through the development of their associates, they optimize the development of their organization as well.High performing associates build high performing organizations. A transformational leadership is more effective when in a smaller, privately held firm than in a complex organization because the personal nature can directly interact with the workforce and make decisions than when they report to an external bro ad of directors or deal with a complex bureaucratic structure. I conclude that each of these theories offers some insights into the qualities of successful leaders.The different leadership styles will differ depending on the type of organizational structure being used but they are all important for the effectiveness and performance of any organization. Bibliography Bass, B. M. (2005). Transformational leadership theory, In J. B. Miner. Organizational behavior Fiedler, (1967) A Theory of Leadership Effectiveness. NewYork: McGraw-Hill. Langton, N. , ; Robbins, S. (2007). Leadership. In N. Langton ; S. Robbins. Organizational Behavior: Concepts, controversies, applications Toronto: Prentice Hall Canada

The Downside Risk of Ielts Essay Writing Samples for General Training That No One Is Talking About

The Downside Risk of Ielts Essay Writing Samples for General Training That No One Is Talking About A well-structured essay has a fantastic introduction, body paragraphs that are simple to follow and connect with each other, and a great conclusion. Below are examples of the 3 distinct varieties of letters. To take a very simple example, if you're writing about the pros and cons of something, you might wish to have one paragraph about each. Thus, the prior instance is a personal letter. In Task 1, test takers are requested to respond to a circumstance, by writing a letter as an example, requesting information or explaining a scenario. The very first thing you have to do is recognize what kind of letter the question demands you to write. Your very first job, before you get started writing, is to determine which kind of letter you must write by identifying the task given. The letter opening and signing off statement differ depending on the manner of letter you're writing. But What About Ielts Essay Writing Samples for General Training? If you're writing about something that happened in earlier times your verbs should be in the previous tenses. The points aren't always linked together well and punctuation may be faulty. Lots of people are concerned about their grammar but, as it is possible to see, grammar is just one section of four used to grade your writing. If you're weak at English grammar, attempt to use short sentences. Our sample essay has a very simple but great introduction in which it demonstrates that the examinee has knowledge of the subject and clearly states the writer's position to prepare the remainder of the essay. PaperCoach can assist you with all your papers, so take a look at the moment! I would be pleased to assist you prepare for the writing test. Things You Won't Like About Ielts Essay Writing Samples for General Training and Things You Will You also desire a mixture of cohesive devices. If you're arranging something later on, you'll need to use the future tenses. More You may be lucky and have some overall knowledge or expertise about the question you're given. However, there are lots of issues with this arrangement and you find it rather hard to get the job done. It is very important to read and understand the question, in addition to follow the directions carefully. There's a lesson here that explains the significance of identifying the task to be sure you fully answer all areas of the question. At length, there aren't any appropriate answers or methods. Have a peek at these sample questions. Choosing Ielts Essay Writing Samples for General Training The direction you organize your ideas will certainly impact your score. Certainly, money has an important role in our lives. Certainly, it is an important part in our lives. You also have to have an obvious position throughout. Many crimes are being committed by men and women in need that are made to take the things that they do not have and by people hooked on drugs. It's hard for any persons to accept a partner who doesn't have money or no less than a job to care for their upcoming family. It's hard for any persons to accept a partner that does not have money or no less than a job t o deal with future family. The Hidden Truth About Ielts Essay Writing Samples for General Training Increasing the availability and application of public transportation and increasing using renewable energy sources could lessen world pollution further. Solving these problems is not simple. Explore the benefits of both methods and provide your own opinion. You must have frequent error-free sentences. You will have to show you can use a wide array of sentence structures and have a high amount of accuracy. The reach of grammatical constructions used seems quite excellent. Also make sure you use an assortment of different sentence structures in order to have a high score.

Animal Shelter Reflection Essay - 1063 Words

There is a Pedigree dog commercial I see on television which catches my eye and my heart. It tells us to not pity a shelter animal. When I decided to become a Veterinary Technician, I anticipated working in a vet office. Unpredictably, I changed my mind. Approximately a year ago, I began volunteering for the Denver Dumb Friends League at the Buddy Center in Castle Rock. A shelter is not always the easiest place to work. Nevertheless, I feel it is where I feel most able to make a difference. There is plenty of heartache, but I seem to have a knack for calming and comforting the frightened animals, and that makes me feel good. My volunteer role involves helping with surgery, giving animals their medicine and processing incoming animals. In†¦show more content†¦I get to speak with groups of children and adults about animal needs, safely approaching a strange animal and overcrowding. It is extremely important to educate people about the need to have animals spayed/neutered. I se e so many animals unable to find homes because the majority of people see adorable babies and overlook the adults. An effective technique to teach about overpopulation is through stuffed animal kittens. When we visually show how quickly they can multiply, it is easy for people to see why we need to control animal reproduction. When properly cared for, many animals live a long and contented life. Cats can live up to twenty years old, so adopting one who is ten is not too old. I enjoy giving people tours of the Buddy Center and educating about services the shelter offers. In addition to showing what animals need to keep them healthy and happy, we explain how to relinquish an animal. Sometimes tours involve showing animals available for adoption. I love to help with adoptions because people are excited to get a new family member. It is a pleasure to see them walk out of the shelter full of smiles with a clearly delighted animal going home. 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