Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #2354. 	[Title] A Statistical Approach to Solving the EBL Utility Problem [Abstract] Many "learning from experience" systems use information extracted from problem solving experiences to modify a performance element PE, forming a new element PE 0 that can solve these and similar problems more efficiently. However, as transformations that improve performance on one set of problems can degrade performance on other sets, the new PE 0 is not always better than the original PE; this depends on the distribution of problems. We therefore seek the performance element whose expected performance, over this distribution, is optimal. Unfortunately, the actual distribution, which is needed to determine which element is optimal, is usually not known. Moreover, the task of finding the optimal element, even knowing the distribution, is intractable for most interesting spaces of elements. This paper presents a method, palo, that side-steps these problems by using a set of samples to estimate the unknown distribution, and by using a set of transformations to hill-climb to a local optimum. This process is based on a mathematically rigorous form of utility analysis: in particular, it uses statistical techniques to determine whether the result of a proposed transformation will be better than the original system. We also present an efficient way of implementing this learning system in the context of a general class of performance elements, and include empirical evidence that this approach can work effectively. fl Much of this work was performed at the University of Toronto, where it was supported by the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems and by an operating grant from the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada. We also gratefully acknowledge receiving many helpful comments from William Cohen, Dave Mitchell, Dale Schuurmans and the anonymous referees. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #1132418. 	[Title] NONPARAMETRIC SELECTION OF INPUT VARIABLES FOR CONNECTIONIST LEARNING [Abstract]  Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #1104261. 	[Title] Using Errors to Create Piecewise Learnable Partitions [Abstract] In this paper we describe an algorithm which exploits the error distribution generated by a learning algorithm in order to break up the domain which is being approximated into piecewise learnable partitions. Traditionally, the error distribution has been neglected in favor of a lump error measure such as RMS. By doing this, however, we lose a lot of important information. The error distribution tells us where the algorithm is doing badly, and if there exists a "ridge" of errors, also tells us how to partition the space so that one part of the space will not interfere with the learning of another. The algorithm builds a variable arity k-d tree whose leaves contain the partitions. Using this tree, new points can be predicted using the correct partition by traversing the tree. We instantiate this algorithm using memory based learners and cross-validation. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #64519. 	[Title] Utilization Filtering a method for reducing the inherent harmfulness of deductively learned knowledge field of [Abstract] This paper highlights a phenomenon that causes deductively learned knowledge to be harmful when used for problem solving. The problem occurs when deductive problem solvers encounter a failure branch of the search tree. The backtracking mechanism of such problem solvers will force the program to traverse the whole subtree thus visiting many nodes twice - once by using the deductively learned rule and once by using the rules that generated the learned rule in the first place. We suggest an approach called utilization filtering to solve that problem. Learners that use this approach submit to the problem solver a filter function together with the knowledge that was acquired. The function decides for each problem whether to use the learned knowledge and what part of it to use. We have tested the idea in the context of a lemma learning system, where the filter uses the probability of a subgoal failing to decide whether to turn lemma usage off. Experiments show an improvement of performance by a factor of 3. This paper is concerned with a particular type of harmful redundancy that occurs in deductive problem solvers that employ backtracking in their search procedure, and use deductively learned knowledge to accelerate the search. The problem is that in failure branches of the search tree, the backtracking mechanism of the problem solver forces exploration of the whole subtree. Thus, the search procedure will visit many states twice - once by using the deductively learned rule, and once by using the search path that produced the rule in the first place. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #154134. 	[Title] Simple Selection of Utile Control Rules in Speedup Learning [Abstract] Many recent approaches to avoiding the utility problem in speedup learning rely on sophisticated utility measures and significant numbers of training data to accurately estimate the utility of control knowledge. Empirical results presented here and elsewhere indicate that a simple selection strategy of retaining all control rules derived from a training problem explanation quickly defines an efficient set of control knowledge from few training problems. This simple selection strategy provides a low-cost alternative to example-intensive approaches for improving the speed of a problem solver. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #49660. 	[Title] Feature Subset Selection as Search with Probabilistic Estimates [Abstract] Irrelevant features and weakly relevant features may reduce the comprehensibility and accuracy of concepts induced by supervised learning algorithms. We formulate the search for a feature subset as an abstract search problem with probabilistic estimates. Searching a space using an evaluation function that is a random variable requires trading off accuracy of estimates for increased state exploration. We show how recent feature subset selection algorithms in the machine learning literature fit into this search problem as simple hill climbing approaches, and conduct a small experiment using a best-first search technique. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #288. 	[Title] Memory Based Stochastic Optimization for Validation and Tuning of Function Approximators [Abstract] This paper focuses on the optimization of hyper-parameters for function approximators. We describe a kind of racing algorithm for continuous optimization problems that spends less time evaluating poor parameter settings and more time honing its estimates in the most promising regions of the parameter space. The algorithm is able to automatically optimize the parameters of a function approximator with less computation time. We demonstrate the algorithm on the problem of finding good parameters for a memory based learner and show the tradeoffs involved in choosing the right amount of computation to spend on each evaluation. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #1153703. 	[Title]  [Abstract] Instance-based learning methods explicitly remember all the data that they receive. They usually have no training phase, and only at prediction time do they perform computation. Then, they take a query, search the database for similar datapoints and build an on-line local model (such as a local average or local regression) with which to predict an output value. In this paper we review the advantages of instance based methods for autonomous systems, but we also note the ensuing cost: hopelessly slow computation as the database grows large. We present and evaluate a new way of structuring a database and a new algorithm for accessing it that maintains the advantages of instance-based learning. Earlier attempts to combat the cost of instance-based learning have sacrificed the explicit retention of all data, or been applicable only to instance-based predictions based on a small number of near neighbors or have had to re-introduce an explicit training phase in the form of an interpolative data structure. Our approach builds a multiresolution data structure to summarize the database of experiences at all resolutions of interest simultaneously. This permits us to query the database with the same exibility as a conventional linear search, but at greatly reduced computational cost. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #1130539. 	[Title] Learning High Utility Rules by Incorporating Search Control  Guidance Committee [Abstract]  Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #17201. 	[Title] Learning policies for partially observable environments: Scaling up [Abstract] Partially observable Markov decision processes (pomdp's) model decision problems in which an agent tries to maximize its reward in the face of limited and/or noisy sensor feedback. While the study of pomdp's is motivated by a need to address realistic problems, existing techniques for finding optimal behavior do not appear to scale well and have been unable to find satisfactory policies for problems with more than a dozen states. After a brief review of pomdp's, this paper discusses several simple solution methods and shows that all are capable of finding near-optimal policies for a selection of extremely small pomdp's taken from the learning literature. In contrast, we show that none are able to solve a slightly larger and noisier problem based on robot navigation. We find that a combination of two novel approaches performs well on these problems and suggest methods for scaling to even larger and more complicated domains. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #1152307. 	[Title]  [Abstract] Instance-based learning methods explicitly remember all the data that they receive. They usually have no training phase, and only at prediction time do they perform computation. Then, they take a query, search the database for similar datapoints and build an on-line local model (such as a local average or local regression) with which to predict an output value. In this paper we review the advantages of instance based methods for autonomous systems, but we also note the ensuing cost: hopelessly slow computation as the database grows large. We present and evaluate a new way of structuring a database and a new algorithm for accessing it that maintains the advantages of instance-based learning. Earlier attempts to combat the cost of instance-based learning have sacrificed the explicit retention of all data, or been applicable only to instance-based predictions based on a small number of near neighbors or have had to re-introduce an explicit training phase in the form of an interpolative data structure. Our approach builds a multiresolution data structure to summarize the database of experiences at all resolutions of interest simultaneously. This permits us to query the database with the same exibility as a conventional linear search, but at greatly reduced computational cost. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #217139. 	[Title] Unifying Empirical and Explanation-Based Learning by Modeling the Utility of Learned Knowledge [Abstract] The overfit problem in empirical learning and the utility problem in explanation-based learning describe a similar phenomenon: the degradation of performance due to an increase in the amount of learned knowledge. Plotting the performance of learned knowledge during the course of learning (the performance response) reveals a common trend for several learning methods. Modeling this trend allows a control system to constrain the amount of learned knowledge to achieve peak performance and avoid the general utility problem. Experiments evaluate a particular empirical model of the trend, and analysis of the learners derive several formal models. If, as evidence suggests, the general utility problem can be modeled using the same mechanisms for different learning paradigms, then the model serves to unify the paradigms into one framework capable of comparing and selecting different learning methods based on predicted achievable performance. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #198653. 	[Title] Information filtering: Selection mechanisms in learning systems. Machine Learning, 10:113-151, 1993. Generalization as search. Artificial [Abstract]  Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #86840. 	[Title] Learning Active Classifiers [Abstract] Many classification algorithms are "passive", in that they assign a class-label to each instance based only on the description given, even if that description is incomplete. In contrast, an active classifier can | at some cost | obtain the values of missing attributes, before deciding upon a class label. The expected utility of using an active classifier depends on both the cost required to obtain the additional attribute values and the penalty incurred if it outputs the wrong classification. This paper considers the problem of learning near-optimal active classifiers, using a variant of the probably-approximately-correct (PAC) model. After defining the framework | which is perhaps the main contribution of this paper | we describe a situation where this task can be achieved efficiently, but then show that the task is often intractable. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #671293. 	[Title] Selecting Input Variables Using Mutual Information and Nonparametric Density Estimation [Abstract] In learning problems where a connectionist network is trained with a finite sized training set, better generalization performance is often obtained when unneeded weights in the network are eliminated. One source of unneeded weights comes from the inclusion of input variables that provide little information about the output variables. We propose a method for identifying and eliminating these input variables. The method first determines the relationship between input and output variables using nonparametric density estimation and then measures the relevance of input variables using the information theoretic concept of mutual information. We present results from our method on a simple toy problem and a nonlinear time series. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #10174. 	[Title] Knowing What Doesn't Matter: Exploiting Omitted Superfluous Data [Abstract] Most inductive inference algorithms (i.e., "learners") work most effectively when their training data contain completely specified labeled samples. In many diagnostic tasks, however, the data will include the values of only some of the attributes; we model this as a blocking process that hides the values of those attributes from the learner. While blockers that remove the values of critical attributes can handicap a learner, this paper instead focuses on blockers that remove only superfluous attribute values, i.e., values that are not needed to classify an instance, given the values of the other unblocked attributes. We first motivate and formalize this model of "superfluous-value blocking," and then demonstrate that these omissions can be useful, by showing that certain classes that seem hard to learn in the general PAC model | viz., decision trees | are trivial to learn in this setting, and can even be learned in a manner that is very robust to classification noise. We also discuss how this model can be extended to deal with (1) theory revision (i.e., modifying an existing decision tree); (2) "complex" attributes (which correspond to combinations of other atomic attributes); (3) blockers that occasionally include superfluous values or exclude re quired values; and (4) other hypothesis classes (e.g., DNF formulae). Declaration: This paper has not already been accepted by and is not currently under review for a journal or another conference, nor will it be submitted for such during IJCAI's review period. fl This is an extended version of a paper that appeared in working notes of the 1994 AAAI Fall Symposium on "Relevance", New Orleans, November 1994. y Authors listed alphabetically. We gratefully acknowledge receiving helpful comments from Dale Schuurmans and George Drastal. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #137790. 	[Title] ON THE SAMPLE COMPLEXITY OF FINDING GOOD SEARCH STRATEGIES 2n trials of each undetermined experiment [Abstract] A satisficing search problem consists of a set of probabilistic experiments to be performed in some order, without repetitions, until a satisfying configuration of successes and failures has been reached. The cost of performing the experiments depends on the order chosen. Earlier work has concentrated on finding optimal search strategies in special cases of this model, such as search trees and and-or graphs, when the cost function and the success probabilities for the experiments are given. In contrast, we study the complexity of "learning" an approximately optimal search strategy when some of the success probabilities are not known at the outset. Working in the fully general model, we show that if n is the number of unknown probabilities, and C is the maximum cost of performing all the experiments, then Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #1152448. 	[Title]  [Abstract] Instance-based learning methods explicitly remember all the data that they receive. They usually have no training phase, and only at prediction time do they perform computation. Then, they take a query, search the database for similar datapoints and build an on-line local model (such as a local average or local regression) with which to predict an output value. In this paper we review the advantages of instance based methods for autonomous systems, but we also note the ensuing cost: hopelessly slow computation as the database grows large. We present and evaluate a new way of structuring a database and a new algorithm for accessing it that maintains the advantages of instance-based learning. Earlier attempts to combat the cost of instance-based learning have sacrificed the explicit retention of all data, or been applicable only to instance-based predictions based on a small number of near neighbors or have had to re-introduce an explicit training phase in the form of an interpolative data structure. Our approach builds a multiresolution data structure to summarize the database of experiences at all resolutions of interest simultaneously. This permits us to query the database with the same exibility as a conventional linear search, but at greatly reduced computational cost. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #1107140. 	[Title] A Formal Framework for Speedup Learning from Problems and Solutions [Abstract] Speedup learning seeks to improve the computational efficiency of problem solving with experience. In this paper, we develop a formal framework for learning efficient problem solving from random problems and their solutions. We apply this framework to two different representations of learned knowledge, namely control rules and macro-operators, and prove theorems that identify sufficient conditions for learning in each representation. Our proofs are constructive in that they are accompanied with learning algorithms. Our framework captures both empirical and explanation-based speedup learning in a unified fashion. We illustrate our framework with implementations in two domains: symbolic integration and Eight Puzzle. This work integrates many strands of experimental and theoretical work in machine learning, including empirical learning of control rules, macro-operator learning, Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #10183. 	[Title] Concept Learning and Heuristic Classification in Weak-Theory Domains 1 [Abstract]  Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #10186. 	[Title] Learning Default Concepts [Abstract] Classical concepts, based on necessary and sufficient defining conditions, cannot classify logically insufficient object descriptions. Many reasoning systems avoid this limitation by using "default concepts" to classify incompletely described objects. We address the task of learning such default concepts from observational data. We model the underlying performance task | classifying incomplete examples | by a probabilistic process where random test examples are passed through a "blocker" that can hide object attributes from the classifier. We then address the task of learning accurate default concepts from random training examples. We survey the learning techniques that have been proposed for this task in the machine learning and knowledge representation literatures, investigate the relative merits of each, and show that a superior learning technique can be developed from well known statistical principles. Finally, we extend Valiant's pac-learning framework to this context and obtain a number of useful learnability results. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #128203. 	[Title] Learning Hierarchical Rule Sets [Abstract] We present an algorithm for learning sets of rules that are organized into up to k levels. Each level can contain an arbitrary number of rules "if c then l" where l is the class associated to the level and c is a concept from a given class of basic concepts. The rules of higher levels have precedence over the rules of lower levels and can be used to represent exceptions. As basic concepts we can use Boolean attributes in the infinite attribute space model, or certain concepts defined in terms of substrings. Given a sample of m examples, the algorithm runs in polynomial time and produces a consistent concept representation of size O((log m) k n k ), where n is the size of the smallest consistent representation with k levels of rules. This implies that the algorithm learns in the PAC model. The algorithm repeatedly applies the greedy heuristics for weighted set cover. The weights are obtained from approximate solutions to previous set cover problems. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #1152975. 	[Title]  [Abstract] Instance-based learning methods explicitly remember all the data that they receive. They usually have no training phase, and only at prediction time do they perform computation. Then, they take a query, search the database for similar datapoints and build an on-line local model (such as a local average or local regression) with which to predict an output value. In this paper we review the advantages of instance based methods for autonomous systems, but we also note the ensuing cost: hopelessly slow computation as the database grows large. We present and evaluate a new way of structuring a database and a new algorithm for accessing it that maintains the advantages of instance-based learning. Earlier attempts to combat the cost of instance-based learning have sacrificed the explicit retention of all data, or been applicable only to instance-based predictions based on a small number of near neighbors or have had to re-introduce an explicit training phase in the form of an interpolative data structure. Our approach builds a multiresolution data structure to summarize the database of experiences at all resolutions of interest simultaneously. This permits us to query the database with the same exibility as a conventional linear search, but at greatly reduced computational cost. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #40151. 	[Title] Hoeffding Races: Accelerating Model Selection Search for Classification and Function Approximation [Abstract] Selecting a good model of a set of input points by cross validation is a computationally intensive process, especially if the number of possible models or the number of training points is high. Techniques such as gradient descent are helpful in searching through the space of models, but problems such as local minima, and more importantly, lack of a distance metric between various models reduce the applicability of these search methods. Hoeffding Races is a technique for finding a good model for the data by quickly discarding bad models, and concentrating the computational effort at differentiating between the better ones. This paper focuses on the special case of leave-one-out cross validation applied to memory-based learning algorithms, but we also argue that it is applicable to any class of model selection problems. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #143323. 	[Title] AN EMPIRICAL APPROACH TO SOLVING THE GENERAL UTILITY PROBLEM IN SPEEDUP LEARNING [Abstract] The utility problem in speedup learning describes a common behavior of machine learning methods: the eventual degradation of performance due to increasing amounts of learned knowledge. The shape of the learning curve (cost of using a learning method vs. number of training examples) over several domains suggests a parameterized model relating performance to the amount of learned knowledge and a mechanism to limit the amount of learned knowledge for optimal performance. Many recent approaches to avoiding the utility problem in speedup learning rely on sophisticated utility measures and significant numbers of training data to accurately estimate the utility of control knowledge. Empirical results presented here and elsewhere indicate that a simple selection strategy of retaining all control rules derived from a training problem explanation quickly defines an efficient set of control knowledge from few training problems. This simple selection strategy provides a low-cost alternative to example-intensive approaches for improving the speed of a problem solver. Experimentation illustrates the existence of a minimum (representing least cost) in the learning curve which is reached after a few training examples. Stress is placed on controlling the amount of learned knowledge as opposed to which knowledge. An attempt is also made to relate domain characteristics to the shape of the learning curve. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #37483. 	[Title] Learning Approximate Control Rules Of High Utility [Abstract] One of the difficult problems in the area of explanation based learning is the utility problem; learning too many rules of low utility can lead to swamping, or degradation of performance. This paper introduces two new techniques for improving the utility of learned rules. The first technique is to combine EBL with inductive learning techniques to learn a better set of control rules; the second technique is to use these inductive techniques to learn approximate control rules. The two techniques are synthesized in an algorithm called approximating abductive explanation based learning (AxA-EBL). AxA-EBL is shown to improve substantially over standard EBL in several domains. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #9708. 	[Title] Acquiring Recursive and Iterative Concepts with Explanation-Based Learning explanation-based generalization, generalizing explanation structures, generalizing to [Abstract] University of Wisconsin Computer Sciences Technical Report 876 (September 1989) Abstract In explanation-based learning, a specific problem's solution is generalized into a form that can be later used to solve conceptually similar problems. Most research in explanation-based learning involves relaxing constraints on the variables in the explanation of a specific example, rather than generalizing the graphical structure of the explanation itself. However, this precludes the acquisition of concepts where an iterative or recursive process is implicitly represented in the explanation by a fixed number of applications. This paper presents an algorithm that generalizes explanation structures and reports empirical results that demonstrate the value of acquiring recursive and iterative concepts. The BAGGER2 algorithm learns recursive and iterative concepts, integrates results from multiple examples, and extracts useful subconcepts during generalization. On problems where learning a recursive rule is not appropriate, the system produces the same result as standard explanation-based methods. Applying the learned recursive rules only requires a minor extension to a PROLOG-like problem solver, namely, the ability to explicitly call a specific rule. Empirical studies demonstrate that generalizing the structure of explanations helps avoid the recently reported negative effects of learning. Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #1113852. 	[Title] Learning an Optimally Accurate Representational System [Abstract] The multiple extension problem arises because a default theory can use different subsets of its defaults to propose different, mutually incompatible, answers to some queries. This paper presents an algorithm that uses a set of observations to learn a credulous version of this default theory that is (essentially) "optimally accurate". In more detail, we can associate a given default theory with a set of related credulous theories R = fR i g, where each R i uses its own total ordering of the defaults to determine which single answer to return for each query. Our goal is to select the credulous theory that has the highest "expected accuracy", where each R i 's expected accuracy is the probability that the answer it produces to a query will correspond correctly to the world. Unfortunately, a theory's expected accuracy depends on the distribution of queries, which is usually not known. Moreover, the task of identifying the optimal R opt 2 R, even given that distribution information, is intractable. This paper presents a method, OptAcc, that sidesteps these problems by using a set of samples to estimate the unknown distribution, and by hill-climbing to a local optimum. In particular, given any parameters *; ffi &gt; 0, OptAcc produces an R oa 2 R whose expected accuracy is, with probability at least 1 ffi, within * of a local optimum. Appeared in ECAI Workshop on Theoretical Foundations of Knowledge Representation and Reasoning, Please summarise all the given information.

Above are papers related to the following paper: [Paper_ID] Paper #74749. 	[Title] Probably Approximately Optimal Derivation Strategies [Abstract] An inference graph can have many "derivation strategies", each a particular ordering of the steps involved in reducing a given query to a sequence of database retrievals. An "optimal strategy" for a given distribution of queries is a complete strategy whose "expected cost" is minimal, where the expected cost depends on the conditional probabilities that each requested retrieval succeeds, given that a member of this class of queries is posed. This paper describes the PAO algorithm that first uses a set of training examples to approximate these probability values, and then uses these estimates to produce a "probably approximately optimal" strategy | i.e., given any *; ffi &gt; 0, PAO produces a strategy whose cost is within * of the cost of the optimal strategy, with probability greater than 1 ffi. This paper also shows how to obtain these strategies in time polynomial in 1=*, 1=ffi and the size of the inference graph, for many important classes of graphs, including all and-or trees. Please summarise all the given information.

Paper #2354 has the title `A Statistical Approach to Solving the EBL Utility Problem  
` and the abstract `Many "learning from experience" systems use information extracted from problem solving experiences to modify a performance element PE, forming a new element PE 0 that can solve these and similar problems more efficiently. However, as transformations that improve performance on one set of problems can degrade performance on other sets, the new PE 0 is not always better than the original PE; this depends on the distribution of problems. We therefore seek the performance element whose expected performance, over this distribution, is optimal. Unfortunately, the actual distribution, which is needed to determine which element is optimal, is usually not known. Moreover, the task of finding the optimal element, even knowing the distribution, is intractable for most interesting spaces of elements. This paper presents a method, palo, that side-steps these problems by using a set of samples to estimate the unknown distribution, and by using a set of transformations to hill-climb to a local optimum. This process is based on a mathematically rigorous form of utility analysis: in particular, it uses statistical techniques to determine whether the result of a proposed transformation will be better than the original system. We also present an efficient way of implementing this learning system in the context of a general class of performance elements, and include empirical evidence that this approach can work effectively. fl Much of this work was performed at the University of Toronto, where it was supported by the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems and by an operating grant from the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada. We also gratefully acknowledge receiving many helpful comments from William Cohen, Dave Mitchell, Dale Schuurmans and the anonymous referees. 
`.
Question: Which category should Paper #2354 be classified as ?
You can select one from ['Neural_Networks', 'Case_Based', 'Theory', 'Reinforcement_Learning', 'Probabilistic_Methods', 'Rule_Learning', 'Genetic_Algorithms'].


Paper #2354 has the title `A Statistical Approach to Solving the EBL Utility Problem  
` and the abstract `Many "learning from experience" systems use information extracted from problem solving experiences to modify a performance element PE, forming a new element PE 0 that can solve these and similar problems more efficiently. However, as transformations that improve performance on one set of problems can degrade performance on other sets, the new PE 0 is not always better than the original PE; this depends on the distribution of problems. We therefore seek the performance element whose expected performance, over this distribution, is optimal. Unfortunately, the actual distribution, which is needed to determine which element is optimal, is usually not known. Moreover, the task of finding the optimal element, even knowing the distribution, is intractable for most interesting spaces of elements. This paper presents a method, palo, that side-steps these problems by using a set of samples to estimate the unknown distribution, and by using a set of transformations to hill-climb to a local optimum. This process is based on a mathematically rigorous form of utility analysis: in particular, it uses statistical techniques to determine whether the result of a proposed transformation will be better than the original system. We also present an efficient way of implementing this learning system in the context of a general class of performance elements, and include empirical evidence that this approach can work effectively. fl Much of this work was performed at the University of Toronto, where it was supported by the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems and by an operating grant from the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada. We also gratefully acknowledge receiving many helpful comments from William Cohen, Dave Mitchell, Dale Schuurmans and the anonymous referees. 
`.
Question: Which category should Paper #2354 be classified as ?
You can select one from ['Neural_Networks', 'Case_Based', 'Theory', 'Reinforcement_Learning', 'Probabilistic_Methods', 'Rule_Learning', 'Genetic_Algorithms'].

This paper should be classified into: Theory