"Algorithms in a nutshell" - Part 1

I'm revisiting materials on Algorithms and finding below book very useful.
The first 2 chapters are very impressive in setting a base, actively working through the rest of book.

A "problem" can be defined as collection of data processed by the program to create a solution for the data. Though its difficult to establish a standard problem
definition for real world scenarios, its can help if data inputs & data properties (encoding) are well understood.

When choosing an algorithm using abstraction on rate of growth, ex. evaluating a value in an set of number, the estimated average evaluations needed can be formulated
mathematically. Typically for high growth rate problems, the constants in formulation can be ignored. But care needs to be taken for scenarios like small growth or small number set,
as algorithm application changes. As a principle, the choice for algorithm depends on type of problem and distribution of elements in problem. There is no optimal algorithm for
problem of a given nature.
Methodology for choosing an algorithm:

Perform 3 case analysis viz. worst-case, average-case and best-case

The performance families in terms of decreasing efficiency are viz.
constant O(n)
logarithmic
sublinear
linear = eg. addition
nlog(n)
quadratic eg. multiplication
exponential

The author did lose me during the mathematical analysis and formulation of Big O notations for each member of performance family. Its a to do to check the reference section and build skills sets in those.
The graphical patterns of performance family definitely gives a visual clue as what type of operation is the algorithm using. very nice.

A side note about distribution:
binary tree distribution: works well during search when items are equally or roughly equally distributed(red-black tree) in a binary tree
ordered distribution : n/2 items need be compared on an average to search for an item

Enterprise Content Integration strategy: Wachovia's case study

http://gilbane.com/case_studies_pdf/CTW_Wachovia_Final.pdf
This explains the challenges faced by Wachovia during enterprise content integration and the benefits thereof to the business units.
Aptly said by the analyst, today's large enterprises host multiple disparate content sources. If these are integrated to provide a seamless access to users, it enables them to service customers faster, focus more on business decisions and improves collective competitiveness of business user community.
This example also shows how IS acts a service provider to business units in creating "acquisition ready" systems and how these units can achieve ROI by investing in IS initiatives.

Content Technology Works (CTW) does a great job of sharing enterprise best practices in the area of enterprise content management. Though this whitepaper is backdated, it concisely describes the enterprise content integration strategy. The situation, factors and road map to solution is put together very well. It includes couple of layer diagrams to drive the point.

Wachovia’s CAS: Harnessing the Value of Multiple Content Repositories Across a Large Enterprise
http://gilbane.com/case_studies_pdf/CTW_Wachovia_Final.pdf

"Manmohana" by Jitesh Lakhwani from animated 'Little Krishna'

Very well animated and sung by Jitesh Lakhwani. One can find it from below link. Looking forward to a malayalam and sanskrit versions of this movie. The animation movies have come a long way in India.

'Little Krishna' episodes and movies of same nature are fun filled experience for kids and grown-ups alike.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J7x3Wdeb10

Usthad Hotel(2012)

Rating 3.95/5
Malayalam

"Usthad Hotel" is amongst  my top 3 malayalam movies of 2012. It scores a notch better than "Run Baby Run"(2012).  It's a  story that encourages the youth to succeed by identifying their innate competencies [cooking in this case]. This film also captures the relationship between a grandfather(Tilakan) and grandson(Salman Dulquer) in unique way.  It shows the passage of worldly wisdom from older generation to younger one in this modern society. Though generations pass-by the success mantras have not changed; in new form the old techniques are still useful. This is knowledge wasnt understood well by first generation, but was captured well with hands-on practice by new generation. The films also carries several important social messages including work for betterment of socially destitute.

Tilakan's(late) presence is the unquestionable cornerstone of success in this film. Acting in one of his last movies before he died in late 2012. The mannerisms of small hotel owner and expressions of  in depth worldly wisdom gained over years of experience in cooking is well captured.
The newcomer Salman Dulquer, plays a good role. He's promising young actor but would have to add more acting skills else would quickly be dubbed as repeater. The character  inspite of being a Swiss trained chef needed to work tirelessly at grassroots amongst poorest in India. Salman was seen working hard towards it, much to the liking of audience :-)
Overall good music (expect one song) and a Kozhikode muslim community flavour to it, making this one of the best Malayalam films of 2012.
 

Run Baby Run(2012)

Rating 3.9/5
Malayalam

"Run Baby Run" is amongst my top 3 Malayalam movies in 2012. With an excellent plot in hand, this movie keeps developing it at a fast pace as the story moves on, providing a near thriller experience to the viewer. Good film direction and acting by both lead roles viz. Mohanlal and Amala Paul. This film depicts the sensational journalism of todays TV news media and the cut throat competition amongst field reporters. The greed for money and fame causes the resporters and associated professionals to double-cross each other to the extent of falling into traps of vested black characters whom they were originally reporting on.