Abstract: A computer-implemented method described for facilitating selection of an assortment of products to offer for sale. The method includes receiving transaction data representing characteristics of a plurality of commercial transactions including a first product and a second product. Product attribute data representing attributes for at least the two products are also received. Substitution demand data for the second product is estimated which represents demand for the second product given the first product is not available, the estimation being based on the transaction data and product attribute data.

Abstract: A brazing system for brazing component members of a workpiece has a brazing chamber an inside of which is made a heating space of a volume corresponding to the workpiece, a radiant heating means provided with a plurality of heating sources which are positioned so as to correspond to a plurality of regions into which two facing surfaces of the workpiece are respectively divided, a convection heating means for circulating a heated inert gas to the heating space so as to heat the workpiece, and a control means for controlling the operation of the heating sources and the circulation of the inert gas. Each heating source is independently controlled by the control means, and the convection heating means circulates the inert gas so as to reduce a temperature difference of the workpiece caused by the heating sources.

Abstract: Profiles characterizing each of a plurality of consumers are received. Thereafter, each profile is associated with one of a plurality of customer segments (e.g., matched pairs, etc.). Thereafter, a coupon effectiveness index is determined for each of the plurality of consumers for an offering based on the associated customer segment. The coupon effectiveness indices model characterizes causal effects estimates determined using historical data of purchases of individuals having varying coupon treatments for the offering. Subsequently, provision of at least a portion of the determined coupon effectiveness indices is initiated. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method described for facilitating selection of an assortment of products to offer for sale. The method includes receiving transaction data representing characteristics of a plurality of commercial transactions including a first product and a second product. Product attribute data representing attributes for at least the two products are also received. Substitution demand data for the second product is estimated which represents demand for the second product given the first product is not available, the estimation being based on the transaction data and product attribute data.

Abstract: Methods and related system are described for making decisions. A described method includes selecting a choice from the available choices, receiving an outcome relating to the selected choice, and automatically learning from the received outcome by incorporating the received outcome into subsequent steps of selecting a choice. The method may also include calculating estimated probabilities associated with the each choice using Bayesian networks. The automated learning can be based on a learning rate which is variable with time, and influences the degree on which prior outcomes are relied upon when calculating an estimated probability associated with a choice. The learning rate can be a function of time and an estimate of drift of the probability associated with the selected choice.