Why and How Identity Should Influence Utility

This paper provides an argument for the advantage of a preference for identity-consistent behaviour from an evolutionary point of view. Within a stylised model of social interaction, we show that the development of cooperative social norms is greatly facilitated if the agents of the society possess a preference for identity consistent behaviour. As cooperative norms have a positive impact on aggregate outcomes, we conclude that such preferences are evolutionarily advantageous. Furthermore, we discuss how such a preference can be integrated in the modelling of utility in order to account for the distinctive cooperative trait in human behaviour and show how this squares with the evidence

Why and How Identity Should Influence Utility

This paper provides an argument for the advantage of a preference for identity-consistent behaviour from an evolutionary point of view. Within a stylised model of social interaction, we show that the development of cooperative social norms is greatly facilitated if the agents of the society possess a preference for identity consistent behaviour. As cooperative norms have a positive impact on aggregate outcomes, we conclude that such preferences are evolutionarily advantageous. Furthermore, we discuss how such a preference can be integrated in the modelling of utility in order to account for the distinctive cooperative trait in human behaviour and show how this squares with the evidence.cognitive dissonance; fairness; identity; reciprocity; social Norms; social preferences; utility

The Langley Research Center CSI phase-0 evolutionary model testbed-design and experimental results

A testbed for the development of Controls Structures Interaction (CSI) technology is described. The design philosophy, capabilities, and early experimental results are presented to introduce some of the ongoing CSI research at NASA-Langley. The testbed, referred to as the Phase 0 version of the CSI Evolutionary model (CEM), is the first stage of model complexity designed to show the benefits of CSI technology and to identify weaknesses in current capabilities. Early closed loop test results have shown non-model based controllers can provide an order of magnitude increase in damping in the first few flexible vibration modes. Model based controllers for higher performance will need to be robust to model uncertainty as verified by System ID tests. Data are presented that show finite element model predictions of frequency differ from those obtained from tests. Plans are also presented for evolution of the CEM to study integrated controller and structure design as well as multiple payload dynamics

The evolution of pedagogic models for work-based learning within a virtual university

The process of designing a pedagogic model for work-based learning within a virtual university is not a simple matter of using ‘off the shelf’ good practice. Instead, it can be characterised as an evolutionary process that reflects the backgrounds, skills and experiences of the project partners. Within the context of a large-scale project that was building a virtual university for work-based learners, an ambitious goal was set: to base the development of learning materials on a pedagogic model that would be adopted across the project. However, the reality proved to be far more complex than simply putting together an appropriate model from existing research evidence. Instead, the project progressed through a series of redevelopments, each of which was pre-empted by the involvement of a different team from within the project consortium. The pedagogic models that evolved as part of the project will be outlined, and the reasons for rejecting each will be given. They moved from a simple model, relying on core computer-based materials (assessed by multiple choice questions with optional work-based learning), to a more sophisticated model that integrated different forms of learning. The challenges that were addressed included making learning flexible and suitable for work-based learning, the coherence of accreditation pathways, the appropriate use of the opportunities provided by online learning and the learning curves and training needs of the different project teams. Although some of these issues were project-specific (being influenced by the needs of the learners, the aims of the project and the partners involved), the evolutionary process described in this case study illustrates that there can be a steep learning curve for the different collaborating groups within the project team. Whilst this example focuses on work-based learning, the process and the lessons may equally be applicable to a range of learning scenarios

Development of NASA/DOE NTP System Performance Models

A critical enabling technology in the evolutionary development of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) is the ability to predict the system performance under a variety of operating conditions. The ability to predict the system performance is critical for mission analysis and for control subsystem testing, as well as for the modeling of various failure modes. Performance must be accurately predicted during steady-state and transient operation, such as start-up, shut-down and after-cooling. The development and application of verified and validated system models has the potential to reduce testing, cost and time required for the technology to again reach flight-ready status. An integrated NASA/DOE team was formed in late 1991 to develop and implement a strategy for modeling NTP systems. It is the intent of the interagency team to develop several levels of computer programs, which vary in detail, to simulate NTP systems based on either prismatic, particle or advanced fuel forms. This paper presents an overview of the models under development by the interagency team. In addition, the status of the development and validation efforts for the Level 1 steady-state parametric model is discussed

Detection vs selection: integration of genetic, epigenetic and environmental cues in fluctuating environments

ArticleThere are many inputs during development that influence an organism's fit to current or upcoming environments. These include genetic effects, transgenerational epigenetic influences, environmental cues and developmental noise, which are rarely investigated in the same formal framework. We study an analytically tractable evolutionary model, in which cues are integrated to determine mature phenotypes in fluctuating environments. Environmental cues received during development and by the mother as an adult act as detection-based (individually observed) cues. The mother's phenotype and a quantitative genetic effect act as selection-based cues (they correlate with environmental states after selection). We specify when such cues are complementary and tend to be used together, and when using the most informative cue will predominate. Thus, we extend recent analyses of the evolutionary implications of subsets of these effects by providing a general diagnosis of the conditions under which detection and selection-based influences on development are likely to evolve and coexist.This work was supported by a Leverhulme Trust International Network Grant to the four authors and by a grant from the Swedish Research Council (621-2010-5437) to O.L

Towards a Model of E-Learning in Nigerian Higher Institutions: An Evolutionary Software Modelling Approach

This paper presents an ongoing study on the development of an e-learning scheme in a particular higher institution in Nigeria. E-learning is an evolving technology that has become a new paradigm for delivering online and distance learning programmes to users. However, the strength of recent e-learning systems lies in the emergence of Web 2.0 tools which have influenced e-learning systems in terms of pedagogy and delivery. We introduce an evolutionary software modelling in developing an e-learning platform. The paper argues that rather than developing a model with distinct phases and components that make it difficult to respond to changing users requirements, the development should be broken down into increments with required users' priority for later increments. This approach further increase efficiency and flexibility of the development as well as quality and reusability of the results. We conclude that if the scheme is fully integrated, limitations of the traditional system of learning will be eradicated in the institution of our case study and other institutions interested in adopting the scheme. Keywords: E-learning, Evolutionary modelling, Polytechnics education, Web tool

Disrupting Innovation Driven by Governmental Regulatory Targeting, Not Slow Guided Incremental Innovation Involving Incumbents is What is Needed to Transform the Industrial State

Strategic Niche Management and Transition Management have been promoted as useful avenues to pursue in order to achieve both specific product or process changes and system transformation by focusing on technology development through evolutionary and co-evolutionary processes, guided by government and relevant stakeholders. However, these processes are acknowledged to require decades to achieve their intended changes, a timeframe that is too long to adequately address many of the environmental and social issues we are facing. An approach that involves incumbents and does not consider targets that look beyond reasonably foreseeable technology is likely to advance a model where incumbents evolve rather than being replaced or displaced. Sustainable development requires both disruptive technological and institutional changes, the latter including stringent regulation, integration beyond coordination of disparate goals, and changes in incentives to enable new voices to contribute to integrated systems and solutions. This paper outlines options for a strong governmental role in setting future sustainability goals and the pathways for achieving them

The NASA Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT): NASA's Next Step for U.S. Deep Space Propulsion

NASA s Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) project is developing next generation ion propulsion technologies to enhance the performance and lower the costs of future NASA space science missions. This is being accomplished by producing Engineering Model (EM) and Prototype Model (PM) components, validating these via qualification-level and integrated system testing, and preparing the transition of NEXT technologies to flight system development. The project is currently completing one of the final milestones of the effort, that is operation of an integrated NEXT Ion Propulsion System (IPS) in a simulated space environment. This test will advance the NEXT system to a NASA Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 (i.e., operation of a prototypical system in a representative environment), and will confirm its readiness for flight. Besides its promise for upcoming NASA science missions, NEXT may have excellent potential for future commercial and international spacecraft applications

Aplikasi Panic Buton Untuk Keamanan Warga Berbasis Android

Citizens highly expect environmental security, but criminality is inevitable. The level of crime in the community brings unrest and discomfort, so a security system is needed that is connected with the officers concerned. This study aims to build a security system application connected to environmental security officers. This system can help the public provide reports quickly through the panic button application embedded in Android. System development using the spiral model method. A spiral model is an evolutionary software process model assembling the interactive nature of the prototype using control and systematic aspects of a linear sequential model. Meanwhile, the system design stage uses the Unified Modeling Language (UML). The application is in Android Studio for the design stage, a unique Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that runs on the Android platform. The panic button application is a security system designed to assist the public in providing reports and make it easier for security officers to follow up on the messages given. Accelerate the follow-up process of crimes because it is based on Android.Citizens highly expect environmental security, but criminality is inevitable. The level of crime in the community brings unrest and discomfort, so a security system is needed that is connected with the officers concerned. This study aims to build a security system application connected to environmental security officers. This system can help the public provide reports quickly through the panic button application embedded in Android. System development using the spiral model method. A spiral model is an evolutionary software process model assembling the interactive nature of the prototype using control and systematic aspects of a linear sequential model. Meanwhile, the system design stage uses the Unified Modeling Language (UML). The application is in Android Studio for the design stage, a unique Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that runs on the Android platform. The panic button application is a security system designed to assist the public in providing reports and make it easier for security officers to follow up on the messages given. Accelerate the follow-up process of crimes because it is based on Android