An Object-Oriented Programming Environment for Parallel Genetic Algorithms

This thesis investigates an object-oriented programming environment for building parallel applications based on genetic algorithms (GAs). It describes the design of the Genetic Algorithms Manipulation Environment (GAME), which focuses on three major software development requirements: flexibility, expandability and portability. Flexibility is provided by GAME through a set of libraries containing pre-defined and parameterised components such as genetic operators and algorithms. Expandability is offered by GAME'S object-oriented design. It allows applications, algorithms and genetic operators to be easily modified and adapted to satisfy diverse problem's requirements. Lastly, portability is achieved through the use of the standard C++ language, and by isolating machine and operating system dependencies into low-level modules, which are hidden from the application developer by GAME'S application programming interfaces. The development of GAME is central to the Programming Environment for Applications of PArallel GENetic Algorithms project (PAPAGENA). This is the principal European Community (ESPRIT III) funded parallel genetic algorithms project. It has two main goals: to provide a general-purpose tool kit, supporting the development and analysis of large-scale parallel genetic algorithms (PGAs) applications, and to demonstrate the potential of applying evolutionary computing in diverse problem domains. The research reported in this thesis is divided in two parts: i) the analysis of GA models and the study of existing GA programming environments from an application developer perspective; ii) the description of a general-purpose programming environment designed to help with the development of GA and PGA-based computer programs. The studies carried out in the first part provide the necessary understanding of GAs' structure and operation to outline the requirements for the development of complex computer programs. The second part presents GAME as the result of combining development requirements, relevant features of existing environments and innovative ideas, into a powerful programming environment. The system is described in terms of its abstract data structures and sub-systems that allow the representation of problems independently of any particular GA model. GAME's programming model is also presented as general-purpose object-oriented framework for programming coarse-grained parallel applications. GAME has a modular architecture comprising five modules: the Virtual Machine, the Parallel Execution Module, the Genetic Libraries, the Monitoring Control Module, and the Graphic User Interface. GAME's genetic-oriented abstract data structures, and the Virtual Machine, isolates genetic operators and algorithms from low-level operations such as memory management, exception handling, etc. The Parallel Execution Module supports GAME's object- oriented parallel programming model. It defines an application programming interface and a runtime library that allow the same parallel application, created within the environment, to run on different hardware and operating system platforms. The Genetic Libraries outline a hierarchy of components implemented as parameterised versions of standard and custom genetic operators, algorithms and applications. The Monitoring Control Module supports dynamic control and monitoring of simulations, whereas the Graphic User Interface defines a basic framework and graphic 'widgets' for displaying and entering data. This thesis describes the design philosophy and rationale behind these modules, covering in more detail the Virtual Machine, the Parallel Execution Module and the Genetic Libraries. The assessment discusses the system's ability to satisfy the main requirements of GA and PGA software development, as well as the features that distinguish GAME from other programming environments

Detecting and correcting errors in parallel object oriented systems

Our research concerns the development of an operational formalism for the in-source specification of parallel, object oriented systems. These specifications are used to enunciate the behavioural semantics of objects, as a means of enhancing their reliability. A review of object oriented languages concludes that the advance in language sophistication heralded by the object oriented paradigm has, so far, failed to produce a commensurate increase in software reliability. The lack of support in modern object oriented languages for the notion of 'valid object behaviour', as distinct from state and operations, undermines the potential power of the abstraction. Furthermore, it weakens the ability of such languages to detect behavioural problems, manifest at run-time. As a result, in-language facilities for the signalling and handling of undesirable program behaviours or states (for example, assertions) are still in their infancy. This is especially true of parallel systems, where the scope for subtle error is greater. The first goal of this work was to construct an operational model of a general purpose, parallel, object oriented system in order to ascertain the fundamental set of event classes that constitute its observable behaviour. Our model is built on the CSP process calculus and uses a subset of the Z notation to express some aspects of state. This alphabet was then used to construct a formalism designed to augment each object type description with the operational specification of an object's behaviour: Event Pattern Specifications (EPS). EPSs are a labeled list of acceptable object behaviours which form part of the definition of every type. The thesis includes a description of the design and implementation of EPSs as part of an exception handling mechanism for the parallel, object oriented language Solve. Using this implementation, we have established that the run-time checking of EPS specifications is feasible, albeit it with considerable overhead. Issues arising from this implementation are discussed and we describe the visualization of EPSs and their use in semantic browsing

Developing teleonics as a process-based systems method for psychological practice

This dissertation is a response to the call for theoretically coherent practical methods which encourage and facilitate systemic thinking in psychology (Boden, 1972; Jordaan & Jordaan, 1984; Lazarus, 1990; Norcross & Grencavage, 1990; Von Bertalanffy, 1968; Winburn, 1991). Teleonics is a developing ecology of process-based systems ideas, where process is foregrounded relative to structure. From a teleonics perspective, structure and process are viewed as inextricably linked, while the foregrounding of process is viewed as having significant implications for how meaning is constructed from observations. Given the dominance of the structure-based orientation to psychology during the modern period, a process-based systems approach is a contribution to the development of postmodern thinking in psychology. Through a process of reviewing the systems thinking literature, and illuminating those premises that point to a distinction between process- and structure-based thinking, the following process-based systems premises are punctuated: * life is essentially of a process nature, * nature is approximate rather than definite, * organization in nature is dynamic, * systems function according to principles of autonomy and integration, * creation is a process of emergence and * teleos is a character of living systems. By relating these premises to the field of psychology, further premises of governance and the union of opposites are punctuated. A review of selected psychological literature is provided to draw distinctions about how the abovementioned process-based systems premises relate to psychological theory and practice. In line with the postmodern trend to coherence between theory and practice, teleonics is proposed as a contribution not only to creative theory building but, also to application. In support of coherence between theory and practice in psychology, epistemological tools and tasks for systemic intervention are discussed. The methodological approach of this dissertation is consistent with the conceptual theorist style (Reason & Rowan, 1981 a). A systems methodology, namely that of double description (Bateson, 1979; Keeney, 1983) is used to connect the theoretical and the applied aspects of this study. The theoretical aspect of the double description was formulated by a review, synthesis and integration of the literature. The applied aspect was formulated by means of a report on fieldwork undertaken in the form of a series of case studies. A particular contribution of this dissertation is the specification and illustration of three teleonics maps namely, spiral mapping, teleos mapping and telentropy tracing. The application of these maps is presented via an elaborated format case study of an individual adult therapy case, and four further cases presented in a circumscribed format (Carlson-SabeIli & Sabelli, 1984). The circumscribed case studies include a single session intervention and a health enhancement workshop. The methodology of this dissertation can be located in new paradigm (postmodern) research. The soundness of endeavour (Reason, 1988c) of this dissertation can be appreciated in relation to validity in terms of the philosophical ideas supporting new paradigm research. Other contributions are that it promotes convergence and informed divergence in psychological theory, is an example of the development of systems theory at the level of micropractice, explores the concept of levels in psychology, and contributes to the further development of teleonics as a process-based systems ecology of ideas. The introduction of visual maps, as practical non-verbal tools for the communication of concepts and observations in psychological practice, is a particularly useful contribution. In this dissertation, teleonics is demonstrated as a process-based systems model which facilitates the practical operationalizing of process-based systems thinking

Root, Tuber and Banana Food System Innovations

This open access book describes recent innovations in food systems based on root, tuber and banana crops in developing countries. These innovations respond to many of the challenges facing these vital crops, linked to their vegetative seed and bulky and perishable produce. The innovations create value, food, jobs and new sources of income while improving the wellbeing and quality of life of their users. Women are often key players in the production, processing and marketing of roots, tubers and bananas, so successful innovation needs to consider gender. These crops and their value chains have long been neglected by research and development, hence this book contributes to filling in the gap. The book features many outcomes of the CGIAR Research Program in Roots, Tubers and Banana (RTB), which operated from 2012-21, encompassing many tropical countries, academic and industry partners, multiple crops, and major initiatives. It describes the successful innovation model developed by RTB that brings together diverse partners and organizations, to create value for the end users and to generate positive economic and social outcomes. RTB has accelerated the scaling of innovations to reach many end users cost effectively. Though most of the book’s examples and insights are from Africa, they can be applied worldwide. The book will be useful for decision makers designing policies to scale up agricultural solutions, for researchers and extension specialists seeking practical ideas, and for scholars of innovation

Root, Tuber and Banana Food System Innovations

This open access book describes recent innovations in food systems based on root, tuber and banana crops in developing countries. These innovations respond to many of the challenges facing these vital crops, linked to their vegetative seed and bulky and perishable produce. The innovations create value, food, jobs and new sources of income while improving the wellbeing and quality of life of their users. Women are often key players in the production, processing and marketing of roots, tubers and bananas, so successful innovation needs to consider gender. These crops and their value chains have long been neglected by research and development, hence this book contributes to filling in the gap. The book features many outcomes of the CGIAR Research Program in Roots, Tubers and Banana (RTB), which operated from 2012-21, encompassing many tropical countries, academic and industry partners, multiple crops, and major initiatives. It describes the successful innovation model developed by RTB that brings together diverse partners and organizations, to create value for the end users and to generate positive economic and social outcomes. RTB has accelerated the scaling of innovations to reach many end users cost effectively. Though most of the book’s examples and insights are from Africa, they can be applied worldwide. The book will be useful for decision makers designing policies to scale up agricultural solutions, for researchers and extension specialists seeking practical ideas, and for scholars of innovation

Abstracts from the 50th European Society of Human Genetics Conference: Posters

International audienc

The Origination and Evolution of Double-Entry Bookkeeping to 1440

The problem of this investigation is that of determining how double entry bookkeeping originated and evolved during the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth century in mediaeval Italy and its influence on capital formation. The methodology of this study included the use of both primary and secondary sources of information. Great reliance was placed upon a direct examination of original documents found mainly in the State Archives of Genoa, Florence, Milan and Venice. Because this is basically a historical research, particular emphasis was given to the study and criticism of economic, political and religious conditions that most likely had a considerable influence on the creation and evolution of bookkeeping techniques and methods