A novel approach based on multiobjective variable mesh optimization to Phylogenetics

One of the most relevant problems in Bioinformaticsand Computational Biology is the search and reconstruction ofthe most accurate phylogenetic tree that explains, as exactly aspossible, the evolutionary relationships among species from agiven dataset. Different criteria have been employed to evaluatethe accuracy of evolutionary hypothesis in order to guide a searchalgorithm towards the best tree. However, these criteria may leadto distinct phylogenies, which are often conflicting among them.Therefore, a multi-objective approach can be useful. In this work,we present a phylogenetic adaptation of a multiobjective variablemesh optimization algorithm for inferring phylogenies, to tacklethe phylogenetic inference problem according to two optimalitycriteria: maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood. Theaim of this approach is to propose a complementary view ofphylogenetics in order to generate a set of trade-off phylogenetictopologies that represent a consensus between both criteria.Experiments on four real nucleotide datasets show that ourproposal can achieve promising results, under both multiobjectiveand biological approaches, with regard to other classical andrecent multiobjective metaheuristics from the state-of-the-art. &nbsp

A complex systems approach to education in Switzerland

The insights gained from the study of complex systems in biological, social, and engineered systems enables us not only to observe and understand, but also to actively design systems which will be capable of successfully coping with complex and dynamically changing situations. The methods and mindset required for this approach have been applied to educational systems with their diverse levels of scale and complexity. Based on the general case made by Yaneer Bar-Yam, this paper applies the complex systems approach to the educational system in Switzerland. It confirms that the complex systems approach is valid. Indeed, many recommendations made for the general case have already been implemented in the Swiss education system. To address existing problems and difficulties, further steps are recommended. This paper contributes to the further establishment complex systems approach by shedding light on an area which concerns us all, which is a frequent topic of discussion and dispute among politicians and the public, where billions of dollars have been spent without achieving the desired results, and where it is difficult to directly derive consequences from actions taken. The analysis of the education system's different levels, their complexity and scale will clarify how such a dynamic system should be approached, and how it can be guided towards the desired performance