Study the Effects of Multilevel Selection in Multi-Population Cultural Algorithm

This is a study on the effects of multilevel selection (MLS) theory in optimizing numerical functions. Based on this theory, a new architecture for Multi-Population Cultural Algorithm is proposed which incorporates a new multilevel selection framework (ML-MPCA). The approach used in this paper is based on biological group selection theory that states natural selection acts collectively on all the members of a given group. The effects of cooperation are studied using n-player prisoner’s dilemma. In this game, N individuals are randomly divided into m groups and individuals independently choose to be either cooperator or defector. A two-level selection process is introduced namely within group selection and between group selection. Individuals interact with the other members of the group in an evolutionary game that determines their fitness. The principal idea behind incorporating this multilevel selection model is to avoid premature convergence and to escape from local optima and for better exploration of the search space. We test our algorithm using the CEC 2015 expensive benchmark functions to evaluate its performance. These problems are a set of 15 functions which includes varied function categories. We show that our proposed algorithm improves solution accuracy and consistency. For 10 dimensional problems, the proposed method has 8 out 15 better results and for 30-dimensional problems we have 11 out of 15 better results when compared to the existing algorithms. The proposed model can be extended to more than two levels of selection and can also include migration

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