53,634 research outputs found
Modelling of Multi-Agent Systems: Experiences with Membrane Computing and Future Challenges
Formal modelling of Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) is a challenging task due to
high complexity, interaction, parallelism and continuous change of roles and
organisation between agents. In this paper we record our research experience on
formal modelling of MAS. We review our research throughout the last decade, by
describing the problems we have encountered and the decisions we have made
towards resolving them and providing solutions. Much of this work involved
membrane computing and classes of P Systems, such as Tissue and Population P
Systems, targeted to the modelling of MAS whose dynamic structure is a
prominent characteristic. More particularly, social insects (such as colonies
of ants, bees, etc.), biology inspired swarms and systems with emergent
behaviour are indicative examples for which we developed formal MAS models.
Here, we aim to review our work and disseminate our findings to fellow
researchers who might face similar challenges and, furthermore, to discuss
important issues for advancing research on the application of membrane
computing in MAS modelling.Comment: In Proceedings AMCA-POP 2010, arXiv:1008.314
An Agent-Based Approach to Self-Organized Production
The chapter describes the modeling of a material handling system with the
production of individual units in a scheduled order. The units represent the
agents in the model and are transported in the system which is abstracted as a
directed graph. Since the hindrances of units on their path to the destination
can lead to inefficiencies in the production, the blockages of units are to be
reduced. Therefore, the units operate in the system by means of local
interactions in the conveying elements and indirect interactions based on a
measure of possible hindrances. If most of the units behave cooperatively
("socially"), the blockings in the system are reduced.
A simulation based on the model shows the collective behavior of the units in
the system. The transport processes in the simulation can be compared with the
processes in a real plant, which gives conclusions about the consequencies for
the production based on the superordinate planning.Comment: For related work see http://www.soms.ethz.c
Fast and robust learning by reinforcement signals: explorations in the insect brain
We propose a model for pattern recognition in the insect brain. Departing from a well-known body of knowledge about the insect brain, we investigate which of the potentially present features may be useful to learn input patterns rapidly and in a stable manner. The plasticity underlying pattern recognition is situated in the insect mushroom bodies and requires an error signal to associate the stimulus with a proper response. As a proof of concept, we used our model insect brain to classify the well-known MNIST database of handwritten digits, a popular benchmark for classifiers. We show that the structural organization of the insect brain appears to be suitable for both fast learning of new stimuli and reasonable performance in stationary conditions. Furthermore, it is extremely robust to damage to the brain structures involved in sensory processing. Finally, we suggest that spatiotemporal dynamics can improve the level of confidence in a classification decision. The proposed approach allows testing the effect of hypothesized mechanisms rather than speculating on their benefit for system performance or confidence in its responses
Abundance of insects in rice mills in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka: Poster
Monitoring of insect population is a prerequisite for integrated pest management attempts. The complex structures/machines in rice milling facilities, however, limit surveying attempts aggravating the ignorance of insect fauna associated with such facilities. Furthermore, insect surveys conducted in Sri Lanka are very rare. The objective of the current study was to determine the presence, diversity, and abundance of insects in rice mills of varying capacity as found in a major rice processing area in Sri Lanka. A group of large-, medium-, and smallscale mills were used for the survey. Samples were collected from different locations in the mills, and the density of insects at each location was determined. Insect species and their abundance varied with the type of mill as well as with the location in the mill. This information is useful to design and implement pest management for the mills.Monitoring of insect population is a prerequisite for integrated pest management attempts. The complex structures/machines in rice milling facilities, however, limit surveying attempts aggravating the ignorance of insect fauna associated with such facilities. Furthermore, insect surveys conducted in Sri Lanka are very rare. The objective of the current study was to determine the presence, diversity, and abundance of insects in rice mills of varying capacity as found in a major rice processing area in Sri Lanka. A group of large-, medium-, and smallscale mills were used for the survey. Samples were collected from different locations in the mills, and the density of insects at each location was determined. Insect species and their abundance varied with the type of mill as well as with the location in the mill. This information is useful to design and implement pest management for the mills
Multiple chaotic central pattern generators with learning for legged locomotion and malfunction compensation
An originally chaotic system can be controlled into various periodic
dynamics. When it is implemented into a legged robot's locomotion control as a
central pattern generator (CPG), sophisticated gait patterns arise so that the
robot can perform various walking behaviors. However, such a single chaotic CPG
controller has difficulties dealing with leg malfunction. Specifically, in the
scenarios presented here, its movement permanently deviates from the desired
trajectory. To address this problem, we extend the single chaotic CPG to
multiple CPGs with learning. The learning mechanism is based on a simulated
annealing algorithm. In a normal situation, the CPGs synchronize and their
dynamics are identical. With leg malfunction or disability, the CPGs lose
synchronization leading to independent dynamics. In this case, the learning
mechanism is applied to automatically adjust the remaining legs' oscillation
frequencies so that the robot adapts its locomotion to deal with the
malfunction. As a consequence, the trajectory produced by the multiple chaotic
CPGs resembles the original trajectory far better than the one produced by only
a single CPG. The performance of the system is evaluated first in a physical
simulation of a quadruped as well as a hexapod robot and finally in a real
six-legged walking machine called AMOSII. The experimental results presented
here reveal that using multiple CPGs with learning is an effective approach for
adaptive locomotion generation where, for instance, different body parts have
to perform independent movements for malfunction compensation.Comment: 48 pages, 16 figures, Information Sciences 201
ICROFS news 2/2013. Newsletter from ICROFS
Productivity and Growth in Organic Value-chains (ProGrOV): Networks organization along organic foods value chains in Kenya. Case: Kales in Nairo
- SUMMER chickens ”on herbs”
- Spotless apples under roof
- Organic hay fields as a floral resource for bees and other flower-visiting insects
- Larvae for layer
D2_2. Status Quo Analysis all Countries
STATUS QUO ANALYSIS OF APPLE ORGANIC FARMING IN THE DIFFERENT COUNTRIE
How to stop "weevil" damage in stored grain
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