STRATEGY MANAGEMENT IN A MULTI-AGENT SYSTEM USING NEURAL NETWORKS FOR INDUCTIVE AND EXPERIENCE-BASED LEARNING

Intelligent agents and multi-agent systems prove to be a promising paradigm for solving problems in a distributed, cooperative way. Neural networks are a classical solution for ensuring the learning ability of agents. In this paper, we analyse a multi-agent system where agents use different training algorithms and different topologies for their neural networks, which they use to solve classification and regression problems provided by a user. Out of the three training algorithms under investigation, Backpropagation, Quickprop and Rprop, the first demonstrates inferior performance to the other two when considered in isolation. However, by optimizing the strategy of accepting or rejecting tasks, Backpropagation agents succeed in outperforming the other types of agents in terms of the total utility gained. This strategy is learned also with a neural network, by processing the results of past experiences. Therefore, we show a way in which agents can use neural network models for both external purposes and internal ones.agents, learning, neural networks, strategy management multi-agent system.

Adaptive multiagent system for seismic emergency management

Presently, most multiagent frameworks are typically programmed in Java. Since the JADE platform has been recently ported to .NET, we used it to create an adaptive multiagent system where the knowledge base of the agents is managed using the CLIPS language, also called from .NET. The multiagent system is applied to create seismic risk scenarios, simulations of emergency situations, in which different parties, modeled as adaptive agents, interact and cooperate.adaptive systems, risk management, seisms.

Design patterns for multi-agent simulations

The advent of mobile agent technology has brought along a few difficulties in designing a stable, efficient and scalable system for a certain problem. Agent-based simulations prove to be powerful tools for economic analyses. In this paper we aim at describing a set of design patterns which were specifically built for agents and multi-agent systems. The details of each design pattern discussed are presented and the possible applications and known issues are noted. In order to aid the software designers, we provide some examples of the basic implementation of these patterns using the JADE multi-agent framework.intelligent agent, multi-agent design, multi-agent simulation.

Parameter Estimation in Continuous Time Domain

This paper will aim to presents the applications of a continuous-time parameter estimation method for estimating structural parameters of a real bridge structure. For the purpose of illustrating this method two case studies of a bridge pile located in a highly seismic risk area are considered, for which the structural parameters for the mass, damping and stiffness are estimated. The estimation process is followed by the validation of the analytical results and comparison with them to the measurement data. Further benefits and applications for the continuous-time parameter estimation method in civil engineering are presented in the final part of this paper

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Torsionally Irregular RC Shear Wall Buildings with Rutherma Breakers

A challenging prototype building having irregularly placed shear walls in plan has been designed and tested on the AZALEE shaking table at the TAMARIS laboratory in CEA/Saclay. The research project, called ENISTAT, was funded by the SERIES project via Transnational Access to the CEA/Saclay facility in France. The project has three main objectives: (1) Study the behaviour of the mock-up under increasing bi-directional horizontal synthetic earthquake records; (2) Attempt to evaluate the experimental results using modern experimental techniques for data acquisition; (3) Implement & monitor the performance of a new structural element that allows for wall-slab connection to reduce thermal energy losses. Rutherma elements were used only at the second floor level as a connection member between the shear walls and the slab. After initial low level tests, seismic tests having PGA’s of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 g were applied consecutively. During the first three tests, i.e. up to 0.4 g, no significant damage was observed in the structural members except minor hairline cracks on the spandrel beams. At the 0.6 g test, more cracks in beams were observed without any major crack in walls. During the 0.8 g test, separation of the shear wall member from the foundation was observed on the flexible side. No damage on the Rutherma breakers was observed