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

Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Adolescent Short Form: A Psychometric Investigation in Greek Context

This article aims to investigate the reliability and validity of the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire–Adolescent Short Form (TEIQue-ASF) score in a sample of 440 Greek adolescents. The instrument’s score demonstrated good internal consistency and was significantly correlated with core self-evaluations as well with somatic complaints, self-report psychopathology, and personal strengths. It also explained a statistically significant increase in the prediction of outcome variables beyond core self-evaluations. It is concluded that the findings of the present study provide evidence that support the interpretation and use of the TEIQue-ASF score to assess the emotional self-perceptions of Greek adolescents

The 'banquet' motif on the funerary stelai from Demetrias

This paper discusses tombstones bearing the banquet theme (Totenmahl) from Demetrias in Thessaly. Nearly all carried painted decoration, as was typical for the city, and date to the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. The introduction presents the evidence concerning their number, discovery, state of preservation and publication. Following this, their typology, iconographical features and epitaphs are discussed. The imagery of the Demetrias tombstones is compared with the evidence from Thessaly and the Greek world. The iconography of the stelai, similar to their typology, is heavily dependent on Athenian models, with an added emphasis on a luxurious ambience. Contrary to what has been proposed in the past, the study of the imagery and onomastics of the stelai shows that that the banquet motif was neither a minority choice in the city, nor was it limited to foreigners and/or persons of lower status. Rather, it was employed without much variation for Greeks and foreigner inhabitants of the city, regardless of ethnicity. In the multi-cultural environment of this Hellenistic harbour city, the population, with the exception of soldiers, priests and perhaps some Phoenician merchants, chose to be commemorated in a similar manner, placing emphasis on the family and comfortable life. Heroic allusions are few, but this is explained by the relatively early date of the Demetrias tombstones

The 'banquet' motif on the funerary stelai from Demetrias

This paper discusses tombstones bearing the banquet theme (Totenmahl) from Demetrias in Thessaly. Nearly all carried painted decoration, as was typical for the city, and date to the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. The introduction presents the evidence concerning their number, discovery, state of preservation and publication. Following this, their typology, iconographical features and epitaphs are discussed. The imagery of the Demetrias tombstones is compared with the evidence from Thessaly and the Greek world. The iconography of the stelai, similar to their typology, is heavily dependent on Athenian models, with an added emphasis on a luxurious ambience. Contrary to what has been proposed in the past, the study of the imagery and onomastics of the stelai shows that that the banquet motif was neither a minority choice in the city, nor was it limited to foreigners and/or persons of lower status. Rather, it was employed without much variation for Greeks and foreigner inhabitants of the city, regardless of ethnicity. In the multi-cultural environment of this Hellenistic harbour city, the population, with the exception of soldiers, priests and perhaps some Phoenician merchants, chose to be commemorated in a similar manner, placing emphasis on the family and comfortable life. Heroic allusions are few, but this is explained by the relatively early date of the Demetrias tombstones

Demetrias: The Archaeology of a Cosmopolitan Macedonian Harbour

This paper aims to offer an overview of the archaeological evidence pertaining to Hellenistic Demetrias, evaluating the archaeology of the city in light of the epigraphic discoveries of the last decade and recent scholarly treatises on synoecisms and Hellenistic royal courts and palaces. Crucial among the questions addressed in this paper are the following: how far has our understanding of the processes that created the synoecism improved over the last fifteen years; whether archaeology and epigraphy allow us to distinguish diagnostic features of the character of Demetrias during the period of Macedonian control; how Demetrias compares to other major Macedonian royal foundations in the first instance and more generally to other Hellenistic major harbour cities; and, finally, what was the effect of the dissolution of Macedonian power in 167 BC.</p