Firefly Algorithms for Multimodal Optimization

Nature-inspired algorithms are among the most powerful algorithms for optimization. This paper intends to provide a detailed description of a new Firefly Algorithm (FA) for multimodal optimization applications. We will compare the proposed firefly algorithm with other metaheuristic algorithms such as particle swarm optimization (PSO). Simulations and results indicate that the proposed firefly algorithm is superior to existing metaheuristic algorithms. Finally we will discuss its applications and implications for further research

Firefly Algorithm: Recent Advances and Applications

Nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithms, especially those based on swarm intelligence, have attracted much attention in the last ten years. Firefly algorithm appeared in about five years ago, its literature has expanded dramatically with diverse applications. In this paper, we will briefly review the fundamentals of firefly algorithm together with a selection of recent publications. Then, we discuss the optimality associated with balancing exploration and exploitation, which is essential for all metaheuristic algorithms. By comparing with intermittent search strategy, we conclude that metaheuristics such as firefly algorithm are better than the optimal intermittent search strategy. We also analyse algorithms and their implications for higher-dimensional optimization problems.Comment: 15 page

Fighting a War You\u27ve Already Lost: Zombies and Zombis in \u3cem\u3eFirefly/Serenity\u3c/em\u3e and \u3cem\u3eDollhouse\u3c/em\u3e

This article explores the use of zombie imagery in two sf narratives created by Joss Whedon: Firefly (US 2002–3), Serenity (US 2005) and Dollhouse (US 2009–10). The translation of the zombie from its traditional horror-movie context to the far-future space opera of Firefly/Serenity and the near-future cyberpunk of Dollhouse reveals the zombie\u27s allegorisation of the consequences of biopolitical governmentality and neoliberal capitalism. In both series zombies function as a figure for both the dehumanisation caused by state and market forces and the possibility of Utopian resistance to these forces

Bioluminescence emission of the firefly

We have recorded _in vivo_ emission and time-resolved spectra of the firefly species _Pyrophorus noctilucus_. The emission spectrum shows the FWHM value for this particular species to be 55 nm, which is significantly smaller than the half widths reported till now. The time-resolved spectrum reveals that a flash, of duration about a hundred milliseconds, is in fact composed of a number of microsecond pulses. This result suggests that the speed of the enzyme-catalyzed chemiluminescence reaction in the firefly for the emission of light is much greater than is believed to be

Bioluminescence emissions of firefly _Luciola praeusta_ Kiesenwetter 1874 (Coleoptera : Lampyridae : Luciolinae)

_In vivo_ emission and time-resolved spectra of firefly _Luciola praeusta_ Kiesenwetter 1874 (Coleoptera : Lampyridae : Luciolinae) have been recorded. The emission spectrum shows the FWHM value for this particular species to be 55 nm, which is significantly narrower than the _in vivo_ half widths reported till now. The time-resolved spectrum reveals that a flash, of duration about a hundred milliseconds, is in fact composed of a number of microsecond pulses. This result suggests that the speed of the enzyme-catalysed chemiluminescence reaction in the firefly for the emission of light is much faster than is believed to be

Firefly Algorithm, Stochastic Test Functions and Design Optimisation

Modern optimisation algorithms are often metaheuristic, and they are very promising in solving NP-hard optimization problems. In this paper, we show how to use the recently developed Firefly Algorithm to solve nonlinear design problems. For the standard pressure vessel design optimisation, the optimal solution found by FA is far better than the best solution obtained previously in literature. In addition, we also propose a few new test functions with either singularity or stochastic components but with known global optimality, and thus they can be used to validate new optimisation algorithms. Possible topics for further research are also discussed.Comment: 12 pages, 11 figure

Optimal overlayer inspired by Photuris firefly improves light-extraction efficiency of existing light-emitting diodes

In this paper the design, fabrication and characterization of a bioinspired overlayer deposited on a GaN LED is described. The purpose of this overlayer is to improve light extraction into air from the diode's high refractive-index active material. The layer design is inspired by the microstructure found in the firefly Photuris sp. The actual dimensions and material composition have been optimized to take into account the high refractive index of the GaN diode stack. This two-dimensional pattern contrasts other designs by its unusual profile, its larger dimensions and the fact that it can be tailored to an existing diode design rather than requiring a complete redesign of the diode geometry. The gain of light extraction reaches values up to 55% with respect to the reference unprocessed LED.Comment: 9 pages, 9 Figures, published in Optics Expres

Efficiency Analysis of Swarm Intelligence and Randomization Techniques

Swarm intelligence has becoming a powerful technique in solving design and scheduling tasks. Metaheuristic algorithms are an integrated part of this paradigm, and particle swarm optimization is often viewed as an important landmark. The outstanding performance and efficiency of swarm-based algorithms inspired many new developments, though mathematical understanding of metaheuristics remains partly a mystery. In contrast to the classic deterministic algorithms, metaheuristics such as PSO always use some form of randomness, and such randomization now employs various techniques. This paper intends to review and analyze some of the convergence and efficiency associated with metaheuristics such as firefly algorithm, random walks, and L\'evy flights. We will discuss how these techniques are used and their implications for further research.Comment: 10 pages. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1212.0220, arXiv:1208.0527, arXiv:1003.146