Publications
'Managed Challenge' Alleviates Disengagement in Co-evolutionary System Identification
Genetic and Evolutionary Computation Conference 2005, , , 2005
Status: Published
Citations:
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Abstract: In previous papers we have described a co-evolutionary algorithm (EEA), the estimation-exploration algorithm, that infers the hidden inner structure of systems using minimal testing. In this paper we introduce the concept of 'managed challenge' to alleviate the problem of disengagement in this and other co-evolutionary algorithms. A known problem in co-evolutionary dynamics occurs when one population systematically outperforms the other, resulting in a loss of selection pressure for both populations. In system identification (which deals with determining the inner structure of a system using only input/output data), multiple trials (a test that causes the system to produce some output) on the system to be identified must be performed. When such trials are costly, this disengagement results in wasted data that is not utilized by the evolutionary process. Here we propose that data from futile interactions should be stored during disengagement and automatically re-introduced later, when the population re-engages: we refer to this as the test bank. We demonstrate that the advantage of the test bank is two- fold: it allows for the discovery of more accurate models, and it reduces the amount of required training data for both parametric identification – parameterizing inner structure – and symbolic identification – approximating inner structure using symbolic equations – of nonlinear systems.
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Bongard's work focuses on understanding the general nature of cognition, regardless of whether it is found in humans, animals or robots. This unique approach focuses on the role that morphology and evolution plays in cognition. Addressing these questions has taken him into the fields of biology, psychology, engineering and computer science.
Continuous Self-Modeling. Science 314, 1118 (2006). [Journal Page]

Danforth is an applied mathematician interested in modeling a variety of physical, biological, and social phenomenon. He has applied principles of chaos theory to improve weather forecasts as a member of the Mathematics and Climate Research Network, and developed a real-time remote sensor of global happiness using messages from Twitter: the Hedonometer. Danforth co-runs the Computational Story Lab with Peter Dodds, and helps run UVM's reading group on complexity.

Laurent studies the interaction of structure and dynamics. His research involves network theory, statistical physics and nonlinear dynamics along with their applications in epidemiology, ecology, biology, and sociology. Recent projects include comparing complex networks of different nature, the coevolution of human behavior and infectious diseases, understanding the role of forest shape in determining stability of tropical forests, as well as the impact of echo chambers in political discussions.

Hines' work broadly focuses on finding ways to make electric energy more reliable, more affordable, with less environmental impact. Particular topics of interest include understanding the mechanisms by which small problems in the power grid become large blackouts, identifying and mitigating the stresses caused by large amounts of electric vehicle charging, and quantifying the impact of high penetrations of wind/solar on electricity systems.

Bagrow's interests include: Complex Networks (community detection, social modeling and human dynamics, statistical phenomena, graph similarity and isomorphism), Statistical Physics (non-equilibrium methods, phase transitions, percolation, interacting particle systems, spin glasses), and Optimization(glassy techniques such as simulated/quantum annealing, (non-gradient) minimization of noisy objective functions).