Urban and Architectural 3-D Fast Processing

The main goal of this chapter is to present a research project that consists of applying automatic generative methods in design processes. The initial approach briefly explores early theoretical conjectures, starting with form and function balance within former conceptual investigations. The following experiments describe original techniques introducing integrated 2-D and 3-D generators for the enhancement of recent 3-D Earth browsers (Virtual Terrain©, MSN Virtual Earth©, or Google Earth©) and cellularautomata processes for architectural programmatic optimization.

Cryptography, Delayed Dynamical Systems, and Secure Communication

The idea of using synchronized chaotic circuits for sending and receiving signals when they are masked using classical cryptography is extended to the case of delayed dynamical systems. It is observed that due to the existence of the delayed parameter t, the mode of communication is more secure due to the fact that the delayed parameter is changed at a fixed interval by both the sender and receiver. It is shown how an extended set of secret keys could be constructed to send a message containing both numerical and alphabetical sequences. Again, a secure communication scheme is also discussed based on the synchronization of two coupled delayed dynamical systems with a varying coupling parameter.

Evolutionary Algorithms in Problem Solving and Machine Learning

In the first part of the chapter, evolutionary algorithms are briefly described, especially genetic algorithms and genetic programming, with sufficient detail so as to prepare the ground for the second part. The latter presents in more detail two specific applications. The first is about an important financial problem: the portfolio allocation problem. The second one deals with a biochemical problem related to drug design and efficacy.

Biological Traits in Artificial Self-Reproducing Systems

This chapter presents an artificial taxonomy of 2-D, self-replicating cellular automata (CA) that can be considered as proto-organisms for structure replication. We found that the process of self-reproduction is a widespread mechanism. In fact, self-reproducers in 2-D CA are very common and we discovered almost 10 methods of self-replication. The structures these systems produce, from ordered to complex ones, are very similar to those found in biological endeavor. After examining self-replicating structures and the way they reproduce, we consider their behavior in relation to the patterns they realize and to the function they manifest in realizing artificial organisms. According to us, many methods produced by CA are based on universal models of biological cell development. The relevance of such work consists in the goal of modeling the evolution of living systems that can lead us to a better understanding of the essential properties of life.

Neurofeedback

This chapter introduces neurofeedback as a mechanism for altering human brain functioning and in turn influencing behavior. It argues that neurofeedback provides a plausible mechanism by which the individual can learn to alter and control aspects of his electrocortical activity. The chapter highlights some of the findings from both clinical and optimal performance research, showing the benefits of neurofeedback training, and outlines some of the important issues that remain to be addressed. It is hoped that outlining some of the issues that have yet to be resolved will serve a dual purpose. Initially it will assist in the understanding of some of the theoretical and methodological limitations that may be holding the field back. In addition, it is hoped that such information will stimulate researchers to work toward designing more efficient and effective research protocols and paradigms.

Riddle of the Sphinx

This chapter interprets the myth of Oedipus in light of interpersonal neurobiology and second-order cybernetics, where observers are self-referentially implicated within the observed. The riddle of the Sphinx, “What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?” is understood as a paradox of self-reference in apparent contradiction with all known laws of science. From a developmental perspective, traumatic residues from King Laius’ attempted infanticide uniquely prepare Oedipus to solve the Sphinx’s riddle. Oedipus’ capacity for full self-reference is equated with the operation of the most powerful universal Turing machine with both implicit and explicit memory of its past. That Oedipus could move beyond literal thought to interpret morning, noon, and evening as stages of human life proves pivotal. Oedipus’ use of metaphor and abstraction to solve a paradox of self-reference signals humankind’s transition to greater levels of internal complexity, including more fully self-reflective consciousness.

Financial Trading Systems

In this chapter we propose a financial trading system whose trading strategy is developed by means of an artificial neural network approach based on a learning algorithm of the recurrent reinforcement type. In general terms, this kind of approach consists, first, of directly specifying a trading policy based on some predetermined investor’s measure of profitability, and second, of directly setting the financial trading system while using it. In particular, with respect to the prominent literature, in this contribution we take into account as a measure of profitability the reciprocal of the returns weighted direction symmetry index instead of the widespread Sharpe ratio, and we obtain the differential version of the measure of profitability we consider and all the related learning relationships. Finally, we propose a simple procedure for the management of drawdown-like phenomena, and finally, we apply our financial trading approach to some of the most prominent assets of the Italian stock market.

Portfolio Optimization Using Evolutionary Algorithms

In this study, a double-stage evolutionary algorithm is proposed for portfolio optimization. In the first stage, a genetic algorithm is used to identify good-quality assets in terms of asset ranking. In the second stage, investment allocation in the selected good-quality assets is optimized using another genetic algorithm based on Markowitz’s theory. Through the two-stage genetic optimization process, an optimal portfolio can be determined. Experimental results obtained reveal that the proposed double-stage evolutionary algorithm for portfolio optimization provides a very useful tool to assist the investors in planning their investment strategy and constructing their portfolio.

Theory and Practice of Ant-Based Routing in Dynamic Telecommunication Networks

Modern telecommunication networks are becoming increasingly complex and dynamic. This is due to their size and heterogeneity, and to the complex interactions among their elements. Classical techniques for network control were not conceived to face such challenges. Therefore, new algorithms are needed that are adaptive and robust, work in a self-organized and decentralized way, and are able to cope with heterogeneous large-scale systems. In this chapter, we argue that the reverse engineering of natural processes can provide a fruitful source of inspiration for the design of such algorithms. In particular, we advocate the use of ant colony optimization (ACO), an optimization metaheuristic inspired by the foraging behavior of ant colonies. We discuss the characteristics of ACO and derive from it ant colony routing (ACR), a novel framework for the development of adaptive algorithms for network routing. We show through the concrete application of ACR’s ideas to the design of an algorithm for mobile ad hoc networks that the ACR framework allows the relatively straightforward construction of new routing algorithms that can deal with all of the challenges mentioned above.

Thinking Animals and Thinking Machines

In this chapter we will examine some similarities between computer science and psychoanalysis, and we will formulate some hypotheses by bringing closer the statute of connectionism to the energetic model of the psychic apparatus, as well as OOP (object-oriented programming) to the object relations theory. We will make some remarks on the machine and people theme, the way in which people relate to machines, especially “thinking machines,” describing the fantasies they arouse. In order to do this, we will use Tausk’s classic (1919/1933) “On the Origin of the ‘Influencing Machine’ in Schizophrenia,” as well as some of Freud’s writings.