Multi-apprentice learning for meta-heuristics parameter tuning in a multi agent scheduling system

The scheduling problem is considered in complexity theory as a NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem. Meta-heuristics proved to be very useful in the resolution of this class of problems. However, these techniques require parameter tuning which is a very hard task to perform. A Case-based Reasoning module is proposed in order to solve the parameter tuning problem in a Multi-Agent Scheduling System. A computational study is performed in order to evaluate the proposed CBR module performance.

Meta-heuristics tunning using CBR for dynamic scheduling

This paper addresses the problem of Biological Inspired Optimization Techniques (BIT) parameterization, considering the importance of this issue in the design of BIT especially when considering real world situations, subject to external perturbations. A learning module with the objective to permit a Multi-Agent Scheduling System to automatically select a Meta-heuristic and its parameterization to use in the optimization process is proposed. For the learning process, Casebased Reasoning was used, allowing the system to learn from experience, in the resolution of similar problems. Analyzing the obtained results we conclude about the advantages of its use.

Cooperation mechanism for team-work based multi-agent system in dynamic scheduling through meta-heuristics

This paper describes a Multi-agent Scheduling System that assumes the existence of several Machines Agents (which are decision-making entities) distributed inside the Manufacturing System that interact and cooperate with other agents in order to obtain optimal or near-optimal global performances. Agents have to manage their internal behaviors and their relationships with other agents via cooperative negotiation in accordance with business policies defined by the user manager. Some Multi Agent Systems (MAS) organizational aspects are considered. An original Cooperation Mechanism for a Team-work based Architecture is proposed to address dynamic scheduling using Meta-Heuristics.

Is mental practice an effective adjunct therapeutic strategy for upper limb motor restoration after stroke? A systematic review and meta- analysis

Stroke is one of the most common conditions requiring rehabilitation, and its motor impairments are a major cause of permanent disability. Hemiparesis is observed by 80% of the patients after acute stroke. Neuroimaging studies showed that real and imagined movements have similarities regarding brain activation, supplying evidence that those similarities are based on the same process. Within this context, the combination of mental practice (MP) with physical and occupational therapy appears to be a natural complement based on neurorehabilitation concepts. Our study seeks to investigate if MP for stroke rehabilitation of upper limbs is an effective adjunct therapy. PubMed (Medline), ISI knowledge (Institute for Scientific Information) and SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library) were terminated on 20 February 2015. Data were collected on variables as follows: sample size, type of supervision, configuration of mental practice, setting the physical practice (intensity, number of sets and repetitions, duration of contractions, rest interval between sets, weekly and total duration), measures of sensorimotor deficits used in the main studies and significant results. Random effects models were used that take into account the variance within and between studies. Seven articles were selected. As there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (MP vs control), showed a - 0.6 (95% CI: -1.27 to 0.04), for upper limb motor restoration after stroke. The present meta-analysis concluded that MP is not effective as adjunct therapeutic strategy for upper limb motor restoration after stroke.

From Mind to Body: Is Mental Practice Effective on Strength Gains? A Meta-Analysis

Mental practice is an internal reproduction of a motor act (whose intention is to promote learning and improving motor skills). Some studies have shown that other cognitive strategies also increase the strength and muscular resistance in healthy people by the enhancement of the performance during dynamic tasks. Mental training sessions may be primordial to improving muscle strength in different subjects. The aim of this study was to systematically review and meta-analiyze studies that assessed whether mental practice is effective in improving muscular strength. We conducted an electronic-computed search in Pub-Med/Medline and ISI Web of Knowledge, Scielo and manual searchs, searching papers written in English between 1991 and 2014. There were 44 studies in Pub-Med/Medline, 631 in ISI Web of Knowledge, 11 in Scielo and 3 in manual searchs databases. After exclusion of studies for duplicate, unrelated to the topic by title and summary, different samples and methodologies, a meta-analysis of 4 studies was carried out to identify the dose-response relationship. We did not find evidence that mental practice is effective in increasing strength in healthy individuals. There is no evidence that mental practice alone can be effective to induce strength gains or to optimize the training effects.

O impacto do sono no desempenho de tarefas de memória procedimental em crianças: Revisão sistemática e meta-análise

Introdução: Estudos actuais sugerem que o sono possui um papel importante na melhoria do desempenho motor em adultos. Porém, em crianças saudáveis os resultados são contraditórios, indicando que apenas a passagem do tempo pode produzir um ganho ilusório. Objetivo: Identificar e sumarizar a evidência acerca do impacto do sono no desempenho de tarefas de memória procedimental em crianças saudáveis. Métodos: Foi conduzida uma pesquisa bibliográfica nas principais bases de dados electrónicas, Medline, ISI Web of Science e Scopus. Esta foi realizada até 17 de Maio de 2015 e de acordo com o equação de pesquisa. Após a selecção dos artigos, segundo os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, avaliou-se a qualidade metodológica com recurso ao instrumento designado QATSDD (Quality Assessment Tool and Scoring Guidance Notes) e outro instrumento para estudos de intervenção beforeafter, sem grupo de controlo, desenvolvido por profissionais de sáude pertencentes ao National Institutes of Health. A meta-análise foi realizada com a medida do tempo de reacção, usando a diferença das médias padronizadas. O método estatístico utilizado foi Mantel-Haenszel para efeitos aleatórios. Resultados: Conduziu-se a revisão sistemática com quatorze artigos publicados entre 2007 e 2014, três estudos usados na meta-análise. Apenas quatro estudos denotaram melhorias, estatisticamente significativas, no que diz respeito ao efeito de um período de sono no desempenho de uma tarefa motora em crianças. Pelo contrário, a maioria dos estudos é a favor de que um período de sono prejudica o desempenho. Na meta-análise mostra-se que a vigília favorece os valores do tempo de reacção. Conclusões: A presente evidência não suporta o facto de que um período de sono optimiza o desempenho de tarefas de memória procedimental em crianças. Dadas as limitações apresentadas, nomeadamente a heterogeneidade das intervenções e reduzida qualidade metodológica dos estudos incluídos, sem grupo de controlo, sugere-se a realização de estudos futuros com maior nível de evidência.