FPGA implementation of a multi-population PBIL algorithm

Evolutionary-based algorithms play an important role in finding solutions to many problems that are not solved by classical methods, and particularly so for those cases where solutions lie within extreme non-convex multidimensional spaces. The intrinsic parallel structure of evolutionary algorithms are amenable to the simultaneous testing of multiple solutions; this has proved essential to the circumvention of local optima, and such robustness comes with high computational overhead, though custom digital processor use may reduce this cost. This paper presents a new implementation of an old, and almost forgotten, evolutionary algorithm: the population-based incremental learning method. We show that the structure of this algorithm is well suited to implementation within programmable logic, as compared with contemporary genetic algorithms. Further, the inherent concurrency of our FPGA implementation facilitates the integration and testing of micro-populations.

A new plant growth system rig based on thermodynamic solar energy: a study for energy efficiency assessment

At the present there is a high pressure toward the improvement of all production processes. Those improvements can target distinct factors along the production chain. In particular, and due to recent tight energy efficiency policies, those that involve energy efficiency. As can be expected, agricultural processes are not immune to this tendency. Even more when dealing with indoor productions. In this context, this work presents an innovative system that aims to improve the energy efficiency of a trees growing platform. This improvement in energy consumption is accomplished by replacing an electric heating system by one based on thermodynamic panels. The assessment of the heating fluid caudal and its temperature was experimentally obtained by means of a custom made scaled prototype whose actuators status are commanded by a Fuzzy-based controller. The obtained results suggest that the change in the heating paradigm will lead to overall savings that can easily reach 60% on the energy bill.

Formação e ação docente: desenvolvendo competências profissionais

O livro tem como fio condutor a ação docente na sua relação com os níveis (macro, meso e micro) em que ela se desenvolve, com a formação profissional que visa dar resposta às distintas demandas da educação escolar, com práticas de ensino e com modos de organização do trabalho docente. O livro integra doze textos de diferentes autores com vinculações institucionais diferentes e diversas (a universidade e a escola) e aborda as problemáticas da governação das escolas, dos professores, da sua formação inicial e continuada para o desenvolvimento de competências profissionais e das práticas de gestão pedagógica e curricular.