Towards the automatic generation of card games through Grammar-Guided Genetic Programming

We demonstrate generating complete and playable card games using evolutionary algorithms. Card games are represented in a previously devised card game description language, a context-free grammar. The syntax of this language allows us to use grammar-guided genetic programming. Candidate card games are evaluated through a cascading evaluation function, a multi-step process where games with undesired properties are progressively weeded out. Three representa- tive examples of generated games are analysed. We observed that these games are reasonably balanced and have skill ele- ments, they are not yet entertaining for human players. The particular shortcomings of the examples are discussed in re- gard to the generative process to be able to generate quality games

Self-Organizing Architectural design based on Morphogenetic Programming.

In this paper, we present our research into self-organizing building algorithms. This idea of self-organization of animal/plants behaviour interests researchers to explore the mechanisms required for this emergent phenomena and try to apply them in other domains. We were able to implement a typical construction algorithm in a 3D simulation environment and reproduce the results of previous research in the area. LSystems, morphogenetic programming and wasp nest building are explained in order to understand self-organizing models. We proposed Grammatical swarm as a good tool to optimize building structures.

A dynamic programming approach to the formulation and solution of finite element equations

A method for formulating and algorithmically solving the equations of finite element problems is presented. The method starts with a parametric partition of the domain in juxtaposed strips that permits sweeping the whole region by a sequential addition (or removal) of adjacent strips. The solution of the difference equations constructed over that grid proceeds along with the addition removal of strips in a manner resembling the transfer matrix approach, except that different rules of composition that lead to numerically stable algorithms are used for the stiffness matrices of the strips. Dynamic programming and invariant imbedding ideas underlie the construction of such rules of composition. Among other features of interest, the present methodology provides to some extent the analyst's control over the type and quantity of data to be computed. In particular, the one-sweep method presented in Section 9, with no apparent counterpart in standard methods, appears to be very efficient insofar as time and storage is concerned. The paper ends with the presentation of a numerical example

Quality-optimization algorithm based on stochastic dynamic programming for MPEG DASH video streaming

In contrast to traditional push-based protocols, adaptive streaming techniques like Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) fix attention on the client, who dynamically requests different-quality portions of the content to cope with a limited and variable bandwidth but aiming at maximizing the quality perceived by the user. Since DASH adaptation logic at the client is not covered by the standard, we propose a solution based on Stochastic Dynamic Programming (SDP) techniques to find the optimal request policies that guarantee the users' Quality of Experience (QoE). Our algorithm is evaluated in a simulated streaming session and is compared with other adaptation approaches. The results show that our proposal outperforms them in terms of QoE, requesting higher qualities on average.

Performance and Professional Skills in an Online Java Programming Course for Engineering Students

The main purpose of this work is to describe the case of an online Java Programming course for engineering students to learn computer programming and to practice other non-technicalabilities: online training, self-assessment, teamwork and use of foreign languages. It is important that students develop confidence and competence in these skills, which will be required later in their professional tasks and/or in other engineering courses (life-long learning). Furthermore, this paper presents the pedagogical methodology, the results drawn from this experience and an objective performance comparison with another conventional (face-to-face) Java course.

Hammer: an Android based application for end-user industrial robot programming

This paper presents a novel tablet based end-user interface for industrial robot programming (called Hammer). This application makes easier to program tasks for industrial robots like polishing, milling or grinding. It is based on the Scratch programming language, but specifically design and created for Android OS. It is a visual programming concept that allows non-skilled programmer operators to create programs. The application also allows to monitor the tasks while it is being executed by overlapping real time information through augmented reality. The application includes a teach pendant screen that can be customized according to the operator needs at every moment.

A tool assisting teachers in automating the assessment of programming assignments

Automating the assessment of programming assignments brings benefits for both students and teachers, since it helps the formers to gain a timely feedback and releases the latter from tedious tasks. The related literature in the domain has usually focused on the assessment process and the tools required for it, proposing libraries and systems that teachers can use in this process. However, few of them have work rowards reducing the effort and time teacher require to properly set up new assessente processes. This paper describes our experience with the analysis and design of a new tool to support teachers in visually developing automatic grades of programming assignments, introducing the underlying concepts and technologies and presenting the system architecture.

Análisis de sistemas eléctricos en microsatélites. Desarrollo de módulos para una Concurrent Design Facility (CFD)para el desarrollo y análisis de misiones espaciales = Analysis of microsatellites power subsystems (battery testing). Development and programming of a new Propulsion Module for a space mission Concurrent Design Facility (CDF)

El objetivo de este proyecto es recoger y explicar el conjunto de tareas realizadas durante el proceso de colaboración llevado a cabo en el Instituto de Microgravedad “Ignacio Da Riva” durante el curso académico 2014/2015, las cuales han conformado las prácticas externas cursadas en la titulación de Grado en Ingeniería Aeroespacial, y el Trabajo de Fin de Grado de la misma titulación. En este documento se pretende,además, poner de manifiesto la rigurosidad con la que se trabaja en el ámbito espacial y la importancia de los protocolos y procedimientos para asegurar un resultado adecuado en los trabajos realizados. Una parte importante del proyecto detalla los procesos de monitorización y mantenimiento de la batería del satélite universitario UPMSat-2 cuyo lanzamiento está previsto para el año próximo y el cual será el segundo satélite del mundo en incorporar una batería de Ión-Litio.

Análisis de sistemas eléctricos en microsatélites. Desarrollo de módulos para una Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) para desarrollo y análisis de misiones espaciales = Analysis of microsatellites power subsystems (battery testing). Development and programming of a new Orbit Design Module for a space mission Concurrent Design Facility (CDF)

El presente proyecto se ha realizado durante las prácticas curriculares que han tenido lugar en el Instituto Universitario de Microgravedad “Ignacio Da Riva” (IDR/UPM). A lo largo de estas prácticas se han llevado a cabo trabajos en diversos campos, todos relacionados con el UPMSat-2, desde el subsistema de potencia (placas solares y baterías) hasta el desarrollo de módulos para la Sala de Diseño Concurrente (Concurrent Design Facility, CDF). En la realización de las mismas se ha trabajado en equipo, junto con otros dos alumnos. El objetivo del proyecto es recopilar las tareas realizadas, proporcionando el desarrollo teórico necesario para llevar a cabo todas ellas. Al ser un trabajo con varias partes claramente diferenciadas, se ha optado por comenzar con unas páginas dedicadas a las misiones espaciales. A continuación el trabajo se adentra en el subsistema de potencia de un satélite, particularizando para el UPMSat-2. Finalmente, se proporciona la teoría necesaria para el desarrollo del módulo de misión de la CDF del IDR/UPM, software que se ha desarrollado y tiene reservado un espacio al final, en el cual se describe el programa y se realizan comparaciones de los resultados que proporciona frente a casos reales.

Análisis en sistemas eléctricos en microsatélites. Desarrollo de módulos para una Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) para desarrollo y análisis de misiones espaciales = Analysis of microsatellites power subsystems (battery testing). Development and programming of a new Orbit Design Module for a space mission Concurrent Design Facility (CDF)

El objetivo de este trabajo de fin de grado es la exposición de los resultados y conclusiones, fruto de las tareas desarrolladas durante las practicas curriculares en el Instituto Universitario de Microgravedad “Ignacio Da Riva” (IDR/UPM) el presente curso académico. La estructura del trabajo se compone de dos bloques diferenciados entre sí: el seguimiento de una batería y el desarrollo de un módulo para una CDF.

A Fuzzy approach based on dynamic programming and metaheuristics for selecting safeguards for risk management for information systems

In this paper we focus on the selection of safeguards in a fuzzy risk analysis and management methodology for information systems (IS). Assets are connected by dependency relationships, and a failure of one asset may affect other assets. After computing impact and risk indicators associated with previously identified threats, we identify and apply safeguards to reduce risks in the IS by minimizing the transmission probabilities of failures throughout the asset network. However, as safeguards have associated costs, the aim is to select the safeguards that minimize costs while keeping the risk within acceptable levels. To do this, we propose a dynamic programming-based method that incorporates simulated annealing to tackle optimizations problems.

Red Eléctrica de España uses integer programming for annual salary revisions

In this paper, we present a mixed-integer linear programming model for determining salary-revision matrices for an organization based on that organization?s general strategies. The solution obtained from this model consists of salary increases for each employee; these increases consider the employee?s professional performance, salary level relative to peers within the organization, and professional group. In addition to budget constraints, we modeled other elements typical of compensation systems, such as equity and justice. Red Eléctrica de España (REE), the transmission agent and operator of the Spanish electricity system, used the model to revise its 2010 and 2011 salary policies, and achieved results that were aligned with the company strategy. REE incorporated the model into the salary management module within its information system, and plans to continue to use the model in revisions of the module.

Optimization methods for the operating room management under uncertainty: stochastic programming vs. decomposition approach

The operating theatres are the engine of the hospitals; proper management of the operating rooms and its staff represents a great challenge for managers and its results impact directly in the budget of the hospital. This work presents a MILP model for the efficient schedule of multiple surgeries in Operating Rooms (ORs) during a working day. This model considers multiple surgeons and ORs and different types of surgeries. Stochastic strategies are also implemented for taking into account the uncertain in surgery durations (pre-incision, incision, post-incision times). In addition, a heuristic-based methods and a MILP decomposition approach is proposed for solving large-scale ORs scheduling problems in computational efficient way. All these computer-aided strategies has been implemented in AIMMS, as an advanced modeling and optimization software, developing a user friendly solution tool for the operating room management under uncertainty.

Architecture to Support Automatic Grading Processes in Programming Teaching

La calificación automática de tareas de programación es un tema importante dentro del campo de la innovación educativa que se enfoca en mejorar las habilidades de programación de los estudiantes y en optimizar el tiempo que el profesorado dedica a ello. Uno de los principales problemas vigentes está relacionado con la diversidad de criterios para calificar las tareas de programación. El presente trabajo propone e implementa una arquitectura, basada en el concepto de orquestación de servicios, para soportar varios procesos de calificación automática de tareas de programación. Esto es obtenido a través de las características de modularidad, extensibilidad y flexibilidad que la arquitectura provee al proceso de calificación. La arquitectura define como pieza clave un elemento llamado Grading-submodule, el mismo que provee un servicio de evaluación del código fuente considerando un criterio de calificación. La implementación se ha llevado a cabo sobre la herramienta Virtual Programming Lab; y los resultados demuestran la factibilidad de realización, y la utilidad tanto para el profesorado como para los estudiantes.

A proposal for enhancing the motivation in students of computer programming

Computer programming is known to be one of the most difficult courses for students in the first year of engineering. They are faced with the challenge of abstract thinking and gaining programming skills for the first time. These skills are acquired by continuous practicing from the start of the course. In order to enhance the motivation and dynamism of the learning and assessment processes, we have proposed the use of three educational resources namely screencasts, self-assessment questionnaires and automated grading of assignments. These resources have been made available in Moodle which is a Learning Management System widely used in education environments and adopted by the Telecommunications Engineering School at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM). Both teachers and students can enhance the learning and assessment processes through the use of new educational activities such as self-assessment questionnaires and automated grading of assignments. On the other hand, multimedia resources such as screencasts can guide students in complex topics. The resources proposed allow teachers to improve their tutorial actions since they provide immediate feedback and comments to students without the enormous effort of manual correction and evaluation by teachers specially taking into account the large number of students enrolled in the course. In this paper we present the case study where three proposed educational resources were applied. We describe the special features of the course and explain why the use of these resources can both enhance the students? motivation and improve the teaching and learning processes. Our research work was carried out on students attending the "Computer programming" course offered in the first year of a Telecommunications Engineering degree at UPM. This course is mandatory and has more than 450 enrolled students. Our purpose is to encourage the motivation and dynamism of the learning and assessment processes.