There are two primary objectives of this dissertation. The first goal is to identify certain limits of genetic algorithms that use only fitness for learning genetic linkage. Both an explanatory theory and experimental results to support the theory are provided. The other goal is to propose a better design of the linkage learning genetic algorithm. After understanding the cause of the performanc...

Network design is a difficult combinatorial optimization problem which searches an optimal network configuration that satisfies geographical constraints, user traffic constraints etc. from a huge number of candidates. In solving the problem with GAs, building block (BB) destructions occur frequently which misleads the algorithms to unfavorable local optima, because appropriate encoding only wit...

This paper investigates the in-hand manipulation capabilities of a compliant, underactuated planar robotic hand by treating the system as a simple, symmetric, 6-bar linkage mechanism with compliant joints. Although underactuated hands are generally not considered to be adept at dexterous tasks, we have found through past work that an underactuated manipulator can control n degrees of freedom wi...

BACKGROUND Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is one of the most common health complications with a strong genetic component. Several genetic disorders were identified as etiological factors of hereditary X linked RSA. However, more genetic factors remain to be identified. OBJECTIVE In this study we performed linkage analysis on a large X linked RSA pedigree to find a novel susceptibility l...

In order to identify risk factors for infant mortality (< 1 year of age) in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil, by means of data bank linkage, a case-control study was performed, selecting individuals from the Mortality Information System (SIM; 2000 and 2001) and the Information System on Live Births (SINASC; 2000). The database linkage or data-sharing technique was used, with the Access 2000 softwa...

Between 40% and 80% of the variation in human intelligence (IQ) is attributable to genetic factors. Except for many rare mutations resulting in severe cognitive dysfunction, attempts to identify these factors have not been successful. We report a genomewide linkage scan involving 634 sibling pairs designed to identify chromosomal regions that explain variation in IQ. Model-free multipoint linka...

salinity stress is one of the most important abiotic stresses which threaten plants. in order to study the effect of salinity stress on yield and yield components of sunflower and also genetic analysis of these traits in relation with salt tolerance, a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications was conducted. pots were arranged outside the greenhouse in...