
Genetic Algorithms Digest   Thursday, June 25 1992   Volume 6 : Issue 20

 - Send submissions to GA-List@AIC.NRL.NAVY.MIL
 - Send administrative requests to GA-List-Request@AIC.NRL.NAVY.MIL
 - anonymous ftp archive: FTP.AIC.NRL.NAVY.MIL (see v6n5 for details)

Today's Topics:
	- Editor's messages
	- Suitable Journals for GA Papers?
	- Journal Announcement
	- Congratulations to Holland
	- Re: Paradigmatic over-fitting
	- Registration Information PPSN92

**********************************************************************

CALENDAR OF GA-RELATED ACTIVITIES: (with GA-List issue reference)

 ML-92, Machine Learning Conference, Aberdeen (v6n8)          Jul  1-3,  1992
 10th National Conference on AI, San Jose,                    Jul 12-17, 1992
 FOGA-92, Foundations of Genetic Algorithms, Colorado (v5n32) Jul 26-29, 1992
 COG SCI 92, Cognitive Science Conference, Indiana, (v5n39)   Jul 29-1,  1992
 ECAI 92, 10th European Conference on AI (v5n13)              Aug  3-7,  1992
 Parallel Problem Solving from Nature, Brussels, (v5n29)      Sep 28-30, 1992
 SAB92, From Animals to Animats, Honolulu (v6n6)              Dec  7-11, 1992

 (Send announcements of other activities to GA-List@aic.nrl.navy.mil)

**********************************************************************
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Alan C. Schultz (GA-List Moderator)
Date: Thursday, June 25, 1992
Subject: Editor's Messages

	I have had several requests like the next article below that ask
	for the names of suitable journals for GA papers.  I apologize for
	not responding to these articles sooner, but we have been waiting
	on the announcement below in article three.

	To those who have asked for more information on the FOGA
	workshop, I have been asked to refer you to v5n32 of GA-list.
	To get back issues of GA-list, use anonymous ftp to
	ftp.aic.nrl.navy.mil (192.26.18.74).

	--Alan

------------------------------

From: David Beasley <David.Beasley@computing-maths.cardiff.ac.uk>
Subject: Suitable Journals For GA papers?

     I'm not aware of any journals specifically devoted to GAs.
     Can anybody suggest which journals might be interested in 
     general (i.e. not application-specific) papers on GAs ?

     I'm writing a paper, and I'd like some ideas on who to submit it to.

------------------------------

From: dejong@AIC.NRL.Navy.Mil
Date: Wed, 17 Jun 92 08:32:37 EDT
Subject: Journal Announcement

   Dear GA Enthusiast,

   As many of you know, there has been a committee which has been working for
   more than a year on the issue of a journal to serve the GA community.
   Some of the discussions and debates have appeared on GA-list during the
   past year.  I'm happy to announce that we have reached closure on this
   issue and have attached for your information a preliminary announcement
   and a preliminary call for papers for the new journal.  You will
   immediately notice from the title and scope that the intent is to serve a
   somewhat larger community than just GA research.  I hope you are as
   enthusiastic about this as I am, and support the new journal both in terms
   of submission of papers as well as the purchase of subscriptions.

   The plan is to publish the first issue in early 1993.  That means that
   paper submissions and the reviewing process needs to begin this summer.
   Submission details are in the announcement.

   Kenneth De Jong

           *******************************************************

		PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR PAPERS
			    FOR A NEW JOURNAL


  Title:	Evolutionary Computation

  Aim:

    To provide an international forum for facilitating and enhancing the
    exchange of information among researchers involved in both the
    theoretical and practical aspects of computational systems of an
    evolutionary nature. 


  Motivation:

    The rapid growth of interest in various forms of evolutionary
    computation (EC) has lead to a wide variety of activities distributed
    over a number of disciplines, conferences, and journals.  There is a
    strong sense from this diversified community that a focal journal is
    needed to improve communication and dissemination of the research
    being generated by this community.


  Scope:

    The journal would publish both theoretical and practical developments
    of computational systems drawing their inspiration from nature, with
    particular emphasis on evolutionary models of computation such as
    genetic algorithms (GAs), evolution strategies (ESs), classifier
    systems (CSs), evolutionary programming (EP), and other evolutionary
    computation techniques.

  Representative topic areas include the following:

     - Mathematical foundations of EC
     - Biological foundations of EC
     - Characterizations of problems suitable for EC approaches
     - Parallel computation of evolutionary algorithms
     - Implementation issues for EC
     - Evolutionary approaches to optimization
     - Evolutionary approaches to machine learning
     - Evolutionary approaches to artificial life
     - Evolution of neural networks
     - Evolution of emergent properties
     - Applications of EC to image processing and pattern recognition
     - Applications of EC to robotics and autonomous systems
     - Applications of EC to new problems in science, engineering, 
	 economics, etc.



  Editorial Structure:

    Editor-in-chief:  	Kenneth De Jong

    Associate Editors:

	  North America:  John Grefenstette
	  Europe:  	Heinz Muehlenbein
	  Asia:  		Hiroaki Kitano


    Area Editors:

	  (currently under development)


    Editorial Board Members: (not finalized)

	  Emile Aarts		Philips Labs (Netherlands)
	  Thomas Baeck		Univ. of Dortmund (Germany)
	  Rik Belew		UCSD (USA)
	  Lashon Booker		MITRE (USA)
	  Yuval Davidor		Weizmann Institute (Israel)
	  Lawrence Davis		Tica Associates (USA)
	  Hugo de Garis		ETL (Japan)
	  Kenneth De Jong		George Mason Univ. (USA)
	  Larry Eshelman		Philips Labs (USA)
	  Terrence Fogarty	Bristol Polytechnic (England)
	  David Fogel		ORINCON Corporation (USA)
	  Lawrence Fogel		ORINCON Corporation (USA)
	  Stephanie Forrest	Univ. of New Mexico (USA)     
	  David Goldberg		Univ. of Illinois (USA)
	  John Grefenstette	Naval Research Lab (USA)
	  John Holland		Univ. of Michigan (USA)
	  Hiroaki Kitano		NEC (Japan) and CMU (USA)
	  Reinhard Maenner        Univ. of Heidelberg (Germany)
	  Worthy Martin           Univ. of Virginia (USA) 
	  Bernard Manderick       Univ. of Brussels (Belgium)
	  Jean-Arcady Meyer       Univ. of Paris (France)
	  Zbigniew Michalewicz    UNC at Charlotte (USA)
	  David Montana           BBN (USA)
	  Heinz Muehlenbein       Centre for Math. & DP (Germany)
	  Gregory Rawlins         Indiana Univ. (USA) 
	  Rick Riolo              Univ. of Michigan (USA)
	  Dave Schaffer           Philips Labs (USA)
	  Hans-Paul Schwefel      Univ. of Dortmund (Germany)
	  Robert Smith		Univ. of Alabama (USA)
	  Stephen F. Smith        Carnegie-Mellon Univ. (USA)
	  Gil Syswerda            BBN (USA)
	  Michael Vose            Univ. of Tennessee (USA)
	  Darrell Whitley         Colorado State Univ. (USA)


  Journal Features:

	   - initial publication frequency:  4 issues per year.
	   - initial page counts: ~ 100 pages per issue.
	   - start date:  first quarter of 1993
	   - contain both long and short papers.
	   - contain announcements of events of interest to the community,
	     such as conferences, workshops, special issues, etc.


  Subscription Details: (to be announced)

     - currently under negotiation.
     - our goal is to have:
	   - low cost individual subscriptions (< $50 per year).
	   - low cost student subscriptions (< $30 per year).


  Initial Submission Details for Authors:

     - authors should send their papers to the most convenient Associate
       Editor listed below.  5 hard copies are required for reviewing 
       and filing.

     - we plan to support electronic submissions as well, although not all of
       the details have been finalized.  Contact an Associate Editor for more
       up-to-date details and to answer any other questions.

       John Grefenstette
	  Code 5510
	  Naval Research Laboratory
	  Washington, D.C.  20375
	  USA

	  Phone: (202) 767-2685
	  Fax:   (202) 767-3172
	  Email: gref@aic.nrl.navy.mil


       Heinz Muehlenbein
	  GMD
	  Schloss Birlinghoven
	  P.O. Box 1240
	  D-5205 St. Augustin 1
	  Germany

	  Phone: +49-2241-142405
	  Fax:   +49-2241-142889
	  Email: Heinz.Muehlenbein@GMD.DE


       Hiroaki Kitano
	  Software Engineering Laboratory
	  NEC Corporation
	  2-11-5 Shibaura
	  Minato, Tokyo 108
	  Japan

	  Phone: (+81) 3-5476-1089
	  Fax:   (+81) 3-5476-1083
	  Email: kitano@spls26.ccs.mt.nec.co.jp

------------------------------

From: ds1@philabs.Philips.Com  (Dave Schaffer)
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 92 08:15:49 EDT
Subject: Congratulations to Holland

  Congratulations to John Holland on being awarded a MacArthur
  Fellowship!

  Dave

------------------------------

From: jrv@sdimax2.mitre.org
Date: Fri, 05 Jun 92 12:30:02 EDT
Subject: Re: Paradigmatic over-fitting

 Rik Belew suggests...

 >   ...First, a [research] field should maintain MULTIPLE data
 >   sets, to minimize aberations due to any one.  Second, each of these can
 >   only be USED FOR A LIMITED TIME, to be replaced by a new ones.

 >   The problem is that even these modest conventions require significant
 >   "discipline discipline."  Accomplishing any coordination across
 >   independent-minded scientists is difficult, and the use of shared data
 >   sets is a fairly effortless way to accomplish useful coordination.  Data
 >   sets are difficult to obtain in the first place, and convincing others to
	  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
 >   become familiar with them ever harder; these become intertial forces that
 >   will make scientists reluctant to part with the classic data sets they
 >   know well.  Evaluating results across multiple data sets also makes new
 >   problems for reviewers and editors.  And, because the time-scale of

 Is there an archive on the net for test functions?  If not, can one be set up?

 A collection of C source files all of the same format, say

	#define LENGTH 73		/* bits per structure */

	double f(char *chromosome_bitstring)
	{
		...

	#ifdef MAXIMIZING
		val = -val;
	#endif
		return val;
	}

 ...together with functions for interpreting the strings, perhaps

	int sprintfun(char *buf, int buflength, char *chromosome_bitstring)
	{
		...

	return errorcode;	/* nonzero for error (e.g. buffer too small) */
	}

 ...would facilitate both algorithm comparisons and coordinated evolution
 of test suites.

                         - Jim Van Zandt <jrv@mbunix.mitre.org>

------------------------------

From: bernard@arti1.vub.ac.be (Bernard Manderick)
Date: Mon, 15 Jun 92 10:51:38 +0200
Subject: Registration Information PPSN92

                                  PPSN92
             PARALLEL PROBLEM SOLVING FROM NATURE CONFERENCE
                       ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LAB
                       FREE UNIVERSITY OF BRUSSELS
                                 BELGIUM
                         28 - 30 SEPTEMBER 1992

   General Information
   ===================

   The second Parallel Problem Solving from Nature-conference (PPSN92) will
   be held at the Free University of Brussels, September 28-30, 1992.

   The unifying theme of the PPSN-conference is natural computation, i.e. the
   design, the theoretical and empirical understanding, and the comparison of
   algorithms gleaned from nature and their application to real-world
   problems in science and technology.  Examples are genetic algorithms,
   evolution strategies, algorithms based on neural networks and immune
   systems.

   Since last year there is a collaboration with the International Conference
   on Genetic Algorithms (ICGA) resulting in an alternation of both
   conferences. The ICGA-conferences will be held in the US during the odd
   years while the PPSN-conferences will be held in Europe during the even
   years.

   The major objective of this conference is to provide a biannual
   international forum for scientists from all over the world where they can
   discuss new theoretical, empirical and implementational developments in
   natural computation in general and evolutionary computation in particular
   together with their applications in science, technology and
   administration.

   The conference will feature invited speakers, technical and poster
   sessions.

   Registration Information
   ========================

   REGISTRATION FEE

   The registration fees for PPSN92 are as follows:

   Before August 15:  Normal   8 500 BEF  Student  5 000 BEF
   After August 15:   Normal  10 500 BEF  Student  7 000 BEF

   These fees cover conference participation, conference proceedings,
   refreshment breaks, lunches, wellcome reception and transport from the
   hotels to the conference site and back. The deadline for registration is
   August 15, 1992. After this date, an additional fee of 2000 BEF will be
   charged. (1 US dollar is about 35 BEF and 1 ECU is about 42 BEF).

   ACCOMMODATION

   The conference will take place in the Aula (building Q) of the Free
   University of Brussels (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels.

   There is no on-campus housing available. We have made arrangments with a
   number of hotels. The following hotels have agreed to reserve rooms until
   July 15, 1992 on a first come, first served basis.  All hotels are located
   in the center of the city. Transport from the hotels to the conference
   site and back will be available. The indicated rates are in belgian francs
   (BEF) and include breakfast.

   NOTE THAT RESERVATIONS HAVE TO BE MADE BY THE ATTENDEES AND THIS
   BEFORE JULY 15 IF THEY WANT TO BENEFIT FROM RESERVED ROOMS.

   Hotel Albert I
   Place Rogier 20
   B-1210 Brussel
   tel.  +32/2/217 21 25
   fax  +32/2/217 93 31
   Single: 3 000, double: 3 500, triple room: 4 000 (50 rooms)

   Hotel Arcade
   Place Sainte Catherine
   B-1000 Brussel
   tel. +32/2/513 76 20
   fax  +32/2/514 22 14
   Single: 3 600, double: 3 600, triple room: 4 150 (50 rooms)

   Hotel Arenberg
   Rue d'Assaut 15
   B-1000 Brussel
   tel. +32/2/511 07 70
   fax  +32/2/514 19 76
   Single: 4 500, double room: 5 100 (30 rooms)

   Hotel Delta
   Chaussee de Charleroi 17
   B-1060 Brussel
   tel. +32/2/539 01 60
   fax  +32/2/537 90 11
   Single: 4 500, double room: 5 100 (50 rooms)

   Hotel Ibis
   Grasmarkt 100
   B-1000 Brussel
   tel. +32/2/514 40 40
   fax  +32/2/514 50 67
   Single: 3 650, double room: 4 150, triple room: 5 150 (50 rooms)

   Hotel Palace
   Rue Gineste 3
   B-1210 Brussel
   tel. +32/2/217 79 94
   fax  +32/2/218 76 51
   Single: 4 500, double room: 5 100 (80 rooms)

   CONFERENCE BANQUET

   The conference dinner will be held on the evening of Tuesday,
   September 29 in one of the well-known restaurants in the famous Ilot
   Sacre which is close to the Grande Place. The banquet costs 1 500 BEF
   - see registration form. Places are limited and will be assigned on a
   first come, first served basis.

   ACCOMPANYING PERSONS PROGRAM

   We did not foresee an accompanying persons program. All hotels will be
   happy to inform you about all kind of attractions (shopping, tourism,
   gastronomy, museums and the like) in Brussels. Most of these
   attractions are in a walking distance from your hotel.

   TRAVELING TO BRUSSELS

   Brussels has three international railway stations. Brussels Central
   ("Brussel Centraal" in Dutch/"Gare Central" in French) lies in the
   center of the city, Brussels South ("Brussel Zuid"/"Gare du Midi") and
   Brussels North ("Brussel Noord"/"Gare du Nord") are less than 2 kilometers
   to the south and to the north of the center, respectively.

   The Brussels airport is located at 10 km from the center of the city
   where most hotels are situated. There is a special train between the
   airport and Brussels Central which runs at half hour intervals. It
   also stops at Brussels North. All major airlines fly to Brussels.

   PAYMENT

	   * Cheques (to be sent to PPSN92 Registrations). Please note that
	     all charges, if any, must be at the participants' expense.
	     Eurocheques are preferred.

	   * Bankers draft to the order of PPSN: ASLK-CGER Bank, Belgium:
	     Account 001-2361627-44 mentioning your name.
	     Please ask your bank to arrange the transfer at no cost of the
	     beneficiary. Bank charges, if any, will be at the participants
	     expense.

   CANCELLATION

   Refunds of 50% will be made if a written request is received before
   September 15. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after
   this date.

   SPONSORS

   The conference is sponsored by the Commission of the European Communities
   - DG XIII- Esprit, Siemens-Nixdorf, Parsytec, the National Fund for
   Scientific Research and the Research Council of the Free University of
   Brussels.

   REGISTRATION

   Attached you will find the registration form. Completed registration
   forms should be returned by mail, email or fax to:

	   PPSN92 Registrations
	   Artificial Intelligence Lab
	   VUB
	   Pleinlaan 2           Phone +32 2 641 35 75
	   B-1050 Brussels       Fax   +32 2 641 35 82
	   BELGIUM               Email ppsn@arti.vub.ac.be


   REGISTRATION FORM - CUT HERE


			  PPSN92 REGISTRATION FORM

   PERSONAL DETAILS

   Name, First Name ___________________________________________

   Address          ___________________________________________

		    ___________________________________________

   Zip code         ____________  City  _______________________

   Country          ___________________________________________

   Telephone No.    ___________________________________________

   Fax No.          ___________________________________________

   Email            ___________________________________________

   REGISTRATION FEE

   Studnets requiring reduced fee must provide proof of status (such as
   copy of student ID). Please tick the appropriate boxes below.

								    ----
   Normal Registration                8 500 BEF                     |  |
								    ----

								    ----
   Student Registration               5 000 BEF                     |  |
								    ----

								    ----
   Late Fee (after August 15)         2 000 BEF                     |  |
								    ----

				      Registration Total     -----------
				       (BEF):                |         |
							     -----------

   LUNCHES
								    ----
   Vegetarian                                                       |  |
								    ----

   CONFERENCE DINNER

   Yes - I wish to attend the PPSN92 Conference Dinner              ----
			       (1 500 BEF)                          |  |
								    ----
   Nr. of Additional tickets (Nr. * 1 500 BEF)                      |  |
								    ----

				       Dinner Total          -----------
				       (BEF):                |         |
							     -----------

				       FINAL TOTAL           -----------
				       (BEF):                |         |
							     -----------

------------------------------
End of Genetic Algorithms Digest
******************************
