Many machine learning tasks are just too hard to be solved with a single processor machine, no matter how efficient algorithms we use and how fast our hardware is. Luckily genetic programming is well suited for parallelization compared to standard serial algorithms. This paper describes the first parallel implementation of an AIM-GP system creating the potential for an extremely fast system. Th...

During the last five years a large number of randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) have been published on the efficacy of acupuncture in different conditions. In most of these studies verum is compared with sham acupuncture. In general both verum and sham have been found to be effective, and often with little reported difference in outcome. This has repeatedly led to the conclusion that ...

Abstract I defend the thesis that constitutive aim of inquiring into some question, Q , is improving one’s epistemic standing with respect to . Call this epistemic-improvement view consider and ultimately reject two alternative accounts inquiry—namely, inquiry aims at knowledge (justified) belief—and use my criticisms as a foil for clarifying motivating view. also pair normative theses about wh...

Therapeutic benefits of acupuncture for chronic pain patients have been clearly identified in recent clinical trials. Underlying mechanisms of acupuncture action mediated by endogenous opioids have been well demonstrated. The existence of pain inhibitory systems in the central nervous system has also been clarified and acupuncture seems to be a potent stimulus for activating the analgesic syste...

Background Patients are attracted to acupuncture partly by its reputation for having low risks. The safety of acupuncture should be established by positive evidence. Methods Two prospective surveys were conducted among different groups of professionals in the UK, including doctors, physiotherapists and practitioners primarily trained in acupuncture. Participants monitored adverse events over a ...