Parameter optimization of an evolutionary algorithm for RNA structure discovery

This paper focuses on the optimization of population and selection parameters of an evolutionary algorithm for similar RNA structure discovery. The effects of population settings such as the number of parents and number of offspring per parent, and method of selection (tournament vs. elitist) on the rate of convergence were investigated relative to a problem with a known RNA structure solution. The results indicate that proper setting of the number of parents and offspring can be used to increase the efficiency of the evolutionary process.