Hybrid evolutionary algorithms for Protein Structure Prediction under the HPNX model

Abstract

The Protein Structure Prediction (PSP) problem is considered here. This problem is tackled with evolutionary algorithms (EAs) using the HPNX energy model. A classic penalty-based hybrid EAs, and two hybrid EAs are compared in this context. These hybrid EAs are based on the utilization of backtracking-based operators for mutation and recombination. They represent two different approaches for treating a constrained problem as the PSP: repairing infeasible solutions, and maintaining feasibility at all times. Both hybrid EAs perform better than the penaltybased EA, although the difference is more marked in the case of using the repairing procedure. © 2006 Springer.