These algorithms have become important tools in artificial intelligence , machine learning , neural computing and engineering applications . Since 2009 , more than 1,000 peer-reviewed research papers cited the firefly algorithm and/or cuckoo search . In addition , the Van Flandern – Yang hypothesis was derived from his collaboration with Tom Van Flandern to explain the gravity variations during the 1997 solar eclipse , and this theory is related to the well-known Allais effect and other phenomena
1997 solar eclipse
Solar eclipse of March 9, 1997
Xin-She Yang