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The Snake Optimizer (SO) is an advanced metaheuristic algorithm for solving complicated real-world optimization problems. However, despite its advantages, the SO faces certain challenges, such as susceptibility to local optima and suboptimal convergence performance in cases involving discretized, high-dimensional, and multi-constraint problems. To address these problems, this paper presents an improved version of the SO, known as the Snake Optimizer using Sobol sequential nonlinear factors and different learning strategies (SNDSO). Firstly, using Sobol sequences to generate better distributed initial populations helps to locate the global optimum solution faster. Secondly, the use of nonlinear factors based on the inverse tangent function to control the exploration and exploitation phases effectively improves the exploitation capability of the algorithm. Finally, introducing learning strategies improves the population diversity and reduces the probability of the algorithm falling into the local optimum trap. The effectiveness of the proposed SNDSO in solving discretized, high-dimensional, and multi-constraint problems is validated through a series of experiments. The performance of the SNDSO in tackling high-dimensional numerical optimization problems is first confirmed by using the Congress on Evolutionary Computation (CEC) 2015 and CEC2017 test sets. Then, twelve feature selection problems are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the SNDSO in discretized scenarios. Finally, five real-world technical multi-constraint optimization problems are employed to evaluate the performance of the SNDSO in high-dimensional and multi-constraint domains. The experiments show that the SNDSO effectively overcomes the challenges of discretization, high dimensionality, and multi-constraint problems and outperforms superior algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet of Things (IoT) edge is an emerging technology of sensors and devices that communicate real-time data to a network. IoT edge computing was introduced to handle the latency concerns related to cloud computing data management, as the data are processed closer to their point of origin. Clustering and scheduling tasks on IoT edge computing are considered a challenging problem due to the diverse nature of task and resource characteristics. Metaheuristics and optimization methods are widely used in IoT edge task clustering and scheduling. This paper introduced a new task clustering and scheduling mechanism using differential evolution optimization on IoT edge computing. The proposed mechanism aims to optimize task clustering and scheduling to find optimal execution times for submitted tasks. The proposed mechanism for task clustering is based on the degree of similarity of task characteristics. The proposed mechanisms use an evolutionary mechanism to distribute system tasks across suitable IoT edge resources. The clustering tasks process categorizes tasks with similar requirements and then maps them to appropriate resources. To evaluate the proposed differential evolution mechanism for IoT edge task clustering and scheduling, this study conducted several simulation experiments against two established mechanisms: the Firefly Algorithm (FA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The simulation configuration was carefully created to mimic real-world IoT edge computing settings to ensure the proposed mechanism's applicability and the simulation results' relevance. In the heavyweight workload scenario, the proposed DE mechanism started with an execution time of 916.61 milliseconds, compared to FA's 1092 milliseconds and PSO's 1026.09 milliseconds. By the 50th iteration, the proposed DE mechanism had reduced its execution time significantly to around 821.27 milliseconds, whereas FA and PSO showed lesser improvements, with FA at approximately 1053.06 milliseconds and PSO stabilizing at 956.12 milliseconds. The simulation results revealed that the proposed differential evolution mechanism for edge task clustering and scheduling outperforms FA and PSO regarding system efficiency and stability, significantly reducing execution time and having minimal variation across simulation iterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate parameter estimation is crucial and challenging for the design and modeling of PV cells/modules. However, the high degree of non-linearity of the typical I–V characteristic further complicates this task. Consequently, significant research interest has been generated in recent years. Currently, this trend has been marked by a noteworthy acceleration, mainly due to the rise of swarm intelligence and the rapid progress of computer technology. This paper proposes a developed Mountain Gazelle Optimizer (MGO) to generate the best values of the unknown parameters of PV generation units. The MGO mimics the social life and hierarchy of mountain gazelles in the wild. The MGO was compared with well-recognized recent algorithms, which were the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), the Squirrel Search Algorithm (SSA), the Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm, the Bat–Artificial Bee Colony Optimizer (BABCO), the Bat Algorithm (BA), Multiswarm Spiral Leader Particle Swarm Optimization (M-SLPSO), the Guaranteed Convergence Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (GCPSO), Triple-Phase Teaching–Learning-Based Optimization (TPTLBO), the Criss-Cross-based Nelder–Mead simplex Gradient-Based Optimizer (CCNMGBO), the quasi-Opposition-Based Learning Whale Optimization Algorithm (OBLWOA), and the Fractional Chaotic Ensemble Particle Swarm Optimizer (FC-EPSO). The experimental findings and statistical studies proved that the MGO outperformed the competing techniques in identifying the parameters of the Single-Diode Model (SDM) and the Double-Diode Model (DDM) PV models of Photowatt-PWP201 (polycrystalline) and STM6-40/36 (monocrystalline). The RMSEs of the MGO on the SDM and the DDM of Photowatt-PWP201 and STM6-40/36 were 2.042717 × 10 − 3 , 1.387641 × 10 − 3 , 1.719946 × 10 − 3 , and 1.686104 × 10 − 3 , respectively. Overall, the identified results highlighted that the MGO-based approach featured a fast processing time and steady convergence while retaining a high level of accuracy in the achieved solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a parallel meta-heuristic algorithm called Cuckoo Flower Search (CFS). This algorithm combines the Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA) and Cuckoo Search (CS) to train Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) models. The algorithm is evaluated on standard benchmark problems and its competitiveness is demonstrated against other state-of-the-art algorithms. Multiple datasets are utilized to assess the performance of CFS for MLP training. The experimental results are compared with various algorithms such as Genetic Algorithm (GA), Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Evolutionary Search (ES), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), and Population-based Incremental Learning (PBIL). Statistical tests are conducted to validate the superiority of the CFS algorithm in finding global optimum solutions. The results indicate that CFS achieves significantly better outcomes with a higher convergence rate when compared to the other algorithms tested. This highlights the effectiveness of CFS in solving MLP optimization problems and its potential as a competitive algorithm in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new metaheuristic algorithm called Particle Swarm-based picking time minimization (Pkt_PSO), ideated for picking time minimization in manual warehouses. As the name suggests, Pkt_PSO is inspired by Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and it is specifically designed to minimize the picking time in order case picking contexts. To assess the quality and the robustness of Pkt_PSO, it is compared to five alternative algorithms used as benchmarks. The comparisons are made in nine different scenarios obtained by changing the layout of the warehouse and the length of the picking list. The results of the analysis show that Pkt_PSO has a slower convergence rate and suffers less of early stagnation in local minima; this ensures a more extensive and accurate exploration of the solution space. In fact, the solutions provided by Pkt_PSO are always better (or at least comparable) to the ones found by the benchmarks, both in terms of quality (closeness to the overall best) and reliability (frequency with which the best solution is found). Clearly, as more solutions are explored, the computational time of Pkt_PSO is longer, but it remains compatible with the operational needs of most practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At complex industrial sites, the high number of large consumers that make the technological process chain requires direct supply from the main high-voltage grid. Often, for operational flexibility and redundancy, the main external supply is complemented with small local generation units. When a contingency occurs in the grid and the main supply is cut off, the local generators are used to keep in operation the critical consumers until the safe shutdown of the entire process can be achieved. In these scenarios, in order to keep the balance between local generation and consumption, the classic approach is to use under-frequency load-shedding schemes. This paper proposes a new load-shedding algorithm that uses particle swarm optimization and forecasted load data to provide a low-cost alternative to under-frequency methods. The algorithm is built using the requirements and input data provided by a real industrial site from Romania. The results show that local generation and critical consumption can be kept in stable operation for the time interval required for the safe shutdown of the running processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an Improved Multi-phase Particle Swarm Optimization (IMPPSO) to solve a Dynamic Job Shop Scheduling Problem (DJSSP) known as an non-deterministic polynomial-time hard (NP-hard) problem. A cellular neighbor network, a velocity reinitialization strategy, a randomly select sub-dimension strategy, and a constraint handling function are introduced in the IMPPSO. The IMPPSO is used to solve the Kundakcı and Kulak problem set and is compared with the original Multi-phase Particle Swarm Optimization (MPPSO) and Heuristic Kalman Algorithm (HKA). The results show that the IMPPSO has better global exploration capability and convergence. The IMPPSO has improved fitness for most of the benchmark instances of the Kundakcı and Kulak problem set, with an average improvement rate of 5.16% compared to the Genetic Algorithm-Mixed (GAM) and of 0.74% compared to HKA. The performance of the IMPPSO for solving real-world problems is verified by a case study. The high level of operational efficiency is also evaluated and demonstrated by proposing a simulation model capable of using the decision-making algorithm in a real-world environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

End-to-end obstacle avoidance path planning for intelligent vehicles has been a widely studied topic. To resolve the typical issues of the solving algorithms, which are weak global optimization ability, ease in falling into local optimization and slow convergence speed, an efficient optimization method is proposed in this paper, based on the whale optimization algorithm. We present an adaptive adjustment mechanism which can dynamically modify search behavior during the iteration process of the whale optimization algorithm. Meanwhile, in order to coordinate the global optimum and local optimum of the solving algorithm, we introduce a controllable variable which can be reset according to specific routing scenarios. The evolutionary strategy of differential variation is also applied in the algorithm presented to further update the location of search individuals. In numerical experiments, we compared the proposed algorithm with the following six well-known swarm intelligence optimization algorithms: Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Bat Algorithm (BA), Gray Wolf Optimization Algorithm (GWO), Dragonfly Algorithm (DA), Ant Lion Algorithm (ALO), and the traditional Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). Our method gave rise to better results for the typical twenty-three benchmark functions. In regard to path planning problems, we observed an average improvement of 18.95% in achieving optimal solutions and 77.86% in stability. Moreover, our method exhibited faster convergence compared to some existing approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in electric grid technology have led to sustainable, modern, decentralized, bidirectional microgrids (MGs). The MGs can support energy storage, renewable energy sources (RESs), power electronics converters, and energy management systems. The MG system is less costly and creates less CO2 than traditional power systems, which have significant operational and fuel expenses. In this paper, the proposed hybrid MG adopts renewable energies, including solar photovoltaic (PV), wind turbines (WT), biomass gasifiers (biogasifier), batteries' storage energies, and a backup diesel generator. The energy management system of the adopted MG resources is intended to satisfy the load demand of Basra, a city in southern Iraq, considering the city's real climate and demand data. For optimal sizing of the proposed MG components, a meta-heuristic optimization algorithm (Hybrid Grey Wolf with Cuckoo Search Optimization (GWCSO)) is applied. The simulation results are compared with those achieved using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithms (GA), Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO), Cuckoo Search Optimization (CSO), and Antlion Optimization (ALO) to evaluate the optimal sizing results with minimum costs. Since the adopted GWCSO has the lowest deviation, it is more robust than the other algorithms, and their optimal number of component units, annual cost, and Levelized Cost Of Energy (LCOE) are superior to the other ones. According to the optimal annual analysis, LCOE is 0.1192 and the overall system will cost about USD 2.6918 billion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying parameters in photovoltaic (PV) cell and module models is one of the primary challenges of the simulation and design of photovoltaic systems. Metaheuristic algorithms can find near-optimal solutions within a reasonable time for such challenging real-world optimization problems. Control parameters must be adjusted with many existing algorithms, making them difficult to use. In real-world problems, many of these algorithms must be combined or hybridized, which results in more complex and time-consuming algorithms. This paper presents a new artificial parameter-less optimization algorithm (APLO) for parameter estimation of PV models. New mutation operators are designed in the proposed algorithm. APLO's exploitation phase is enhanced by each individual searching for the best solution in this updating operator. Moreover, the current best, the old best, and the individual's current position are utilized in the differential term of the mutation operator to assist the exploration phase and control the convergence speed. The algorithm uses a random step length based on a normal distribution to ensure population diversity. We present the results of a comparative study using APLO and well-known existing parameter-less meta-heuristic algorithms such as grey wolf optimization, the salp swarm algorithm, JAYA, teaching-learning based optimization, colliding body optimization, as well as three major parameter-based algorithms such as differential evolution, genetic algorithm, and particle swarm optimization to estimate the parameters of PV the modules. The results revealed that the proposed algorithm could provide excellent exploration–exploitation balance and consistency during the iterations. Furthermore, the APLO algorithm shows high reliability and accuracy in identifying the parameters of PV cell models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reporting the empirical results of swarm and evolutionary computation algorithms is a challenging task with many possible difficulties. These difficulties stem from the stochastic nature of such algorithms, as well as their inability to guarantee an optimal solution in polynomial time. This research deals with measuring the performance of stochastic optimization algorithms, as well as the confidence intervals of the empirically obtained statistics. Traditionally, the arithmetic mean is used for measuring average performance, but we propose quantiles for measuring average, peak and bad-case performance, and give their interpretations in a relevant context for measuring the performance of the metaheuristics. In order to investigate the differences between arithmetic mean and quantiles, and to confirm possible benefits, we conducted experiments with 7 stochastic algorithms and 20 unconstrained continuous variable optimization problems. The experiments showed that median was a better measure of average performance than arithmetic mean, based on the observed solution quality. Out of 20 problem instances, a discrepancy between the arithmetic mean and median happened in 6 instances, out of which 5 were resolved in favor of median and 1 instance remained unresolved as a near tie. The arithmetic mean was completely inadequate for measuring average performance based on the observed number of function evaluations, while the 0.5 quantile (median) was suitable for that task. The quantiles also showed to be adequate for assessing peak performance and bad-case performance. In this paper, we also proposed a bootstrap method to calculate the confidence intervals of the probability of the empirically obtained quantiles. Considering the many advantages of using quantiles, including the ability to calculate probabilities of success in the case of multiple executions of the algorithm and the practically useful method of calculating confidence intervals, we recommend quantiles as the standard measure of peak, average and bad-case performance of stochastic optimization algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile robots are relevant dynamic systems in recent applications. Path planning is an essential task for these robots since it allows them to move from one location to another safely and at an affordable cost. Path planning has been studied extensively for static scenarios. However, when the scenarios are dynamic, research is limited due to the complexity and high cost of continuously re-planning the robot's movements to ensure its safety. This paper proposes a new, simple, reliable, and affordable method to plan safe and optimized paths for differential mobile robots in dynamic scenarios. The method is based on the online re-optimization of the static parameters in the state-of-the-art deterministic path planner Bug0. Due to the complexity of the dynamic path planning problem, a metaheuristic optimization approach is adopted. This approach utilizes metaheuristics from evolutionary computation and swarm intelligence to find the Bug0 parameters when the mobile robot is approaching an obstacle. The proposal is tested in simulation, and well-known metaheuristic methods are compared, including Differential Evolution (DE), the Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The dynamic planner based on PSO generates paths with the best performances. In addition, the results of the PSO-based planner are compared with different Bug0 configurations, and the former is shown to be significantly better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is still trying to recover from the devastation caused by the wide spread of COVID-19, and now the monkeypox virus threatens becoming a worldwide pandemic. Although the monkeypox virus is not as lethal or infectious as COVID-19, numerous countries report new cases daily. Thus, it is not surprising that necessary precautions have not been taken, and it will not be surprising if another worldwide pandemic occurs. Machine learning has recently shown tremendous promise in image-based diagnosis, including cancer detection, tumor cell identification, and COVID-19 patient detection. Therefore, a similar application may be implemented to diagnose monkeypox as it invades the human skin. An image can be acquired and utilized to further diagnose the condition. In this paper, two algorithms are proposed for improving the classification accuracy of monkeypox images. The proposed algorithms are based on transfer learning for feature extraction and meta-heuristic optimization for feature selection and optimization of the parameters of a multi-layer neural network. The GoogleNet deep network is adopted for feature extraction, and the utilized meta-heuristic optimization algorithms are the Al-Biruni Earth radius algorithm, the sine cosine algorithm, and the particle swarm optimization algorithm. Based on these algorithms, a new binary hybrid algorithm is proposed for feature selection, along with a new hybrid algorithm for optimizing the parameters of the neural network. To evaluate the proposed algorithms, a publicly available dataset is employed. The assessment of the proposed optimization of feature selection for monkeypox classification was performed in terms of ten evaluation criteria. In addition, a set of statistical tests was conducted to measure the effectiveness, significance, and robustness of the proposed algorithms. The results achieved confirm the superiority and effectiveness of the proposed methods compared to other optimization methods. The average classification accuracy was 98.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data clustering is a process of arranging similar data in different groups based on certain characteristics and properties, and each group is considered as a cluster. In the last decades, several nature-inspired optimization algorithms proved to be efficient for several computing problems. Firefly algorithm is one of the nature-inspired metaheuristic optimization algorithms regarded as an optimization tool for many optimization issues in many different areas such as clustering. To overcome the issues of velocity, the firefly algorithm can be integrated with the popular particle swarm optimization algorithm. In this paper, two modified firefly algorithms, namely the crazy firefly algorithm and variable step size firefly algorithm, are hybridized individually with a standard particle swarm optimization algorithm and applied in the domain of clustering. The results obtained by the two planned hybrid algorithms have been compared with the existing hybridized firefly particle swarm optimization algorithm utilizing ten UCI Machine Learning Repository datasets and eight Shape sets for performance evaluation. In addition to this, two clustering validity measures, Compact-separated and David–Bouldin, have been used for analyzing the efficiency of these algorithms. The experimental results show that the two proposed hybrid algorithms outperform the existing hybrid firefly particle swarm optimization algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manta ray foraging optimizer (MRFO) is a novel nature-inspired optimization algorithm that simulates the foraging strategy and behavior of manta ray groups, i.e., chain, spiral, and somersault foraging. Although the native MRFO has revealed good competitive capability with popular meta-heuristic algorithms, it still falls into local optima and slows the convergence rate in dealing with some complex problems. In order to ameliorate these deficiencies of the MRFO, a new elite chaotic MRFO, termed the CMRFO algorithm, integrated with chaotic initialization of population and an opposition-based learning strategy, is developed in this paper. Fourteen kinds of chaotic maps with different properties are used to initialize the population. Thereby, the chaotic map with the best effect is selected; meanwhile, the sensitivity analysis of an elite selection ratio in an elite chaotic searching strategy to the CMRFO is discussed. These strategies collaborate to enhance the MRFO in accelerating overall performance. In addition, the superiority of the presented CMRFO is comprehensively demonstrated by comparing it with a native MRFO, a modified MRFO, and several state-of-the-art algorithms using (1) 23 benchmark test functions, (2) the well-known IEEE CEC 2020 test suite, and (3) three optimization problems in the engineering field, respectively. Furthermore, the practicability of the CMRFO is illustrated by solving a real-world application of shape optimization of cubic generalized Ball (CG-Ball) curves. By minimizing the curvature variation in these curves, the shape optimization model of CG-Ball ones is established. Then, the CMRFO algorithm is applied to handle the established model compared with some advanced meta-heuristic algorithms. The experimental results demonstrate that the CMRFO is a powerful and attractive alternative for solving engineering optimization problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The arithmetic optimization algorithm (AOA) is a new metaheuristic algorithm inspired by arithmetic operators (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) to solve arithmetic problems. The algorithm is characterized by simple principles, fewer parameter settings, and easy implementation, and has been widely used in many fields. However, similar to other meta-heuristic algorithms, AOA suffers from shortcomings, such as slow convergence speed and an easy ability to fall into local optimum. To address the shortcomings of AOA, an improved arithmetic optimization algorithm (IAOA) is proposed. First, dynamic inertia weights are used to improve the algorithm's exploration and exploitation ability and speed up the algorithm's convergence speed; second, dynamic mutation probability coefficients and the triangular mutation strategy are introduced to improve the algorithm's ability to avoid local optimum. In order to verify the effectiveness and practicality of the algorithm in this paper, six benchmark test functions are selected for the optimization search test verification to verify the optimization search ability of IAOA; then, IAOA is used for the parameter optimization of support vector machines to verify the practical ability of IAOA. The experimental results show that IAOA has a strong global search capability, and the optimization-seeking capability is significantly improved, and it shows excellent performance in support vector machine parameter optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The arithmetic optimization algorithm is a recently proposed metaheuristic algorithm. In this paper, an improved arithmetic optimization algorithm (IAOA) based on the population control strategy is introduced to solve numerical optimization problems. By classifying the population and adaptively controlling the number of individuals in the subpopulation, the information of each individual can be used effectively, which speeds up the algorithm to find the optimal value, avoids falling into local optimum, and improves the accuracy of the solution. The performance of the proposed IAOA algorithm is evaluated on six systems of nonlinear equations, ten integrations, and engineering problems. The results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms other algorithms in terms of convergence speed, convergence accuracy, stability, and robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The telecommunications industry is greatly concerned about customer churn due to dissatisfaction with service. This industry has started investing in the development of machine learning (ML) models for churn prediction to extract, examine and visualize their customers' historical information from a vast amount of big data which will assist to further understand customer needs and take appropriate actions to control customer churn. However, the high-dimensionality of the data has a large influence on the performance of the ML model, so feature selection (FS) has been applied since it is a primary preprocessing step. It improves the ML model's performance by selecting salient features while reducing the computational time, which can assist this sector in building effective prediction models. This paper proposes a new FS approach ACO-RSA, that combines two metaheuristic algorithms (MAs), namely, ant colony optimization (ACO) and reptile search algorithm (RSA). In the developed ACO-RSA approach, an ACO and RSA are integrated to choose an important subset of features for churn prediction. The ACO-RSA approach is evaluated on seven open-source customer churn prediction datasets, ten CEC 2019 test functions, and its performance is compared to particle swarm optimization (PSO), multi verse optimizer (MVO) and grey wolf optimizer (GWO), standard ACO and standard RSA. According to the results along with statistical analysis, ACO-RSA is an effective and superior approach compared to other competitor algorithms on most datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel swarm intelligent algorithm is proposed called ant nesting algorithm (ANA). The algorithm is inspired by Leptothorax ants and mimics the behavior of ants searching for positions to deposit grains while building a new nest. Although the algorithm is inspired by the swarming behavior of ants, it does not have any algorithmic similarity with the ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm. It is worth mentioning that ANA is considered a continuous algorithm that updates the search agent position by adding the rate of change (e.g., step or velocity). ANA computes the rate of change differently as it uses previous, current solutions, fitness values during the optimization process to generate weights by utilizing the Pythagorean theorem. These weights drive the search agents during the exploration and exploitation phases. The ANA algorithm is benchmarked on 26 well-known test functions, and the results are verified by a comparative study with genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), dragonfly algorithm (DA), five modified versions of PSO, whale optimization algorithm (WOA), salp swarm algorithm (SSA), and fitness dependent optimizer (FDO). ANA outperformances these prominent metaheuristic algorithms on several test cases and provides quite competitive results. Finally, the algorithm is employed for optimizing two well-known real-world engineering problems: antenna array design and frequency-modulated synthesis. The results on the engineering case studies demonstrate the proposed algorithm's capability in optimizing real-world problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combinatorial optimization problems are often considered NP-hard problems in the field of decision science and the industrial revolution. As a successful transformation to tackle complex dimensional problems, metaheuristic algorithms have been implemented in a wide area of combinatorial optimization problems. Metaheuristic algorithms have been evolved and modified with respect to the problem nature since it was recommended for the first time. As there is a growing interest in incorporating necessary methods to develop metaheuristics, there is a need to rediscover the recent advancement of metaheuristics in combinatorial optimization. From the authors' point of view, there is still a lack of comprehensive surveys on current research directions. Therefore, a substantial part of this paper is devoted to analyzing and discussing the modern age metaheuristic algorithms that gained popular use in mostly cited combinatorial optimization problems such as vehicle routing problems, traveling salesman problems, and supply chain network design problems. A survey of seven different metaheuristic algorithms (which are proposed after 2000) for combinatorial optimization problems is carried out in this study, apart from conventional metaheuristics like simulated annealing, particle swarm optimization, and tabu search. These metaheuristics have been filtered through some key factors like easy parameter handling, the scope of hybridization as well as performance efficiency. In this study, a concise description of the framework of the selected algorithm is included. Finally, a technical analysis of the recent trends of implementation is discussed, along with the impacts of algorithm modification on performance, constraint handling strategy, the handling of multi-objective situations using hybridization, and future research opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The execution time that takes to perform numerical simulation of a chaotic oscillator mainly depends on the time-step h. This paper shows that the optimization of chaotic oscillators can be enhanced by estimating the highest h in either one-step or multi-step methods. Four chaotic oscillators are used as a case study, and the optimization of their Kaplan-Yorke dimension ( D K Y ) is performed by applying three metaheuristics, namely: particle swarm optimization (PSO), many optimizing liaison (MOL), and differential evolution (DE) algorithms. Three representative one-step and three multi-step methods are used to solve the four chaotic oscillators, for which the estimation of the highest h is obtained from their stability analysis. The optimization results show the effectiveness of using a high h value for the six numerical methods in reducing execution time while maximizing the positive Lyapunov exponent ( L E + ) and D K Y of the chaotic oscillators by applying PSO, MOL, and DE algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ant colony optimization is a metaheuristic that is mainly used for solving hard combinatorial optimization problems. The distinctive feature of ant colony optimization is a learning mechanism that is based on learning from positive examples. This is also the case in other learning-based metaheuristics such as evolutionary algorithms and particle swarm optimization. Examples from nature, however, indicate that negative learning—in addition to positive learning—can beneficially be used for certain purposes. Several research papers have explored this topic over the last decades in the context of ant colony optimization, mostly with limited success. In this work we present and study an alternative mechanism making use of mathematical programming for the incorporation of negative learning in ant colony optimization. Moreover, we compare our proposal to some well-known existing negative learning approaches from the related literature. Our study considers two classical combinatorial optimization problems: the minimum dominating set problem and the multi dimensional knapsack problem. In both cases we are able to show that our approach significantly improves over standard ant colony optimization and over the competing negative learning mechanisms from the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firefly-Algorithm (FA) is an eminent nature-inspired swarm-based technique for solving numerous real world global optimization problems. This paper presents an overview of the constraint handling techniques. It also includes a hybrid algorithm, namely the Stochastic Ranking with Improved Firefly Algorithm (SRIFA) for solving constrained real-world engineering optimization problems. The stochastic ranking approach is broadly used to maintain balance between penalty and fitness functions. FA is extensively used due to its faster convergence than other metaheuristic algorithms. The basic FA is modified by incorporating opposite-based learning and random-scale factor to improve the diversity and performance. Furthermore, SRIFA uses feasibility based rules to maintain balance between penalty and objective functions. SRIFA is experimented to optimize 24 CEC 2006 standard functions and five well-known engineering constrained-optimization design problems from the literature to evaluate and analyze the effectiveness of SRIFA. It can be seen that the overall computational results of SRIFA are better than those of the basic FA. Statistical outcomes of the SRIFA are significantly superior compared to the other evolutionary algorithms and engineering design problems in its performance, quality and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Properly configuring Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) is a challenging task made difficult by many different details that affect EAs' performance, such as the properties of the fitness function, time and computational constraints, and many others. EAs' meta-optimization methods, in which a metaheuristic is used to tune the parameters of another (lower-level) metaheuristic which optimizes a given target function, most often rely on the optimization of a single property of the lower-level method. In this paper, we show that by using a multi-objective genetic algorithm to tune an EA, it is possible not only to find good parameter sets considering more objectives at the same time but also to derive generalizable results which can provide guidelines for designing EA-based applications. In particular, we present a general framework for multi-objective meta-optimization, to show that "going multi-objective" allows one to generate configurations that, besides optimally fitting an EA to a given problem, also perform well on previously unseen ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]