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Optimization for Learning and Control Comprehensive resource providing a masters'level introduction to optimization theory and algorithms for learning and control Optimization for Learning and Control describes how optimization is used in these domains, giving a thorough introduction to both unsupervised learning, supervised learning, and reinforcement learning, with an emphasis on optimization methods for large-scale learning and control problems. Several applications areas are also discussed, including signal processing, system identification, optimal control, and machine learning. Today, most of the material on the optimization aspects of deep learning that is accessible for students at a Masters'level is focused on surface-level computer programming; deeper knowledge about the optimization methods and the trade-offs that are behind these methods is not provided. The objective of this book is to make this scattered knowledge, currently mainly available in publications in academic journals, accessible for Masters'students in a coherent way. The focus is on basic algorithmic principles and trade-offs. Optimization for Learning and Control covers sample topics such as: Optimization theory and optimization methods, covering classes of optimization problems like least squares problems, quadratic problems, conic optimization problems and rank optimization. First-order methods, second-order methods, variable metric methods, and methods for nonlinear least squares problems. Stochastic optimization methods, augmented Lagrangian methods, interior-point methods, and conic optimization methods. Dynamic programming for solving optimal control problems and its generalization to reinforcement learning. How optimization theory is used to develop theory and tools of statistics and learning, e.g., the maximum likelihood method, expectation maximization, k-means clustering, and support vector machines. How calculus of variations is used in optimal control and for deriving the family of exponential distributions. Optimization for Learning and Control is an ideal resource on the subject for scientists and engineers learning about which optimization methods are useful for learning and control problems; the text will also appeal to industry professionals using machine learning for different practical applications.

REINFORCEMENT LEARNING AND STOCHASTIC OPTIMIZATION Clearing the jungle of stochastic optimization Sequential decision problems, which consist of “decision, information, decision, information,” are ubiquitous, spanning virtually every human activity ranging from business applications, health (personal and public health, and medical decision making), energy, the sciences, all fields of engineering, finance, and e-commerce. The diversity of applications attracted the attention of at least 15 distinct fields of research, using eight distinct notational systems which produced a vast array of analytical tools. A byproduct is that powerful tools developed in one community may be unknown to other communities. Reinforcement Learning and Stochastic Optimization offers a single canonical framework that can model any sequential decision problem using five core components: state variables, decision variables, exogenous information variables, transition function, and objective function. This book highlights twelve types of uncertainty that might enter any model and pulls together the diverse set of methods for making decisions, known as policies, into four fundamental classes that span every method suggested in the academic literature or used in practice. Reinforcement Learning and Stochastic Optimization is the first book to provide a balanced treatment of the different methods for modeling and solving sequential decision problems, following the style used by most books on machine learning, optimization, and simulation. The presentation is designed for readers with a course in probability and statistics, and an interest in modeling and applications. Linear programming is occasionally used for specific problem classes. The book is designed for readers who are new to the field, as well as those with some background in optimization under uncertainty. Throughout this book, readers will find references to over 100 different applications, spanning pure learning problems, dynamic resource allocation problems, general state-dependent problems, and hybrid learning/resource allocation problems such as those that arose in the COVID pandemic. There are 370 exercises, organized into seven groups, ranging from review questions, modeling, computation, problem solving, theory, programming exercises and a'diary problem'that a reader chooses at the beginning of the book, and which is used as a basis for questions throughout the rest of the book.

Discover the practical impacts of current methods of optimization with this approachable, one-stop resource Linear and Convex Optimization: A Mathematical Approach delivers a concise and unified treatment of optimization with a focus on developing insights in problem structure, modeling, and algorithms. Convex optimization problems are covered in detail because of their many applications and the fast algorithms that have been developed to solve them. Experienced researcher and undergraduate teacher Mike Veatch presents the main algorithms used in linear, integer, and convex optimization in a mathematical style with an emphasis on what makes a class of problems practically solvable and developing insight into algorithms geometrically. Principles of algorithm design and the speed of algorithms are discussed in detail, requiring no background in algorithms. The book offers a breadth of recent applications to demonstrate the many areas in which optimization is successfully and frequently used, while the process of formulating optimization problems is addressed throughout. Linear and Convex Optimization contains a wide variety of features, including: Coverage of current methods in optimization in a style and level that remains appealing and accessible for mathematically trained undergraduates Enhanced insights into a few algorithms, instead of presenting many algorithms in cursory fashion An emphasis on the formulation of large, data-driven optimization problems Inclusion of linear, integer, and convex optimization, covering many practically solvable problems using algorithms that share many of the same concepts Presentation of a broad range of applications to fields like online marketing, disaster response, humanitarian development, public sector planning, health delivery, manufacturing, and supply chain management Ideal for upper level undergraduate mathematics majors with an interest in practical applications of mathematics, this book will also appeal to business, economics, computer science, and operations research majors with at least two years of mathematics training.Software to accompany the text can be found here: https://www.gordon.edu/michaelveatch/optimization

Presents current developments in the field of evolutionary scheduling and demonstrates the applicability of evolutionary computational techniques to solving scheduling problems This book provides insight into the use of evolutionary computations (EC) in real-world scheduling, showing readers how to choose a specific evolutionary computation and how to validate the results using metrics and statistics. It offers a spectrum of real-world optimization problems, including applications of EC in industry and service organizations such as healthcare scheduling, aircraft industry, school timetabling, manufacturing systems, and transportation scheduling in the supply chain. It also features problems with different degrees of complexity, practical requirements, user constraints, and MOEC solution approaches. Evolutionary Computation in Scheduling starts with a chapter on scientometric analysis to analyze scientific literature in evolutionary computation in scheduling. It then examines the role and impacts of ant colony optimization (ACO) in job shop scheduling problems, before presenting the application of the ACO algorithm in healthcare scheduling. Other chapters explore task scheduling in heterogeneous computing systems and truck scheduling using swarm intelligence, application of sub-population scheduling algorithm in multi-population evolutionary dynamic optimization, task scheduling in cloud environments, scheduling of robotic disassembly in remanufacturing using the bees algorithm, and more. This book: Provides a representative sampling of real-world problems currently being tackled by practitioners Examines a variety of single-, multi-, and many-objective problems that have been solved using evolutionary computations, including evolutionary algorithms and swarm intelligence Consists of four main parts: Introduction to Scheduling Problems, Computational Issues in Scheduling Problems, Evolutionary Computation, and Evolutionary Computations for Scheduling Problems Evolutionary Computation in Scheduling is ideal for engineers in industries, research scholars, advanced undergraduates and graduate students, and faculty teaching and conducting research in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering.

The revised and updated new edition of the popular optimization book for engineers The thoroughly revised and updated fifth edition of Engineering Optimization: Theory and Practice offers engineers a guide to the important optimization methods that are commonly used in a wide range of industries. The author—a noted expert on the topic—presents both the classical and most recent optimizations approaches. The book introduces the basic methods and includes information on more advanced principles and applications. The fifth edition presents four new chapters: Solution of Optimization Problems Using MATLAB; Metaheuristic Optimization Methods; Multi-Objective Optimization Methods; and Practical Implementation of Optimization. All of the book's topics are designed to be self-contained units with the concepts described in detail with derivations presented. The author puts the emphasis on computational aspects of optimization and includes design examples and problems representing different areas of engineering. Comprehensive in scope, the book contains solved examples, review questions and problems, and is accompanied by a website hosting a solutions manual. This important book: Offers an updated edition of the classic work on optimization Includes approaches that are appropriate for all branches of engineering Contains numerous practical design and engineering examples Offers more than 140 illustrative examples, 500 plus references in the literature of engineering optimization, and more than 500 review questions and answers Demonstrates the use of MATLAB for solving different types of optimization problems using different techniques Written for students across all engineering disciplines, the revised edition of Engineering Optimization: Theory and Practice is the comprehensive book that covers the new and recent methods of optimization and reviews the principles and applications.

Shows the newest developments in the field of multi-parametric model predictive control and optimization and their application for drug delivery systems This book is based on the Modelling, Control and Optimization of Biomedical Systems (MOBILE) project, which was created to derive intelligent computer model-based systems for optimization of biomedical drug delivery systems in the cases of diabetes, anaesthesia, and blood cancer. These systems can ensure reliable and fast calculation of the optimal drug dosage without the need for an online computer—while taking into account the specifics and constraints of the patient model, flexibility to adapt to changing patient characteristics and incorporation of the physician's performance criteria, and maintaining the safety of the patients. Modelling Optimization and Control of Biomedical Systems covers: mathematical modelling of drug delivery systems; model analysis, parameter estimation, and approximation; optimization and control; sensitivity analysis & model reduction; multi-parametric programming and model predictive control; estimation techniques; physiologically-based patient model; control design for volatile anaesthesia; multiparametric model based approach to intravenous anaesthesia; hybrid model predictive control strategies; Type I Diabetes Mellitus; in vitro and in silico block of the integrated platform for the study of leukaemia; chemotherapy treatment as a process systems application; and more. Introduces readers to the Modelling, Control and Optimization of Biomedical Systems (MOBILE) project Presents in detail the theoretical background, computational tools, and methods that are used in all the different biomedical systems Teaches the theory for multi-parametric mixed-integer programming and explicit optimal control of volatile anaesthesia Provides an overview of the framework for modelling, optimization, and control of biomedical systems This book will appeal to students, researchers, and scientists working on the modelling, control, and optimization of biomedical systems and to those involved in cancer treatment, anaesthsia, and drug delivery systems.

A guide to modern optimization applications and techniques in newly emerging areas spanning optimization, data science, machine intelligence, engineering, and computer sciences Optimization Techniques and Applications with Examples introduces the fundamentals of all the commonly used techniques in optimization that encompass the broadness and diversity of the methods (traditional and new) and algorithms. The author—a noted expert in the field—covers a wide range of topics including mathematical foundations, optimization formulation, optimality conditions, algorithmic complexity, linear programming, convex optimization, and integer programming. In addition, the book discusses artificial neural network, clustering and classifications, constraint-handling, queueing theory, support vector machine and multi-objective optimization, evolutionary computation, nature-inspired algorithms and many other topics. Designed as a practical resource, all topics are explained in detail with step-by-step examples to show how each method works. The book's exercises test the acquired knowledge that can be potentially applied to real problem solving. By taking an informal approach to the subject, the author helps readers to rapidly acquire the basic knowledge in optimization, operational research, and applied data mining. This important resource: Offers an accessible and state-of-the-art introduction to the main optimization techniques Contains both traditional optimization techniques and the most current algorithms and swarm intelligence-based techniques Presents a balance of theory, algorithms, and implementation Includes more than 100 worked examples with step-by-step explanations Written for upper undergraduates and graduates in a standard course on optimization, operations research and data mining, Optimization Techniques and Applications with Examples is a highly accessible guide to understanding the fundamentals of all the commonly used techniques in optimization.

A detailed review of a wide range of meta-heuristic and evolutionary algorithms in a systematic manner and how they relate to engineering optimization problems This book introduces the main metaheuristic algorithms and their applications in optimization. It describes 20 leading meta-heuristic and evolutionary algorithms and presents discussions and assessments of their performance in solving optimization problems from several fields of engineering. The book features clear and concise principles and presents detailed descriptions of leading methods such as the pattern search (PS) algorithm, the genetic algorithm (GA), the simulated annealing (SA) algorithm, the Tabu search (TS) algorithm, the ant colony optimization (ACO), and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique. Chapter 1 of Meta-heuristic and Evolutionary Algorithms for Engineering Optimization provides an overview of optimization and defines it by presenting examples of optimization problems in different engineering domains. Chapter 2 presents an introduction to meta-heuristic and evolutionary algorithms and links them to engineering problems. Chapters 3 to 22 are each devoted to a separate algorithm— and they each start with a brief literature review of the development of the algorithm, and its applications to engineering problems. The principles, steps, and execution of the algorithms are described in detail, and a pseudo code of the algorithm is presented, which serves as a guideline for coding the algorithm to solve specific applications. This book: Introduces state-of-the-art metaheuristic algorithms and their applications to engineering optimization; Fills a gap in the current literature by compiling and explaining the various meta-heuristic and evolutionary algorithms in a clear and systematic manner; Provides a step-by-step presentation of each algorithm and guidelines for practical implementation and coding of algorithms; Discusses and assesses the performance of metaheuristic algorithms in multiple problems from many fields of engineering; Relates optimization algorithms to engineering problems employing a unifying approach. Meta-heuristic and Evolutionary Algorithms for Engineering Optimization is a reference intended for students, engineers, researchers, and instructors in the fields of industrial engineering, operations research, optimization/mathematics, engineering optimization, and computer science. OMID BOZORG-HADDAD, PhD, is Professor in the Department of Irrigation and Reclamation Engineering at the University of Tehran, Iran. MOHAMMAD SOLGI, M.Sc., is Teacher Assistant for M.Sc. courses at the University of Tehran, Iran. HUGO A. LOÁICIGA, PhD, is Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of California, Santa Barbara, United States of America.

An accessible introduction to optimization analysis using spreadsheets Updated and revised, Optimization Modeling with Spreadsheets, Third Edition emphasizes model building skills in optimization analysis. By emphasizing both spreadsheet modeling and optimization tools in the freely available Microsoft® Office Excel® Solver, the book illustrates how to find solutions to real-world optimization problems without needing additional specialized software. The Third Edition includes many practical applications of optimization models as well as a systematic framework that illuminates the common structures found in many successful models. With focused coverage on linear programming, nonlinear programming, integer programming, and heuristic programming, Optimization Modeling with Spreadsheets, Third Edition features: An emphasis on model building using Excel Solver as well as appendices with additional instructions on more advanced packages such as Analytic Solver Platform and OpenSolver Additional space devoted to formulation principles and model building as opposed to algorithms New end-of-chapter homework exercises specifically for novice model builders Presentation of the Sensitivity Toolkit for sensitivity analysis with Excel Solver Classification of problem types to help readers see the broader possibilities for application Specific chapters devoted to network models and data envelopment analysis A companion website with interactive spreadsheets and supplementary homework exercises for additional practice Optimization Modeling with Spreadsheets, Third Edition is an excellent textbook for upper-undergraduate and graduate-level courses that include deterministic models, optimization, spreadsheet modeling, quantitative methods, engineering management, engineering modeling, operations research, and management science. The book is an ideal reference for readers wishing to advance their knowledge of Excel and modeling and is also a useful guide for MBA students and modeling practitioners in business and non-profit sectors interested in spreadsheet optimization.

Nonlinear Parameter Optimization Using RJohn C. Nash, Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, Canada A systematic and comprehensive treatment of optimization software using R In recent decades, optimization techniques have been streamlined by computational and artificial intelligence methods to analyze more variables, especially under non–linear, multivariable conditions, more quickly than ever before. Optimization is an important tool for decision science and for the analysis of physical systems used in engineering. Nonlinear Parameter Optimization with R explores the principal tools available in R for function minimization, optimization, and nonlinear parameter determination and features numerous examples throughout. Nonlinear Parameter Optimization with R: Provides a comprehensive treatment of optimization techniques Examines optimization problems that arise in statistics and how to solve them using R Enables researchers and practitioners to solve parameter determination problems Presents traditional methods as well as recent developments in R Is supported by an accompanying website featuring R code, examples and datasets Researchers and practitioners who have to solve parameter determination problems who are users of R but are novices in the field optimization or function minimization will benefit from this book. It will also be useful for scientists building and estimating nonlinear models in various fields such as hydrology, sports forecasting, ecology, chemical engineering, pharmaco-kinetics, agriculture, economics and statistics.

For reasons both financial and environmental, there is a perpetual need to optimize the design and operating conditions of industrial process systems in order to improve their performance, energy efficiency, profitability, safety and reliability. However, with most chemical engineering application problems having many variables with complex inter-relationships, meeting these optimization objectives can be challenging. This is where Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) is useful to find the optimal trade-offs among two or more conflicting objectives. This book provides an overview of the recent developments and applications of MOO for modeling, design and operation of chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, energy and related processes. It then covers important theoretical and computational developments as well as specific applications such as metabolic reaction networks, chromatographic systems, CO2 emissions targeting for petroleum refining units, ecodesign of chemical processes, ethanol purification and cumene process design. Multi-Objective Optimization in Chemical Engineering: Developments and Applications is an invaluable resource for researchers and graduate students in chemical engineering as well as industrial practitioners and engineers involved in process design, modeling and optimization.

A comprehensive account of the theory and application of Monte Carlo methods Based on years of research in efficient Monte Carlo methods for estimation of rare-event probabilities, counting problems, and combinatorial optimization, Fast Sequential Monte Carlo Methods for Counting and Optimization is a complete illustration of fast sequential Monte Carlo techniques. The book provides an accessible overview of current work in the field of Monte Carlo methods, specifically sequential Monte Carlo techniques, for solving abstract counting and optimization problems. Written by authorities in the field, the book places emphasis on cross-entropy, minimum cross-entropy, splitting, and stochastic enumeration. Focusing on the concepts and application of Monte Carlo techniques, Fast Sequential Monte Carlo Methods for Counting and Optimization includes: Detailed algorithms needed to practice solving real-world problems Numerous examples with Monte Carlo method produced solutions within the 1-2% limit of relative error A new generic sequential importance sampling algorithm alongside extensive numerical results An appendix focused on review material to provide additional background information Fast Sequential Monte Carlo Methods for Counting and Optimization is an excellent resource for engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, statisticians, and readers interested in efficient simulation techniques. The book is also useful for upper-undergraduate and graduate-level courses on Monte Carlo methods.

Praise for the Third Edition'... guides and leads the reader through the learning path... [e]xamples are stated very clearly and the results are presented with attention to detail.'—MAA Reviews Fully updated to reflect new developments in the field, the Fourth Edition of Introduction to Optimization fills the need for accessible treatment of optimization theory and methods with an emphasis on engineering design. Basic definitions and notations are provided in addition to the related fundamental background for linear algebra, geometry, and calculus. This new edition explores the essential topics of unconstrained optimization problems, linear programming problems, and nonlinear constrained optimization. The authors also present an optimization perspective on global search methods and include discussions on genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, and the simulated annealing algorithm. Featuring an elementary introduction to artificial neural networks, convex optimization, and multi-objective optimization, the Fourth Edition also offers: A new chapter on integer programming Expanded coverage of one-dimensional methods Updated and expanded sections on linear matrix inequalities Numerous new exercises at the end of each chapter MATLAB exercises and drill problems to reinforce the discussed theory and algorithms Numerous diagrams and figures that complement the written presentation of key concepts MATLAB M-files for implementation of the discussed theory and algorithms (available via the book's website) Introduction to Optimization, Fourth Edition is an ideal textbook for courses on optimization theory and methods. In addition, the book is a useful reference for professionals in mathematics, operations research, electrical engineering, economics, statistics, and business.

A NEW EDITION OF THE CLASSIC TEXT ON OPTIMAL CONTROL THEORY As a superb introductory text and an indispensable reference, this new edition of Optimal Control will serve the needs of both the professional engineer and the advanced student in mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering. Its coverage encompasses all the fundamental topics as well as the major changes that have occurred in recent years. An abundance of computer simulations using MATLAB and relevant Toolboxes is included to give the reader the actual experience of applying the theory to real-world situations. Major topics covered include: Static Optimization Optimal Control of Discrete-Time Systems Optimal Control of Continuous-Time Systems The Tracking Problem and Other LQR Extensions Final-Time-Free and Constrained Input Control Dynamic Programming Optimal Control for Polynomial Systems Output Feedback and Structured Control Robustness and Multivariable Frequency-Domain Techniques Differential Games Reinforcement Learning and Optimal Adaptive Control

A unique book that specifically addresses equitable resource allocation problems with applications in communication networks, manufacturing, emergency services, and more Resource allocation problems focus on assigning limited resources in an economically beneficial way among competing activities. Solutions to such problems affect people and everyday activities with significant impact on the private and public sectors and on society at large. Using diverse application areas as examples, Equitable Resource Allocation: Models, Algorithms, and Applications provides readers with great insight into a topic that is not widely known in the field. Starting with an overview of the topics covered, the book presents a large variety of resource allocation models with special mathematical structures and provides elegant, efficient algorithms that compute optimal solutions to these models. Authored by one of the leading researchers in the field, Equitable Resource Allocation: Is the only book that provides a comprehensive exposition of equitable resource allocation problems Presents a collection of resource allocation models with applications in communication networks, transportation, content distribution, manufacturing, emergency services, and more Exhibits practical algorithms for solving a variety of resource allocation models Uses real-world applications and examples to explain important concepts Includes end-of-chapter exercises Bringing together much of the equitable resource allocation research from the past thirty years, this book is a valuable reference for anyone interested in solving diverse optimization problems.

In 1989 the first edition of this book set out Gittins'pioneering index solution to the multi-armed bandit problem and his subsequent investigation of a wide of sequential resource allocation and stochastic scheduling problems. Since then there has been a remarkable flowering of new insights, generalizations and applications, to which Glazebrook and Weber have made major contributions. This second edition brings the story up to date. There are new chapters on the achievable region approach to stochastic optimization problems, the construction of performance bounds for suboptimal policies, Whittle's restless bandits, and the use of Lagrangian relaxation in the construction and evaluation of index policies. Some of the many varied proofs of the index theorem are discussed along with the insights that they provide. Many contemporary applications are surveyed, and over 150 new references are included. Over the past 40 years the Gittins index has helped theoreticians and practitioners to address a huge variety of problems within chemometrics, economics, engineering, numerical analysis, operational research, probability, statistics and website design. This new edition will be an important resource for others wishing to use this approach.

Reflects the latest applied research and features state-of-the-art software for building and solving spreadsheet optimization models Thoroughly updated to reflect the latest topical and technical advances in the field, Optimization Modeling with Spreadsheets, Second Edition continues to focus on solving real-world optimization problems through the creation of mathematical models and the use of spreadsheets to represent and analyze those models. Developed and extensively classroom-tested by the author, the book features a systematic approach that equips readers with the skills to apply optimization tools effectively without the need to rely on specialized algorithms. This new edition uses the powerful software package Risk Solver Platform (RSP) for optimization, including its Evolutionary Solver, which employs many recently developed ideas for heuristic programming. The author provides expanded coverage of integer programming and discusses linear and nonlinear programming using a systematic approach that emphasizes the use of spreadsheet-based optimization tools. The Second Edition also features: Classifications for the various problem types, providing the reader with a broad framework for building and recognizing optimization models Network models that allow for a more general form of mass balance A systematic introduction to Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) The identification of qualitative patterns in order to meaningfully interpret linear programming solutions An introduction to stochastic programming and the use of RSP to solve problems of this type Additional examples, exercises, and cases have been included throughout, allowing readers to test their comprehension of the material. In addition, a related website features Microsoft Office® Excel files to accompany the figures and data sets in the book. With its accessible and comprehensive presentation, Optimization Modeling with Spreadsheets, Second Edition is an excellent book for courses on deterministic models, optimization, and spreadsheet modeling at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels. The book can also serve as a reference for researchers, practitioners, and consultants working in business, engineering, operations research, and management science.

An insightful presentation of the key concepts, paradigms, and applications of modeling and simulation Modeling and simulation has become an integral part of research and development across many fields of study, having evolved from a tool to a discipline in less than two decades. Modeling and Simulation Fundamentals offers a comprehensive and authoritative treatment of the topic and includes definitions, paradigms, and applications to equip readers with the skills needed to work successfully as developers and users of modeling and simulation. Featuring contributions written by leading experts in the field, the book's fluid presentation builds from topic to topic and provides the foundation and theoretical underpinnings of modeling and simulation. First, an introduction to the topic is presented, including related terminology, examples of model development, and various domains of modeling and simulation. Subsequent chapters develop the necessary mathematical background needed to understand modeling and simulation topics, model types, and the importance of visualization. In addition, Monte Carlo simulation, continuous simulation, and discrete event simulation are thoroughly discussed, all of which are significant to a complete understanding of modeling and simulation. The book also features chapters that outline sophisticated methodologies, verification and validation, and the importance of interoperability. A related FTP site features color representations of the book's numerous figures. Modeling and Simulation Fundamentals encompasses a comprehensive study of the discipline and is an excellent book for modeling and simulation courses at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels. It is also a valuable reference for researchers and practitioners in the fields of computational statistics, engineering, and computer science who use statistical modeling techniques.

An accessible introduction to metaheuristics and optimization, featuring powerful and modern algorithms for application across engineering and the sciences From engineering and computer science to economics and management science, optimization is a core component for problem solving. Highlighting the latest developments that have evolved in recent years, Engineering Optimization: An Introduction with Metaheuristic Applications outlines popular metaheuristic algorithms and equips readers with the skills needed to apply these techniques to their own optimization problems. With insightful examples from various fields of study, the author highlights key concepts and techniques for the successful application of commonly-used metaheuristc algorithms, including simulated annealing, particle swarm optimization, harmony search, and genetic algorithms. The author introduces all major metaheuristic algorithms and their applications in optimization through a presentation that is organized into three succinct parts: Foundations of Optimization and Algorithms provides a brief introduction to the underlying nature of optimization and the common approaches to optimization problems, random number generation, the Monte Carlo method, and the Markov chain Monte Carlo method Metaheuristic Algorithms presents common metaheuristic algorithms in detail, including genetic algorithms, simulated annealing, ant algorithms, bee algorithms, particle swarm optimization, firefly algorithms, and harmony search Applications outlines a wide range of applications that use metaheuristic algorithms to solve challenging optimization problems with detailed implementation while also introducing various modifications used for multi-objective optimization Throughout the book, the author presents worked-out examples and real-world applications that illustrate the modern relevance of the topic. A detailed appendix features important and popular algorithms using MATLAB® and Octave software packages, and a related FTP site houses MATLAB code and programs for easy implementation of the discussed techniques. In addition, references to the current literature enable readers to investigate individual algorithms and methods in greater detail. Engineering Optimization: An Introduction with Metaheuristic Applications is an excellent book for courses on optimization and computer simulation at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels. It is also a valuable reference for researchers and practitioners working in the fields of mathematics, engineering, computer science, operations research, and management science who use metaheuristic algorithms to solve problems in their everyday work.

This book focuses on computational methods for large-scale statistical inverse problems and provides an introduction to statistical Bayesian and frequentist methodologies. Recent research advances for approximation methods are discussed, along with Kalman filtering methods and optimization-based approaches to solving inverse problems. The aim is to cross-fertilize the perspectives of researchers in the areas of data assimilation, statistics, large-scale optimization, applied and computational mathematics, high performance computing, and cutting-edge applications. The solution to large-scale inverse problems critically depends on methods to reduce computational cost. Recent research approaches tackle this challenge in a variety of different ways. Many of the computational frameworks highlighted in this book build upon state-of-the-art methods for simulation of the forward problem, such as, fast Partial Differential Equation (PDE) solvers, reduced-order models and emulators of the forward problem, stochastic spectral approximations, and ensemble-based approximations, as well as exploiting the machinery for large-scale deterministic optimization through adjoint and other sensitivity analysis methods. Key Features: Brings together the perspectives of researchers in areas of inverse problems and data assimilation. Assesses the current state-of-the-art and identify needs and opportunities for future research. Focuses on the computational methods used to analyze and simulate inverse problems. Written by leading experts of inverse problems and uncertainty quantification. Graduate students and researchers working in statistics, mathematics and engineering will benefit from this book.