The merging of neural networks,fuzzy logic,and genetic algorithms

During the last decade, there has been increased use of neural networks (NNs), fuzzy logic (FL) and genetic algorithms (GAs) in insurance-related applications. However, the focus often has been on a single technology heuristically adapted to a problem. While this approach has been productive, it may have been sub-optimal, in the sense that studies may have been constrained by the limitations of the technology and opportunities may have been missed to take advantage of the synergies between the technologies. For example, while NNs have the positive attributes of adaptation and learning, they have the negative attribute of a “black box” syndrome. By the same token, FL has the advantage of approximate reasoning but the disadvantage that it lacks an effective learning capability. Merging these technologies provides an opportunity to capitalize on their strengths and compensate for their shortcomings.This article presents an overview of the merging of NNs, FL and GAs. The topics addressed include the advantages and disadvantages of each technology, the potential merging options, and the explicit nature of the merging.     

Identification of fuzzy relation models using hierarchical fair competition-based parallel genetic algorithms and information granulation

The paper is concerned with a hybrid optimization of fuzzy inference systems based on hierarchical fair competition-based parallel genetic algorithms (HFCGA) and information granulation. The process of information granulation is realized with the aid of the C-Means clustering. HFCGA being a multi-population based parallel genetic algorithms (PGA) is exploited here to realize structure optimization and carry out parameter estimation of the fuzzy models. The HFCGA becomes helpful in the context of fuzzy models as it restricts a premature convergence encountered quite often in optimization problems. It concerns a set of parameters of the model including among others the number of input variables to be used, a specific subset of input variables, and the number of membership functions. In the hybrid optimization process, two general optimization mechanisms are explored. The structural development of the fuzzy model is realized via the HFCGA optimization and C-Means, whereas to deal with the parametric optimization we proceed with a standard least square method and the use of the HFCGA technique. A suite of comparative studies demonstrates that the proposed algorithm leads to the models whose performance is superior in comparison with some other constructs commonly used in fuzzy modeling.     

Minimum concave-cost network flow problems: Applications,complexity, and algorithms

We discuss a wide range of results for minimum concave-cost network flow problems, including related applications, complexity issues, and solution techniques. Applications from production and inventory planning, and transportation and communication network design are discussed. New complexity results are proved which show that this problem is NP-hard for cases with cost functions other than fixed charge. An overview of solution techniques for this problem is presented, with some new results given regarding the implementation of a particular branch-and-bound approach.     

Applications of a general convergence theory for outer approximation algorithms

Eaves and Zangwill [2] have developed a very general theory of the convergence of cutting plane algorithms. This theory is applied to prove the convergence of Geoffrion's Generalized Benders Decomposition procedure (GBD) [5]. Using the insight provided by the general theory, GBD is then modified to permit the deletion of old constraints without upsetting the infinite convergence property. Finally, certain approximations of GBD are presented and the robustness of the convergence results is indicated.This research was supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant GP-22108.     

Application of artificial neural network to predict the friction factor of open channel flow

The friction factor of an open channel flow is generally affected by the Reynolds number and the roughness conditions, and can be decided by laboratory or field measurements. During practical applications, researchers often find that a correct choice of the friction factor can be crucial to make a sound prediction of hydraulic problems. In this paper, a three-layer artificial neural network (ANN) was set up to predict the friction factors of an open channel flow, with the Reynolds number and the relative roughness as two input parameters. The Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) learning algorithm was employed to train the model by using

laboratory experimental data, and the trained network was tested by a single set separated from the rest of the data and a good correlation between the experimental and predicted results has been obtained. Finally, the ANN simulated results were compared with the calculated results obtained by the empirical formula and both comparisons showed that the ANN model can be used to predict the non-linear relationship between the friction factor and its influencing factors correctly once enough samples are provided. The successful application proved that ANN model can be used in engineering practice as a convenient and effective method, and those traditional hydraulic problems which are mostly based on laboratory tests can be analyzed by ANN modelling.     

Optimisation of fault-tolerant fabric-cutting schedules using genetic algorithms and fuzzy set theory

In apparel industry, manufacturers developed standard allowed minutes (SAMs) databases on various manufacturing operations in order to facilitate better scheduling, while effective production schedules ensure smoothness of downstream operations. As apparel manufacturing environment is fuzzy and dynamic, rigid production schedules based on SAMs become futile in the presence of any uncertainty. In this paper, a fuzzification scheme is proposed to fuzzify the static standard time so as to incorporate some uncertainties, in terms of both job-specific and human related factors, into the fabric-cutting scheduling problem. A genetic optimisation procedure is also proposed to search for fault-tolerant schedules using genetic algorithms, such that makespan and scheduling uncertainties are minimised. Two sets of real production data were collected to validate the proposed method. Experimental results indicate that the genetically optimised fault-tolerant schedules not only improve the operation performance but also minimise the scheduling risks.     

CFD modeling and multi-objective optimization of cyclone geometry using desirability function,artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms

The low-mass loading gas cyclone separator has two performance parameters, the pressure drop and the collection efficiency (cut-off diameter). In this paper, a multi-objective optimization study of a gas cyclone separator has been performed using the response surface methodology (RSM) and CFD data. The effects of the inlet height, the inlet width, the vortex finder diameter and the cyclone total height on the cyclone performance have been investigated. The analysis of design of experiment shows a strong interaction between the inlet dimensions and the vortex finder diameter. No interaction between the cyclone height and the other three factors was observed. The desirability function approach has been used for the multi-objective optimization. A new set of geometrical ratios (design) has been obtained to achieve the best performance. A numerical comparison between the new design and the Stairmand design confirms the superior performance of the new design. As an alternative approach for applying RSM as a meta-model, two radial basis function neural networks (RBFNNs) have been used. Furthermore, the genetic algorithms technique has been used instead of the desirability function approach. A multi-objective optimization study using NSGA-II technique has been performed to obtain the Pareto front for the best performance cyclone separator.     

Relational models of information-recognition problems,algorithms, and systems

Relational models of information-recognition problems, algorithms, and systems are introduced and studied successively. Constructions are given for relation algebras, which describe the solution of information-recognition problems.Translated from Dinamicheskie Sistemy, No. 7, pp. 132–140, 1988.     

Applications of shortest path algorithms to matrix scalings

Summary A symmetric scaling of a nonnegative, square matrixA is a matrixXAX ^–1, whereX is a nonsingular, nonnegative diagonal matrix. By associating a family of weighted directed graphs with the matrixA we are able to adapt the shortest path algorithms to compute an optimal scaling ofA, where we call a symmetric scalingA ofA optimal if it minimizes the maximum of the ratio of non-zero elements.Dedicated to Professor F.L. Bauer on the occasion of his 60th birthdayThe first author was partially supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft under grant GO 270/3, the second author by the U.S. National Science Foundation under grand MCS-8026132     

Optimization of finite element bidimensional models: an approach based on genetic algorithms

This paper deals with the optimization of 2D finite element shapes using the very promising methods based on genetic algorithms. The codification of the design variables is carried out by generating series of strings in binary code. Classical genetic operators such as crossover, mutation and reproduction are used for the optimization process. A more refined operators needed to improve the performance of the process are used as well. Some illustrative examples are presented and discussed     

Minimizing the maximum network flow: models and algorithms with resource synergy considerations

In this paper, we model and solve the network interdiction problem of minimizing the maximum flow through a network from a given source node to a terminus node, while incorporating different forms of superadditive synergy effects of the resources applied to the arcs in the network. Within this context, we examine linear, concave, and convex–concave synergy relationships, illustrate their relative effect on optimal solution characteristics, and accordingly develop and test effective solution procedures for the underlying problems. For a concave synergy relationship, which yields a convex programme, we propose an inner-linearization procedure that significantly outperforms the competitive commercial solver SBB by improving the quality of solutions found by the latter by 6.2% (within a time limit of 1800 CPU?s), while saving 84.5% of the required computational effort. For general non-concave synergy relationships, we develop an outer-approximation-based heuristic that achieves solutions of objective value 0.20% better than the commercial global optimization software BARON, with a 99.3% reduction in computational effort for the subset of test problems for which BARON could identify a feasible solution within the set time limit.     

Simulated annealing and genetic algorithms for minimizing mean flow time in an open shop

This paper considers the problem of scheduling n jobs on m machines in an open shop environment so that the sum of completion times or mean flow time becomes minimal. It continues recent work by Bräsel et al. [H. Bräsel, A. Herms, M. Mörig, T. Tautenhahn, T. Tusch, F. Werner, Heuristic constructive algorithms for open shop scheduling to minmize mean flow time, European J. Oper. Res., in press (doi.10.1016/j.ejor.2007.02.057)] on constructive algorithms. For this strongly NP-hard problem, we present two iterative algorithms, namely a simulated annealing and a genetic algorithm. For the simulated annealing algorithm, several neighborhoods are suggested and tested together with the control parameters of the algorithm. For the genetic algorithm, new genetic operators are suggested based on the representation of a solution by the rank matrix describing the job and machine orders. Extensive computational results are presented for problems with up to 50 jobs and 50 machines, respectively. The algorithms are compared relative to each other, and the quality of the results is also estimated partially by a lower bound for the corresponding preemptive open shop problem. For most of the problems, the genetic algorithm is superior when fixing the same number of 30 000 generated solutions for each algorithm. However, in contrast to makespan minimization problems, where the focus is on problems with an equal number of jobs and machines, it turns out that problems with a larger number of jobs than machines are the hardest problems.     

Multiple-type,two-dimensional bin packing problems: Applications and algorithms

In this paper we consider a class of bin selection and packing problems (BPP) in which potential bins are of various types, have two resource constraints, and the resource requirement for each object differs for each bin type. The problem is to select bins and assign the objects to bins so as to minimize the sum of bin costs while meeting the two resource constraints. This problem represents an extension of the classical two-dimensional BPP in which bins are homogeneous. Typical applications of this research include computer storage device selection with file assignment, robot selection with work station assignment, and computer processor selection with task assignment. Three solution algorithms have been developed and tested: a simple greedy heuristic, a method based onsimulated annealing (SA) and an exact algorithm based onColumn Generation with Branch and Bound (CG). An LP-based method for generating tight lower bounds was also developed (LB). Several hundred test problems based on computer storage device selection and file assignment were generated and solved. The heuristic solved problems up to 100 objects in less than a second; average solution value was within about 3% of the optimum. SA improved solutions to an average gap of less than 1% but a significant increase in computing time. LB produced average lower bounds within 3% of optimum within a few seconds. CG is practical for small to moderately-sized problems — possibly as many as 50 objects.