An overview of fuzzy techniques in supply chain management: bibliometrics, methodologies, applications and future directions

Every practice in supply chain management (SCM) requires decision making. However, due to the complexity of evaluated objects and the cognitive limitations of individuals, the decision information given by experts is often fuzzy, which may make it difficult to make decisions. In this regard, many scholars applied fuzzy techniques to solve decision making problems in SCM. Although there were review papers about either fuzzy methods or SCM, most of them did not use bibliometrics methods or did not consider fuzzy sets theory-based techniques comprehensively in SCM. In this paper, for the purpose of analyzing the advances of fuzzy techniques in SCM, we review 301 relevant papers from 1998 to 2020. By the analyses in terms of bibliometrics, methodologies and applications, publication trends, popular methods such as fuzzy MCDM methods, and hot applications such as supplier selection, are found. Finally, we propose future directions regarding fuzzy techniques in SCM. It is hoped that this paper would be helpful for scholars and practitioners in the field of fuzzy decision making and SCM

Uncertain Multi-Criteria Optimization Problems

Most real-world search and optimization problems naturally involve multiple criteria as objectives. Generally, symmetry, asymmetry, and anti-symmetry are basic characteristics of binary relationships used when modeling optimization problems. Moreover, the notion of symmetry has appeared in many articles about uncertainty theories that are employed in multi-criteria problems. Different solutions may produce trade-offs (conflicting scenarios) among different objectives. A better solution with respect to one objective may compromise other objectives. There are various factors that need to be considered to address the problems in multidisciplinary research, which is critical for the overall sustainability of human development and activity. In this regard, in recent decades, decision-making theory has been the subject of intense research activities due to its wide applications in different areas. The decision-making theory approach has become an important means to provide real-time solutions to uncertainty problems. Theories such as probability theory, fuzzy set theory, type-2 fuzzy set theory, rough set, and uncertainty theory, available in the existing literature, deal with such uncertainties. Nevertheless, the uncertain multi-criteria characteristics in such problems have not yet been explored in depth, and there is much left to be achieved in this direction. Hence, different mathematical models of real-life multi-criteria optimization problems can be developed in various uncertain frameworks with special emphasis on optimization problems

Fuzzy Systems

This book presents some recent specialized works of theoretical study in the domain of fuzzy systems. Over eight sections and fifteen chapters, the volume addresses fuzzy systems concepts and promotes them in practical applications in the following thematic areas: fuzzy mathematics, decision making, clustering, adaptive neural fuzzy inference systems, control systems, process monitoring, green infrastructure, and medicine. The studies published in the book develop new theoretical concepts that improve the properties and performances of fuzzy systems. This book is a useful resource for specialists, engineers, professors, and students

A Fuzzy Simheuristic for the Permutation Flow Shop Problem under Stochastic and Fuzzy Uncertainty

[EN] Stochastic, as well as fuzzy uncertainty, can be found in most real-world systems. Considering both types of uncertainties simultaneously makes optimization problems incredibly challenging. In this paper, we analyze the permutation flow shop problem (PFSP) with both stochastic and fuzzy processing times. The main goal is to find the solution (permutation of jobs) that minimizes the expected makespan. However, due to the existence of uncertainty, other characteristics of the solution are also taken into account. In particular, we illustrate how survival analysis can be employed to enrich the probabilistic information given to decision-makers. To solve the aforementioned optimization problem, we extend the concept of a simheuristic framework so it can also include fuzzy elements. Hence, both stochastic and fuzzy uncertainty are simultaneously incorporated in the PFSP. In order to test our approach, classical PFSP instances have been adapted and extended, so that processing times become either stochastic or fuzzy. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach when compared with more traditional ones.This work has been partially supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science (PID2019111100RB-C21/AEI/10.13039/501100011033), as well as by the Barcelona Council and the "la Caixa" Foundation under the framework of the Barcelona Science Plan 2020-2023 (grant 21S09355-001).Castaneda, J.; Martín, XA.; Ammouriova, M.; Panadero, J.; Juan-Pérez, ÁA. (2022). A Fuzzy Simheuristic for the Permutation Flow Shop Problem under Stochastic and Fuzzy Uncertainty. Mathematics. 10(10):1-17. https://doi.org/10.3390/math10101760117101

Optimization for Decision Making II

In the current context of the electronic governance of society, both administrations and citizens are demanding the greater participation of all the actors involved in the decision-making process relative to the governance of society. This book presents collective works published in the recent Special Issue (SI) entitled “Optimization for Decision Making II”. These works give an appropriate response to the new challenges raised, the decision-making process can be done by applying different methods and tools, as well as using different objectives. In real-life problems, the formulation of decision-making problems and the application of optimization techniques to support decisions are particularly complex and a wide range of optimization techniques and methodologies are used to minimize risks, improve quality in making decisions or, in general, to solve problems. In addition, a sensitivity or robustness analysis should be done to validate/analyze the influence of uncertainty regarding decision-making. This book brings together a collection of inter-/multi-disciplinary works applied to the optimization of decision making in a coherent manner

A Hybrid k-Means Cuckoo Search Algorithm Applied to the Counterfort Retaining Walls Problem

[EN] The counterfort retaining wall is one of the most frequent structures used in civil engineering. In this structure, optimization of cost and CO2 emissions are important. The first is relevant in the competitiveness and efficiency of the company, the second in environmental impact. From the point of view of computational complexity, the problem is challenging due to the large number of possible combinations in the solution space. In this article, a k-means cuckoo search hybrid algorithm is proposed where the cuckoo search metaheuristic is used as an optimization mechanism in continuous spaces and the unsupervised k-means learning technique to discretize the solutions. A random operator is designed to determine the contribution of the k-means operator in the optimization process. The best values, the averages, and the interquartile ranges of the obtained distributions are compared. The hybrid algorithm was later compared to a version of harmony search that also solved the problem. The results show that the k-mean operator contributes significantly to the quality of the solutions and that our algorithm is highly competitive, surpassing the results obtained by harmony search.The first author was supported by the Grant CONICYT/FONDECYT/INICIACION/11180056, the other two authors were supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, along with FEDER funding (Project: BIA2017-85098-R).García, J.; Yepes, V.; Martí Albiñana, JV. (2020). A Hybrid k-Means Cuckoo Search Algorithm Applied to the Counterfort Retaining Walls Problem. Mathematics. 8(4):1-22. https://doi.org/10.3390/math8040555S12284García, J., Altimiras, F., Peña, A., Astorga, G., & Peredo, O. (2018). A Binary Cuckoo Search Big Data Algorithm Applied to Large-Scale Crew Scheduling Problems. Complexity, 2018, 1-15. doi:10.1155/2018/8395193García, J., Moraga, P., Valenzuela, M., Crawford, B., Soto, R., Pinto, H., … Astorga, G. (2019). A Db-Scan Binarization Algorithm Applied to Matrix Covering Problems. Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience, 2019, 1-16. doi:10.1155/2019/3238574Al-Madi, N., Faris, H., & Mirjalili, S. (2019). Binary multi-verse optimization algorithm for global optimization and discrete problems. International Journal of Machine Learning and Cybernetics, 10(12), 3445-3465. doi:10.1007/s13042-019-00931-8Kim, M., & Chae, J. (2019). Monarch Butterfly Optimization for Facility Layout Design Based on a Single Loop Material Handling Path. Mathematics, 7(2), 154. doi:10.3390/math7020154García, J., Crawford, B., Soto, R., & Astorga, G. (2019). A clustering algorithm applied to the binarization of Swarm intelligence continuous metaheuristics. Swarm and Evolutionary Computation, 44, 646-664. doi:10.1016/j.swevo.2018.08.006García, J., Lalla-Ruiz, E., Voß, S., & Droguett, E. L. (2020). Enhancing a machine learning binarization framework by perturbation operators: analysis on the multidimensional knapsack problem. International Journal of Machine Learning and Cybernetics, 11(9), 1951-1970. doi:10.1007/s13042-020-01085-8García, J., Moraga, P., Valenzuela, M., & Pinto, H. (2020). A db-Scan Hybrid Algorithm: An Application to the Multidimensional Knapsack Problem. Mathematics, 8(4), 507. doi:10.3390/math8040507Saeheaw, T., & Charoenchai, N. (2018). A comparative study among different parallel hybrid artificial intelligent approaches to solve the capacitated vehicle routing problem. International Journal of Bio-Inspired Computation, 11(3), 171. doi:10.1504/ijbic.2018.091704Valdez, F., Castillo, O., Jain, A., & Jana, D. K. (2019). Nature-Inspired Optimization Algorithms for Neuro-Fuzzy Models in Real-World Control and Robotics Applications. Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience, 2019, 1-2. doi:10.1155/2019/9128451Penadés-Plà, V., García-Segura, T., & Yepes, V. (2020). Robust Design Optimization for Low-Cost Concrete Box-Girder Bridge. Mathematics, 8(3), 398. doi:10.3390/math8030398García-Segura, T., Yepes, V., Frangopol, D. M., & Yang, D. Y. (2017). Lifetime reliability-based optimization of post-tensioned box-girder bridges. Engineering Structures, 145, 381-391. doi:10.1016/j.engstruct.2017.05.013Yepes, V., Martí, J. V., & García, J. (2020). Black Hole Algorithm for Sustainable Design of Counterfort Retaining Walls. Sustainability, 12(7), 2767. doi:10.3390/su12072767Marti-Vargas, J. R., Ferri, F. J., & Yepes, V. (2013). Prediction of the transfer length of prestressing strands with neural networks. Computers and Concrete, 12(2), 187-209. doi:10.12989/cac.2013.12.2.187Fu, W., Tan, J., Zhang, X., Chen, T., & Wang, K. (2019). Blind Parameter Identification of MAR Model and Mutation Hybrid GWO-SCA Optimized SVM for Fault Diagnosis of Rotating Machinery. Complexity, 2019, 1-17. doi:10.1155/2019/3264969Sierra, L. A., Yepes, V., García-Segura, T., & Pellicer, E. (2018). Bayesian network method for decision-making about the social sustainability of infrastructure projects. Journal of Cleaner Production, 176, 521-534. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.12.140Crawford, B., Soto, R., Astorga, G., García, J., Castro, C., & Paredes, F. (2017). Putting Continuous Metaheuristics to Work in Binary Search Spaces. Complexity, 2017, 1-19. doi:10.1155/2017/8404231Hatamlou, A. (2013). Black hole: A new heuristic optimization approach for data clustering. Information Sciences, 222, 175-184. doi:10.1016/j.ins.2012.08.023Pan, W.-T. (2012). A new Fruit Fly Optimization Algorithm: Taking the financial distress model as an example. Knowledge-Based Systems, 26, 69-74. doi:10.1016/j.knosys.2011.07.001Rashedi, E., Nezamabadi-pour, H., & Saryazdi, S. (2009). GSA: A Gravitational Search Algorithm. Information Sciences, 179(13), 2232-2248. doi:10.1016/j.ins.2009.03.004Calvet, L., Armas, J. de, Masip, D., & Juan, A. A. (2017). Learnheuristics: hybridizing metaheuristics with machine learning for optimization with dynamic inputs. Open Mathematics, 15(1), 261-280. doi:10.1515/math-2017-0029Talbi, E.-G. (2015). Combining metaheuristics with mathematical programming, constraint programming and machine learning. Annals of Operations Research, 240(1), 171-215. doi:10.1007/s10479-015-2034-yJuan, A. A., Faulin, J., Grasman, S. E., Rabe, M., & Figueira, G. (2015). A review of simheuristics: Extending metaheuristics to deal with stochastic combinatorial optimization problems. Operations Research Perspectives, 2, 62-72. doi:10.1016/j.orp.2015.03.001Chou, J.-S., & Nguyen, T.-K. (2018). Forward Forecast of Stock Price Using Sliding-Window Metaheuristic-Optimized Machine-Learning Regression. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, 14(7), 3132-3142. doi:10.1109/tii.2018.2794389Sayed, G. I., Tharwat, A., & Hassanien, A. E. (2018). Chaotic dragonfly algorithm: an improved metaheuristic algorithm for feature selection. Applied Intelligence, 49(1), 188-205. doi:10.1007/s10489-018-1261-8De León, A. D., Lalla-Ruiz, E., Melián-Batista, B., & Marcos Moreno-Vega, J. (2017). A Machine Learning-based system for berth scheduling at bulk terminals. Expert Systems with Applications, 87, 170-182. doi:10.1016/j.eswa.2017.06.010García, J., Crawford, B., Soto, R., Castro, C., & Paredes, F. (2017). A k-means binarization framework applied to multidimensional knapsack problem. Applied Intelligence, 48(2), 357-380. doi:10.1007/s10489-017-0972-6Molina-Moreno, F., Martí, J. V., & Yepes, V. (2017). Carbon embodied optimization for buttressed earth-retaining walls: Implications for low-carbon conceptual designs. Journal of Cleaner Production, 164, 872-884. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.06.246Asta, S., Özcan, E., & Curtois, T. (2016). A tensor based hyper-heuristic for nurse rostering. Knowledge-Based Systems, 98, 185-199. doi:10.1016/j.knosys.2016.01.031Martin, S., Ouelhadj, D., Beullens, P., Ozcan, E., Juan, A. A., & Burke, E. K. (2016). A multi-agent based cooperative approach to scheduling and routing. European Journal of Operational Research, 254(1), 169-178. doi:10.1016/j.ejor.2016.02.045Ghazali, R., Deris, M. M., Nawi, N. M., & Abawajy, J. H. (Eds.). (2018). Recent Advances on Soft Computing and Data Mining. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-72550-5Veček, N., Mernik, M., Filipič, B., & Črepinšek, M. (2016). Parameter tuning with Chess Rating System (CRS-Tuning) for meta-heuristic algorithms. Information Sciences, 372, 446-469. doi:10.1016/j.ins.2016.08.066Ries, J., & Beullens, P. (2015). A semi-automated design of instance-based fuzzy parameter tuning for metaheuristics based on decision tree induction. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 66(5), 782-793. doi:10.1057/jors.2014.46Yalcinoz, T., & Altun, H. (2001). Power economic dispatch using a hybrid genetic algorithm. IEEE Power Engineering Review, 21(3), 59-60. doi:10.1109/39.911360Kaur, H., Virmani, J., Kriti, & Thakur, S. (2019). A genetic algorithm-based metaheuristic approach to customize a computer-aided classification system for enhanced screen film mammograms. U-Healthcare Monitoring Systems, 217-259. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-815370-3.00010-4Faris, H., Hassonah, M. A., Al-Zoubi, A. M., Mirjalili, S., & Aljarah, I. (2017). A multi-verse optimizer approach for feature selection and optimizing SVM parameters based on a robust system architecture. Neural Computing and Applications, 30(8), 2355-2369. doi:10.1007/s00521-016-2818-2Faris, H., Aljarah, I., & Mirjalili, S. (2017). Improved monarch butterfly optimization for unconstrained global search and neural network training. Applied Intelligence, 48(2), 445-464. doi:10.1007/s10489-017-0967-3Chou, J.-S., & Thedja, J. P. P. (2016). Metaheuristic optimization within machine learning-based classification system for early warnings related to geotechnical problems. Automation in Construction, 68, 65-80. doi:10.1016/j.autcon.2016.03.015Pham, A.-D., Hoang, N.-D., & Nguyen, Q.-T. (2016). Predicting Compressive Strength of High-Performance Concrete Using Metaheuristic-Optimized Least Squares Support Vector Regression. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 30(3), 06015002. doi:10.1061/(asce)cp.1943-5487.0000506Göçken, M., Özçalıcı, M., Boru, A., & Dosdoğru, A. T. (2016). Integrating metaheuristics and Artificial Neural Networks for improved stock price prediction. Expert Systems with Applications, 44, 320-331. doi:10.1016/j.eswa.2015.09.029Chou, J.-S., & Pham, A.-D. (2017). Nature-inspired metaheuristic optimization in least squares support vector regression for obtaining bridge scour information. Information Sciences, 399, 64-80. doi:10.1016/j.ins.2017.02.051Kuo, R. J., Lin, T. C., Zulvia, F. E., & Tsai, C. Y. (2018). A hybrid metaheuristic and kernel intuitionistic fuzzy c-means algorithm for cluster analysis. Applied Soft Computing, 67, 299-308. doi:10.1016/j.asoc.2018.02.039Singh Mann, P., & Singh, S. (2017). Energy efficient clustering protocol based on improved metaheuristic in wireless sensor networks. Journal of Network and Computer Applications, 83, 40-52. doi:10.1016/j.jnca.2017.01.031Rosa, R. de A., Machado, A. M., Ribeiro, G. M., & Mauri, G. R. (2016). A mathematical model and a Clustering Search metaheuristic for planning the helicopter transportation of employees to the production platforms of oil and gas. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 101, 303-312. doi:10.1016/j.cie.2016.09.006Faris, H., Mirjalili, S., & Aljarah, I. (2019). Automatic selection of hidden neurons and weights in neural networks using grey wolf optimizer based on a hybrid encoding scheme. International Journal of Machine Learning and Cybernetics, 10(10), 2901-2920. doi:10.1007/s13042-018-00913-2De Rosa, G. 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Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding

Optimization is considered as a decision-making process for getting the most out of available resources for the best attainable results. Many real-world problems are multi-objective or multi-attribute problems that naturally involve several competing objectives that need to be optimized simultaneously, while respecting some constraints or involving selection among feasible discrete alternatives. In this Reprint of the Special Issue, 19 research papers co-authored by 88 researchers from 14 different countries explore aspects of multi-objective or multi-attribute modeling and optimization in crisp or uncertain environments by suggesting multiple-attribute decision-making (MADM) and multi-objective decision-making (MODM) approaches. The papers elaborate upon the approaches of state-of-the-art case studies in selected areas of applications related to sustainable development decision aiding in engineering and management, including construction, transportation, infrastructure development, production, and organization management

Advances in Optimization and Nonlinear Analysis

The present book focuses on that part of calculus of variations, optimization, nonlinear analysis and related applications which combines tools and methods from partial differential equations with geometrical techniques. More precisely, this work is devoted to nonlinear problems coming from different areas, with particular reference to those introducing new techniques capable of solving a wide range of problems. The book is a valuable guide for researchers, engineers and students in the field of mathematics, operations research, optimal control science, artificial intelligence, management science and economics