2,917 research outputs found
A Tabu Search Based Approach for Graph Layout
This paper describes an automated tabu search based method for drawing general graph layouts with straight lines. To our knowledge, this is the first time tabu methods have been applied to graph drawing. We formulated the task as a multi-criteria optimization problem with a number of
metrics which are used in a weighted fitness function to measure the aesthetic
quality of the graph layout. The main goal of this work is to speed up the graph
layout process without sacrificing layout quality. To achieve this, we use a tabu
search based method that goes through a predefined number of iterations to minimize
the value of the fitness function. Tabu search always chooses the best solution in
the neighbourhood. This may lead to cycling, so a tabu list is used to store moves
that are not permitted, meaning that the algorithm does not choose previous
solutions for a set period of time. We evaluate the method according to the time
spent to draw a graph and the quality of the drawn graphs. We give experimental
results applied on random graphs and we provide statistical evidence that our
method outperforms a fast search-based drawing method (hill climbing) in execution
time while it produces comparably good graph layouts.We also demonstrate the method
on real world graph datasets to show that we can reproduce similar results in a
real world setting
Survivable algorithms and redundancy management in NASA's distributed computing systems
The design of survivable algorithms requires a solid foundation for executing them. While hardware techniques for fault-tolerant computing are relatively well understood, fault-tolerant operating systems, as well as fault-tolerant applications (survivable algorithms), are, by contrast, little understood, and much more work in this field is required. We outline some of our work that contributes to the foundation of ultrareliable operating systems and fault-tolerant algorithm design. We introduce our consensus-based framework for fault-tolerant system design. This is followed by a description of a hierarchical partitioning method for efficient consensus. A scheduler for redundancy management is introduced, and application-specific fault tolerance is described. We give an overview of our hybrid algorithm technique, which is an alternative to the formal approach given
Stochastic axial compressor variable geometry schedule optimisation
The design of axial compressors is dictated by the maximisation of flow
efficiency at on design conditions whereas at part speed the requirement for
operation stability prevails. Among other stability aids, compressor variable
geometry is employed to rise the surge line for the provision of an adequate
surge margin. The schedule of the variable vanes is in turn typically obtained
from expensive and time consuming rig tests that go through a vast combination
of possible settings. The present paper explores the suitability of stochastic
approaches to derive the most flow efficient schedule of an axial compressor for
a minimum variable user defined value of the surge margin. A genetic algorithm
has been purposely developed and its satisfactory performance validated against
four representative benchmark functions. The work carries on with the necessary
thorough investigation of the impact of the different genetic operators employed
on the ability of the algorithm to find the global extremities in an effective
and efficient manner. This deems fundamental to guarantee that the algorithm is
not trapped in local extremities. The algorithm is then coupled with a
compressor performance prediction tool that evaluates each individual's
performance through a user defined fitness function. The most flow efficient
schedule that conforms to a prescribed surge margin can be obtained thereby fast
and inexpensively. Results are produced for a modern eight stage high bypass
ratio compressor and compared with experimental data available to the research.
The study concludes with the analysis of the existent relationship between surge
margin and flow efficiency for the particular compressor under scrutiny. The
study concludes with the analysis of the existent relationship between surge
margin and flow efficiency for the particular compressor under scrutiny
A hybrid genetic algorithm and tabu search approach for post enrolment course timetabling
Copyright @ Springer Science + Business Media. All rights reserved.The post enrolment course timetabling problem (PECTP) is one type of university course timetabling problems, in which a set of events has to be scheduled in time slots and located in suitable rooms according to the student enrolment data. The PECTP is an NP-hard combinatorial optimisation problem and hence is very difficult to solve to optimality. This paper proposes a hybrid approach to solve the PECTP in two phases. In the first phase, a guided search genetic algorithm is applied to solve the PECTP. This guided search genetic algorithm, integrates a guided search strategy and some local search techniques, where the guided search strategy uses a data structure that stores useful information extracted from previous good individuals to guide the generation of offspring into the population and the local search techniques are used to improve the quality of individuals. In the second phase, a tabu search heuristic is further used on the best solution obtained by the first phase to improve the optimality of the solution if possible. The proposed hybrid approach is tested on a set of benchmark PECTPs taken from the international timetabling competition in comparison with a set of state-of-the-art methods from the literature. The experimental results show that the proposed hybrid approach is able to produce promising results for the test PECTPs.This work was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) of UK under Grant EP/E060722/01 and Grant EP/E060722/02
Genetic algorithms with guided and local search strategies for university course timetabling
This article is posted here with permission from the IEEE - Copyright @ 2011 IEEEThe university course timetabling problem (UCTP) is a combinatorial optimization problem, in which a set of events has to be scheduled into time slots and located into suitable rooms. The design of course timetables for academic institutions is a very difficult task because it is an NP-hard problem. This paper investigates genetic algorithms (GAs) with a guided search strategy and local search (LS) techniques for the UCTP. The guided search strategy is used to create offspring into the population based on a data structure that stores information extracted from good individuals of previous generations. The LS techniques use their exploitive search ability to improve the search efficiency of the proposed GAs and the quality of individuals. The proposed GAs are tested on two sets of benchmark problems in comparison with a set of state-of-the-art methods from the literature. The experimental results show that the proposed GAs are able to produce promising results for the UCTP.This work was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council of U.K. under Grant EP/E060722/1
A statistical learning based approach for parameter fine-tuning of metaheuristics
Metaheuristics are approximation methods used to solve combinatorial optimization problems. Their performance usually depends on a set of parameters that need to be adjusted. The selection of appropriate parameter values causes a loss of efficiency, as it requires time, and advanced analytical and problem-specific skills. This paper provides an overview of the principal approaches to tackle the Parameter Setting Problem, focusing on the statistical procedures employed so far by the scientific community. In addition, a novel methodology is proposed, which is tested using an already existing algorithm for solving the Multi-Depot Vehicle Routing Problem.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version
Constraint-Based Heuristic On-line Test Generation from Non-deterministic I/O EFSMs
We are investigating on-line model-based test generation from
non-deterministic output-observable Input/Output Extended Finite State Machine
(I/O EFSM) models of Systems Under Test (SUTs). We propose a novel
constraint-based heuristic approach (Heuristic Reactive Planning Tester (xRPT))
for on-line conformance testing non-deterministic SUTs. An indicative feature
of xRPT is the capability of making reasonable decisions for achieving the test
goals in the on-line testing process by using the results of off-line bounded
static reachability analysis based on the SUT model and test goal
specification. We present xRPT in detail and make performance comparison with
other existing search strategies and approaches on examples with varying
complexity.Comment: In Proceedings MBT 2012, arXiv:1202.582
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