5,148 research outputs found

    Metaheuristic design of feedforward neural networks: a review of two decades of research

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    Over the past two decades, the feedforward neural network (FNN) optimization has been a key interest among the researchers and practitioners of multiple disciplines. The FNN optimization is often viewed from the various perspectives: the optimization of weights, network architecture, activation nodes, learning parameters, learning environment, etc. Researchers adopted such different viewpoints mainly to improve the FNN's generalization ability. The gradient-descent algorithm such as backpropagation has been widely applied to optimize the FNNs. Its success is evident from the FNN's application to numerous real-world problems. However, due to the limitations of the gradient-based optimization methods, the metaheuristic algorithms including the evolutionary algorithms, swarm intelligence, etc., are still being widely explored by the researchers aiming to obtain generalized FNN for a given problem. This article attempts to summarize a broad spectrum of FNN optimization methodologies including conventional and metaheuristic approaches. This article also tries to connect various research directions emerged out of the FNN optimization practices, such as evolving neural network (NN), cooperative coevolution NN, complex-valued NN, deep learning, extreme learning machine, quantum NN, etc. Additionally, it provides interesting research challenges for future research to cope-up with the present information processing era

    Searching the solution space in constructive geometric constraint solving with genetic algorithms

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    Geometric problems defined by constraints have an exponential number of solution instances in the number of geometric elements involved. Generally, the user is only interested in one instance such that besides fulfilling the geometric constraints, exhibits some additional properties. Selecting a solution instance amounts to selecting a given root every time the geometric constraint solver needs to compute the zeros of a multi valuated function. The problem of selecting a given root is known as the Root Identification Problem. In this paper we present a new technique to solve the root identification problem. The technique is based on an automatic search in the space of solutions performed by a genetic algorithm. The user specifies the solution of interest by defining a set of additional constraints on the geometric elements which drive the search of the genetic algorithm. The method is extended with a sequential niche technique to compute multiple solutions. A number of case studies illustrate the performance of the method.Postprint (published version

    State-of-the-art in aerodynamic shape optimisation methods

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    Aerodynamic optimisation has become an indispensable component for any aerodynamic design over the past 60 years, with applications to aircraft, cars, trains, bridges, wind turbines, internal pipe flows, and cavities, among others, and is thus relevant in many facets of technology. With advancements in computational power, automated design optimisation procedures have become more competent, however, there is an ambiguity and bias throughout the literature with regards to relative performance of optimisation architectures and employed algorithms. This paper provides a well-balanced critical review of the dominant optimisation approaches that have been integrated with aerodynamic theory for the purpose of shape optimisation. A total of 229 papers, published in more than 120 journals and conference proceedings, have been classified into 6 different optimisation algorithm approaches. The material cited includes some of the most well-established authors and publications in the field of aerodynamic optimisation. This paper aims to eliminate bias toward certain algorithms by analysing the limitations, drawbacks, and the benefits of the most utilised optimisation approaches. This review provides comprehensive but straightforward insight for non-specialists and reference detailing the current state for specialist practitioners

    Improvements of real coded genetic algorithms based on differential operators preventing premature convergence

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    This paper presents several types of evolutionary algorithms (EAs) used for global optimization on real domains. The interest has been focused on multimodal problems, where the difficulties of a premature convergence usually occurs. First the standard genetic algorithm (SGA) using binary encoding of real values and its unsatisfactory behavior with multimodal problems is briefly reviewed together with some improvements of fighting premature convergence. Two types of real encoded methods based on differential operators are examined in detail: the differential evolution (DE), a very modern and effective method firstly published by R. Storn and K. Price, and the simplified real-coded differential genetic algorithm SADE proposed by the authors. In addition, an improvement of the SADE method, called CERAF technology, enabling the population of solutions to escape from local extremes, is examined. All methods are tested on an identical set of objective functions and a systematic comparison based on a reliable methodology is presented. It is confirmed that real coded methods generally exhibit better behavior on real domains than the binary algorithms, even when extended by several improvements. Furthermore, the positive influence of the differential operators due to their possibility of self-adaptation is demonstrated. From the reliability point of view, it seems that the real encoded differential algorithm, improved by the technology described in this paper, is a universal and reliable method capable of solving all proposed test problems.Comment: 23 pages, 2 figures, 4 table

    Co-Evolutionary Multi-Agent System with Speciation and Resource Sharing Mechanisms

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    Niching techniques for evolutionary algorithms are used in order to locate basins of attraction of the local minima of multi-modal fitness functions. Co-evolutionary techniques are aimed at overcoming limited adaptive capabilities of evolutionary algorithms resulting from the loss of useful population the idea of niching co-evolutionary multi-agent system (NCoEMAS)is introduced. In such a system the species formation phenomena occurs within one of the pre-existing species as a result of co-evolutionary interactions. The results of experiments with Rastrigin and Schwefel multi-modal test functions aimed at the comparison of NCoEMAS to other niching techniques are presented. Also, the resource sharing mechanism's parameters on the quality of speciation processes inNCoEMAS are investigated

    Evolutionary Computation in System Identification: Review and Recommendations

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    Two of the steps in system identification are model structure selection and parameter estimation. In model structure selection, several model structures are evaluated and selected. Because the evaluation of all possible model structures during selection and estimation of the parameters requires a lot of time, a rigorous method in which these tasks can be simplified is usually preferred. This paper reviews cumulatively some of the methods that have been tried since the past 40 years. Among the methods, evolutionary computation is known to be the most recent one and hereby being reviewed in more detail, including what advantages the method contains and how it is specifically implemented. At the end of the paper, some recommendations are provided on how evolutionary computation can be utilized in a more effective way. In short, these are by modifying the search strategy and simplifying the procedure based on problem a priori knowledge
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