43 research outputs found
Multiobjective optimization to a TB-HIV/AIDS coinfection optimal control problem
We consider a recent coinfection model for Tuberculosis (TB), Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
(AIDS) proposed in [Discrete Contin. Dyn. Syst. 35 (2015), no. 9, 4639--4663].
We introduce and analyze a multiobjective formulation of an optimal control
problem, where the two conflicting objectives are: minimization of the number
of HIV infected individuals with AIDS clinical symptoms and coinfected with
AIDS and active TB; and costs related to prevention and treatment of HIV and/or
TB measures. The proposed approach eliminates some limitations of previous
works. The results of the numerical study provide comprehensive insights about
the optimal treatment policies and the population dynamics resulting from their
implementation. Some nonintuitive conclusions are drawn. Overall, the
simulation results demonstrate the usefulness and validity of the proposed
approach.Comment: This is a preprint of a paper whose final and definite form is with
'Computational and Applied Mathematics', ISSN 0101-8205 (print), ISSN
1807-0302 (electronic). Submitted 04-Feb-2016; revised 11-June-2016 and
02-Sept-2016; accepted for publication 15-March-201
Combining artificial neural networks and evolution to solve multiobjective knapsack problems
The multiobjective knapsack problem (MOKP) is a combinatorial problem that arises in various applications, including resource allocation, computer science and finance. Evolutionary multiobjective optimization algorithms (EMOAs) can be effective in solving MOKPs. Though, they often face difficulties due to the loss of solution diversity and poor scalability. To address those issues, our study [2] proposes to generate candidate solutions by artificial neural networks. This is intended to provide intelligence to the search. As gradient-based learning cannot be used when target values are unknown, neuroevolution is adapted to adjust the neural network parameters. The proposal is implemented within a state-of-the-art EMOA and benchmarked against traditional search operators base on a binary crossover. The obtained experimental results indicate a superior performance of the proposed approach. Furthermore, it is advantageous in terms of scalability and can be readily incorporated into different EMOAs.(undefined
Neuroevolution for solving multiobjective knapsack problems
The multiobjective knapsack problem (MOKP) is an important combinatorial problem that arises in various applications, including resource allocation, computer science and finance. When tackling this problem by evolutionary multiobjective optimization algorithms (EMOAs), it has been demonstrated that traditional recombination operators acting on binary solution representations are susceptible to a loss of diversity and poor scalability. To address those issues, we propose to use artificial neural networks for generating solutions by performing a binary classification of items using the information about their profits and weights. As gradient-based learning cannot be used when target values are unknown, neuroevolution is adapted to adjust the neural network parameters. The main contribution of this study resides in developing a solution encoding and genotype-phenotype mapping for EMOAs to solve MOKPs. The proposal is implemented within a state-of-the-art EMOA and benchmarked against traditional variation operators based on binary crossovers. The obtained experimental results indicate a superior performance of the proposed approach. Furthermore, it is advantageous in terms of scalability and can be readily incorporated into different EMOAs.Portuguese “Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia” under grant PEst-C/CTM/LA0025/2013 (Projecto Estratégico - LA 25 - 2013-2014 - Strategic Project - LA 25 - 2013-2014
Multiobjective optimization of polymer extrusion: decision making and robustness
A Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm (MOEA) is used to optimize polymer single screw extrusion. In this approach, the MOEA is linked to a modelling routine that quantifies the objectives as a function of the decision variables (i.e., operating conditions and/or screw geometry). Due to the conflicting nature of some objectives, the optimization algorithm uses a set of possible solutions to the problem that evolves during suc-cessive generations to a set of optimal solutions denoted as Pareto set. Since practical process optimization should yield a single solution, it is convenient to implement also a Decision Making (DM) strategy. Two methodologies were followed. In one case, the solutions were selected based on the preferences of a decision maker. Alternatively, the sensitivity of the solutions to small changes in the design variables was taken into account through a robustness analysis. The analysis of various case studies and the comparison with experi-mental data validated the method and demonstrates its potential.This work was supported by the Portuguese Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia under grant PEst-C/CTM/LA0025/2013 (Projecto Estratégico - LA 25 - 2013-2014 - Strategic Project - LA 25 - 2013-2014).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Evolving neural networks to optimize material usage in blow molded containers
In industry, there is a growing interest to optimize the use of raw material in blow molded products. Commonly, the material in blow molded containers is optimized by dividing the container into different sections and minimizing the wall thickness of each section. The definition of discrete sections is limited by the shape of the container and can lead to suboptimal solutions. This study suggests determining the optimal thickness distribution for blow molded containers as a function of geometry. The proposed methodology relies on the use of neural networks and finite element analysis. Neural networks are stochastically evolved considering multiple objectives related to the optimization of material usage, such as cost and quality. Numerical simulations based on finite element analysis are used to evaluate the performance of the container with a thickness profile determined by feeding the coordinates of mesh elements in finite element model into the neural network. The proposed methodology was applied to the design of industrial bottle. The obtained results suggested the validity and usefulness of this methodology by revealing its ability to identify the most critical regions for the application of material.FCT -Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia(PEst-E/EEI/UI0319/2014)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Regularization-free multicriteria optimization of polymer viscoelasticity model
This paper introduces a multiobjective optimization (MOP) method for nonlinear regression analysis which is capable of simultaneously minimizing the model order and estimating parameter values without the need of exogenous regularization constraints. The method is introduced through a case study in polymer rheology modeling. Prevailing approaches in this field tackle conflicting optimization goals as a monobjective problem by aggregating individual regression errors on each dependent variable into a single weighted scalarization function. In addition, their supporting deterministic numerical methods often rely on assumptions which are extrinsic to the problem, such as regularization constants and restrictions on parameter distribution, thereby introducing methodology inherent biases into the model. Our proposed non-deterministic MOP strategy, on the other hand, aims at finding the Pareto-front of all optimal solutions with respect not only to individual regression errors, but also to the number of parameters needed to fit the data, automatically reducing the model order. The evolutionary computation approach does not require arbitrary constraints on objective weights, regularization parameters or other exogenous assumptions to handle the ill-posed inverse problem. The article discusses the method rationales, implementation, simulation experiments, and comparison with other methods, with experimental evidences that it can outperform state-of-art techniques. While the discussion focuses on the study case, the introduced method is general and immediately applicable to other problem domains.This work is funded by National Funds through FCT - Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, References UIDB/05256/2020 and UIDP/05256/2020 and the European project
MSCA-RISE-2015, NEWEX, Reference 734205
Hybrid genetic pattern search augmented Lagrangian algorithm : application to WWTP optimization
An augmented Lagrangian algorithm is presented to solve
a global optimization problem that arises when modeling the activated
sludge system in a Wastewater Treatment Plant, attempting to minimize
both investment and operation costs. It is a heuristic-based algorithm
that uses a genetic algorithm to explore the search space for a global
optimum and a pattern search method for the local search refinement.
The obtained results have physical meaning and show the effectiveness
of the proposed method
Using a genetic algorithm to solve a bi-objective WWTP process optimization
When modeling an activated sludge system of a wastewater treatment
plant (WWTP), several conflicting objectives may arise. The proposed formulation
is a highly constrained bi-objective problem where the minimization of the
investment and operation costs and the maximization of the quality of the effluent
are simultaneously optimized. These two conflicting objectives give rise to a set of
Pareto optimal solutions, reflecting different compromises between the objectives.
Population based algorithms are particularly suitable to tackle multi-objective problems
since they can, in principle, find multiple widely different approximations to
the Pareto-optimal solutions in a single run. In this work, the formulated problem
is solved through an elitist multi-objective genetic algorithm coupled with a constrained
tournament technique. Several trade-offs between objectives are obtained
through the optimization process. The direct visualization of the trade-offs through
a Pareto curve assists the decision maker in the selection of crucial design and operation
variables. The experimental results are promising, with physical meaning and
highlight the advantages of using a multi-objective approach
Optimization of injection blow molding: part I – defining part thickness profile
Manuscript DraftThis paper suggests a methodology based on a neuroevolutionary approach to optimize the use of material in blow molding applications. This approach aims at determining the optimal thickness distribution for a certain blow molded product as a function of its geometry. Multiobjective search is performed by neuroevolution to reflect the conflicting nature of the design problem and to capture some possible trade-offs. During the search, each design alternative is evaluated through a finite element analysis. The coordinates of mesh elements are the inputs to an artificial neural network that is evolved and whose output determines the thickness for the corresponding location.
The proposed approach is applied to the design of an industrial bottle. The results reveal validity and usefulness of the proposed technique, which were able to distribute the material along mostcritical regions to adequate mechanical properties. The approach is general and can be applied to products with different geometries.Programa Operacional para a Competitividade e Internacionalização -COMPETE 2020, projectos POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007688 e POCI-01-0247-FEDER-00279