Ant Colony Optimization and Constraint Programming

Rave reviews for INTEGER AND COMBINATORIAL OPTIMIZATION «This book provides an excellent introduction and survey of traditional fields of combinatorial optimization . . . It is indeed one of the best and most complete texts on combinatorial optimization . . . available. [And] with more than 700 entries, [it] has quite an exhaustive reference list.»-Optima «A unifying approach to optimization problems is to formulate them like linear programming problems, while restricting some or all of the variables to the integers. This book is an encyclopedic resource for such formulations, as well as for understanding the structure of and solving the resulting integer programming problems.»-Computing Reviews «[This book] can serve as a basis for various graduate courses on discrete optimization as well as a reference book for researchers and practitioners.»-Mathematical Reviews «This comprehensive and wide-ranging book will undoubtedly become a standard reference book for all those in the field of combinatorial optimization.»-Bulletin of the London Mathematical Society «This text should be required reading for anybody who intends to do research in this area or even just to keep abreast of developments.»-Times Higher Education Supplement, London Also of interest . . . INTEGER PROGRAMMING Laurence A. Wolsey Comprehensive and self-contained, this intermediate-level guide to integer programming provides readers with clear, up-to-date explanations on why some problems are difficult to solve, how techniques can be reformulated to give better results, and how mixed integer programming systems can be used more effectively. 1998 (0-471-28366-5) 260 pp.

Discover the practical impacts of current methods of optimization with this approachable, one-stop resource Linear and Convex Optimization: A Mathematical Approach delivers a concise and unified treatment of optimization with a focus on developing insights in problem structure, modeling, and algorithms. Convex optimization problems are covered in detail because of their many applications and the fast algorithms that have been developed to solve them.  Experienced researcher and undergraduate teacher Mike Veatch presents the main algorithms used in linear, integer, and convex optimization in a mathematical style with an emphasis on what makes a class of problems practically solvable and developing insight into algorithms geometrically. Principles of algorithm design and the speed of algorithms are discussed in detail, requiring no background in algorithms. The book offers a breadth of recent applications to demonstrate the many areas in which optimization is successfully and frequently used, while the process of formulating optimization problems is addressed throughout.  Linear and Convex Optimization contains a wide variety of features, including: Coverage of current methods in optimization in a style and level that remains appealing and accessible for mathematically trained undergraduates Enhanced insights into a few algorithms, instead of presenting many algorithms in cursory fashion An emphasis on the formulation of large, data-driven optimization problems Inclusion of linear, integer, and convex optimization, covering many practically solvable problems using algorithms that share many of the same concepts Presentation of a broad range of applications to fields like online marketing, disaster response, humanitarian development, public sector planning, health delivery, manufacturing, and supply chain management Ideal for upper level undergraduate mathematics majors with an interest in practical applications of mathematics, this book will also appeal to business, economics, computer science, and operations research majors with at least two years of mathematics training.

Machine learning and optimization techniques are revolutionizing our world. Other types of information technology have not progressed as rapidly in recent years, in terms of real impact. The aim of this book is to present some of the innovative techniques in the field of optimization and machine learning, and to demonstrate how to apply them in the fields of engineering.

Optimization and Machine Learning presents modern advances in the selection, configuration and engineering of algorithms that rely on machine learning and optimization. The first part of the book is dedicated to applications where optimization plays a major role, and the second part describes and implements several applications that are mainly based on machine learning techniques. The methods addressed in these chapters are compared against their competitors, and their effectiveness in their chosen field of application is illustrated.

R ecent developments in multi-parametric optimization and control   Multi-Parametric Optimization and Control  provides comprehensive coverage of recent methodological developments for optimal model-based control through parametric optimization. It also shares real-world research applications to support deeper understanding of the material.  Researchers and practitioners can use the book as reference. It is also suitable as a primary or a supplementary textbook. Each chapter looks at the theories related to a topic along with a relevant case study. Topic complexity increases gradually as readers progress through the chapters. The first part of the book presents an overview of the state-of-the-art multi-parametric optimization theory and algorithms in multi-parametric programming. The second examines the connection between multi-parametric programming and model-predictive control—from the linear quadratic regulator over hybrid systems to periodic systems and robust control.  The third part of the book addresses multi-parametric optimization in process systems engineering. A step-by-step procedure is introduced for embedding the programming within the system engineering, which leads the reader into the topic of the PAROC framework and software platform. PAROC is an integrated framework and platform for the optimization and advanced model-based control of process systems.  Uses case studies to illustrate real-world applications for a better understanding of the concepts presented Covers the fundamentals of optimization and model predictive control Provides information on key topics, such as the basic sensitivity theorem, linear programming, quadratic programming, mixed-integer linear programming, optimal control of continuous systems, and multi-parametric optimal control An appendix summarizes the history of multi-parametric optimization algorithms. It also covers the use of the parametric optimization toolbox (POP), which is comprehensive software for efficiently solving multi-parametric programming problems.

This book is a general presentation of complex systems, examined from the point of view of management. There is no standard formula to govern such systems, nor to effectively understand and respond to them. The interdisciplinary theory of self-organization is teeming with examples of living systems that can reorganize at a higher level of complexity when confronted with an external challenge of a certain magnitude. Modern businesses, considered as complex systems, ideally know how to flexibly and resiliently adapt to their environment, and also how to prepare for change via self-organization. Understanding sources of potential crisis is essential for leaders, though not all crises are necessarily bad news, as creative firms know how to respond to challenges through innovation: new products and markets, organizational learning for collective intelligence, and more.

A comprehensive introduction to convexity and optimization in Rn This book presents the mathematics of finite dimensional constrained optimization problems. It provides a basis for the further mathematical study of convexity, of more general optimization problems, and of numerical algorithms for the solution of finite dimensional optimization problems. For readers who do not have the requisite background in real analysis, the author provides a chapter covering this material. The text features abundant exercises and problems designed to lead the reader to a fundamental understanding of the material. Convexity and Optimization in Rn provides detailed discussion of: * Requisite topics in real analysis * Convex sets * Convex functions * Optimization problems * Convex programming and duality * The simplex method A detailed bibliography is included for further study and an index offers quick reference. Suitable as a text for both graduate and undergraduate students in mathematics and engineering, this accessible text is written from extensively class-tested notes.

A guide to modern optimization applications and techniques in newly emerging areas spanning optimization, data science, machine intelligence, engineering, and computer sciences Optimization Techniques and Applications with Examples introduces the fundamentals of all the commonly used techniques in optimization that encompass the broadness and diversity of the methods (traditional and new) and algorithms. The author—a noted expert in the field—covers a wide range of topics including mathematical foundations, optimization formulation, optimality conditions, algorithmic complexity, linear programming, convex optimization, and integer programming. In addition, the book discusses artificial neural network, clustering and classifications, constraint-handling, queueing theory, support vector machine and multi-objective optimization, evolutionary computation, nature-inspired algorithms and many other topics. Designed as a practical resource, all topics are explained in detail with step-by-step examples to show how each method works. The book’s exercises test the acquired knowledge that can be potentially applied to real problem solving. By taking an informal approach to the subject, the author helps readers to rapidly acquire the basic knowledge in optimization, operational research, and applied data mining. This important resource: Offers an accessible and state-of-the-art introduction to the main optimization techniques Contains both traditional optimization techniques and the most current algorithms and swarm intelligence-based techniques Presents a balance of theory, algorithms, and implementation Includes more than 100 worked examples with step-by-step explanations Written for upper undergraduates and graduates in a standard course on optimization, operations research and data mining, Optimization Techniques and Applications with Examples is a highly accessible guide to understanding the fundamentals of all the commonly used techniques in optimization.

This book is a comprehensive overview of the recently developed methods for assessing and optimizing system reliability and safety. It consists of two main parts, for assessment and optimization methods, respectively. The former covers multi-state system modelling and reliability evaluation, Markov processes, Monte Carlo simulation and uncertainty treatments under poor knowledge. The reviewed methods range from piecewise-deterministic Markov process to belief functions. The latter covers mathematical programs, evolutionary algorithms, multi-objective optimization and optimization under uncertainty. The reviewed methods range from non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm to robust optimization. This book also includes the applications of the assessment and optimization method on real world cases, particularly for the reliability and safety of renewable energy systems. From this point of view, the book bridges the gap between theoretical development and engineering practice.

The authoritative guide to modeling and solving complex problems with linear programming—extensively revised, expanded, and updated The only book to treat both linear programming techniques and network flows under one cover, Linear Programming and Network Flows, Fourth Edition has been completely updated with the latest developments on the topic. This new edition continues to successfully emphasize modeling concepts, the design and analysis of algorithms, and implementation strategies for problems in a variety of fields, including industrial engineering, management science, operations research, computer science, and mathematics. The book begins with basic results on linear algebra and convex analysis, and a geometrically motivated study of the structure of polyhedral sets is provided. Subsequent chapters include coverage of cycling in the simplex method, interior point methods, and sensitivity and parametric analysis. Newly added topics in the Fourth Edition include: The cycling phenomenon in linear programming and the geometry of cycling Duality relationships with cycling Elaboration on stable factorizations and implementation strategies Stabilized column generation and acceleration of Benders and Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition methods Line search and dual ascent ideas for the out-of-kilter algorithm Heap implementation comments, negative cost circuit insights, and additional convergence analyses for shortest path problems The authors present concepts and techniques that are illustrated by numerical examples along with insights complete with detailed mathematical analysis and justification. An emphasis is placed on providing geometric viewpoints and economic interpretations as well as strengthening the understanding of the fundamental ideas. Each chapter is accompanied by Notes and References sections that provide historical developments in addition to current and future trends. Updated exercises allow readers to test their comprehension of the presented material, and extensive references provide resources for further study. Linear Programming and Network Flows, Fourth Edition is an excellent book for linear programming and network flow courses at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels. It is also a valuable resource for applied scientists who would like to refresh their understanding of linear programming and network flow techniques.