Non-Convex Multi-Objective Optimization


Book Description

Recent results on non-convex multi-objective optimization problems and methods are presented in this book, with particular attention to expensive black-box objective functions. Multi-objective optimization methods facilitate designers, engineers, and researchers to make decisions on appropriate trade-offs between various conflicting goals. A variety of deterministic and stochastic multi-objective optimization methods are developed in this book. Beginning with basic concepts and a review of non-convex single-objective optimization problems; this book moves on to cover multi-objective branch and bound algorithms, worst-case optimal algorithms (for Lipschitz functions and bi-objective problems), statistical models based algorithms, and probabilistic branch and bound approach. Detailed descriptions of new algorithms for non-convex multi-objective optimization, their theoretical substantiation, and examples for practical applications to the cell formation problem in manufacturing engineering, the process design in chemical engineering, and business process management are included to aide researchers and graduate students in mathematics, computer science, engineering, economics, and business management.




Optimization on Low Rank Nonconvex Structures


Book Description

Global optimization is one of the fastest developing fields in mathematical optimization. In fact, an increasing number of remarkably efficient deterministic algorithms have been proposed in the last ten years for solving several classes of large scale specially structured problems encountered in such areas as chemical engineering, financial engineering, location and network optimization, production and inventory control, engineering design, computational geometry, and multi-objective and multi-level optimization. These new developments motivated the authors to write a new book devoted to global optimization problems with special structures. Most of these problems, though highly nonconvex, can be characterized by the property that they reduce to convex minimization problems when some of the variables are fixed. A number of recently developed algorithms have been proved surprisingly efficient for handling typical classes of problems exhibiting such structures, namely low rank nonconvex structures. Audience: The book will serve as a fundamental reference book for all those who are interested in mathematical optimization.




Multi-Objective Optimization using Evolutionary Algorithms


Book Description

Optimierung mit mehreren Zielen, evolutionäre Algorithmen: Dieses Buch wendet sich vorrangig an Einsteiger, denn es werden kaum Vorkenntnisse vorausgesetzt. Geboten werden alle notwendigen Grundlagen, um die Theorie auf Probleme der Ingenieurtechnik, der Vorhersage und der Planung anzuwenden. Der Autor gibt auch einen Ausblick auf Forschungsaufgaben der Zukunft.




Non-convex Optimization for Machine Learning


Book Description

Non-convex Optimization for Machine Learning takes an in-depth look at the basics of non-convex optimization with applications to machine learning. It introduces the rich literature in this area, as well as equips the reader with the tools and techniques needed to apply and analyze simple but powerful procedures for non-convex problems. Non-convex Optimization for Machine Learning is as self-contained as possible while not losing focus of the main topic of non-convex optimization techniques. The monograph initiates the discussion with entire chapters devoted to presenting a tutorial-like treatment of basic concepts in convex analysis and optimization, as well as their non-convex counterparts. The monograph concludes with a look at four interesting applications in the areas of machine learning and signal processing, and exploring how the non-convex optimization techniques introduced earlier can be used to solve these problems. The monograph also contains, for each of the topics discussed, exercises and figures designed to engage the reader, as well as extensive bibliographic notes pointing towards classical works and recent advances. Non-convex Optimization for Machine Learning can be used for a semester-length course on the basics of non-convex optimization with applications to machine learning. On the other hand, it is also possible to cherry pick individual portions, such the chapter on sparse recovery, or the EM algorithm, for inclusion in a broader course. Several courses such as those in machine learning, optimization, and signal processing may benefit from the inclusion of such topics.




Convex Optimization


Book Description

Convex optimization problems arise frequently in many different fields. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject, and shows in detail how such problems can be solved numerically with great efficiency. The book begins with the basic elements of convex sets and functions, and then describes various classes of convex optimization problems. Duality and approximation techniques are then covered, as are statistical estimation techniques. Various geometrical problems are then presented, and there is detailed discussion of unconstrained and constrained minimization problems, and interior-point methods. The focus of the book is on recognizing convex optimization problems and then finding the most appropriate technique for solving them. It contains many worked examples and homework exercises and will appeal to students, researchers and practitioners in fields such as engineering, computer science, mathematics, statistics, finance and economics.




Algorithms for Convex Optimization


Book Description

In the last few years, Algorithms for Convex Optimization have revolutionized algorithm design, both for discrete and continuous optimization problems. For problems like maximum flow, maximum matching, and submodular function minimization, the fastest algorithms involve essential methods such as gradient descent, mirror descent, interior point methods, and ellipsoid methods. The goal of this self-contained book is to enable researchers and professionals in computer science, data science, and machine learning to gain an in-depth understanding of these algorithms. The text emphasizes how to derive key algorithms for convex optimization from first principles and how to establish precise running time bounds. This modern text explains the success of these algorithms in problems of discrete optimization, as well as how these methods have significantly pushed the state of the art of convex optimization itself.




The Gamma Function


Book Description

This brief monograph on the gamma function was designed by the author to fill what he perceived as a gap in the literature of mathematics, which often treated the gamma function in a manner he described as both sketchy and overly complicated. Author Emil Artin, one of the twentieth century's leading mathematicians, wrote in his Preface to this book, "I feel that this monograph will help to show that the gamma function can be thought of as one of the elementary functions, and that all of its basic properties can be established using elementary methods of the calculus." Generations of teachers and students have benefitted from Artin's masterly arguments and precise results. Suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students of mathematics, his treatment examines functions, the Euler integrals and the Gauss formula, large values of x and the multiplication formula, the connection with sin x, applications to definite integrals, and other subjects.




Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization


Book Description

Evolutionary Multi-Objective Optimization is an expanding field of research. This book brings a collection of papers with some of the most recent advances in this field. The topic and content is currently very fashionable and has immense potential for practical applications and includes contributions from leading researchers in the field. Assembled in a compelling and well-organised fashion, Evolutionary Computation Based Multi-Criteria Optimization will prove beneficial for both academic and industrial scientists and engineers engaged in research and development and application of evolutionary algorithm based MCO. Packed with must-find information, this book is the first to comprehensively and clearly address the issue of evolutionary computation based MCO, and is an essential read for any researcher or practitioner of the technique.




Multiobjective Optimization


Book Description

Multiobjective optimization deals with solving problems having not only one, but multiple, often conflicting, criteria. Such problems can arise in practically every field of science, engineering and business, and the need for efficient and reliable solution methods is increasing. The task is challenging due to the fact that, instead of a single optimal solution, multiobjective optimization results in a number of solutions with different trade-offs among criteria, also known as Pareto optimal or efficient solutions. Hence, a decision maker is needed to provide additional preference information and to identify the most satisfactory solution. Depending on the paradigm used, such information may be introduced before, during, or after the optimization process. Clearly, research and application in multiobjective optimization involve expertise in optimization as well as in decision support. This state-of-the-art survey originates from the International Seminar on Practical Approaches to Multiobjective Optimization, held in Dagstuhl Castle, Germany, in December 2006, which brought together leading experts from various contemporary multiobjective optimization fields, including evolutionary multiobjective optimization (EMO), multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) and multiple criteria decision aiding (MCDA). This book gives a unique and detailed account of the current status of research and applications in the field of multiobjective optimization. It contains 16 chapters grouped in the following 5 thematic sections: Basics on Multiobjective Optimization; Recent Interactive and Preference-Based Approaches; Visualization of Solutions; Modelling, Implementation and Applications; and Quality Assessment, Learning, and Future Challenges.




Nonlinear Multiobjective Optimization


Book Description

Problems with multiple objectives and criteria are generally known as multiple criteria optimization or multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems. So far, these types of problems have typically been modelled and solved by means of linear programming. However, many real-life phenomena are of a nonlinear nature, which is why we need tools for nonlinear programming capable of handling several conflicting or incommensurable objectives. In this case, methods of traditional single objective optimization and linear programming are not enough; we need new ways of thinking, new concepts, and new methods - nonlinear multiobjective optimization. Nonlinear Multiobjective Optimization provides an extensive, up-to-date, self-contained and consistent survey, review of the literature and of the state of the art on nonlinear (deterministic) multiobjective optimization, its methods, its theory and its background. The amount of literature on multiobjective optimization is immense. The treatment in this book is based on approximately 1500 publications in English printed mainly after the year 1980. Problems related to real-life applications often contain irregularities and nonsmoothnesses. The treatment of nondifferentiable multiobjective optimization in the literature is rather rare. For this reason, this book contains material about the possibilities, background, theory and methods of nondifferentiable multiobjective optimization as well. This book is intended for both researchers and students in the areas of (applied) mathematics, engineering, economics, operations research and management science; it is meant for both professionals and practitioners in many different fields of application. The intention has been to provide a consistent summary that may help in selecting an appropriate method for the problem to be solved. It is hoped the extensive bibliography will be of value to researchers.