Cluster analysis means the organization of an unlabeled collection of objects or patterns into separate groups based on their similarity. The task of computerized data clustering has been approached from diverse domains of knowledge like graph theory, multivariate analysis, neural networks, fuzzy set theory, and so on. Clustering is often described as an unsupervised learning method but most of the traditional algorithms require a prior specification of the number of clusters in the data for guiding the partitioning process, thus making it not completely unsupervised. Modern data mining tools that predict future trends and behaviors for allowing businesses to make proactive and knowledge-driven decisions, demand fast and fully automatic clustering of very large datasets with minimal or no user intervention. In this volume, we formulate clustering as an optimization problem, where the best partitioning of a given dataset is achieved by minimizing/maximizing one (single-objective clustering) or more (multi-objective clustering) objective functions. Using several real world applications, we illustrate the performance of several metaheuristics, particularly the Differential Evolution algorithm when applied to both single and multi-objective clustering problems, where the number of clusters is not known beforehand and must be determined on the run. This volume comprises of 7 chapters including an introductory chapter giving the fundamental definitions and the last Chapter provides some important research challenges. Academics, scientists as well as engineers engaged in research, development and application of optimization techniques and data mining will find the comprehensive coverage of this book invaluable.

An authoritative guide to an in-depth analysis of various state-of-the-art data clustering approaches using a range of computational intelligence techniques Recent Advances in Hybrid Metaheuristics for Data Clustering offers a guide to the fundamentals of various metaheuristics and their application to data clustering. Metaheuristics are designed to tackle complex clustering problems where classical clustering algorithms have failed to be either effective or efficient. The authors noted experts on the topic provide a text that can aid in the design and development of hybrid metaheuristics to be applied to data clustering. The book includes performance analysis of the hybrid metaheuristics in relationship to their conventional counterparts. In addition to providing a review of data clustering, the authors include in-depth analysis of different optimization algorithms. The text offers a step-by-step guide in the build-up of hybrid metaheuristics and to enhance comprehension. In addition, the book contains a range of real-life case studies and their applications. This important text: Includes performance analysis of the hybrid metaheuristics as related to their conventional counterparts Offers an in-depth analysis of a range of optimization algorithms Highlights a review of data clustering Contains a detailed overview of different standard metaheuristics in current use Presents a step-by-step guide to the build-up of hybrid metaheuristics Offers real-life case studies and applications Written for researchers, students and academics in computer science, mathematics, and engineering, Recent Advances in Hybrid Metaheuristics for Data Clustering provides a text that explores the current data clustering approaches using a range of computational intelligence techniques.

In this book, differential evolution and its modified variants are applied to the clustering of data and images. Metaheuristics have emerged as potential algorithms for dealing with complex optimization problems, which are otherwise difficult to solve using traditional methods. In this regard, differential evolution is considered to be a highly promising technique for optimization and is being used to solve various real-time problems. The book studies the algorithms in detail, tests them on a range of test images, and carefully analyzes their performance. Accordingly, it offers a valuable reference guide for all researchers, students and practitioners working in the fields of artificial intelligence, optimization and data analytics.

This book describes optimization models of clustering problems and clustering algorithms based on optimization techniques, including their implementation, evaluation, and applications. The book gives a comprehensive and detailed description of optimization approaches for solving clustering problems; the authors' emphasis on clustering algorithms is based on deterministic methods of optimization. The book also includes results on real-time clustering algorithms based on optimization techniques, addresses implementation issues of these clustering algorithms, and discusses new challenges arising from big data. The book is ideal for anyone teaching or learning clustering algorithms. It provides an accessible introduction to the field and it is well suited for practitioners already familiar with the basics of optimization.

Handbook of Metaheuristic Algorithms: From Fundamental Theories to Advanced Applications provides a brief introduction to metaheuristic algorithms from the ground up, including basic ideas and advanced solutions. Although readers may be able to find source code for some metaheuristic algorithms on the Internet, the coding styles and explanations are generally quite different, and thus requiring expanded knowledge between theory and implementation. This book can also help students and researchers construct an integrated perspective of metaheuristic and unsupervised algorithms for artificial intelligence research in computer science and applied engineering domains. Metaheuristic algorithms can be considered the epitome of unsupervised learning algorithms for the optimization of engineering and artificial intelligence problems, including simulated annealing (SA), tabu search (TS), genetic algorithm (GA), ant colony optimization (ACO), particle swarm optimization (PSO), differential evolution (DE), and others. Distinct from most supervised learning algorithms that need labeled data to learn and construct determination models, metaheuristic algorithms inherit characteristics of unsupervised learning algorithms used for solving complex engineering optimization problems without labeled data, just like self-learning, to find solutions to complex problems. - Presents a unified framework for metaheuristics and describes well-known algorithms and their variants - Introduces fundamentals and advanced topics for solving engineering optimization problems, e.g., scheduling problems, sensors deployment problems, and clustering problems - Includes source code based on the unified framework for metaheuristics used as examples to show how TS, SA, GA, ACO, PSO, DE, parallel metaheuristic algorithm, hybrid metaheuristic, local search, and other advanced technologies are realized in programming languages such as C++ and Python

Cognitive Big Data Intelligence with a Metaheuristic Approach presents an exact and compact organization of content relating to the latest metaheuristics methodologies based on new challenging big data application domains and cognitive computing. The combined model of cognitive big data intelligence with metaheuristics methods can be used to analyze emerging patterns, spot business opportunities, and take care of critical process-centric issues in real-time. Various real-time case studies and implemented works are discussed in this book for better understanding and additional clarity. This book presents an essential platform for the use of cognitive technology in the field of Data Science. It covers metaheuristic methodologies that can be successful in a wide variety of problem settings in big data frameworks. - Provides a unique opportunity to present the work on the state-of-the-art of metaheuristics approach in the area of big data processing developing automated and intelligent models - Explains different, feasible applications and case studies where cognitive computing can be successfully implemented in big data analytics using metaheuristics algorithms - Provides a snapshot of the latest advances in the contribution of metaheuristics frameworks in cognitive big data applications to solve optimization problems

Comprehensive Metaheuristics: Algorithms and Applications presents the foundational underpinnings of metaheuristics and a broad scope of algorithms and real-world applications across a variety of research fields. The book starts with fundamentals, mathematical prerequisites, and conceptual approaches to provide readers with a solid foundation. After presenting multi-objective optimization, constrained optimization, and problem formation for metaheuristics, world-renowned authors give readers in-depth understanding of the full spectrum of algorithms and techniques. Scientists, researchers, academicians, and practitioners who are interested in optimizing a process or procedure to achieve a goal will benefit from the case studies of real-world applications from different domains. The book takes a much-needed holistic approach, putting the most widely used metaheuristic algorithms together with an in-depth treatise on multi-disciplinary applications of metaheuristics. Each algorithm is thoroughly analyzed to observe its behavior, providing a detailed tutorial on how to solve problems using metaheuristics. New case studies and research problem statements are also discussed, which will help researchers in their application of the concepts. - Presented by world-renowned researchers and practitioners in metaheuristics - Includes techniques, algorithms, and applications based on real-world case studies - Presents the methodology for formulating optimization problems for metaheuristics - Provides readers with methods for analyzing and tuning the performance of a metaheuristic, as well as for integrating metaheuristics in other AI techniques - Features online complementary source code from the applications and algorithms