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This paper presents a novel bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithm termed the Fossa Optimization Algorithm (FOA), which emulates the natural hunting behavior of the fossa in its habitat. FOA draws its core inspiration from the two-stage hunting technique of the fossa, involving an initial attack on a spotted lemur followed by a pursuit through the trees. The theoretical framework of FOA is elaborated, and its implementation is mathematically modeled in two distinct phases: (i) exploration, which simulates the fossa's positional adjustments during the initial attack on the lemur, and (ii) exploitation, which models the positional changes of the fossa during the chase. The efficacy of FOA is tested against twenty-two constrained optimization problems from the CEC 2011 test suite, as well as four engineering design challenges. The optimization results demonstrate FOA's strong capabilities in both exploration and exploitation, maintaining a balance that facilitates convergence to optimal solutions. FOA's performance is benchmarked against twelve established algorithms, showing that it consistently outperforms its competitors by delivering superior results and ranking as the top optimizer in most of the evaluated functions. These findings indicate that FOA is highly effective in addressing optimization tasks in real-world scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supply chain efficiency is a major challenge in today's business environment, where efficient resource allocation and coordination of activities are essential for competitive advantage. Traditional efficiency strategies often struggle for resources for the complex and dynamic network. In response, bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithms have emerged as powerful tools to solve these optimization problems. Referring to the random search nature of metaheuristic algorithms and emphasizing that no metaheuristic algorithm is the best optimizer for all optimization applications, the No Free Lunch (NFL) theorem encourages researchers to design newer algorithms to be able to provide more effective solutions to optimization problems. Motivated by the NFL theorem, the innovation and novelty of this paper is in designing a new meta-heuristic algorithm called Bobcat Optimization Algorithm (BOA) that imitates the natural behavior of bobcats in the wild. The basic inspiration of BOA is derived from the hunting strategy of bobcats during the attack towards the prey and the chase process between them. The theory of BOA is stated and then mathematically modeled in two phases (i) exploration based on the simulation of the bobcat's position change while moving towards the prey and (ii) exploitation based on simulating the bobcat's position change during the chase process to catch the prey. The performance of BOA is evaluated in optimization to handle the CEC 2017 test suite for problem dimensions equal to 10, 30, 50, and 100, as well as to address CEC 2020. The optimization results show that BOA has a high ability in exploration, exploitation, and balance them during the search process in order to achieve a suitable solution for optimization problems. The results obtained from BOA are compared with the performance of twelve well-known metaheuristic algorithms. The findings show that BOA has been successful in handling the CEC 2017 test suite in 89.65, 79.31, 93.10, and 89.65% of the functions for the problem dimension equal to 10, 30, 50, and 100, respectively. Also, the findings show that in order to handle the CEC 2020 test suite, BOA has been successful in 100% of the functions of this test suite. The statistical analysis confirms that BOA has a significant statistical superiority in the competition with the compared algorithms. Also, in order to analyze the efficiency of BOA in dealing with real world applications, twenty-two constrained optimization problems from CEC 2011 test suite and four engineering design problems have been selected. The findings show that BOA has been successful in 90.90% of CEC2011 test suite optimization problems and in 100% of engineering design problems. In addition, the efficiency of BOA to handle SCM applications has been challenged to solve ten case studies in the field of sustainable lot size optimization. The findings show that BOA has successfully provided superior performance in 100% of the case studies compared to competitor algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presents a novel nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithm called Frilled Lizard Optimization (FLO), which emulates the unique hunting behavior of frilled lizards in their natural habitat. FLO draws its inspiration from the sit-and-wait hunting strategy of these lizards. The algorithm's core principles are meticulously detailed and mathematically structured into two distinct phases: (i) an exploration phase, which mimics the lizard's sudden attack on its prey, and (ii) an exploitation phase, which simulates the lizard's retreat to the treetops after feeding. To assess FLO's efficacy in addressing optimization problems, its performance is rigorously tested on fifty-two standard benchmark functions. These functions include unimodal, high-dimensional multimodal, and fixed-dimensional multimodal functions, as well as the challenging CEC 2017 test suite. FLO's performance is benchmarked against twelve established metaheuristic algorithms, providing a comprehensive comparative analysis. The simulation results demonstrate that FLO excels in both exploration and exploitation, effectively balancing these two critical aspects throughout the search process. This balanced approach enables FLO to outperform several competing algorithms in numerous test cases. Additionally, FLO is applied to twenty-two constrained optimization problems from the CEC 2011 test suite and four complex engineering design problems, further validating its robustness and versatility in solving real-world optimization challenges. Overall, the study highlights FLO's superior performance and its potential as a powerful tool for tackling a wide range of optimization problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supply Chain (SC) Optimization is a key activity in today's industry with the goal of increasing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction. Traditional optimization methods often struggle to effectively use resources while handling complex and dynamic Supply chain networks. This paper introduces a novel biomimetic metaheuristic algorithm called the Wombat Optimization Algorithm (WOA) for supply chain optimization. This algorithm replicates the natural behaviors observed in wombats living in the wild, particularly focusing on their foraging tactics and evasive maneuvers towards predators. The theory of WOA is described and then mathematically modeled in two phases: (i) exploration based on the simulation of wombat movements during foraging and trying to find food and (ii) exploitation based on simulating wombat movements when diving towards nearby tunnels to defend against its predators. The effectiveness of WOA in addressing optimization challenges is assessed by handling the CEC 2017 test suite across various problem dimensions, including 10, 30, 50, and 100. The findings of the optimization indicate that WOA demonstrates a strong ability to effectively manage exploration and exploitation, and maintains a balance between them throughout the search phase to deliver optimal solutions for optimization problems. A total of twelve well-known metaheuristic algorithms are called upon to test their performance against WOA in the optimization process. The outcomes of the simulations reveal that WOA outperforms the other algorithms, achieving superior results across most benchmark functions and securing the top ranking as the most efficient optimizer. Using a Wilcoxon rank sum test statistical analysis, it has been proven that WOA outperforms other algorithms significantly. WOA is put to the test with twenty-two constrained optimization problems from the CEC 2011 test suite and four engineering design problems to showcase its ability to solve real-world optimization problems. The results of the simulations demonstrate that WOA excels in real-world applications by delivering superior solutions and outperforming its competitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the Botox Optimization Algorithm (BOA), a novel metaheuristic inspired by the Botox operation mechanism. The algorithm is designed to address optimization problems, utilizing a human-based approach. Taking cues from Botox procedures, where defects are targeted and treated to enhance beauty, the BOA is formulated and mathematically modeled. Evaluation on the CEC 2017 test suite showcases the BOA's ability to balance exploration and exploitation, delivering competitive solutions. Comparative analysis against twelve well-known metaheuristic algorithms demonstrates the BOA's superior performance across various benchmark functions, with statistically significant advantages. Moreover, application to constrained optimization problems from the CEC 2011 test suite highlights the BOA's effectiveness in real-world optimization tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithm named the Pufferfish Optimization Algorithm (POA), that imitates the natural behavior of pufferfish in nature, is introduced in this paper. The fundamental inspiration of POA is adapted from the defense mechanism of pufferfish against predators. In this defense mechanism, by filling its elastic stomach with water, the pufferfish becomes a spherical ball with pointed spines, and as a result, the hungry predator escapes from this threat. The POA theory is stated and then mathematically modeled in two phases: (i) exploration based on the simulation of a predator's attack on a pufferfish and (ii) exploitation based on the simulation of a predator's escape from spiny spherical pufferfish. The performance of POA is evaluated in handling the CEC 2017 test suite for problem dimensions equal to 10, 30, 50, and 100. The optimization results show that POA has achieved an effective solution with the appropriate ability in exploration, exploitation, and the balance between them during the search process. The quality of POA in the optimization process is compared with the performance of twelve well-known metaheuristic algorithms. The simulation results show that POA provides superior performance by achieving better results in most of the benchmark functions in order to solve the CEC 2017 test suite compared to competitor algorithms. Also, the effectiveness of POA to handle optimization tasks in real-world applications is evaluated on twenty-two constrained optimization problems from the CEC 2011 test suite and four engineering design problems. Simulation results show that POA provides effective performance in handling real-world applications by achieving better solutions compared to competitor algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper develops a novel hybrid approach, called hybrid particle swarm optimization–teaching–learning-based optimization (hPSO-TLBO), by combining two metaheuristic algorithms to solve optimization problems. The main idea in hPSO-TLBO design is to integrate the exploitation ability of PSO with the exploration ability of TLBO. The meaning of "exploitation capabilities of PSO" is the ability of PSO to manage local search with the aim of obtaining possible better solutions near the obtained solutions and promising areas of the problem-solving space. Also, "exploration abilities of TLBO" means the ability of TLBO to manage the global search with the aim of preventing the algorithm from getting stuck in inappropriate local optima. hPSO-TLBO design methodology is such that in the first step, the teacher phase in TLBO is combined with the speed equation in PSO. Then, in the second step, the learning phase of TLBO is improved based on each student learning from a selected better student that has a better value for the objective function against the corresponding student. The algorithm is presented in detail, accompanied by a comprehensive mathematical model. A group of benchmarks is used to evaluate the effectiveness of hPSO-TLBO, covering various types such as unimodal, high-dimensional multimodal, and fixed-dimensional multimodal. In addition, CEC 2017 benchmark problems are also utilized for evaluation purposes. The optimization results clearly demonstrate that hPSO-TLBO performs remarkably well in addressing the benchmark functions. It exhibits a remarkable ability to explore and exploit the search space while maintaining a balanced approach throughout the optimization process. Furthermore, a comparative analysis is conducted to evaluate the performance of hPSO-TLBO against twelve widely recognized metaheuristic algorithms. The evaluation of the experimental findings illustrates that hPSO-TLBO consistently outperforms the competing algorithms across various benchmark functions, showcasing its superior performance. The successful deployment of hPSO-TLBO in addressing four engineering challenges highlights its effectiveness in tackling real-world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithm called Giant Armadillo Optimization (GAO) is introduced, which imitates the natural behavior of giant armadillo in the wild. The fundamental inspiration in the design of GAO is derived from the hunting strategy of giant armadillos in moving towards prey positions and digging termite mounds. The theory of GAO is expressed and mathematically modeled in two phases: (i) exploration based on simulating the movement of giant armadillos towards termite mounds, and (ii) exploitation based on simulating giant armadillos' digging skills in order to prey on and rip open termite mounds. The performance of GAO in handling optimization tasks is evaluated in order to solve the CEC 2017 test suite for problem dimensions equal to 10, 30, 50, and 100. The optimization results show that GAO is able to achieve effective solutions for optimization problems by benefiting from its high abilities in exploration, exploitation, and balancing them during the search process. The quality of the results obtained from GAO is compared with the performance of twelve well-known metaheuristic algorithms. The simulation results show that GAO presents superior performance compared to competitor algorithms by providing better results for most of the benchmark functions. The statistical analysis of the Wilcoxon rank sum test confirms that GAO has a significant statistical superiority over competitor algorithms. The implementation of GAO on the CEC 2011 test suite and four engineering design problems show that the proposed approach has effective performance in dealing with real-world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a new metaheuristic algorithm called Migration Algorithm (MA), which is helpful in solving optimization problems. The fundamental inspiration of MA is the process of human migration, which aims to improve job, educational, economic, and living conditions, and so on. The mathematical modeling of the proposed MA is presented in two phases to empower the proposed approach in exploration and exploitation during the search process. In the exploration phase, the algorithm population is updated based on the simulation of choosing the migration destination among the available options. In the exploitation phase, the algorithm population is updated based on the efforts of individuals in the migration destination to adapt to the new environment and improve their conditions. MA’s performance is evaluated on fifty-two standard benchmark functions consisting of unimodal and multimodal types and the CEC 2017 test suite. In addition, MA’s results are compared with the performance of twelve well-known metaheuristic algorithms. The optimization results show the proposed MA approach’s high ability to balance exploration and exploitation to achieve suitable solutions for optimization problems. The analysis and comparison of the simulation results show that MA has provided superior performance against competitor algorithms in most benchmark functions. Also, the implementation of MA on four engineering design problems indicates the effective capability of the proposed approach in handling optimization tasks in real-world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithm called the Lyrebird Optimization Algorithm (LOA) that imitates the natural behavior of lyrebirds in the wild is introduced. The fundamental inspiration of LOA is the strategy of lyrebirds when faced with danger. In this situation, lyrebirds scan their surroundings carefully, then either run away or hide somewhere, immobile. LOA theory is described and then mathematically modeled in two phases: (i) exploration based on simulation of the lyrebird escape strategy and (ii) exploitation based on simulation of the hiding strategy. The performance of LOA was evaluated in optimization of the CEC 2017 test suite for problem dimensions equal to 10, 30, 50, and 100. The optimization results show that the proposed LOA approach has high ability in terms of exploration, exploitation, and balancing them during the search process in the problem-solving space. In order to evaluate the capability of LOA in dealing with optimization tasks, the results obtained from the proposed approach were compared with the performance of twelve well-known metaheuristic algorithms. The simulation results show that LOA has superior performance compared to competitor algorithms by providing better results in the optimization of most of the benchmark functions, achieving the rank of first best optimizer. A statistical analysis of the performance of the metaheuristic algorithms shows that LOA has significant statistical superiority in comparison with the compared algorithms. In addition, the efficiency of LOA in handling real-world applications was investigated through dealing with twenty-two constrained optimization problems from the CEC 2011 test suite and four engineering design problems. The simulation results show that LOA has effective performance in handling optimization tasks in real-world applications while providing better results compared to competitor algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new human-based metaheuristic algorithm called Technical and Vocational Education and Training-Based Optimizer (TVETBO) is introduced to solve optimization problems. The fundamental inspiration for TVETBO is taken from the process of teaching work-related skills to applicants in technical and vocational education and training schools. The theory of TVETBO is expressed and mathematically modeled in three phases: (i) theory education, (ii) practical education, and (iii) individual skills development. The performance of TVETBO when solving optimization problems is evaluated on the CEC 2017 test suite for problem dimensions equal to 10, 30, 50, and 100. The optimization results show that TVETBO, with its high abilities to explore, exploit, and create a balance between exploration and exploitation during the search process, is able to provide effective solutions for the benchmark functions. The results obtained from TVETBO are compared with the performances of twelve well-known metaheuristic algorithms. A comparison of the simulation results and statistical analysis shows that the proposed TVETBO approach provides better results in most of the benchmark functions and provides a superior performance in competition with competitor algorithms. Furthermore, in order to measure the effectiveness of the proposed approach in dealing with real-world applications, TVETBO is implemented on twenty-two constrained optimization problems from the CEC 2011 test suite. The simulation results show that TVETBO provides an effective and superior performance when solving constrained optimization problems of real-world applications compared to competitor algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithm named the Kookaburra Optimization Algorithm (KOA) is introduced, which imitates the natural behavior of kookaburras in nature. The fundamental inspiration of KOA is the strategy of kookaburras when hunting and killing prey. The KOA theory is stated, and its mathematical modeling is presented in the following two phases: (i) exploration based on the simulation of prey hunting and (ii) exploitation based on the simulation of kookaburras' behavior in ensuring that their prey is killed. The performance of KOA has been evaluated on 29 standard benchmark functions from the CEC 2017 test suite for the different problem dimensions of 10, 30, 50, and 100. The optimization results show that the proposed KOA approach, by establishing a balance between exploration and exploitation, has good efficiency in managing the effective search process and providing suitable solutions for optimization problems. The results obtained using KOA have been compared with the performance of 12 well-known metaheuristic algorithms. The analysis of the simulation results shows that KOA, by providing better results in most of the benchmark functions, has provided superior performance in competition with the compared algorithms. In addition, the implementation of KOA on 22 constrained optimization problems from the CEC 2011 test suite, as well as 4 engineering design problems, shows that the proposed approach has acceptable and superior performance compared to competitor algorithms in handling real-world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new evolutionary-based approach called a Subtraction-Average-Based Optimizer (SABO) for solving optimization problems. The fundamental inspiration of the proposed SABO is to use the subtraction average of searcher agents to update the position of population members in the search space. The different steps of the SABO's implementation are described and then mathematically modeled for optimization tasks. The performance of the proposed SABO approach is tested for the optimization of fifty-two standard benchmark functions, consisting of unimodal, high-dimensional multimodal, and fixed-dimensional multimodal types, and the CEC 2017 test suite. The optimization results show that the proposed SABO approach effectively solves the optimization problems by balancing the exploration and exploitation in the search process of the problem-solving space. The results of the SABO are compared with the performance of twelve well-known metaheuristic algorithms. The analysis of the simulation results shows that the proposed SABO approach provides superior results for most of the benchmark functions. Furthermore, it provides a much more competitive and outstanding performance than its competitor algorithms. Additionally, the proposed approach is implemented for four engineering design problems to evaluate the SABO in handling optimization tasks for real-world applications. The optimization results show that the proposed SABO approach can solve for real-world applications and provides more optimal designs than its competitor algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new metaheuristic algorithm called green anaconda optimization (GAO) which imitates the natural behavior of green anacondas has been designed. The fundamental inspiration for GAO is the mechanism of recognizing the position of the female species by the male species during the mating season and the hunting strategy of green anacondas. GAO's mathematical modeling is presented based on the simulation of these two strategies of green anacondas in two phases of exploration and exploitation. The effectiveness of the proposed GAO approach in solving optimization problems is evaluated on twenty-nine objective functions from the CEC 2017 test suite and the CEC 2019 test suite. The efficiency of GAO in providing solutions for optimization problems is compared with the performance of twelve well-known metaheuristic algorithms. The simulation results show that the proposed GAO approach has a high capability in exploration, exploitation, and creating a balance between them and performs better compared to competitor algorithms. In addition, the implementation of GAO on twenty-one optimization problems from the CEC 2011 test suite indicates the effective capability of the proposed approach in handling real-world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces a new metaheuristic algorithm called the Serval Optimization Algorithm (SOA), which imitates the natural behavior of serval in nature. The fundamental inspiration of SOA is the serval's hunting strategy, which attacks the selected prey and then hunts the prey in a chasing process. The steps of SOA implementation in two phases of exploration and exploitation are mathematically modeled. The capability of SOA in solving optimization problems is challenged in the optimization of thirty-nine standard benchmark functions from the CEC 2017 test suite and CEC 2019 test suite. The proposed SOA approach is compared with the performance of twelve well-known metaheuristic algorithms to evaluate further. The optimization results show that the proposed SOA approach, due to the appropriate balancing exploration and exploitation, is provided better solutions for most of the mentioned benchmark functions and has superior performance compared to competing algorithms. SOA implementation on the CEC 2011 test suite and four engineering design challenges shows the high efficiency of the proposed approach in handling real-world optimization applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploration and exploitation (E&E) of a search space are fundamental processes in many fields of artificial intelligence. Indeed, it is important to ensure that many regions of the search space are examined, so as not to get trapped in a local optimum, but also that the promising regions are examined more in depth in order to find good local optima. Metaheuristics (MHs) are popular to perform E&E tasks. Explaining the dynamics of both processes is a repeated demand of researchers and practitioners, but remains a challenge. This paper presents an approach giving information about how a MH explores and exploits the search space. This approach is based on a way of representing transitions through presence variation vectors and associated proposed indicators, used to make transitions between E&E explicit and intelligible. Experimentations show the relevance of the proposed indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]