The Problem Aware Local Search algorithm: an efficient technique for permutation-based problems

In this article, we will examine whether the Problem Aware Local Search, an efficient method initially proposed for the DNA Fragment Assembly Problem, can also be used in other application domains and with other optimization problems. The main idea is to maintain the key features of PALS and apply it to different permutation-based combinatorial problems. In order to carry out a comprehensive analysis, we use a wide benchmark of well-known problems with different kinds of variation operators and fitness functions, such as the Quadratic Assignment Problem, the Flow Shop Scheduling Problem, and the Multiple Knapsack Problem. We also discuss the main design alternatives for building an efficient and accurate version of PALS for these problems in a competitive manner. In general, the results show that PALS can achieve high-quality solutions for these problems and do it efficiently.