Effective Hybrid Teaching-learning-based Optimization Algorithm for Balancing Two-sided Assembly Lines with Multiple Constraints

Due to the NP-hardness of the two-sided assembly line balancing （TALB） problem, multiple constraints existing in real applications are less studied, especially when one task is involved with several constraints. In this paper, an effective hybrid algorithm is proposed to address the TALB problem with multiple constraints （TALB-MC）. Considering the discrete attribute of TALB-MC and the continuous attribute of the standard teaching-learning-based optimization （TLBO） algorithm, the random-keys method is hired in task permutation representation, for the purpose of bridging the gap between them. Subsequently, a special mechanism for handling multiple constraints is developed. In the mechanism, the directions constraint of each task is ensured by the direction check and adjustment. The zoning constraints and the synchronism constraints are satisfied by teasing out the hidden correlations among constraints. The positional constraint is allowed to be violated to some extent in decoding and punished in cost fimction. Finally, with the TLBO seeking for the global optimum, the variable neighborhood search （VNS） is further hybridized to extend the local search space. The experimental results show that the proposed hybrid algorithm outperforms the late acceptance hill-climbing algorithm （LAHC） for TALB-MC in most cases, especially for large-size problems with multiple constraints, and demonstrates well balance between the exploration and the exploitation. This research proposes an effective and efficient algorithm for solving TALB-MC problem by hybridizing the TLBO and VNS.

Improved Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization Algorithm for Modeling NOX Emissions of a Boiler

An improved teaching-learning-based optimization(I-TLBO)algorithm is proposed to adjust the parameters of extreme learning machine with parallel layer perception(PELM),and a well-generalized I-TLBO-PELM model is obtained to build the model of NOX emissions of a boiler.In the I-TLBO algorithm,there are four major highlights.Firstly,a quantum initialized population by using the qubits on Bloch sphere replaces a randomly initialized population.Secondly,two kinds of angles in Bloch sphere are generated by using cube chaos mapping.Thirdly,an adaptive control parameter is added into the teacher phase to speed up the convergent speed.And then,according to actual teaching-learning phenomenon of a classroom,students learn some knowledge not only by their teacher and classmates,but also by themselves.Therefore,a self-study strategy by using Gauss mutation is introduced after the learning phase to improve the exploration ability.Finally,we test the performance of the I-TLBO-PELM model.The experiment results show that the proposed model has better regression precision and generalization ability than eight other models.

An Elite-Class Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization for Reentrant Hybrid Flow Shop Scheduling with Bottleneck Stage

Bottleneck stage and reentrance often exist in real-life manufacturing processes;however,the previous research rarely addresses these two processing conditions in a scheduling problem.In this study,a reentrant hybrid flow shop scheduling problem(RHFSP)with a bottleneck stage is considered,and an elite-class teaching-learning-based optimization(ETLBO)algorithm is proposed to minimize maximum completion time.To produce high-quality solutions,teachers are divided into formal ones and substitute ones,and multiple classes are formed.The teacher phase is composed of teacher competition and teacher teaching.The learner phase is replaced with a reinforcement search of the elite class.Adaptive adjustment on teachers and classes is established based on class quality,which is determined by the number of elite solutions in class.Numerous experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of new strategies,and ETLBO has a significant advantage in solving the considered RHFSP.

Stochastic Ranking Improved Teaching-Learning and Adaptive Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm-Based Clustering Scheme for Augmenting Network Lifetime in WSNs

In Wireless Sensor Networks(WSNs),Clustering process is widely utilized for increasing the lifespan with sustained energy stability during data transmission.Several clustering protocols were devised for extending network lifetime,but most of them failed in handling the problem of fixed clustering,static rounds,and inadequate Cluster Head(CH)selection criteria which consumes more energy.In this paper,Stochastic Ranking Improved Teaching-Learning and Adaptive Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm(SRITL-AGOA)-based Clustering Scheme for energy stabilization and extending network lifespan.This SRITL-AGOA selected CH depending on the weightage of factors such as node mobility degree,neighbour's density distance to sink,single-hop or multihop communication and Residual Energy(RE)that directly influences the energy consumption of sensor nodes.In specific,Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm(GOA)is improved through tangent-based nonlinear strategy for enhancing the ability of global optimization.On the other hand,stochastic ranking and violation constraint handling strategies are embedded into Teaching-Learning-based Optimization Algorithm(TLOA)for improving its exploitation tendencies.Then,SR and VCH improved TLOA is embedded into the exploitation phase of AGOA for selecting better CH by maintaining better balance amid exploration and exploitation.Simulation results confirmed that the proposed SRITL-AGOA improved throughput by 21.86%,network stability by 18.94%,load balancing by 16.14%with minimized energy depletion by19.21%,compared to the competitive CH selection approaches.

MCWOA Scheduler:Modified Chimp-Whale Optimization Algorithm for Task Scheduling in Cloud Computing

Cloud computing provides a diverse and adaptable resource pool over the internet,allowing users to tap into various resources as needed.It has been seen as a robust solution to relevant challenges.A significant delay can hamper the performance of IoT-enabled cloud platforms.However,efficient task scheduling can lower the cloud infrastructure’s energy consumption,thus maximizing the service provider’s revenue by decreasing user job processing times.The proposed Modified Chimp-Whale Optimization Algorithm called Modified Chimp-Whale Optimization Algorithm(MCWOA),combines elements of the Chimp Optimization Algorithm(COA)and the Whale Optimization Algorithm(WOA).To enhance MCWOA’s identification precision,the Sobol sequence is used in the population initialization phase,ensuring an even distribution of the population across the solution space.Moreover,the traditional MCWOA’s local search capabilities are augmented by incorporating the whale optimization algorithm’s bubble-net hunting and random search mechanisms into MCWOA’s position-updating process.This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach using a two-story rigid frame and a simply supported beam model.Simulated outcomes reveal that the new method outperforms the original MCWOA,especially in multi-damage detection scenarios.MCWOA excels in avoiding false positives and enhancing computational speed,making it an optimal choice for structural damage detection.The efficiency of the proposed MCWOA is assessed against metrics such as energy usage,computational expense,task duration,and delay.The simulated data indicates that the new MCWOA outpaces other methods across all metrics.The study also references the Whale Optimization Algorithm(WOA),Chimp Algorithm(CA),Ant Lion Optimizer(ALO),Genetic Algorithm(GA)and Grey Wolf Optimizer(GWO).

Multi-Strategy Assisted Multi-Objective Whale Optimization Algorithm for Feature Selection

In classification problems,datasets often contain a large amount of features,but not all of them are relevant for accurate classification.In fact,irrelevant features may even hinder classification accuracy.Feature selection aims to alleviate this issue by minimizing the number of features in the subset while simultaneously minimizing the classification error rate.Single-objective optimization approaches employ an evaluation function designed as an aggregate function with a parameter,but the results obtained depend on the value of the parameter.To eliminate this parameter’s influence,the problem can be reformulated as a multi-objective optimization problem.The Whale Optimization Algorithm(WOA)is widely used in optimization problems because of its simplicity and easy implementation.In this paper,we propose a multi-strategy assisted multi-objective WOA(MSMOWOA)to address feature selection.To enhance the algorithm’s search ability,we integrate multiple strategies such as Levy flight,Grey Wolf Optimizer,and adaptive mutation into it.Additionally,we utilize an external repository to store non-dominant solution sets and grid technology is used to maintain diversity.Results on fourteen University of California Irvine(UCI)datasets demonstrate that our proposed method effectively removes redundant features and improves classification performance.The source code can be accessed from the website:https://github.com/zc0315/MSMOWOA.

Rao Algorithms-Based Structure Optimization for Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks

The structural optimization of wireless sensor networks is a critical issue because it impacts energy consumption and hence the network’s lifetime.Many studies have been conducted for homogeneous networks,but few have been performed for heterogeneouswireless sensor networks.This paper utilizes Rao algorithms to optimize the structure of heterogeneous wireless sensor networks according to node locations and their initial energies.The proposed algorithms lack algorithm-specific parameters and metaphorical connotations.The proposed algorithms examine the search space based on the relations of the population with the best,worst,and randomly assigned solutions.The proposed algorithms can be evaluated using any routing protocol,however,we have chosen the well-known routing protocols in the literature:Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy(LEACH),Power-Efficient Gathering in Sensor Information Systems(PEAGSIS),Partitioned-based Energy-efficient LEACH(PE-LEACH),and the Power-Efficient Gathering in Sensor Information Systems Neural Network(PEAGSIS-NN)recent routing protocol.We compare our optimized method with the Jaya,the Particle Swarm Optimization-based Energy Efficient Clustering(PSO-EEC)protocol,and the hybrid Harmony Search Algorithm and PSO(HSA-PSO)algorithms.The efficiencies of our proposed algorithms are evaluated by conducting experiments in terms of the network lifetime(first dead node,half dead nodes,and last dead node),energy consumption,packets to cluster head,and packets to the base station.The experimental results were compared with those obtained using the Jaya optimization algorithm.The proposed algorithms exhibited the best performance.The proposed approach successfully prolongs the network lifetime by 71% for the PEAGSIS protocol,51% for the LEACH protocol,10% for the PE-LEACH protocol,and 73% for the PEGSIS-NN protocol;Moreover,it enhances other criteria such as energy conservation,fitness convergence,packets to cluster head,and packets to the base station.

Falcon Optimization Algorithm-Based Energy Efficient Communication Protocol for Cluster-Based Vehicular Networks

Rapid development in Information Technology(IT)has allowed several novel application regions like large outdoor vehicular networks for Vehicle-to-Vehicle(V2V)transmission.Vehicular networks give a safe and more effective driving experience by presenting time-sensitive and location-aware data.The communication occurs directly between V2V and Base Station(BS)units such as the Road Side Unit(RSU),named as a Vehicle to Infrastructure(V2I).However,the frequent topology alterations in VANETs generate several problems with data transmission as the vehicle velocity differs with time.Therefore,the scheme of an effectual routing protocol for reliable and stable communications is significant.Current research demonstrates that clustering is an intelligent method for effectual routing in a mobile environment.Therefore,this article presents a Falcon Optimization Algorithm-based Energy Efficient Communication Protocol for Cluster-based Routing(FOA-EECPCR)technique in VANETS.The FOA-EECPCR technique intends to group the vehicles and determine the shortest route in the VANET.To accomplish this,the FOA-EECPCR technique initially clusters the vehicles using FOA with fitness functions comprising energy,distance,and trust level.For the routing process,the Sparrow Search Algorithm(SSA)is derived with a fitness function that encompasses two variables,namely,energy and distance.A series of experiments have been conducted to exhibit the enhanced performance of the FOA-EECPCR method.The experimental outcomes demonstrate the enhanced performance of the FOA-EECPCR approach over other current methods.

An Optimal Node Localization in WSN Based on Siege Whale Optimization Algorithm

Localization or positioning scheme in Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is one of the most challenging andfundamental operations in various monitoring or tracking applications because the network deploys a large areaand allocates the acquired location information to unknown devices. The metaheuristic approach is one of themost advantageous ways to deal with this challenging issue and overcome the disadvantages of the traditionalmethods that often suffer from computational time problems and small network deployment scale. This studyproposes an enhanced whale optimization algorithm that is an advanced metaheuristic algorithm based on thesiege mechanism (SWOA) for node localization inWSN. The objective function is modeled while communicatingon localized nodes, considering variables like delay, path loss, energy, and received signal strength. The localizationapproach also assigns the discovered location data to unidentified devices with the modeled objective functionby applying the SWOA algorithm. The experimental analysis is carried out to demonstrate the efficiency of thedesigned localization scheme in terms of various metrics, e.g., localization errors rate, converges rate, and executedtime. Compared experimental-result shows that theSWOA offers the applicability of the developed model forWSNto perform the localization scheme with excellent quality. Significantly, the error and convergence values achievedby the SWOA are less location error, faster in convergence and executed time than the others compared to at least areduced 1.5% to 4.7% error rate, and quicker by at least 4%and 2% in convergence and executed time, respectivelyfor the experimental scenarios.

Synergistic Swarm Optimization Algorithm

This research paper presents a novel optimization method called the Synergistic Swarm Optimization Algorithm(SSOA).The SSOA combines the principles of swarmintelligence and synergistic cooperation to search for optimal solutions efficiently.A synergistic cooperation mechanism is employed,where particles exchange information and learn from each other to improve their search behaviors.This cooperation enhances the exploitation of promising regions in the search space while maintaining exploration capabilities.Furthermore,adaptive mechanisms,such as dynamic parameter adjustment and diversification strategies,are incorporated to balance exploration and exploitation.By leveraging the collaborative nature of swarm intelligence and integrating synergistic cooperation,the SSOAmethod aims to achieve superior convergence speed and solution quality performance compared to other optimization algorithms.The effectiveness of the proposed SSOA is investigated in solving the 23 benchmark functions and various engineering design problems.The experimental results highlight the effectiveness and potential of the SSOA method in addressing challenging optimization problems,making it a promising tool for a wide range of applications in engineering and beyond.Matlab codes of SSOA are available at:https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/153466-synergistic-swarm-optimization-algorithm.

Hybrid Optimization Algorithm for Handwritten Document Enhancement

The Gannet Optimization Algorithm (GOA) and the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) demonstrate strong performance;however, there remains room for improvement in convergence and practical applications. This study introduces a hybrid optimization algorithm, named the adaptive inertia weight whale optimization algorithm and gannet optimization algorithm (AIWGOA), which addresses challenges in enhancing handwritten documents. The hybrid strategy integrates the strengths of both algorithms, significantly enhancing their capabilities, whereas the adaptive parameter strategy mitigates the need for manual parameter setting. By amalgamating the hybrid strategy and parameter-adaptive approach, the Gannet Optimization Algorithm was refined to yield the AIWGOA. Through a performance analysis of the CEC2013 benchmark, the AIWGOA demonstrates notable advantages across various metrics. Subsequently, an evaluation index was employed to assess the enhanced handwritten documents and images, affirming the superior practical application of the AIWGOA compared with other algorithms.

Multi-Objective Teaching-Learning-Based Optimizer for a Multi-Weeding Robot Task Assignment Problem

With the emergence of the artificial intelligence era,all kinds of robots are traditionally used in agricultural production.However,studies concerning the robot task assignment problem in the agriculture field,which is closely related to the cost and efficiency of a smart farm,are limited.Therefore,a Multi-Weeding Robot Task Assignment(MWRTA)problem is addressed in this paper to minimize the maximum completion time and residual herbicide.A mathematical model is set up,and a Multi-Objective Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization(MOTLBO)algorithm is presented to solve the problem.In the MOTLBO algorithm,a heuristicbased initialization comprising an improved Nawaz Enscore,and Ham(NEH)heuristic and maximum loadbased heuristic is used to generate an initial population with a high level of quality and diversity.An effective teaching-learning-based optimization process is designed with a dynamic grouping mechanism and a redefined individual updating rule.A multi-neighborhood-based local search strategy is provided to balance the exploitation and exploration of the algorithm.Finally,a comprehensive experiment is conducted to compare the proposed algorithm with several state-of-the-art algorithms in the literature.Experimental results demonstrate the significant superiority of the proposed algorithm for solving the problem under consideration.

Multi-Objective Optimization of VBHF in Deep Drawing Based on the Improved QO-Jaya Algorithm

Blank holder force(BHF)is a crucial parameter in deep drawing,having close relation with the forming quality of sheet metal.However,there are different BHFs maintaining the best forming effect in different stages of deep drawing.The variable blank holder force(VBHF)varying with the drawing stage can overcome this problem at an extent.The optimization of VBHF is to determine the optimal BHF in every deep drawing stage.In this paper,a new heuristic optimization algorithm named Jaya is introduced to solve the optimization efficiently.An improved“Quasi-oppositional”strategy is added to Jaya algorithm for improving population diversity.Meanwhile,an innovated stop criterion is added for better convergence.Firstly,the quality evaluation criteria for wrinkling and tearing are built.Secondly,the Kriging models are developed to approximate and quantify the relation between VBHF and forming defects under random sampling.Finally,the optimization models are established and solved by the improved QO-Jaya algorithm.A VBHF optimization example of component with complicated shape and thin wall is studied to prove the effectiveness of the improved Jaya algorithm.The optimization results are compared with that obtained by other algorithms based on the TOPSIS method.

Far and Near Optimization:A New Simple and Effective Metaphor-LessOptimization Algorithm for Solving Engineering Applications

In this article,a novel metaheuristic technique named Far and Near Optimization(FNO)is introduced,offeringversatile applications across various scientific domains for optimization tasks.The core concept behind FNO lies inintegrating global and local search methodologies to update the algorithm population within the problem-solvingspace based on moving each member to the farthest and nearest member to itself.The paper delineates the theoryof FNO,presenting a mathematical model in two phases:(i)exploration based on the simulation of the movementof a population member towards the farthest member from itself and(ii)exploitation based on simulating themovement of a population member towards the nearest member from itself.FNO’s efficacy in tackling optimizationchallenges is assessed through its handling of the CEC 2017 test suite across problem dimensions of 10,30,50,and 100,as well as to address CEC 2020.The optimization results underscore FNO’s adeptness in exploration,exploitation,and maintaining a balance between them throughout the search process to yield viable solutions.Comparative analysis against twelve established metaheuristic algorithms reveals FNO’s superior performance.Simulation findings indicate FNO’s outperformance of competitor algorithms,securing the top rank as the mosteffective optimizer across a majority of benchmark functions.Moreover,the outcomes derived by employing FNOon twenty-two constrained optimization challenges from the CEC 2011 test suite,alongside four engineering designdilemmas,showcase the effectiveness of the suggested method in tackling real-world scenarios.

Hybrid Seagull and Whale Optimization Algorithm-Based Dynamic Clustering Protocol for Improving Network Longevity in Wireless Sensor Networks

Energy efficiency is the prime concern in Wireless Sensor Networks(WSNs) as maximized energy consumption without essentially limits the energy stability and network lifetime. Clustering is the significant approach essential for minimizing unnecessary transmission energy consumption with sustained network lifetime. This clustering process is identified as the Non-deterministic Polynomial(NP)-hard optimization problems which has the maximized probability of being solved through metaheuristic algorithms.This adoption of hybrid metaheuristic algorithm concentrates on the identification of the optimal or nearoptimal solutions which aids in better energy stability during Cluster Head(CH) selection. In this paper,Hybrid Seagull and Whale Optimization Algorithmbased Dynamic Clustering Protocol(HSWOA-DCP)is proposed with the exploitation benefits of WOA and exploration merits of SEOA to optimal CH selection for maintaining energy stability with prolonged network lifetime. This HSWOA-DCP adopted the modified version of SEagull Optimization Algorithm(SEOA) to handle the problem of premature convergence and computational accuracy which is maximally possible during CH selection. The inclusion of SEOA into WOA improved the global searching capability during the selection of CH and prevents worst fitness nodes from being selected as CH, since the spiral attacking behavior of SEOA is similar to the bubble-net characteristics of WOA. This CH selection integrates the spiral attacking principles of SEOA and contraction surrounding mechanism of WOA for improving computation accuracy to prevent frequent election process. It also included the strategy of levy flight strategy into SEOA for potentially avoiding premature convergence to attain better trade-off between the rate of exploration and exploitation in a more effective manner. The simulation results of the proposed HSWOADCP confirmed better network survivability rate, network residual energy and network overall throughput on par with the competitive CH selection schemes under different number of data transmission rounds.The statistical analysis of the proposed HSWOA-DCP scheme also confirmed its energy stability with respect to ANOVA test.

Hybrid Prairie Dog and Beluga Whale Optimization Algorithm for Multi-Objective Load Balanced-Task Scheduling in Cloud Computing Environments

The cloud computing technology is utilized for achieving resource utilization of remotebased virtual computer to facilitate the consumers with rapid and accurate massive data services.It utilizes on-demand resource provisioning,but the necessitated constraints of rapid turnaround time,minimal execution cost,high rate of resource utilization and limited makespan transforms the Load Balancing(LB)process-based Task Scheduling(TS)problem into an NP-hard optimization issue.In this paper,Hybrid Prairie Dog and Beluga Whale Optimization Algorithm(HPDBWOA)is propounded for precise mapping of tasks to virtual machines with the due objective of addressing the dynamic nature of cloud environment.This capability of HPDBWOA helps in decreasing the SLA violations and Makespan with optimal resource management.It is modelled as a scheduling strategy which utilizes the merits of PDOA and BWOA for attaining reactive decisions making with respect to the process of assigning the tasks to virtual resources by considering their priorities into account.It addresses the problem of pre-convergence with wellbalanced exploration and exploitation to attain necessitated Quality of Service(QoS)for minimizing the waiting time incurred during TS process.It further balanced exploration and exploitation rates for reducing the makespan during the task allocation with complete awareness of VM state.The results of the proposed HPDBWOA confirmed minimized energy utilization of 32.18% and reduced cost of 28.94% better than approaches used for investigation.The statistical investigation of the proposed HPDBWOA conducted using ANOVA confirmed its efficacy over the benchmarked systems in terms of throughput,system,and response time.

Topological optimization of ballistic protective structures through genetic algorithms in a vulnerability-driven environment

Reducing the vulnerability of a platform,i.e.,the risk of being affected by hostile objects,is of paramount importance in the design process of vehicles,especially aircraft.A simple and effective way to decrease vulnerability is to introduce protective structures to intercept and possibly stop threats.However,this type of solution can lead to a significant increase in weight,affecting the performance of the aircraft.For this reason,it is crucial to study possible solutions that allow reducing the vulnerability of the aircraft while containing the increase in structural weight.One possible strategy is to optimize the topology of protective solutions to find the optimal balance between vulnerability and the weight of the added structures.Among the many optimization techniques available in the literature for this purpose,multiobjective genetic algorithms stand out as promising tools.In this context,this work proposes the use of a in-house software for vulnerability calculation to guide the process of topology optimization through multi-objective genetic algorithms,aiming to simultaneously minimize the weight of protective structures and vulnerability.In addition to the use of the in-house software,which itself represents a novelty in the field of topology optimization of structures,the method incorporates a custom mutation function within the genetic algorithm,specifically developed using a graph-based approach to ensure the continuity of the generated structures.The tool developed for this work is capable of generating protections with optimized layouts considering two different types of impacting objects,namely bullets and fragments from detonating objects.The software outputs a set of non-dominated solutions describing different topologies that the user can choose from.

Wild Gibbon Optimization Algorithm

Complex optimization problems hold broad significance across numerous fields and applications.However,as the dimensionality of such problems increases,issues like the curse of dimensionality and local optima trapping also arise.To address these challenges,this paper proposes a novel Wild Gibbon Optimization Algorithm(WGOA)based on an analysis of wild gibbon population behavior.WGOAcomprises two strategies:community search and community competition.The community search strategy facilitates information exchange between two gibbon families,generating multiple candidate solutions to enhance algorithm diversity.Meanwhile,the community competition strategy reselects leaders for the population after each iteration,thus enhancing algorithm precision.To assess the algorithm’s performance,CEC2017 and CEC2022 are chosen as test functions.In the CEC2017 test suite,WGOA secures first place in 10 functions.In the CEC2022 benchmark functions,WGOA obtained the first rank in 5 functions.The ultimate experimental findings demonstrate that theWildGibbonOptimization Algorithm outperforms others in tested functions.This underscores the strong robustness and stability of the gibbonalgorithm in tackling complex single-objective optimization problems.

A Comparative Study of Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms for Solving Real-World Engineering Design Problems

Real-world engineering design problems with complex objective functions under some constraints are relatively difficult problems to solve.Such design problems are widely experienced in many engineering fields,such as industry,automotive,construction,machinery,and interdisciplinary research.However,there are established optimization techniques that have shown effectiveness in addressing these types of issues.This research paper gives a comparative study of the implementation of seventeen new metaheuristic methods in order to optimize twelve distinct engineering design issues.The algorithms used in the study are listed as:transient search optimization(TSO),equilibrium optimizer(EO),grey wolf optimizer(GWO),moth-flame optimization(MFO),whale optimization algorithm(WOA),slimemould algorithm(SMA),harris hawks optimization(HHO),chimp optimization algorithm(COA),coot optimization algorithm(COOT),multi-verse optimization(MVO),arithmetic optimization algorithm(AOA),aquila optimizer(AO),sine cosine algorithm(SCA),smell agent optimization(SAO),and seagull optimization algorithm(SOA),pelican optimization algorithm(POA),and coati optimization algorithm(CA).As far as we know,there is no comparative analysis of recent and popular methods against the concrete conditions of real-world engineering problems.Hence,a remarkable research guideline is presented in the study for researchersworking in the fields of engineering and artificial intelligence,especiallywhen applying the optimization methods that have emerged recently.Future research can rely on this work for a literature search on comparisons of metaheuristic optimization methods in real-world problems under similar conditions.

An Improved Image Steganography Security and Capacity Using Ant Colony Algorithm Optimization

This advanced paper presents a new approach to improving image steganography using the Ant Colony Optimization(ACO)algorithm.Image steganography,a technique of embedding hidden information in digital photographs,should ideally achieve the dual purposes of maximum data hiding and maintenance of the integrity of the cover media so that it is least suspect.The contemporary methods of steganography are at best a compromise between these two.In this paper,we present our approach,entitled Ant Colony Optimization(ACO)-Least Significant Bit(LSB),which attempts to optimize the capacity in steganographic embedding.The approach makes use of a grayscale cover image to hide the confidential data with an additional bit pair per byte,both for integrity verification and the file checksumof the secret data.This approach encodes confidential information into four pairs of bits and embeds it within uncompressed grayscale images.The ACO algorithm uses adaptive exploration to select some pixels,maximizing the capacity of data embedding whileminimizing the degradation of visual quality.Pheromone evaporation is introduced through iterations to avoid stagnation in solution refinement.The levels of pheromone are modified to reinforce successful pixel choices.Experimental results obtained through the ACO-LSB method reveal that it clearly improves image steganography capabilities by providing an increase of up to 30%in the embedding capacity compared with traditional approaches;the average Peak Signal to Noise Ratio(PSNR)is 40.5 dB with a Structural Index Similarity(SSIM)of 0.98.The approach also demonstrates very high resistance to detection,cutting down the rate by 20%.Implemented in MATLAB R2023a,the model was tested against one thousand publicly available grayscale images,thus providing robust evidence of its effectiveness.