We analyse the probability 1 − δ to be in an optimum solution after k steps of an inhomogeneous Markov chain which is specified by a logarithmic cooling schedule c(k) = Γ/ ln (k + 2). We prove that after k > (n/δ) ) steps the probability to be in an optimum solution is larger than 1 − δ, where n is an upper bound for the size of local neighbourhoods and Γ is a parameter of the entire configurat...

The path integral Monte Carlo simulated quantum annealing algorithm is applied to the optimization of a large hard instance of the random satisfiability problem (N = 10,000). The dynamical behavior of the quantum and the classical annealing are compared, showing important qualitative differences in the way of exploring the complex energy landscape of the combinatorial optimization problem. At v...

We present a “continuous” analysis of a solar Hα image in order to address the problem of image segmentation. Our approach is based on combinatorial optimization methods and in particular on Mean Field Fast Annealing (MFFA). Mean-field theory gives a deterministic nature to our algorithm while its efficiency is improved by a fast cooling schedule. We show how this method can be used to separate...

We present a finite time local search (1 + δ)-approximation method finding the optimal solution with probability almost one with respect to a general measure of within group-dissimilarity. The algorithm is based on a finite-time Markov model of the simulated annealing. A dynamic cooling schedule, allows the control of the convergence. The algorithm uses as measure of within group dissimilarity ...

In this paper we propose a new hybrid algorithm for solving the Unit Commitment Problem (UCP). The algorithm integrates the use of Simulated Annealing (SA) and Tabu Search (TS) for solving the UCP. The algorithm includes a step to find an initial control parameter, at which virtually all trial solutions are accepted. It uses a polynomial-time cooling schedule that is advocated in the SA literat...

The t-arge Helical Device (LHD), the large scale superconducting helical device, is under construction at the National Institute for Fusion Science and is now in the last year of the g-year construction schedule. The outline of the LHD program, the status of the on-site construction are described. The confinement and steady state operation are experimentally studied on high temperature plasmas ...

This study examined whether active or passive cooling during intermittent work reduced the heat strain associated with wearing firefighting protective clothing (FPC) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in the heat (35 degrees Celsius, 50% relative humidity). Fifteen male Toronto firefighters participated in the heat-stress trials. Subjects walked at 4.5 km.h(-1) with 0% elevation on a...

This article presents a methodology to optimize the maintenance planning model and minimize total costs of typical school building. It makes an effort provide schedule, focusing on costs. In allocation operations equipment, parameter its age was also taken into account. A mathematical optimization cost in three-year period provided GAMS software with CPLEX solver. Finally, optimum architecture ...

Annealed importance sampling assigns equilibrium weights to a nonequilibrium sample that was generated by a simulated annealing protocol [R. M. Neal, Stat. Comput. 11, 125 (2001)]. The weights may then be used to calculate equilibrium averages, and also serve as an "adiabatic signature" of the chosen cooling schedule. In this paper we demonstrate the method on the 50-atom dileucine peptide and ...