In this paper, a differential-evolution-based approach implementing a global search strategy to find a near-optimal axis-parallel decision tree is introduced. In this paper, the internal nodes of a decision tree are encoded in a real-valued chromosome, and a population of them evolves using the training accuracy of each one as its fitness value. The height of a complete binary decision tree whose number of internal nodes is not less than the number of attributes in the training set is used to compute the chromosome size, and a procedure to map a feasible axis-parallel decision tree from one chromosome is applied, which uses both the smallest-position-value rule and the training instances. The best decision tree in the final population is refined replacing some leaf nodes with sub-trees to improve its accuracy. The differential evolution algorithm has been successfully applied in conjunction with several supervised learning methods to solve numerous classification problems, due to it exhibiting a good tradeoff between its exploitation and exploration skills, and to the best of our knowledge, it has not been utilized to build axis-parallel decision trees. To obtain reliable estimates of the predictive performance of this approach and to compare its results with those achieved by other methods, a repeated stratified ten-fold cross-validation procedure is applied in the experimental study. A statistical analysis of these results suggests that our approach is better as a decision tree induction method as compared with other supervised learning methods. Also our results are comparable to those obtained with random forest and one multilayer-perceptron-based classifier.

In this paper, a computational methodology combining the simulated annealing algorithm with two machine learning techniques to select a near-optimal safeguard set for business risk response is presented. First, a mathematical model with four types of risk factor responses (avoid, mitigate, transfer, and accept) is constructed. Then, the simulated annealing algorithm is applied to find a set of near-optimal solutions to the model. Next, these solutions are processed by the k-means clustering algorithm for identifying three categories, and with a decision tree classifier, the most relevant elements of each one are obtained. Finally, the categorized solutions are shown to the decision-makers through a user interface. These stages are designed with the aim of the users can take an appropriate safeguard set and develop one specific and optimal program to respond to business risk factors. The results generated by the proposed approach are reached in a reasonable time using less computational resources than those used by other procedures. Furthermore, the best results obtained by the simulated annealing algorithm use a lower business budget, and they have a relative-error less than 0.0013% of the optimal solution given by a deterministic method.

This research proposes a genetic algorithm that provides a solution to the problem of deficient distribution of drinking water via the current hydraulic network in the neighborhood “Fraccionamiento Real Montecasino” (FRM), in Huitzilac, Morelos, Mexico. The proposed solution is the addition of new elements to the FRM network. The new elements include storage tanks, pipes, and pressure-reducing valves. To evaluate the constraint satisfaction model of mass and energy conservation, the hydraulic EPANET solver (HES) is used with an optimization model to minimize the total cost of changes in the network (new pipes, tanks, and valves). A genetic algorithm was used to evaluate the optimization model. The analysis of the results obtained by the genetic algorithm for the FRM network shows that adequate and balanced pressures were obtained by means of small modifications to the existing network, which entailed minimal costs. Simulations were performed for an extended period, which means that the pressure was obtained by simulation with HSE at one-hour intervals, during the algorithm execution, to verify adequate pressure at a specific point in the system, or to make corrections to ensure proper distribution, this with the aim of having a final optimized network design.