Mohammed Azmi Al-Betar conceptualized the study, led the development of the AEHO algorithm, and supervised the research project. Malik Braik contributed to the algorithmic design and implemented the hybridization with PSO, including the memory component and adaptive functions. Qusai Yousef Shambour carried out the experimental evaluations, including benchmark testing and engineering problem applications. Ghazi Al-Naymat was responsible for data analysis, statistical validation, and the comparative performance assessment. Thantrir Porntaveetus contributed to the literature review, manuscript drafting, and the refinement of the algorithmic framework. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.