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Several real-life problems that involve a time delay are modeled using fractional time-delay systems. However, most studies related to these systems assume that the delay is already known, which is not the case in practical scenarios where the delay is often uncertain or unknown. To address this issue, this paper proposes an algebraic and robust method to estimate the input delay for a class of fractional time-delay systems in a noisy environment, by applying a cross-convolution approach. Besides, a filtering methodology is incorporated with the proposed approach to enhance its efficacy. In addition, this paper presents novel theories on convolution in the field of fractional calculus. Finally, the performance of the proposed approach is demonstrated by numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the case of multicollinearity, biased estimators are always introduced to correct the least squares estimator. In this paper, we propose a new biased estimator for the restricted linear model. The properties of the new estimator and its superiority over the restricted least squares estimator in terms of the mean square error and Pitman closeness criterion are theoretically analysed. Furthermore, we optimize and verify the feasibility of the new estimator using a numerical simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bond-based peridynamics and its extended forms are widely used for crack predicting in many materials like concrete. In peridynamics, as for the bond failure, the tensile failure criterion or tensile-compression failure criterion are commonly applied, the combined tensile-shear or compression-shear failure are rarely considered. In this paper, a Cosserat peridynamic model with a novel bond failure criterion (CPD-BP) is proposed for concrete fracture simulation. The peridynamic bond failure criterion is derived from the Bresler–Pister criterion, with which the composite bond failure can be considered properly. Besides, the Cosserat parameters which relate to microstructures of concrete are introduced. Three benchmarks are designed: simple tensile, direct shear, and compression tests. Results show that the CPD-BP can simulate the combined tensile-shear and compressive-shear concrete failure. Crack patterns predicted by CPD-BP generally follow particle flow code in two dimensions results and physical experiments. The larger Cosserat shear modulus will enhance the shear effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Shortages of mechanical ventilation have become a constant problem in Emergency Departments (EDs), thereby affecting the timely deployment of medical interventions that counteract the severe health complications experienced during respiratory disease seasons. It is then necessary to count on agile and robust methodological approaches predicting the expected demand loads to EDs while supporting the timely allocation of ventilators. In this paper, we propose an integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Discrete-event Simulation (DES) to design effective interventions ensuring the high availability of ventilators for patients needing these devices. Methods: First, we applied Random Forest (RF) to estimate the mechanical ventilation probability of respiratory-affected patients entering the emergency wards. Second, we introduced the RF predictions into a DES model to diagnose the response of EDs in terms of mechanical ventilator availability. Lately, we pretested two different interventions suggested by decision-makers to address the scarcity of this resource. A case study in a European hospital group was used to validate the proposed methodology. Results: The number of patients in the training cohort was 734, while the test group comprised 315. The sensitivity of the AI model was 93.08% (95% confidence interval, [88.46 − 96.26%]), whilst the specificity was 85.45% [77.45 − 91.45%]. On the other hand, the positive and negative predictive values were 91.62% (86.75 − 95.13%) and 87.85% (80.12 − 93.36%). Also, the Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve plot was 95.00% (89.25 − 100%). Finally, the median waiting time for mechanical ventilation was decreased by 17.48% after implementing a new resource capacity strategy. Conclusions: Combining AI and DES helps healthcare decision-makers to elucidate interventions shortening the waiting times for mechanical ventilators in EDs during respiratory disease epidemics and pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As cities have grown, conductor rail power supplies have been widely used in the field of urban rail transit. In order to improve the running performance of trains and reduce the occurrence of accidents, it is necessary to understand the vibration of shoegear-rail system under different initial contact forces and explore the dynamic performance of shoegear-rail system. Therefore, according to the structure of shoegear-rail system, a coupling model of shoegear-rail system is established in this paper. On the basis of the model, the numerical simulation of the shoegear-rail system under different initial contact forces is carried out, and finally the vibration data of the shoegear-rail system under different initial contact forces are obtained. The results show that with the increase of initial contact force in the range of 70–160 N, the vibration amplitude of the electric shoegear and the fluctuation amplitude of the contact force increase, but the maximum absolute shear force value of the conductor rail decreases. It indicates that the lower initial contact force, the better the performance of shoegear-rail system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The derivation of pseudorandom number generation (PRNG) from the Josephson junction (JJ) stimulated by the Wien bridge oscillator (JJSWBO) and its microcontroller validation is given in this paper. Via the numerical investigations of the JJSWBO, the encyclopedic dynamical maps in different coordinate spaces constituting the system's parameters explicitly elaborate the global behaviour of the system presenting the greatest Lyapunov exponents (GLE). Chaotic behaviours were captured for GLE greater than zero and periodic behaviours for GLE less than zero. Further, bifurcation characteristics expose monostable and bistable periodic oscillations, bistable periodic doubling route to bistable chaos, interceptions of bistable regular behaviours and bistable chaotic presentations, coexisting attractors, monostable chaotic dynamics and intermittency phenomenon. The microcontroller validation (MCV) of the JJSWBO is presented to validate the numerical simulation results. From the chaotic equations describing JJSWBO, a PRNG with a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) as a post-processing unit is designed. The randomness of the generated binary data from the proposed JJSWBO-based PRNG is successfully tested by using the NIST 800-22 test suite. This result helps to confirm the suitability of the JJSWBO for encryption schemes and other chaos-based applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The freezing damage of rock tunnels in cold region involves ice-water phase change and complicated interaction of Thermo–Hydro–Mechanical (THM) field. Taking the fractured rock mass of cold region tunnels as research subject, the THM coupling model of cold region tunnels was established, which is based on the seepage mechanics, heat transfer theory, damage mechanics and equivalent continuum theory. This model could reflect the anisotropic properties of deformation, water migration and heat transfer caused by the initial fracture of rock mass. The construction and operation processes of a rock tunnel in cold region were simulated, and results were compared with the measured value and predecessor's achievements. It shows that proposed model could reflect the anisotropic property of surrounding rock and the simulated deformation and stress are not symmetrical. Compared with the literature, the calculated results in this paper are closer to the measured values. The insulating layer has a significant effect on the stress of the supporting structures. The maximum tension stress of the lining is 4.5 times as that without insulating layer, and the lining will be destroyed for the overlarge tension stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transformerless grid-connected inverters for photovoltaic (PV) applications provide several advantages such as reduced cost and volume as well as an increased efficiency. However, the removal of the transformer gives rise to several problems related to leakage currents and electromagnetic interferences (EMI). This paper presents different chaotic unipolar sine-pulse width modulation (C-USPWM) techniques for a transformerless grid-connected PV inverter based on parameter selection. The main objective behind this proposed chaotic modulation technique is to reduce the conducted EMI without worsening the power quality and the common-mode voltage (CMV). The method is validated through numerical simulations and experimental tests carried out on laboratory prototype of an optimized H5 inverter (oH5). The obtained results showed its superiority to the conventional unipolar sine-pulse width modulation (USPWM). We showed also that the appropriate parameter selection of the C-UPSWM could advantageously combine an improved EMI performance and an efficient control, making it possible to deliver a significant reduction of the peaks' amplitudes in the frequency spectrum of the common-mode (CM) voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) is a rapidly evolving technology that allows for the efficient and accurate construction of complex concrete objects. In this paper, a numerical modelling approach is presented for the simulation of the printing process of cementitious materials, based on the homogeneous fluid assumption. To cope with the large deformations of the domain and the nonlinearity resulting from the use of a non-Newtonian rheological law, the Navier–Stokes equations are solved in the framework of the Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM). Furthermore, tailored solutions have been formulated and implemented for the time-dependent moving boundary conditions at the nozzle outlet and for the efficient handling of the inter-layer contact in the same PFEM framework. The overall computational cost is decreased by the implementation of an adaptive de-refinement technique, which drastically reduces the number of degrees of freedom in time. The proposed modelling approach is finally validated by simulating the printing process of six rectilinear layers and one multi-layer "wall". The results show good agreement with the experimental data and provide valuable insights into the printing process, paving the way for the use of numerical modelling tools for the optimization of materials and processes in the field of 3D Concrete Printing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose an approach for describing wave propagation in finite-size microstructured metamaterials using a reduced relaxed micromorphic model. This method introduces an additional kinematic field with respect to the classical Cauchy continua, allowing to capture the effects of the underlying microstructure with a homogeneous model. We show that the reduced relaxed micromorphic model is not only effective for studying infinite-size metamaterials, but also efficient for numerical simulations and analysis on specimens of finite size. This makes it an essential tool for designing and optimizing metamaterials structures with specific wave propagation properties. The proposed model's efficiency is assessed through numerical simulations for finite-size benchmark problems, and shows a good agreement for a wide range of frequencies. The possibility of producing the same macroscopic metamaterial with different but equivalent unit cell "cuts" is also analyzed, showing that, even close to the boundary, the reduced relaxed micromorphic model is capable of giving accurate responses for the considered loading and boundary conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel locking-free finite beam element is proposed utilizing the absolute nodal coordinate formulation. By incorporating a gradient vector along the transverse direction at the boundary points, the linear interpolation of the gradient vector field within this element is achieved. Consequently, the problem of constant transverse strain distribution, which is observed in the Omar–Shabana beam element, is effectively addressed. Building upon this concept, this study further extends the proposed element from two dimensions to three dimensions. Additionally, it analyzes and compares the locking alleviation mechanism of the newly developed element and Patel–Shabana beam element. The analysis aims to provide insights into the factors contributing to the locking alleviation of different absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) elements. Furthermore, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new element, six numerical simulation examples are designed, comprising three and three dynamic examples. These examples encompass small deformation statics, large deformation statics, small-scale motion, large-scale motion, and rotational motion problems. Finally, the results indicate that the proposed ANCF beam element can effectively alleviate the locking problem. The element exhibits robust adaptability, rationality, and effectiveness when subjected to complex mechanical characteristics by comparing the numerical results of this element with the classical Omar–Shabana, high-order Shen, and Patel–Shabana elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CitcomCu is a numerical simulation software for mantle convection in the field of geodynamics, which can simulate thermo-chemical convection in a three-dimensional domain. Due to the increasing demand for high-precision simulations and larger application scales, larger-scale computing systems are needed to solve this problem. However, the parallel efficiency of CitcomCu on large-scale heterogeneous parallel computing systems is difficult to improve, especially it cannot adapt to the current mainstream heterogeneous high-performance computing architecture with CPUs and accelerators. In this paper, we propose an geodynamics numerical simulation parallel computing framework using heterogeneous computing architecture based on the Tianhe new-generation high-performance computer. Firstly, the data partitioning mode of CitcomCu was optimized based on the large-scale heterogeneous computing architecture to reduce the overall communication overhead. Secondly, the iterative solution algorithm of CitcomCu was improved to speed up the solution process. Finally, the NEON instruction set based on SIMD is used for the sparse matrix operations in the solution process to improve parallel efficiency. Based on our parallel computing framework, the optimized CitcomCu was deployed and tested on the Tianhe new-generation high-performance computer. Experimental data showed that the performance of the optimized program was 3.3975 times higher than that of the unoptimized program on a single node. Compared with 50,000 computational cores, the parallel efficiency of the unoptimized program on one million computational cores was 36.75%, while the parallel efficiency of the optimized program was improved by 16.22% and reached 42.71%. In addition, the optimized program can be executed on 40 million computational cores, with a parallel efficiency of 36.54%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whilst adversarial training has been shown as a promising wisdom to promote model robustness in computer vision and machine learning, adversarially trained models often suffer from poor robust generalization on unseen adversarial examples. Namely, there still remains a big gap between the performance on training and test adversarial examples. In this paper, we propose to tackle this issue from a new perspective of the inter-feature relationship. Specifically, we aim to generate adversarial examples which maximize the loss function while maintaining the inter-feature relationship of natural data as well as penalizing the correlation distance between natural features and adversarial counterparts. As a key contribution, we prove that training with such examples while penalizing the distance between correlations can help promote both the generalization on natural and adversarial examples theoretically. We empirically validate our method through extensive experiments over different vision datasets (CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, and SVHN), against several competitive methods. Our method substantially outperforms the baseline adversarial training by a large margin, especially for PGD20 on CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, and SVHN with around 20%, 15% and 29% improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-line stockers are the choice of automated material handling systems in many modern TFT-LCD (Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display) bays. The performance of an in-line stocker depends much on the performance of its stacker cranes. In this paper, the aim is to study three stacker-crane control problems, i.e., task-determination, port-selection, and cassette-selection, which affect the performance of stacker cranes. This study represents a significant contribution to the field, providing new insights into these critical control problems. The purpose of task-determination problem is to determine whether the next task of a stacker crane is a port-clearing task or a cassette-pickup-and-delivery task. The port-selection problem will appear if the next task of the stacker crane is port-clearing. Its purpose is to determine which port the stacker crane should visit to perform port-clearing task. On the other hand, if the stacker crane’s next task is cassette-pickup-and-delivery, the cassette-selection problem will appear. In this problem, the stacker crane needs to determine which cassette it should pick up and deliver first. Rules with different control logics are proposed for each problem. To understand the performance of the proposed rules, computer simulations were conducted. Simulation results in three performance measures—throughput, the mean flow time of cassettes and the mean tardiness of cassettes—that reflect the need to assess both the efficiency and effectiveness of the in-line stocker system, as well as its ability to meet customer demands and deadlines were collected. The analysis of the results led to the identification of the best rules, longest starvation time rule and shortest distance from the cassette’s current position to its destination port rule, for each problem and the best combination of rules for achieving the best overall performance, resulting in a more effective and efficient solution for solving stacker-crane control problems. The research findings have practical implications for improving the efficiency and productivity of stacker cranes in various industrial settings. It is believed this knowledge can benefit TFT-LCD manufacturers in improving the performance of their in-line stockers and increase their competitiveness as a result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]