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The amplitudes of the forced oscillations of a nano-structure conveying fluid are the solutions of an inhomogeneous integral-differential system. This is solved by an easily accessible scheme based on the variational iteration method (VIM), Galerkin's method and the Laplace transform techniques. The presented method is accompanied by the study of the convergence of the iterative process and of the errors. In the literature, the dynamic response of a viscoelastic nanotube conveying fluid is frequently obtained by an iterative method. This leads to the double convolution products, whose presence will be avoided in the new method proposed in this paper. Thus, the numerical results will be obtained much faster and more accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subway project safety risk management in China covers design and construction stages. The traditional method for identifying construction safety risks at the design stage requires that engineers work backward, and it relies on engineers having an accurate understanding of complex engineering information, spatial relationships, and rich experience. This paper proposes a Building Information Modeling (BIM) based automatic identification and classification framework for environmental risks at the subway design stage. First, a database of discriminant rules was established in order to achieve the digital expression of the discriminant standards for environmental risks. Second, environmental models and discriminant models were created in order to analyze spatial collisions. Then, the risk discrimination algorithm was embedded in the BIM platform. The program automatically analyzed the collision result-based discrimination rule database and output a list of environmental risks associated with the model. Finally, a shield tunnel was used for practice. As a result, the BIM-based method for automatically identifying environmental risks could improve the efficiency of the special design of safety risks and promote the digital transmission of risk design information throughout the construction process. The method described in this paper provides a reference for the safety risk management technology system in China's subway projects. This method can also be applied to projects such as underground pipe gallery, power tunnel, and foundation pit, after optimizing the classification rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to design a reliable filter that can transform the actual motion of a flight simulator maneuver into a logical and understandable movement for its workspace. Motion cueing algorithms are used in scaling maneuvers to improve the user's perception of real-world motion. As a unique algorithm, the washout-filter algorithm reduces the real motions where the user cannot understand the difference between the actual and simulated maneuvers. To design a proper washout filter, first, apply the inner ear model where humans can feel the motion to design a proper filter. The Otolith and semicircular systems were represented by two parts in this model. Second, an evolutionary theory based on a genetic algorithm is used to design a structure that minimizes human perception error and workspace boundaries. The issue is determining the coefficients in the model in order to create a high-performance flight simulator. The filtering algorithm, based upon the human vestibular model, compares human perception with flight simulator motion knowledge. The findings demonstrate an objective function that minimizes user perception error, and the flight simulator motion range can prepare a reliable washout filter for motion cueing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper has a review character, and the presented analysis is based on theoretical considerations referring to the works of other authors. The aim of the paper is to draw attention to the importance of human creativity in the context of technology development, with special emphasis on artificial intelligence. For the purpose of exploration, the study applies philosophical methods, especially methods typical of ethical reflections, also supported by the analysis of existing data derived from social sciences, especially contemporary sociology. The study is synthetic in nature and includes theoretical considerations concerning several issues. Positive and creative possibilities of using artificial intelligence in social and economic life were shown. Potential threats that may be associated with the inappropriate use of artificial intelligence -- robots and information systems were also identified. Potential threats resulting from too much trust of people in algorithms were shown. Attention is focused on social and ethical aspects of the human-machine relationship, with special emphasis on the dimension of pragmatism, trust and fascination with new technologies, as well as the principles of robot ethics. A significant part of the considerations also refers to the effects of automation processes, including the functioning of the labour market, human creative abilities and appropriate competences. The third part of the study indicates still undeveloped research fields related to artificial intelligence. The conducted analysis may indicate the direction for further sociological and philosophical research that considers the specificity of the artificial intelligence functioning and seeks support in interdisciplinary research teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science: Future of Lithuania / Mokslas: Lietuvos Ateitis is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The novelty of this paper is to ascertain a nonlinear relationship between housing supply and house price. This study is conducted based on panel dataset of four different types of houses in Malaysia from 2002Q3 through 2016Q4. Although housing supply has been theoretically assumed to be positively and linearly related to house price, we observed that the number of new houses build in Malaysia has declined despite the increasing house prices. Hence, we posit that housing supply and house price are nonlinearly related. The results from pooled mean group estimation show the existence of inverted U-shaped housing supply curve. The threshold level of house price index is found at 186.92 where the effect of house price on housing starts will become negative after this point. We also find that the marginal effects of house price evaluated at the minimum and maximum levels are positive and negative, respectively, and statistically significant. This paper suggests that the squared term of house price should be included in estimating housing supply in Malaysia. The evidence of inverted U-shaped housing supply curve in Malaysia shows that housing authorities have taken steps to overcome the challenges of oversupply by reducing the approvals for housing development projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An issue of improving flight safety during landing with an inertial navigation system (INS) and a failed barometric altimeter is considered. In this paper, we propose a specific algorithm for in-flight calibration of the vertical channel of INS. Accordingly, the baro-inertial integration algorithm using a discrete five-state Kalman filter will be performed during a particular flight maneuver before landing. As a result, it is possible to estimate not only the bias of vertical accelerometer but also its scale factor, which is too small to be defined by a usual in-flight calibration algorithm. After applying the proposed algorithm, the flight management system can provide a safe landing with a standalone INS. The algorithm's performance is assessed by simulating complete mathematical models of aircraft motion and control systems. The impact of calibrated bias and scale factor of vertical accelerometer on the altitude estimation error is provided through an analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science: Future of Lithuania / Mokslas: Lietuvos Ateitis is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Science: Future of Lithuania / Mokslas: Lietuvos Ateitis is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The stability of cable-net structures depends on the prestress of the system. Due to the large displacement and mutual effect of the cables, it is difficult to simulate the tensioning process and control the forming accuracy. The Backward Algorithm (BA) has been used to simulate the tensioning process. The traditional BA involves complicated and tedious matrix operations. In this paper, a new numerical method based on the Vector Form Intrinsic Finite Element (VFIFE) method is proposed for BA application. Moreover, the tensioning sequence of a complex cable-net structure is introduced. Subsequently, a new approach for BA application in the simulation of the tensioning process is presented, which combines the VFIFE approach and the notion of form-finding. Finally, a numerical example is simulated in detail and the results of different tensioning stages are analyzed to verify the feasibility of the proposed approach. This study provides a significant reference for improving the construction control and forming accuracy of complex prestressed cable-net structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider a subgrid stabilized Oseen iterative method for the Navier-Stokes equations with nonlinear slip boundary conditions and high Reynolds number. We provide one-level and two-level schemes based on this stability algorithm. The two-level schemes involve solving a subgrid stabilized nonlinear coarse mesh inequality system by applying m Oseen iterations, and a standard one-step Newton linearization problems without stabilization on the fine mesh. We analyze the stability of the proposed algorithm and provide error estimates and parameter scalings. Numerical examples are given to confirm our theoretical findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congestion is a kind of expression of instability of traffic network. Traffic signal control keeping traffic network stable can reduce the congestion of urban traffic. In order to improve the efficiency of urban traffic network, this study proposes a decentralized traffic signal control strategy based on backpressure algorithm used in Wi-Fi mesh networks for packets routing. Backpressure based traffic signal control algorithm can stabilize urban traffic network and achieve maximum throughput. Based on original backpressure algorithm, the variant parameter and penalty function are considered to balance the queue differential and capacity of downstream links in urban traffic network. For each traffic phase of intersections, phase weight is computed using queue differential and capacity of downstream links, which fixed the deficiency of infinite queue capacity in original backpressure algorithm. It is proved that the extended backpressure traffic signal control algorithm can maintain stability of urban traffic network, and also can prevent queue spillback, so as to improve performance of whole traffic network. Simulations are carried out in Vissim using Vissim COM programming interface and Visual Studio development tools. Evaluation results illuminate that it can get better performance than the backpressure algorithm just based on queue length differential in average queue length and delay of traffic network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Civil Engineering & Management is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Science: Future of Lithuania / Mokslas: Lietuvos Ateitis is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Paper specifies the wood-framed with sheathing construction including phases of realization and exploitation. Methods of investigation based on practice and theory has been employed where practical identification of processes and their phases were presented with theoretical description of structure deformation within the exploitation period. Obtained results of investigations are presented in the form of technologic and mechanic of structure diagrams for buildings with adequate algorithms of analysis. Paper presents practical systematic of construction stages, technological problems and hazards in respect of loading and construction technology with method of computation of vertical deformations of building. Paper presents evaluation of contribution of wood defects in response to loading in the wood-framed residential building in exploitation process. Location of knots, allocation of pith in the elements cross section, defects of slope of grain and influence of moisture decreasing is examined in the paper. The wood-framed with sheathing in the form of large panel or modular three dimensional 3D elements are the most often used technology. This kind of buildings are actually constructed up to four story as a multifamily or varying universal buildings like school, kid-garden or offices. Low dead load from 0.30 to 1.00 kN/m2and its favorable proportion to the live load increase energy saving factor in realization and within the exploitation time. Low own weight of structure enables complete prefabrication of wall, floor and roof panels, improving quality of construction and shortening time of construction. Process of prefabrication, wide assortment and variety of factory production does not require time consuming processes and complicated moulds or shuttering indispensable in precast RC structural elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science: Future of Lithuania / Mokslas: Lietuvos Ateitis is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper presents an engineering survey based on experience of the authors during design and expertise of complex building structures in period of 2000–2014. Legal, organizational and technical aspects in a procedure of changes in structural design documentation are investigated. Separate actions for implementing changes according to legislative documents in Lithuania in technical and working structural projects are presented by a general algorithm. Actual questions about sequence in proceeding with local and global analytical calculations during designing of complex structures and peculiarities of processing revised structural drawings and text documents are described in this paper. Relevance of the subject is illustrated by an example of a successful decision in solving common construction and design problems of an office building in Vilnius. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are given. This paper is an investigation of the considered problem and is designated for science researchers in civil engineering, educational and public organizations working with refinement of the design procedures and project documentation handling, and for practicing engineers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce a Mann-Krasnoselskii algorithm of inertial form for approximating a common solution of Spit Variational Inclusion Problem (SVIP) and Equilibrium Problem (EP) with paramonotone bifunction in real Hilbert spaces. Motivated by the self-adaptive technique, we incorporate the inertial technique to accelerate the convergence of the proposed method. Under standard and mild assumptions such as monotonicity and lower semicontinuity of the SVIP and EP associated mappings, we establish the strong convergence of the iterative algorithm. Some applications and numerical experiments are presented to illustrate the performance and behaviour of our method as well as comparing it with some related methods in the literature. Our results improve and generalize many existing results in this direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Business: Theory & Practice is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this paper, we introduce two new inertial extragradient algorithms with non-monotonic stepsizes for solving monotone and Lipschitz continuous variational inequality problems in real Hilbert spaces. Strong convergence theorems of the suggested iterative schemes are established without the prior knowledge of the Lipschitz constant of the mapping. Finally, some numerical examples are provided to illustrate the efficiency and advantages of the proposed algorithms and compare them with some related ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving powertrain efficiency and reducing vehicle weight are two options for reducing vehicle energy use, emissions, and operating cost that often increase the purchase cost of passenger vehicles. Increasing drivetrain efficiency shrinks the potential for reducing energy use by lightweighting and conversely lighter vehicles benefit less from efficiency improvement. This paper describes a methodology for finding the optimum combination of light-weighting and efficiency measures to achieve minimum lifetime vehicle cost. Using representative technology cost assumptions for a mid-sized passenger car, marginal efficiency improvement in the range of 20 to 30% and lightweighting between 200 and 600 kg are optimal, depending strongly on marginal cost curve characteristics. A reduction in the total cost of vehicle ownership of between 18 and 42% is possible for the representative technology implementation scenarios. In the absence of reliable cost data, a general strategy of designing lightweight vehicles with lower powertrain efficiency or else higher-efficiency powertrains which are integrated in heavier vehicles is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Intelligent transportation systems have received increasing attention in academy and industry. Being able to handle uncertainties and complexity, expert systems are applied in vast areas of real life including intelligent transportation systems. This paper presents a traffic signal control method based on expert knowledge for an isolated signalized intersection. The proposed method has the adaptive signal timing ability to adjust its signal timing in response to changing traffic conditions. Based on the traffic conditions, the system determines to extend or terminate the current green signal group. Using the information from its traffic detectors of isolated intersection, the proposed controller gives optimal signals to adapt the phase lengths to the traffic conditions. A comparative analysis between proposed control algorithm, fuzzy logic (FLC) and fixed-timed (pre-timed) controllers has been made in traffic flows control, with varying traffic volume levels, by using simulation software ‘Arena’. Simulation results show that the proposed traffic signal control method (EKC) has better performance over fuzzy logic and conventional pre-time controllers under light and heavy traffic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The paper presents an improved iterative prediction method for bus arrival time at multiple downstream stops. A multiple-stop prediction model includes two stages. At the first stage, an iterative prediction model is developed, which includes a single stop prediction model for arrival time at the immediate downstream stop and an average bus speed prediction model on further segments. The two prediction models are constructed with a support vector machine (SVM). At the second stage, a dynamic algorithm based on the Kalman filter is developed to enhance prediction accuracy. The proposed model is assessed with reference to data collected on transit route No 23 in Dalian city, China. The obtained results show that the improved iterative prediction model seems to be a powerful tool for predicting multiple stop arrival time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While facing the needs for Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII) applications in traffic management, the paper deals with the problem of locating Road Side Units (RSU) for VII deployment. After analyzing the difference between traditional problems of locating traffic information detector and the problem of RSU location, a significance ranking model for RSU localization and three kinds of Significance Degree (SD) computing strategies are put forward. A VII simulation environment for the purpose of RSU localization optimization within VISSIM microscopic traffic simulation software is established developing add-on functions using VISSIM's Component Object Model (COM). A VII test bed of the Olympic Park network in Beijing is taken as an example to evaluate the performance of RSU localization model. The results of simulation experiments indicate that the mixed SD strategy considering both speed and route monitoring is superior to the other two SD strategies. Then, the impact of RSU number and OBE market penetration rate on the evaluation measures of traffic monitoring are studied with reference to the proposed mixed SD strategy. In this case, the evaluation measures of optimized RSU configurations generated by the ranking algorithm are always better than those of random RSU configurations. In addition, the benefits of optimized RSU configurations increase along with RSU number and market penetration rate while the benefits of random RSU configurations are more fluctuant. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, we consider an iterative method for equilibrium problems, fixed point problems and variational inequality problems in the framework of Banach space. The results presented in this paper improve and extend the corresponding results announced by many others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Transport (16484142) is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Transport (16484142) is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper has a review character, and the presented analysis is based on theoretical considerations referring to the works of other authors. The aim of the paper is to draw attention to the importance of human creativity in the context of technology development, with special emphasis on artificial intelligence. For the purpose of exploration, the study applies philosophical methods, especially methods typical of ethical reflections, also supported by the analysis of existing data derived from social sciences, especially contemporary sociology. The study is synthetic in nature and includes theoretical considerations concerning several issues. Positive and creative possibilities of using artificial intelligence in social and economic life were shown. Potential threats that may be associated with the inappropriate use of artificial intelligence – robots and information systems were also identified. Potential threats resulting from too much trust of people in algorithms were shown. Attention is focused on social and ethical aspects of the human-machine relationship, with special emphasis on the dimension of pragmatism, trust and fascination with new technologies, as well as the principles of robot ethics. A significant part of the considerations also refers to the effects of automation processes, including the functioning of the labour market, human creative abilities and appropriate competences. The third part of the study indicates still undeveloped research fields related to artificial intelligence. The conducted analysis may indicate the direction for further sociological and philosophical research that considers the specificity of the artificial intelligence functioning and seeks support in interdisciplinary research teams.

Frost resistance in very cold areas is an important engineering issue for the durability of concrete, and the efficient and accurate prediction of the frost resistance of concrete is a crucial basis for determining reasonable design mix proportions. For a quick and accurate prediction of the frost resistance of concrete, a Bayesian optimization (BO)-random forest (RF) approach was used to establish a frost resistance prediction model that consists of three phases. A case study of a key national engineering project results show that (1) the RF can be used to effectively screen the factors that influence concrete frost resistance. (2) R² of BO-RF for the training set and the test set are 0.967 and 0.959, respectively, which are better than those of the other algorithms. (3) Using the test data from the first section of the project for prediction, good results are obtained for the second section. The proposed BO-RF hybrid algorithm can accurately and quickly predict the frost resistance of concrete, and provide a reference basis for intelligent prediction of concrete durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science: Future of Lithuania / Mokslas: Lietuvos Ateitis is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Science: Future of Lithuania / Mokslas: Lietuvos Ateitis is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Science: Future of Lithuania / Mokslas: Lietuvos Ateitis is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper analyzes variations in the temperature of axle-box heating of railroad rolling stock considering two modes of the train - driving and parking position. Additionally, the article describes the influence of the axle load and season on the heat of the axle-box, forecasts intolerable residual resources and explains a possibility of detecting likely breakage at the very beginning of defects. The paper also deals with scientific literature related to axle-box heating and focuses on the conducted practical and theoretical experiments. The carried out research has established the rates of operating heating and critical heating. The application of numerical values for the algorithm of automatic control devices could help with detecting the breakdowns of the axle-box before they reach a critical state and assist in forecasting residual operating resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet of Things collects a variety of sensor data, independently offers problem-solving solutions and allows them to be avoided. In order for these systems to function continuously, it is necessary to apply intelligent information routing algorithms. In order to discover new algorithms for the routing of the Internet of Things, this article reviews bioinspired algorithms, their advantages and disadvantages. We introduce membrane computing, P system and its membrane structure. Paper analyses different types of communication on the Internet of Things and classification of routing algorithms for the Internet of Things communication. The practical application of membrane computing and the possibility of applying membrane computing on the Internet of Things is also reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of operation scheduling in container terminals is to determine a schedule that minimizes time for loading or unloading a given set of containers. This paper presents a method integrating reinforcement learning and simulation to optimize operation scheduling in container terminals. The introduced method uses a simulation model to construct the system environment while the Q-learning algorithm (reinforcement learning algorithm) is applied to learn optimal dispatching rules for different equipment (e.g. yard cranes, yard trailers). The optimal scheduling scheme is obtained by the interaction of the Q-learning algorithm and simulation environment. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, a lower bound is calculated considering the characteristics of the scheduling problem in container terminals. Finally, numerical experiments are provided to illustrate the validity of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The rise in freight passenger transportation is responsible for air pollution, green house gas emissions (especially CO2) and high fuel demand. New engine technology and fuels are discovered and tested throughout the world. Biodiesel, an alternative for diesel, has been seen as a solution. However, the amount of emissions generated by a biodiesel fueled vehicle has not been understood well since most research studies of this kind reported in the literature were conducted in the laboratory. In the present study, emissions (NOx, HC, CO, CO2 and PM) were measured from biodiesel fueled transit buses using an on-road emissions measuring device known as the Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS). On-road study is important in terms of understanding the amount of emissions generated under the real traffic and environmental conditions. Emissions were measured on buses fueled with regular diesel (B0), B10 blend (10% biodiesel + 90% diesel) and B20 blend (20% biodiesel + 80% diesel). This paper demonstrates the use of hybrid soft-computing techniques such as the neuro-fuzzy technique for developing emissions prediction models from real-world data. Hybrid soft-computing techniques have been shown to work well in handling data prone to noise and uncertainty, which is characteristic of real-world scenario. Two neuro-fuzzy methodologies were considered in this study: the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and the Dynamic Evolving Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (DENFIS). A brief review of model development, recommended parametric settings, and statistical evaluation of prediction performance of both techniques are discussed. In general, the ANFIS showed better prediction accuracy for the individual emissions compared to DENFIS although the prediction accuracies are comparable. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The revitalization of contaminated land carries many risks and uncertainties. This paper aims to reveal drivers of risk perception and to introduce a novel valuation method for the assessment of market-perceived risks for sites polluted by earlier use in a transparent and comprehensible procedure. International approaches to account for value deductions due to contaminations and resulting uncertainties are reviewed. Based on literature review and a national survey amongst German professional appraisers, a risk assessment methodology is elaborated, outlined and applied in a case study approach. We find that areas that have been properly decontaminated on average still have a depressed market value of 12.25%. Quantities such as location, time and feasibility of passing on risks can be combined in an algorithm to determine the absolute value reduction for a specific property to be appraised. Results should help appraisers, international investors and portfolio managers to deepen their understanding of valuation of risks associated with (previously) contaminated land. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A right heart ventricle has a complex and irregular shape, this obscures analysis of ventricle surface movements. We are trying to quantitative evaluate morphological changes of right ventricle surface, these changes appear during heart beat cycle, between different age groups, due to heart diseases, and other factors. A method for such evaluation would open new possibilities for insights into heart function, disease course extrapolation and other. We see this as a multistage task, where the first step is partitioning whole surface into smaller, more manageable regions, and the second step is to analyse each region separately. In this paper we present a new algorithm for partitioning the medial axis of right heart ventricle surface. Such partitioning leads to division of surface into smaller regions with clear shape. The proposed algorithm first computes medial axis from sampled ventricle surface. Later, the medial axis is filtered and smoothed, and third, we compute curvature map and use it as weights in Dijkstra's algorithm for curvature guided partitioning. Algorithm provides a way for fully automatic partitioning of medial manifold into separate medial scaffolds and a semi automatic way for additional curvature based division of medial scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the optimization of container shipping network and its operations under changing cargo demand and freight rates. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer non-linear programming problem (MINP) with an objective of maximizing the average unit ship-slot profit at three stages using analytical methodology. The issues such as empty container repositioning, ship-slot allocating, ship sizing, and container configuration are simultaneously considered based on a series of the matrices of demand for a year. To solve the model, a bi-level genetic algorithm based method is proposed. Finally, numerical experiments are provided to illustrate the validity of the proposed model and algorithms. The obtained results show that the suggested model can provide a more realistic solution to the issues on the basis of changing demand and freight rates and arrange a more effective approach to the optimization of container shipping network structures and operations than does the model based on the average demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we propose an artificial stock market model based on interaction of heterogeneous agents whose forward-looking behaviour is driven by the reinforcement-learning algorithm combined with some evolutionary selection mechanism. We use the model for the analysis of market self-regulation abilities, market efficiency and determinants of emergent properties of the financial market. Distinctive and novel features of the model include strong emphasis on the economic content of individual decision-making, application of the Q-learning algorithm for driving individual behaviour, and rich market setup. Along with that a parallel version of the model is presented, which is mainly based on research of current changes in the market, as well as on search of newly emerged consistent patterns, and which has been repeatedly used for optimal decisions' search experiments in various capital markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the use of multicriteria quantitative evaluation methods for solving social and economic problems has grown considerably. One of two major components of quantitative multicriteria evaluation methods strongly influencing the evaluation results is associated with the criteria weights. In practice, the criteria weights are determined in assessing the economic development of the state and its regions, the commercial activity and strategic potential of enterprises, the effectiveness of particular investment projects, etc. Several theoretical and practical methods of determining the significance (weight) of criteria by experts are known. Pairwise comparison of criteria is widely applied, and the most well-known, widely applied and mathematically grounded technique is the so-called Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). However, the application of this method is limited because of a great number of evaluation criteria, contradicting expert estimates and incompatible matrices obtained. In the present paper, the application of AHP technique to more complicated cases is considered and some algorithms are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Strategic Property Management is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Civil Engineering & Management is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this paper we discuss numerical algorithms for solving the system of nonlinear PDEs, arising in modelling of two-phase flows in porous media, as well as the proper object oriented implementation of these algorithms. Global pressure model for isothermal two-phase immiscible flow in porous media is considered in these paper. Finite-volume method is used for the space discretization of the system of PDEs. Different time stepping discretizations and linearization approaches are discussed. The main concepts of the PDE software tool MfsolverC++ are given. Numerical results for one realistic problem are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we study the simple algorithms for modelling the heat transfer problem in two layer media. The initial model which is based on a partial differential equation is reduced to ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The increase of accuracy is shown if instead of first order ODE initial value problem ([4, 5]) the second order differential equations is taken. Such a procedure allows us to obtain a simple engineering algorithm for solving heat transfer equations in two layered domain of Cartesian, cylindrical (with axial symmetry) and spherical coordinates (with radial symmetry). In a stationary case the exact finite difference scheme is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we consider parallel algorithms for solution of nonlinear parabolic PDEs. First mathematical models describing nonlinear diffusion filters are presented. The finite-volume method is used to approximate differential equations. Parallel algorithms are based on the domain decomposition method. The algorithms are implemented by using Par-Sol parallelization tool and a brief description of this tool is also presented. The efficiency of proposed parallel algorithms is investigated and results of the scalability analysis are given. Theoretical predictions are compared with results of computational experiments. Application of nonlinear diffusion filters for analysis of computer tomography images is discussed in the last section of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Civil Engineering & Management is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Civil Engineering & Management is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper aims at solving the problem of minimising the construction project duration in deterministic conditions when the accessibility of renewable resources is limited and changeable in time (workforce, machines and equipment). Particular construction processes (with various levels of complexity) must be conducted in the established technological order and can be executed in different technological and organisational variants (different contractors, technologies, and ways of using resources). To solve this problem the authors are using evolutionary algorithm. For the assessment of solutions generated by evolutionary algorithm, the authors have worked out a heuristic algorithm (of resources allocation and project duration calculation). This methodology seems to produce similar outcomes when juxtaposed with other solutions obtained by research works carried out using comparable methodologies. The paper contains an example of practical application of evolutionary algorithm for construction project planning within resources and time constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science: Future of Lithuania / Mokslas: Lietuvos Ateitis is the property of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)