2种灰色模型在矿区地表沉陷预计中的适用性

目前矿区地表单点沉陷动态预计方法主要基于传统的水准测量数据,监测方法单一,成本高,观测点易破坏,不能保证地表形变信息的实时性,且采用灰色模型进行地表沉陷预计时只针对单一模型的应用,没有结合模型自身特点分析其适用性。以袁店二矿7221工作面为试验区域,采用合成孔径雷达差分干涉测量技术监测矿区地表沉陷量,分别建立了描述沉陷量与时间关系的GM(1,1)与灰色Verhulst模型进行地表沉陷量预计,实现了矿区地表沉陷监测与动态预计一体化。通过比较、分析GM(1,1)与灰色Verhulst模型对地表沉陷量的拟合及预计结果,得出了2种灰色模型在矿区地表沉陷预计中的适用性:在矿区开采沉陷开始至活跃前期,若地表单点沉陷量曲线呈近似单峰型,则宜采用GM(1,1)进行短期预计;当矿区地表沉陷进入衰退阶段,单点沉陷量曲线呈平底饱和状态,则宜采用灰色Verhulst模型进行中长期预计。     

基于灰色关联度的微孔端面机械密封开启力共性影响参数分析

目前微孔端面机械密封采用的几何参数繁多,缺乏明确物理意义。为找出跨孔型的共性几何参数,基于Fluent多相流空化模型,针对矩形孔、菱形孔、椭圆孔端面机械密封,建立密封间隙流体的三维数值计算模型,计算得到144条开启力数据;在分析开启力和几何尺寸之间的关系、额外开启力产生机制的基础上,提出等效长度和等效宽度2个具有物理意义的几何参数;采用灰色关联度分析法,分析和验证等效长度、等效宽度、方向角、面积比对开启力的影响,发现4个因素对3种微孔密封的间隙流体开启力都有影响,但等效长度与等效宽度的影响较方向角、面积比大。     

Emergency decision support modeling for COVID-19 based on spherical fuzzy information

Significant emergency measures should be taken until an emergency event occurs. It is understood that the emergency is characterized by limited time and information, harmfulness and uncertainty, and decision-makers are always critically bound by uncertainty and risk. This paper introduces many novel approaches to addressing the emergency situation of COVID-19 under spherical fuzzy environment. Fundamentally, the paper includes six main sections to achieve appropriate and accurate measures to address the situation of emergency decision-making. As the spherical fuzzy set (FS) is a generalized framework of fuzzy structure to handle more uncertainty and ambiguity in decision-making problems (DMPs). First, we discuss basic algebraic operational laws (AOLs) under spherical FS. In addition, elaborate on the deficiency of existing AOLs and present three cases to address the validity of the proposed novel AOLs under spherical fuzzy settings. Second, we present a list of Einstein aggregation operators (AgOp) based on the Einstein norm to aggregate uncertain information in DMPs. Thirdly, we are introducing two techniques to demonstrate the unknown weight of the criteria. Fourthly, we develop extended TOPSIS and Gray relational analysis approaches based on AgOp with unknown weight information of the criteria. In fifth, we design three algorithms to address the uncertainty and ambiguity information in emergency DMPs. Finally, the numerical case study of the novel carnivorous (COVID-19) situation is provided as an application for emergency decision-making based on the proposed three algorithms. Results explore the effectiveness of our proposed methodologies and provide accurate emergency measures to address the global uncertainty of COVID-19.     

An intelligent EGWO-SCA-CS algorithm for PSS parameter tuning under system uncertainties

This paper proposes a novel hybrid technique called enhanced grey wolf optimization-sine cosine algorithm-cuckoo search (EGWO-SCA-CS) algorithm to improve the electrical power system stability. The proposed method comprises of a popular grey wolf optimization (GWO) in an enhanced and hybrid form. It embraces the well-balanced exploration and exploitation using the cuckoo search (CS) algorithm and enhanced search capability through the sine cosine algorithm (SCA) to elude the stuck to the local optima. The proposed technique is validated with the 23 benchmark functions and compared with state-of-the-art methods. The benchmark functions consist of unimodal, multimodal function from which the best suitability of the proposed technique can be identified. The robustness analysis also presented with the proposed method through boxplot, and a detailed statistical analysis is performed for a set of 30 individual runs. From the inferences gathered from the benchmark functions, the proposed technique is applied to the stability problem of a power system, which is heavily stressed with the nonlinear variation of the load and thereby operating conditions. The dynamics of power system components have been considered for the mathematical model of a multimachine system, and multiobjective function has been framed in tuning the optimal controller parameters. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm has been assessed by considering two case studies, namely, (i) the optimal controller parameter tuning, and (ii) the coordination of oscillation damping devices in the power system stability enhancement. In the first case study, the power system stabilizer (PSS) is considered as a controller, and a self-clearing three-phase fault is considered as the system uncertainty. In contrast, static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) and PSS are considered as controllers to be coordinated, and perturbation in the system states as uncertainty in the second case study.     

What drives smartwatch purchase intention? Perspectives from hardware,software, design,and value

Although wearable devices are popular in recent years, the market share of smartwatches is relatively low. The main goal of this research is to investigate the antecedents of the intention to purchase a smartwatch. This research develops a conceptual model and hypotheses based on the theory of reasoned action and perceived values from the perspectives of software, hardware, and aesthetic design. An online questionnaire was developed and distributed on popular websites to collect data, and 260 usable responses are collected from the potential users of the Apple Watch in Taiwan. The thirteen hypotheses were validated by using partial least squares (PLS) techniques. Among the antecedents of purchase intention in the model, the attitude towards using smartwatches was found to have the strongest direct effect. Among the factors of the attitude, design aesthetics have the most significant effect. The results also show that all of the factors about smartwatch attributes directly affected the related perceived values. However, social value and performance/quality value did not affect the intention. The model demonstrated relatively good explanatory power for purchase intention in the context of smartwatches. The proposed model can provide insights to smartwatch vendors to develop their new products and marketing strategies.     

KSUTraffic: A Microscopic Traffic Simulator for Traffic Planning in Smart Cities

Simulation is a powerful tool for improving, evaluating and analyzing the performance of new and existing systems. Traffic simulators provide tools for studying transportation systems in smart cities as they describe the evolution of traffic to the highest level of detail. There are many types of traffic simulators that allow simulating traffic in modern cities. The most popular traffic simulation approach is the microscopic traffic simulation because of its ability to model traffic in a realistic manner. In many cities of Saudi Arabia, traffic management represents a major challenge as a result of expansion in traffic demands and increasing number of incidents. Unfortunately, employing simulation to provide effective traffic management for local scenarios in Saudi Arabia is limited to a number of commercial products in both public and private sectors. Commercial simulators are usually expensive, closed source and inflexible as they allow limited functionalities. In this project, we developed a local traffic simulator “KSUtraffic” for traffic modeling, planning and analysis with respect to different traffic control strategies and considerations. We modeled information specified by GIS and real traffic data. Furthermore, we designed experiments that manipulate simulation parameters and the underlying area. KSUTraffic visualizes traffic and provides statistical results on the simulated traffic which would help to improve traffic management and efficiency.     

Fire hazard in transportation infrastructure: Review,assessment, and mitigation strategies

This paper reviews the fire problem in critical transportation infrastructures such as bridges and tunnels. The magnitude of the fire problem is illustrated, and the recent increase in fire problems in bridges and tunnels is highlighted. Recent research undertaken to address fire problems in transportation structures is reviewed, as well as critical factors governing the performance of those structures. Furthermore, key strategies recommended for mitigating fire hazards in bridges and tunnels are presented, and their applicability to practical situations is demonstrated through a practical case study. Furthermore, research needs and emerging trends for enhancing the “state-of-the-art” in this area are discussed.     

Climate proofing island energy infrastructure systems: Framing resilience based policy interventions

One of the most discernible impacts of climate change is the increasing severity and unpredictability of extreme weather conditions. Small island developing states are particularly vulnerable to these conditions, with one of the impacts being on energy supplies due to damaging energy infrastructure, resulting in power outages and economic losses. Drawing on resilience theory to frame the discourse, we present an updated overview of how island energy infrastructures have been and continue to be negatively impacted. This same framework also provides a lens through which we identify the challenges involved in recovery, rebuilding and returning energy security in these contexts.     

Bridging the critical interface: Ambidextrous innovation for water provision in Nairobi's informal settlements

This article examines innovation activities in water infrastructure in Nairobi, Kenya. The focus is on efforts by Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Corporation (NCWSC) to provide water services to the inhabitants in the informal areas of the city using an automated vending machine, or Pre-Paid Dispenser (PPD). In this study, we investigate what happens when a regime actor like NCWSC tries to implement an ambidextrous (two-handed) strategy: managing the existing system according to conventional practice and at the same time innovate in new technical solutions and business models to cater for unconnected users.Besides presenting our results, our aim in this article is also to introduce a research strategy for innovation studies in infrastructural systems in low-income urban areas. Three interconnected parts stand out as our contribution:First, we present a novel conceptual framework, by adding ideas from innovation studies to the Large Technical Systems approach. We investigate how regime actors can innovate to provide water to unconnected users, without expanding the system in a traditional way.Second, we propose a novel method for analysing and understanding innovation on the margins of the infrastructural system, or in our terms, innovation in the critical interface. Central to our method is, through empirical observation, to identify misalignment between the innovation (PPD) and contextual factors at the local level, where the innovation is implemented (interface misalignment), and misalignment between the innovation and the existing water regime (internal misalignment). We use a qualitative method and results forms as a basis for further research and starting point for regime actors in search of an improved ambidextrous strategy.Third, we analyse the innovation process per se. In the Nairobi case, we assess the ambidextrous innovation strategy, and claim that the PPD functions as an adapter in the critical interface, enabling the regime actors to operate in an environment of misalignment.     

GIS method for characterizing fire flow capacity

There are numerous methods currently used to calculate required water flow rates for sprinklered and non-sprinklered buildings. The aim of this study is provide a flexible automated procedure for indentifying locations lacking adequate fire flow. To accomplish this objective, this research uses a GIS procedure to determine the spatial relationships between fire hydrants and historical fire incidences, and integrates the recommended hydrant spacing and building type specifications from the International Fire Code. This method was tested in two communities in eastcentral Michigan, USA. The results indicate an ability to define clusters of fires, determine the availability of hydrants, and assess the suitability of the available fire flow, including areas of potential extra capacity. Using these same data, additional GIS analyses can optimize hydrant location, ascertain the frequencies of different categories of fires, and identify the patterns of building types prone to fires.