Metaheuristics can benefit from analyzing patterns and regularities in data to perform more effective searches in the solution space. In line with the emerging trend in the optimization literature, this study introduces the Reinforcement-learning-based Alpha-List Iterated Greedy (RAIG) algorithm to contribute to the advances in machine learning-based optimization, notably for solving combinatorial ...

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a commonly employed technique in commercial plastic recycling for purposes including classification, sorting, identification, and elemental analysis. However, understanding the molecular-level kinetics, thermodynamic interactions, bonding cleavage, and process parameter impacts is crucial for identifying necessary modifications to enhance plastic ...

The problem of insecurity is a global phenomenon that has several forms like terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, etc. Insecurity has taken hold in the Sub-Saharan Region of West Africa, especially in Nigeria, for over two decades. Nigeria’s security crisis is more pronounced in the Northern Region, with a new wave in the North-Central Region of Nigeria. It is herculean to assess insecurity in the ...

The interfacial transition zone (ITZ) is the weakest phase in concrete, characterised by higher porosity and being prone to microcrack formation. Additionally, the ITZ is created when dispersed fibre reinforcement is present. Although fibres improve flexural strength, they can negatively impact other properties. This research investigates the ITZ of fibre-reinforced concrete where macro-basalt fibres ...

The railway is an essential source of logistics and transportation in cold regions, but low temperatures and icing can be challenging for uninterrupted railway operations in these regions. Icing on railway switches is a safety hazard, and presently, one of the industry’s adaptive approaches for ice mitigation is the use of resistive heaters. This method is efficient but consumes a great amount of ...

Prestressing of bridges allows construction of long spanned bridges made from thin structural members with high flexural and shear capacity. Studies have shown that some of the existing prestressed bridges are not meeting their designed service life due to corrosion of the tendons. The main reasons are poor construction practices in combination with inadequate inspection and maintenance plans. ...

In this paper, we study oscillatory properties of a fourth-order differential equation and spectral properties of a corresponding differential operator. These properties are established by f irst proving a new second-order Hardy-type inequality, where the weights are the coefficients of the equation and the operator. This new inequality, in its turn, is established for functions satisfying certain ...

Volatility in the supply chain of critical products, notably the vaccine shortage during the pandemic, influences livelihoods and may lead to significant delays and long waiting times. Considering the capital- and time-intensive nature of capacity expansion plans, strategic oper ational production decisions are required best to address the supply-demand mismatches given the limited production ...

The operational regime of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is distinguished by the dominance of laminar flow and the flow field is characterized by the appearance of Laminar Separation Bubbles (LSBs). Ice accretion on the leading side of the airfoil leads to the formation of an Ice-induced Separation Bubble (ISB). These separation bubbles have a considerable influence on the pressure, heat flux, and ...

Constrained improvement refers to regulating rivalry between companies in a particular industry by defining a framework or an evaluation mechanism. Such a mechanism results in a more equitable and healthy competitive environment. The primary motivation is that the best-performing players in a particular industry improve their performance such that the rest of the contenders remain competitive. ...