Agents.jl: a performant and feature-full agent-based modeling software of minimal code complexity

Agent-based modeling is a simulation method in which autonomous agents interact with their environment and one another, given a predefined set of rules. It is an integral method for modeling and simulating complex systems, such as socio-economic problems. Since agent-based models are not described by simple and concise mathematical equations, the code that generates them is typically complicated, large, and slow. Here we present Agents.jl, a Julia-based software that provides an ABM analysis platform with minimal code complexity. We compare our software with some of the most popular ABM software in other programming languages. We find that Agents.jl is not only the most performant but also the least complicated software, providing the same (and sometimes more) features as the competitors with less input required from the user. Agents.jl also integrates excellently with the entire Julia ecosystem, including interactive applications, differential equations, parameter optimization, and so on. This removes any “extensions library” requirement from Agents.jl, which is paramount in many other tools.

New Techniques for Seed Shape Description in Silene Species

Seed shape in Silene species is often described by means of adjectives such as reniform, globose, and orbicular, but the application of seed shape for species classification requires quantification. A method for the description and quantification of seed shape consists in the comparison with geometric models. Geometric models based on mathematical equations were applied to characterize the general morphology of the seeds in 21 species of Silene. In addition to the previously described four models (M1 is the cardioid, and M2 to M4 are figures derived from it), we present four new geometric models (model 5–8). Models 5 and 6 are open cardioids that resemble M3, quite different from the flat models, M2 and M4. Models 7 and 8 were applied to those species not covered by models 2 to 6. Morphological measures were obtained to describe and characterize the dorsal view of the seeds. The analyses done on dorsal views revealed a notable morphological diversity and four groups were identified. A correlation was found between roundness of dorsal view and the geometric models based on lateral views, such that some of the groups defined by seed roundness are also characterized by the similarity to particular models. The usefulness of new morphological tools of seed morphology to taxonomy is discussed.

Modelling, analysis and experimental verification of air disc brake used in heavy duty vehicles

This paper proposes a reliable mathematical model that can be used for design stage of new air disc brake (ADB) development projects. All three phases of braking mechanism (brake apply, brake release and automatic adjustment) are modelled by Matlab Simulink in consideration of hysteresis and adjuster performance experiments. Firstly, mathematical relations of each friction interfaces of air disc brake components are derived and mathematical equations adapted to the Simulink model. To ensure the accuracy of ADB system model, hysteresis and adjuster performance experiments are conducted on a prototype disc brake mechanism supported by a test fixture. This prototype single piston disc brake mechanism is fitted to wheel size in 17.5″ used in heavy commercial vehicles. The predicted clamping force, mechanical ratio, brake efficiency and adjuster rate results are verified by using experimental data. The maximum deviation in hysteresis results is 3.08%. Besides, the maximum deviation in adjuster performance results is 7.15%. The numerically and experimentally obtained hysteresis and adjuster performance results show good agreement. The proposed model is modified in consideration of mechanism supported by a brake calliper for predicting actual performance of single piston brake mechanism on the brake level. The hysteresis and the adjuster performance analyses are conducted by using modified ADB model to calculate the hysteresis based brake efficiency and the adjuster rate. The brake efficiency of new single piston brake design provides similar efficiency as the twin piston disc brake used in heavy commercial vehicles.

Design of a Solar Powered Reverse Osmosis System in Egypt

Scarcity of fresh water, forced many countries to get their water needs, or part of it, by means of saline water desalination. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are useful tools in this concern. In case the grid electricity is not available or costly, photovoltaic (PV) power is necessary to derive RO systems. The present paper is concerned with providing a methodology for complete sizing and design of a photovoltaic reverse osmosis (PVRO) system in Egypt. Egypt has very favorable solar energy. A computer program was constructed to solve the mathematical equations of the model to get the numerical values. The program is capable of calculating the solar irradiation for any city in Egypt. Calculations and selection of the RO system with all connected pumps, the peak PV power needed, and the actual PV area were performed for different water demands ranging from 1-100 m3/day, and various water total dissolved solids (TDSs) of 5000, 15000, and 30000 mg/l. The cost of the complete PVRO system was also determined. The concern of the paper is related to water desalination and solar energy, which are responsible for our existence. The work also aims toward sustainable and clean environment via utilizing solar energy.

Design of Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Fenugreek Seed Extract

Background: The main purpose of this study was to maximize the efficacy of fenugreek seed extract by loading it in an optimised solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) formula. Methods: To achieve an effective extraction method, preliminary studies were carried out to confirm the extract, and the extract was standardised using trigonelline. The influence of independent variables lipid concentration (X1), surfactant concentration (X2), and cosurfactant concentration (X3) on dependent variables particle size (Y1) and entrapment efficiency (Y2) was also studied and optimised using the Box–Behnken design. Melt emulsification followed by ultrasonication was used to prepare SLN formulations. To understand the effect of independent variables on the dependent quality parameters, response surface plots and mathematical equations were produced. Results: The results confirmed that soxhalation was the most suitable method for extraction of fenugreek seeds, confirmed by standardization. Further optimization revealed that particle sizes ranged from 193.4 to 312.3 nm, with entrapment efficiencies ranging from 61.2 to 74.32 percent. This implies that the developed formulations can be used for further in vitro and in vivo characterizations.

A systems approach to investigate GPCR-mediated Ras signaling network in chemoattractant sensing

A GPCR-mediated signaling network enables a chemotactic cell to generate adaptative Ras signaling in response to a large range of concentrations of a chemoattractant. To explore potential regulatory mechanisms of GPCR-controlled Ras signaling in chemosensing, we applied a software package, Simmune, to construct detailed spatiotemporal models simulating responses of the cAR1-mediated Ras signaling network. We first determined dynamics of G-protein activation and Ras signaling in Dictyostelium cells in response to cAMP stimulations using live-cell imaging and then constructed computation models by incorporating potential mechanisms. Using simulations, we validated the dynamics of signaling events and predicted the dynamic profiles of those events in the cAR1-mediated Ras signaling networks with defective Ras inhibitory mechanisms, such as without RasGAP, with RasGAP overexpression, or RasGAP hyperactivation. We described a method of using Simmune to construct spatiotemporal models of a signaling network and run computational simulations without writing mathematical equations. This approach will help biologists to develop and analyze computational models that parallel live-cell experiments.

Drastic advancement in nanophotonics achieved by a new dressed photon study

On the very recent advancement of dressed photon studies A timely review of the emerging new phase of dressed photon (DP) studies, not yet prevailing in the global nanophotonic society, is given in contradistinction to its preceding incipient phase. A new theory on DPs crucially depends on a couple of important elements, namely, the knowledge on quantum field theory (QFT) having infinite degrees of freedom, notably on the micro-macro duality (MMD) theory developed by Ojima, and a newly proposed Clebsch dual (CD) electromagnetic field as a specific implementation of MMD theory. The main aim of the first part of this article after the introduction, the section of “In search of refinement of the theoretical models”, is twofold: to explain plainly, without resorting to mathematical equations, the essence of the highly mathematical contents of MMD theory, which clarifies a problematic aspect of the Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment, and to explain the physical meanings of the CD field. Preliminary study on the existence of DP light with spin zero In the section of “Observed “photon cluster” and light field with spin zero”, we briefly report a new intriguing experimental discovery implying the existence of propagating particle-like “quantum DP light” together with a conjecture on its possible theoretical explanation. A perspective on a variety of possible research directions for DPs is then briefly mentioned in mentioned in the final section.

Synthesize a Sustainable Supply Chain of Biomass to Electricity via Mathematical Approach

The huge amount of biomass waste and palm oil mill effluent (POME) generated during oil extraction has prompted the need for a more sustainable framework in waste management. Since oil palm biomass waste is rich in lignocellulosic content, it can be potential to be converted into green energy such as bioelectricity via different pathway of processes such as the thermal conversion pathway and biochemical conversion pathway. This study proposes a mathematical approach to synthesise a sustainable supply chain of biomass to electricity by implementing the combined heat and power (CHP) system in palm oil mill. The optimum pathway of supply chain based on the technical, economical, and environmental aspects is generated. The purpose of this approach is to assists the industry players or owners to make decision in choosing the location of the pre-treatment technology, transportation method, location of power plant and configuration of CHP. A generic superstructure is first developed to achieve the objective. Then, a series of generic mathematical equations will then be formulated based on the pathways demonstrated in the generic superstructure. The mathematical equations involve general mass and energy balance, cost computation and carbon emission. The fuzzy optimisation concept will be adopted in this research to trade-off the conflicting objectives (maximize profit and minimize carbon footprint) in order to generate the optimum pathway. A palm oil-based bioelectricity supply chain case study in Selangor, Malaysia is solved to illustrate the presented approach. According to the optimised result in this case study, a total of 3,753.36 MW of bioelectricity can be generated per year. The result proved that the optimum pathway is feasible by comparing with the existing oil palm biomass-based power plant in Sarawak, where only 375 MW of electricity is generated by oil palm biomass. On the other hand, RM 7.25 million per year of net profit is estimated with a payback period of 2.81 years. Moreover, the CHP system is able to achieve 570 million kg CO2 per year.

Central Courtyard Feature Extraction in Remote Sensing Aerial Images Using Deep Learning: A Case-Study of Iran

Central courtyards are primary components of vernacular architecture in Iran. The directions, dimensions, ratios, and other characteristics of central courtyards are critical for studying historical passive cooling and heating solutions. Several studies on central courtyards have compared their features in different cities and climatic zones in Iran. In this study, deep learning methods for object detection and image segmentation are applied to aerial images, to extract the features of central courtyards. The case study explores aerial images of nine historical cities in Bsk, Bsh, Bwk, and Bwh Köppen climate zones. Furthermore, these features were gathered in an extensive dataset, with 26,437 samples and 76 geometric and climactic features. Additionally, the data analysis methods reveal significant correlations between various features, such as the length and width of courtyards. In all cities, the correlation coefficient between these two characteristics is approximately +0.88. Numerous mathematical equations are generated for each city and climate zone by fitting the linear regression model to these data in different cities and climate zones. These equations can be used as proposed design models to assist designers and researchers in predicting and locating the best courtyard houses in Iran’s historical regions.