Multi-agent based safety computational experiment system for shield tunneling projects

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1963-1991
Author(s):  
Hui Lu ◽  
Junxiong Qi ◽  
Jue Li ◽  
Yong Xie ◽  
Gangyan Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influential Factors ◽  
Safety Performance ◽  
Computational Experiments ◽  
Screw Conveyor ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
Shield Tunneling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
Human Shield

PurposeIn shield tunneling projects, human, shield machine and underground environment are tightly coupled and interacted. Accidents often occur under dysfunctional interactions among them. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a multi-agent based safety computational experiment system (SCES) and use it to identify the main influential factors of various aspects of human, shield machine and underground environment.Design/methodology/approachThe methods mainly comprised computational experiments and multi-agent technologies. First, a safety model with human-machine-environment interaction consideration is developed through the multi-agent technologies. On this basis, SCES is implemented. Then computational experiments are designed and performed on SCES for analyzing safety performance and identifying the main influential factors.FindingsThe main influential factors of two common accidents are identified. For surface settlement, the main influential factors are ranked as experience, soil density, soil cohesion, screw conveyor speed and thrust force in descending order of influence levels; for mud cake on cutter, they are ranked as soil cohesion, experience, cutter speed and screw conveyor speed. These results are consistent with intuition and previous studies and demonstrate the applicability of SCES.Practical implicationsThe proposed SCES provides comprehensive risk factor identification for shield tunneling projects and also insights to support informed decisions for safety management.Originality/valueA safety model with human-machine-environment interaction consideration is developed and computational experiments are used to analyze the safety performance. The novel method and model could contribute to system-based safety research and promote systematic understanding of the safety performance of shield tunneling projects.

An agent-based supplier selection framework

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 180-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Jahani ◽  
Masrah Azrifah Azmi Murad ◽  
Md. Nasir bin Sulaiman ◽  
Mohd. Hasan Selamat
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supplier Selection ◽  
Information Overload ◽  
Case Based Reasoning ◽  
Multi Agent Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Common Framework ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
Case Based

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach that integrates three complementary perspectives, multi-agent systems, fuzzy logic and case-based reasoning. Unsatisfied customers, information overload and high uncertainty are the main challenges that are faced by today’s supply chains. In addition, a few existing agent-based approaches are tied to real-world supply chain functions like supplier selection. These approaches are static and do not adequately take the qualitative and quantitative factors into consideration. Therefore, an agent-based framework is needed to address these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed approach integrates three complementary perspectives, multi-agent systems, fuzzy logic and case-based reasoning, as a common framework. These perspectives were rarely used together as a common framework in previous studies. Furthermore, an exploratory case study in an office furniture company is undertaken to illustrate the value of the framework. Findings – The proposed agent-based framework evaluates supply offers based on customers’ preferences, recommends alternative products in the case of stock-out and provides a collaborative environment among agents who represent different supply chain entities. The proposed fuzzy case-based reasoning (F-CBR) approach reduces the information overload by organizing them into the relevant cases that causes less overall search between cases. In addition, its fuzzy aspect addresses the high uncertainty of supply chains, especially when there are different customers’ orders with different preferences. Research limitations/implications – The present study does not include the functions of inventory management and negotiation between agents. Furthermore, only the case description and case retrieval phases of the case-based reasoning approach are investigated, and the remaining phases like case retaining, case reusing and case revising are not included in the scope of this paper. Originality/value – This framework balances the interests of different supply chain structural elements where each of them is represented by a specific agent for better collaboration, decision-making and problem-solving in a multi-agent environment. In addition, the supplier selection and order gathering mechanisms are developed based on customers’ orders.

scholarly journals A multi-agent based system with big data processing for enhanced supply chain agility

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 706-727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mihalis Giannakis ◽  
Michalis Louis
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Semantic Web ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Multi Agent Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Agent Systems ◽  
Supply Chain Agility ◽  
Multi Agent

Purpose Decision support systems are becoming an indispensable tool for managing complex supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to develop a multi-agent-based supply chain management system that incorporates big data analytics that can exert autonomous corrective control actions. The effects of the system on supply chain agility are explored. Design/methodology/approach For the development of the architecture of the system, a sequential approach is adopted. First three fundamental dimensions of supply chain agility are identified – responsiveness, flexibility and speed. Then the organisational design of the system is developed. The roles for each of the agents within the framework are defined and the interactions among these agents are modelled. Findings Applications of the model are discussed, to show how the proposed model can potentially provide enhanced levels in each of the dimensions of supply chain agility. Research limitations/implications The study shows how the multi-agent systems can assist to overcome the trade-off between supply chain agility and complexity of global supply chains. It also opens up a new research agenda for incorporation of big data and semantic web applications for the design of supply chain information systems. Practical implications The proposed information system provides integrated capabilities for production, supply chain event and disruption risk management under a collaborative basis. Originality/value A novel aspect in the design of multi-agent systems is introduced for inter-organisational processes, which incorporates semantic web information and a big data ontology in the agent society.

Agent-based modeling of availability for complex multiple units systems

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling Wang ◽  
Hong Xu ◽  
Jinjin Wu ◽  
Xiai Chen ◽  
Wenbo Na
Keyword(s):  
Agent Based Modeling ◽  
Modeling Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Availability Analysis ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
Modeling Theory ◽  
Maintenance Policies ◽  
Availability Modeling ◽  
Multiple Units

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose an availability modeling method of complex multiple units system (CMUS) based on the multi-agent technique. Design/methodology/approach Based on the multi-agent technique, this paper describes the availability model structure for CMUS and develops agent-based models of components, maintenance policies, maintenance tools, maintenance fields, and maintenance staff, as well as the communication method among the different agents. On the basis of the agent-based availability modeling theory, the availability simulation scheme of CMUS is given using MATLAB. Thus, the availability modeling theory of CMUS and its simulation method are developed. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed availability modeling method, a numerical example is given. Findings The proposed agent-based modeling method is applicable to availability modeling of CMUS, including the modeling of component failure, maintenance tools/fields/staff, maintenance policy, and structural/economic dependence among components. Practical implications As a bottom-top, modular, expandable, and reusable modeling theory, the agent-based modeling method might be useful for availability modeling of different CMUSs in reality. Originality/value The multi-agent technique is introduced into availability modeling of multi-component systems in this paper. Thus, it is possible to model failure of many components, maintenance policies, maintenance tools, maintenance fields, and maintenance staff together for availability analysis of complex systems of equipment.

Formulating layered adjustable autonomy for unmanned aerial vehicles

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 430-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salama A. Mostafa ◽  
Mohd Sharifuddin Ahmad ◽  
Aida Mustapha ◽  
Mazin Abed Mohammed
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Autonomous Systems ◽  
Test Plan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Computing Machinery ◽  
Adjustable Autonomy ◽  
Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
Software And Hardware

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a layered adjustable autonomy (LAA) as a dynamically adjustable autonomy model for a multi-agent system. It is mainly used to efficiently manage humans’ and agents’ shared control of autonomous systems and maintain humans’ global control over the agents. Design/methodology/approach The authors apply the LAA model in an agent-based autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system. The UAV system implementation consists of two parts: software and hardware. The software part represents the controller and the cognitive, and the hardware represents the computing machinery and the actuator of the UAV system. The UAV system performs three experimental scenarios of dance, surveillance and search missions. The selected scenarios demonstrate different behaviors in order to create a suitable test plan and ensure significant results. Findings The results of the UAV system tests prove that segregating the autonomy of a system as multi-dimensional and adjustable layers enables humans and/or agents to perform actions at convenient autonomy levels. Hence, reducing the adjustable autonomy drawbacks of constraining the autonomy of the agents, increasing humans’ workload and exposing the system to disturbances. Originality/value The application of the LAA model in a UAV manifests the significance of implementing dynamic adjustable autonomy. Assessing the autonomy within three phases of agents run cycle (task-selection, actions-selection and actions-execution) is an original idea that aims to direct agents’ autonomy toward performance competency. The agents’ abilities are well exploited when an incompetent agent switches with a more competent one.

Technological learning modelling towards sustainable energy planning

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Najmeh Neshat ◽  
Hengameh Hadian ◽  
Somayeh Rahimi Alangi
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Electric Power System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Technological Learning ◽  
Agent Based Modelling ◽  
Planning Approach ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
Renewable Technology

Purpose Obviously, the development of a robust optimization framework is the main step in energy and climate policy. In other words, the challenge of energy policy assessment requires the application of approaches which recognize the complexity of energy systems in relation to technological, social, economic and environmental aspects. This paper aims to develop a two-sided multi-agent based modelling framework which endogenizes the technological learning mechanism to determine the optimal generation plan. In this framework, the supplier agents try to maximize their income while complying with operational, technical and market penetration rates constraints. A case study is used to illustrate the application of the proposed planning approach. The results showed that considering the endogenous technology cost reduction moves optimal investment timings to earlier planning years and influences the competitiveness of technologies. The proposed integrated approach provides not only an economical generation expansion plan but also a cleaner one compared to the traditional approach. Design/methodology/approach To the best of the authors’ knowledge, so far there has not been any agent-based generation expansion planning (GEP) incorporating technology learning mechanism into the modelling framework. The main contribution of this paper is to introduce a multi-agent based modelling for long-term GEP and undertakes to show how incorporating technological learning issues in supply agents behaviour modelling influence on renewable technology share in the optimal mix of technologies. A case study of the electric power system of Iran is used to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed planning approach and also to demonstrate its efficiency. Findings As seen, the share of the renewable technology agents (geothermal, hydropower, wind, solar, biomass and photovoltaic) in expanding generation increases from 10.2% in the traditional model to 13.5% in the proposed model over the planning horizon. Also, to incorporate technological learning in the supply agent behaviour leads to earlier involving of renewable technologies in the optimal plan. This increased share of the renewable technology agents is reasonable due to their decreasing investment cost and capability of cooperation in network reserve supply which leads to a high utilization factor. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, so far there hasn’t been any agent-based GEP paying attention to this integrated approach. The main contribution of this paper is to introduce a multi-agent based modelling for long-term GEP and undertakes to show how incorporating technological learning issues in supply agents behaviour modelling influence on renewable technology share in the optimal mix of technologies. A case study of the electric power system of Iran is used to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed planning approach and also to demonstrate its efficiency.

A multi-agent-based online opinion dissemination model for China’s crisis information release policy during hazardous chemical leakage emergencies into rivers

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 537-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lean Yu ◽  
Ling Li ◽  
Ling Tang ◽  
Wei Dai ◽  
Chihab Hanachi
Keyword(s):  
Policy Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Information Release ◽  
Hazardous Chemical ◽  
Release Policy ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
The Government ◽  
False News

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a multi-agent-based simulation model for the online opinion dissemination during hazardous chemical leakage emergencies into rivers in China, to explore an appropriate crisis information release policy of China’s government for controlling public panic. Design/methodology/approach In the proposed model, two fundamental attributes of crisis information, i.e., truthfulness (for true or false news) and attitude (for positive, neutral or negative opinion), are considered. Four major agents in the online community system, i.e., citizens, the government, media and opinion leaders, are included. Using four typical accidents of hazardous chemical leakage into rivers in China as case studies, insightful policy implications can be obtained for crisis management and panic control. Findings The news about the terrible potential damages from such a type of accidents will instantly arise wide-ranging public panic; therefore, the corresponding crisis information release policy should be carefully designed. It is strongly advised against publishing false news to temporarily conceal the accidents, which will seriously hurt the government’s reputation and agitate much larger-scale public panic in terms of degree and duration. To mitigate public panic, the true news especially about treatment measurements should be published immediately. If the government does nothing and releases no crisis information, the public panic will go out of control. Research limitations/implications This paper only focuses on the crisis information release policies from the perspectives of the government. Furthermore, this study especially focuses on the cases in China, and extending the proposed model study for general contexts is an important direction to improve this study. Finally, the proposed model should be extended to other types of emergencies to further justify its generalization and universality, especially various natural catastrophes like storms, floods, tsunamis, etc. Originality/value This paper develops a multi-agent-based model for online public opinion dissemination in emergency to explore an appropriate crisis information release policy for controlling public panic stemming from hazardous chemicals leakage accidents into rivers. The proposed model makes major contributions to the literature from two perspectives. First, the crisis information about emergency accidents are divided into true and false news based on the truthfulness attribute, and into neutral, positive and negative emotions based on the attitude attribute. Second, the proposed model covers the main agents in the online virtual community.

A competitive dynamics perspective on evolutionary game theory, agent-based modeling, and innovation in high-tech firms

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 948-966 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruihan Zhang ◽  
Bing Sun
Keyword(s):  
Market Entry ◽  
Evolutionary Game ◽  
Competitive Dynamics ◽  
Competitive Market ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Innovative Behavior ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
Behavior Based

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine how high-tech firms should choose between independent research and development and technology introduction as well as to ascertain the effects of the three elements of competitive dynamics on the evolution of innovative behavior-based decisions and competitive results. Design/methodology/approach This paper describes the construction of an evolutionary game model and a multi-agent-based model of innovative behavior-based decisions by heterogeneous high-tech firms. The models are used to analyze the evolution path and evolutionarily stable strategy of innovative behavior-based decisions. In addition, multi-agent-based simulation is used to gain insight into the effects of competitive dynamics on the dynamic evolution of innovative behavior-based decisions. Findings This paper reveals four evolutionary equilibrium states of the innovation behavior-based decisions of high-tech firms. Based on the findings, these overall evolutionary trends are not affected by the timing of competitive market entry or the intensity of competition. In addition, simulated evidence is added that the timing of competitive market entry is an important factor affecting market-leading innovative strategies and dynamic competition results, and competition intensity is closely related to the evolutionary speed of innovation behavior-based decisions. Originality/value The key contribution of this paper is its new view of innovative behavior-based decisions from a competitive dynamics perspective. The new competitive dynamics-based framework for innovative behavior-based decisions of high-tech firms proposed in the paper can resolve the problem of obtaining a sustainable competitive advantage for high-tech firms in a competitive dynamics context.

Applications of multi-agent systems from the perspective of construction management: A literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liqun Xiang ◽  
Yongtao Tan ◽  
Geoffrey Shen ◽  
Xin Jin
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Construction Management ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Multi Agent Systems ◽  
Agent Based Models ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Agent Systems ◽  
Complex Problems ◽  
Multi Agent

PurposeThe applications of multi-agent systems (MASs) are considered to be among the most promising paradigms for detailed investigations and reliable problem-solving methods, and MAS applications make it possible for researchers and practitioners to better understand complex systems. Although a number of prior studies have been conducted to address complex issues that arise from construction projects, few studies have summarised the applications and discussed the capacity of MASs from the perspective of construction management. To fill the gap, this paper provides a comprehensive literature review of MAS applications from the perspective of construction management.Design/methodology/approachWeb of Science and Scopus are the most commonly used international databases in conducting the literature reviews. A total of 86 relevant papers published in SCI-Expanded, SSCI and Ei Compendex journals related to the application of MASs from the perspective of construction management are selected to be analysed and discussed in this paper.FindingsBased on the 86 collected publications, the utilisations of MASs to support the management of the supply chain and the improvement of project performance are identified from the perspective of construction management, the characteristics and barriers of current MAS applications are analysed, a framework for developing agent-based models to address complex problems is proposed, and future research directions of MAS applications are discussed.Originality/valueThis review can serve as a useful reference for scholars to enhance their understanding of the current research and guide future research on MASs. The proposed framework can help build agent-based models to address complex problems in construction management.

Multi-agent simulation for managing design changes in prefabricated construction projects

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 270-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Du ◽  
Hengqing Jing ◽  
Daniel Castro-Lacouture ◽  
Vijayan Sugumaran
Keyword(s):  
Change Management ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Coordination Mechanism ◽  
Managerial Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Design Change ◽  
Design Changes ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a multi-agent-based model for quantitatively measuring how the design change management strategies improve project performance. Design/methodology/approach Based on questionnaires and interviews, this paper investigates the coordination mechanism of risks due to design changes in prefabricated construction (PC) projects. Combined with all the variables related with design change risks, a multi-agent-based simulation model is proposed to evaluate the design change management effect. Findings The coordination mechanism between design change factors, design change events, risk consequence and management strategy in PC projects is described and then the simulation-based design change management mechanism in PC projects is used to assess the effect of management strategies under dynamic scenarios. Originality/value PC projects have rapidly increased in recent years due to the advantages of fast construction, high quality and labor savings. Different from traditional on-site construction, the impact and risk from design changes are likely to be greater due to the prefabricated project being multi-stage, highly interactive and complex. The simulations presented in this paper make it possible to test different design change management strategies in order to study their effectiveness and support managerial decision making.

Generic framework for enriching services: a multiagent approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-268
Author(s):  
Angela Carrillo-Ramos ◽  
Luis Guillermo Torres-Ribero ◽  
María Paula Arias-Báez ◽  
Alexandra Pomares Quimbaya ◽  
Enrique González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
User Preferences ◽  
Adaptation Mechanism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Agent Platform ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Implicit And Explicit ◽  
Context Features

Purpose – This paper aims to present a detailed description of Agents for Enriching Services (AES), an agent-oriented framework that allows adapting a service in an information system. AES provides an adaptation logic that can be instantiated and extended to be useful in different domains. In previous works, we presented the adaptation mechanism of AES, which considers context aspects such as location, infrastructure; user aspects such as preferences and interests; and device aspects such as hardware and software features. Design/methodology/approach – The first step was the definition of different profiles, mainly user and context profiles. Then the adaptation mechanism was defined, which considers these profiles. With this mechanism, the adaptation filters to apply them to the initial queries was specified. Finally, feedback was provided, which included implicit and explicit information from the user and the system. AES is an agent-based framework implemented in Java, using the multi-agent platform BESA and a rule-based engine Drools. Findings – AES can be used as the starting point to adapt services by enriching them considering different stimulus whether they come from the environment, devices or user preferences. Research limitations/implications – This work was tested in an academic environment and was only applied to enhance queries by using keywords. AES uses the query mechanism implemented in the system that invokes it. Originality/value – This paper focuses on: an integrated view of AES including its formal description and details about its implementation. Particularly, it includes an exhaustive and formal definition of the filters used to create the adaptation rules and three different scenarios of the application of AES to adapt content according to user and context features. Finally, a comparison analysis is presented to highlight the strengths of our framework, specially its capacity of integration with systems that require providing user- and context-oriented services.

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