Fractal Fract., Volume 8, Issue 5 (May 2024) – 27 articles

In this article, we explore a variety of problems within the domain of calculus of variations, specifically in the context of fractional calculus. The fractional derivative we consider incorporates the notion of weighted fractional derivatives along with derivatives with respect to another function. Besides the fractional operators, the Lagrange function depends on extremal points. We examine the fundamental problem, providing the fractional Euler–Lagrange equation and the associated transversality conditions. Both the isoperimetric and Herglotz problems are also explored. Finally, we conclude with an analysis of the variational problem, incorporating fractional derivatives of any positive real order. Full article

On the basis of the chaotic system proposed by Wang et al. in 2023, this paper constructs a 5D fractional-order memristive hyperchaotic system (FOMHS) with multiple coexisting attractors through coupling of magnetic control memristors and dimension expansion. Firstly, the divergence, Kaplan–Yorke dimension, and equilibrium stability of the chaotic model are studied. Subsequently, we explore the construction of the 5D FOMHS, introducing the definitions of the Caputo differential operator and the Riemann–Liouville integral operator and employing the Adomian resolving approach to decompose the linears, the nonlinears, and the constants of the system. The complex dynamic characteristics of the system are analyzed by phase diagrams, Lyapunov exponent spectra, time-domain diagrams, etc. Finally, the hardware circuit of the proposed 5D FOMHS is performed by FPGA, and its randomness is verified using the NIST tool. Full article

In this research paper, we investigate the controllability in the $\alpha$-norm of a coupled system of integrodifferential equations with state-dependent nonlocal conditions in generalized Banach spaces. We establish sufficient conditions for the system’s controllability using resolvent operator theory introduced by Grimmer, fractional power operators, and fixed-point theorems associated with generalized measures of noncompactness for condensing operators in vector Banach spaces. Finally, we present an application example to validate the proposed methodology in this research. Full article

In this paper, we consider the time-fractional Black–Scholes model with deterministic, time-varying coefficients. These time parametric constituents produce a model with greater flexibility that may capture empirical results from financial markets and their time-series datasets. We make use of transformations to reduce the underlying model to the classical heat transfer equation. We show that this transformation procedure is possible for a specific risk-free interest rate and volatility of stock function. Furthermore, we reverse these transformations and apply one-dimensional optimal subalgebras of the infinitesimal symmetry generators to establish invariant solutions. Full article

Fractional integro-differential equations (FIDEs) of both Volterra and Fredholm types present considerable challenges in numerical analysis and scientific computing due to their complex structures. This paper introduces a novel approach to address such equations by employing a Cubic B-spline collocation method. This method offers a robust and systematic framework for approximating solutions to the FIDEs, facilitating precise representations of complex phenomena. Within this research, we establish the mathematical foundations of the proposed scheme, elucidate its advantages over existing methods, and demonstrate its practical utility through numerical examples. We adopt the Caputo definition for fractional derivatives and conduct a stability analysis to validate the accuracy of the method. The findings showcase the precision and efficiency of the scheme in solving FIDEs, highlighting its potential as a valuable tool for addressing a wide array of practical problems. Full article

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an efficacious form of aided reproduction to deal with infertility. Human embryos are taken from the body, and these are kept in a supervised laboratory atmosphere during the IVF technique until they exhibit blastocyst properties. A human expert manually analyzes the morphometric properties of the blastocyst and its compartments to predict viability through manual microscopic evaluation. A few deep learning-based approaches deal with this task via semantic segmentation, but they are inaccurate and use expensive architecture. To automatically detect the human blastocyst compartments, we propose a parallel stream fusion network (PSF-Net) that performs the semantic segmentation of embryo microscopic images with inexpensive shallow architecture. The PSF-Net has a shallow architecture that combines the benefits of feature aggregation through depth-wise concatenation and element-wise summation, which helps the network to provide accurate detection using 0.7 million trainable parameters only. In addition, we compute fractal dimension estimation for all compartments of the blastocyst, providing medical experts with significant information regarding the distributional characteristics of blastocyst compartments. An open dataset of microscopic images of the human embryo is used to evaluate the proposed approach. The proposed method also demonstrates promising segmentation performance for all compartments of the blastocyst compared with state-of-the-art methods, achieving a mean Jaccard index (MJI) of 87.69%. The effectiveness of PSF-Net architecture is also confirmed with the ablation studies. Full article

This paper proposes a novel five-dimensional (5D) memristor-based chaotic system by introducing a flux-controlled memristor into a 3D chaotic system with two stable equilibrium points, and increases the dimensionality utilizing the state feedback control method. The newly proposed memristor-based chaotic system has line equilibrium points, so the corresponding attractor belongs to a hidden attractor. By using typical nonlinear analysis tools, the complicated dynamical behaviors of the new system are explored, which reveals many interesting phenomena, including extreme homogeneous and heterogeneous multistabilities, hidden transient state and state transition behavior, and offset-boosting control. Meanwhile, the unstable periodic orbits embedded in the hidden chaotic attractor were calculated by the variational method, and the corresponding pruning rules were summarized. Furthermore, the analog and DSP circuit implementation illustrates the flexibility of the proposed memristic system. Finally, the active synchronization of the memristor-based chaotic system was investigated, demonstrating the important engineering application values of the new system. Full article

The purpose of this work is to investigate the controllability of non-instantaneous impulsive (NII) Hilfer fractional (HF) neutral stochastic evolution equations with a non-dense domain. We construct a new set of adequate assumptions for the existence of mild solutions using fractional calculus, semigroup theory, stochastic analysis, and the fixed point theorem. Then, the discussion is driven by some suitable assumptions, including the Hille–Yosida condition without the compactness of the semigroup of the linear part. Finally, we provide examples to illustrate our main result. Full article

In order to stop and reverse land degradation and curb the loss of biodiversity, the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development proposes to combat desertification. In this paper, a fractional vegetation–water model in an arid flat environment is studied. The pattern behavior of the fractional model is much more complex than that of the integer order. We study the stability and Turing instability of the system, as well as the Hopf bifurcation of fractional order $\alpha$, and obtain the Turing region in the parameter space. According to the amplitude equation, different types of stationary mode discoveries can be obtained, including point patterns and strip patterns. Finally, the results of the numerical simulation and theoretical analysis are consistent. We find some novel fractal patterns of the fractional vegetation–water model in an arid flat environment. When the diffusion coefficient, d, changes and other parameters remain unchanged, the pattern structure changes from stripes to spots. When the fractional order parameter, $\beta$, changes, and other parameters remain unchanged, the pattern structure becomes more stable and is not easy to destroy. The research results can provide new ideas for the prevention and control of desertification vegetation patterns. Full article

In this paper, we ponder a kind of discrete-time fractional-order complex-valued fuzzy BAM neural network. Firstly, in order to guarantee the quasi-projective synchronization of the considered networks, an original quantitative control strategy is designed. Next, by virtue of the relevant definitions and properties of the Mittag-Leffler function, we propose a novel discrete-time fractional-order Halanay inequality, which is more efficient for disposing of the discrete-time fractional-order models with time delays. Then, based on the new lemma, fractional-order h-difference theory, and comparison principle, we obtain some easy-to-verify synchronization criteria in terms of algebraic inequalities. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to check the accuracy of the proposed theoretical results. Full article

In this paper, we provide a collocation spectral scheme for systems of nonlinear Caputo–Hadamard differential equations. Since the Caputo–Hadamard operators contain logarithmic kernels, their solutions can not be well approximated using the usual spectral methods that are classical polynomial-based schemes. Hence, we construct a non-polynomial spectral collocation scheme, describe its effective implementation, and derive its convergence analysis in both $L^2$ and $L^{\infty }$. In addition, we provide numerical results to support our theoretical analysis. Full article

In order to investigate the effects of elliptical defects on rock failure under ultrasonic vibrations, ultrasonic vibration tests and PFC^2D numerical simulations were conducted on rocks with single elliptical defects. The research results indicated that the fracture fractal dimension, axial strain, and crack depth of specimens with elliptical defects at 45° and 90° were the smallest and largest, respectively. The corresponding strain and fractal dimension showed a positive linear and logarithmic function relationship with time. The maximum crack depth of 46.50 mm was observed on the specimens with an elliptical defect angle of 90°. Specimens with elliptical defects at 0°, 30°, 75°, and 90° exhibited more dense and frequent acoustic emission events than those with elliptical defects at 15°, 45°, and 60°. During the ultrasonic vibration process, the maximum total energy (87.86 kJ) and energy consumption coefficient (0.963) were observed on specimens with elliptical defect angles of 30° and 45°, respectively. The difference in the stress field led to varying degrees of plastic strain energy in the specimens, resulting in different forms of crack propagation and triggering differential acoustic emission events, ultimately leading to specimen failure with different crack shapes and depths. The fractal dimensions of elliptical defect specimens under ultrasonic vibration have a high degree of consistency with the changes in axial strain and failure depth, and the fractal dimension of defect specimens is positively correlated with the degree of failure of defect specimens. Full article

In the present research, we consider a biological model of serum hepatitis disease. We carry out a detailed analysis of the mentioned model along with a class with asymptomatic carriers to explore its theoretical and numerical aspects. We initiate the study by using the piecewise fractal–fractional derivative (FFD) by which the crossover effects within the model are examined. We split the time interval into subintervals. In one subinterval, FFD with a power law kernel is taken, while in the second one, FFD with an exponential decay kernel of the proposed model is considered. This model is then studied for its disease-free equilibrium point, existence, and Hyers–Ulam (H-U) stability results. For numerical results of the model and a visual presentation, we apply the Lagrange interpolation method and an extended Adams–Bashforth–Moulton (ABM) method, respectively. Full article

The main goal of the paper is to present and study models of multi-agent systems for which the dynamics of the agents are described by a Caputo fractional derivative of variable order and a kernel that depends on an increasing function. Also, the order of the fractional derivative changes at update times. We study a case for which the exchanged information between agents occurs only at initially given update times. Two types of linear variable-order Caputo fractional models are studied. We consider both multi-agent systems without a leader and multi-agent systems with a leader. In the case of multi-agent systems without a leader, two types of models are studied. The main difference between the models is the fractional derivative describing the dynamics of agents. In the first one, a Caputo fractional derivative with respect to another function and with a continuous variable order is applied. In the second one, the applied fractional derivative changes its constant order at each update time. Mittag–Leffler stability via impulsive control is defined, and sufficient conditions are obtained. In the case of the presence of a leader in the multi-agent system, the dynamic of the agents is described by a Caputo fractional derivative with respect to an increasing function and with a constant order that changes at each update time. The leader-following consensus via impulsive control is defined, and sufficient conditions are derived. The theoretical results are illustrated with examples. We show with an example the leader’s influence on the consensus. Full article

To accurately depict inventory management over time, this paper introduces a fractional inventory management model that builds upon the existing classical inventory management framework. According to the definition of fractional difference equation, the numerical solution and phase diagram of an inventory management system are obtained by MATLAB simulation. The influence of parameters on the nonlinear behavior of the system is analyzed by a bifurcation diagram and largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE). Combined with the related indexes of time series, the complex characteristics of a quantization system are analyzed using spectral entropy and C0. This study concluded that the changing law of system complexity is consistent with the LLE of the system. By analyzing the influence of order on the system, it is found that the inventory changes will be periodic in some areas when the system is fractional, which is close to the actual conditions of the company’s inventory situation. The research results of this paper provide useful information for inventory managers to implement inventory and facility management strategies. Full article

In the paper, the authors introduce two notions, the normalized remainders, or say, the normalized tails, of the Maclaurin power series expansions of the sine and cosine functions, derive two integral representations of the normalized tails, prove the nonnegativity, positivity, decreasing property, and concavity of the normalized tails, compute several special values of the Young function, the Lommel function, and a generalized hypergeometric function, recover two inequalities for the tails of the Maclaurin power series expansions of the sine and cosine functions, propose three open problems about the nonnegativity, positivity, decreasing property, and concavity of a newly introduced function which is a generalization of the normalized tails of the Maclaurin power series expansions of the sine and cosine functions. These results are related to the Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals. Full article

In this research, the adaptive event-triggered neural network controller design problem is investigated for a class of state-constrained pure-feedback fractional-order nonlinear systems (FONSs) with external disturbances, unknown actuator saturation, and input delay. An auxiliary compensation function based on the integral function of the input signal is presented to handle input delay. The barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) is utilized to deal with state constraints, and the event-triggered strategy is applied to overcome the communication burden from the limited communication resources. By the utilization of a backstepping scheme and radial basis function neural network, an adaptive event-triggered neural state-feedback stabilization controller is constructed, in which the fractional-order dynamic surface filters are employed to reduce the computational burden from the recursive procedure. It is proven that with the fractional-order Lyapunov analysis, all the solutions of the closed-loop system are bounded, and the tracking error can converge to a small interval around the zero, while the state constraint is satisfied and the Zeno behavior can be strictly ruled out. Two examples are finally given to show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. Full article

This paper deals with the constrained state regulation problem (CSRP) of descriptor fractional-order linear continuous-time systems (DFOLCS) with order $0<\alpha <1$. The objective is to establish the existence of conditions for a linear feedback control law within state constraints and to propose a method for solving the CSRP of DFOLCS. First, based on the decomposition and separation method and coordinate transformation, the DFOLCS can be transformed into an equivalent fractional-order reduced system; hence, the CSRP of the DFOLCS is equivalent to the CSRP of the reduced system. By means of positive invariant sets theory, Lyapunov stability theory, and some mathematical techniques, necessary and sufficient conditions for the polyhedral positive invariant set of the equivalent reduced system are presented. Models and corresponding algorithms for solving the CSRP of a linear feedback controller are also presented by the obtained conditions. Under the condition that the resulting closed system is positive, the given model of the CSRP in this paper for the DFOLCS is formulated as nonlinear programming with a linear objective function and quadratic mixed constraints. Two numerical examples illustrate the proposed method. Full article

This paper is devoted to the general theory of systems of linear time-fractional differential-operator equations. The representation formulas for solutions of systems of ordinary differential equations with single (commensurate) fractional order is known through the matrix-valued Mittag-Leffler function. Multi-order (incommensurate) systems with rational components can be reduced to single-order systems, and, hence, representation formulas are also known. However, for arbitrary fractional multi-order (not necessarily with rational components) systems of differential equations, the representation formulas are still unknown, even in the case of fractional-order ordinary differential equations. In this paper, we obtain representation formulas for the solutions of arbitrary fractional multi-order systems of differential-operator equations. The existence and uniqueness theorems in appropriate topological vector spaces are also provided. Moreover, we introduce vector-indexed Mittag-Leffler functions and prove some of their properties. Full article

Fractional differential calculus is a mathematical tool that has found applications in the study of social and physical behaviors considered “anomalous”. It is often used when traditional integer derivatives models fail to represent cases where the power law is observed accurately. Fractional calculus must reflect non-local, frequency- and history-dependent properties of power-law phenomena. This tool has various important applications, such as fractional mass conservation, electrochemical analysis, groundwater flow problems, and fractional spatiotemporal diffusion equations. It can also be used in cosmology to explain late-time cosmic acceleration without the need for dark energy. We review some models using fractional differential equations. We look at the Einstein–Hilbert action, which is based on a fractional derivative action, and add a scalar field, $\varphi$, to create a non-minimal interaction theory with the coupling, $\xi R{\varphi }^2$, between gravity and the scalar field, where $\xi$ is the interaction constant. By employing various mathematical approaches, we can offer precise schemes to find analytical and numerical approximations of the solutions. Moreover, we comprehensively study the modified cosmological equations and analyze the solution space using the theory of dynamical systems and asymptotic expansion methods. This enables us to provide a qualitative description of cosmologies with a scalar field based on fractional calculus formalism. Full article

On 6 February 2023, Türkiye experienced a pair of consecutive earthquakes with magnitudes of Mw 7.8 and 7.5, and accompanied by an intense aftershock sequence. These seismic events were particularly impactful on the segments of the East Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ), causing extensive damage to both human life and urban centers in Türkiye and Syria. This study explores the analysis of a dataset spanning almost one year following the Turkiye mainshocks, including 471 events with a magnitude of completeness (Mc) ≥ 4.4. We employed the maximum likelihood approach to estimate the b-value and Omori-Utsu parameters (K, c, and p-values). The estimated b-value is 1.21 ± 0.1, indicating that the mainshocks occurred in a region characterized by elevated stress levels, leading to a sequence of aftershocks of larger magnitudes due to notable irregularities in the rupture zone. The aftershock decay rate (p-value = 1.1 ± 0.04) indicates a rapid decrease in stress levels following the main shocks. However, the c-value of 0.204 ± 0.058 would indicate a relatively moderate or low initial productivity of aftershocks. Furthermore, the k-value of 76.75 ± 8.84 suggests that the decay of aftershock activity commenced within a range of approximately 68 to 86 days following the mainshocks. The fractal dimension (Dc) was assessed using the correlation integral method, yielding a value of 0.99 ± 0.03. This implies a tendency toward clustering in the aftershock seismicity and a linear configuration of the epicenters. The slip ratio during the aftershock activity was determined to be 0.75, signifying that 75% of the total slip occurred in the primary rupture, with the remaining fraction distributed among secondary faults. The methodologies and insights acquired in this research can be extended to assist in forecasting aftershock occurrences for future earthquakes, thus offering crucial data for future risk assessment. Full article

The proper coordination of directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) is crucial in electrical power systems. The coordination of DOCRs in a multi-loop power system is expressed as an optimization problem. The aim of this study focuses on improving the protection system’s performance by minimizing the total operating time of DOCRs via effective coordination with main and backup DOCRs while keeping the coordination constraints within allowable limits. The coordination problem of DOCRs is solved by developing a new application strategy called Fractional Order Derivative Moth Flame Optimizer (FODMFO). This approach involves incorporating the ideas of fractional calculus (FC) into the mathematical model of the conventional moth flame algorithm to improve the characteristics of the optimizer. The FODMFO approach is then tested on the coordination problem of DOCRs in standard power systems, specifically the IEEE 3, 8, and 15 bus systems as well as in 11 benchmark functions including uni- and multimodal functions. The results obtained from the proposed method, as well as its comparison with other recently developed algorithms, demonstrate that the combination of FOD and MFO improves the overall efficiency of the optimizer by utilizing the individual strengths of these tools and identifying the globally optimal solution and minimize the total operating time of DOCRs up to an optimal value. The reliability, strength, and dependability of FODMFO are supported by a thorough statistics study using the box-plot, histograms, empirical cumulative distribution function demonstrations, and the minimal fitness evolution seen in each distinct simulation. Based on these data, it is evident that FODMFO outperforms other modern nature-inspired and conventional algorithms. Full article

In this manuscript, we discuss fractional fuzzy Goursat problems with Caputo’s $gH$-differentiability. The second-order mixed derivative term in Goursat problems and two types of Caputo’s $gH$-differentiability pose challenges to dealing with Goursat problems. Therefore, in this study, we convert Goursat problems to equivalent systems fuzzy integral equations to deal properly with the mixed derivative term and two types of Caputo’s $gH$-differentiability. In this study, we utilize the concept of metric fixed point theory to discuss the existence of a unique solution of fractional fuzzy Goursat problems. For the useability of established theoretical work, we provide some numerical problems. We also discuss the solutions to numerical problems by conformable double Laplace transform. To show the validity of the solutions we provide 3D plots. We discuss, as an application, why fractional partial fuzzy differential equations are the generalization of usual partial fuzzy differential equations by providing a suitable reason. Moreover, we show the advantages of the proposed fractional transform over the usual Laplace transform. Full article

This article focuses the event-triggered adaptive finite-time control scheme for the states constrained fractional-order nonlinear systems (FONSs) under uncertain parameters and external disturbances. The backstepping scheme is employed to construct the finite-time controller via a series of barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) to solve that all the state constraints are not violated. Different from the trigger condition with fixed value, the event-triggered strategy is applied to overcome the communication burden of controller caused by the limited communication resources. By utilizing fractional-order Lyapunov analysis, all variables in the resulted system are proven to be bounded, and the tracking error converges to the small neighborhood around origin in finite time and without the Zeno behavior. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is verified by the simulation analysis of a bus power system. Full article

A new class of truncated M-fractional exact soliton solutions for a mathematical physics model known as a truncated M-fractional (1+1)-dimensional nonlinear modified mixed-KdV model are achieved. We obtain these solutions by using a modified extended direct algebraic method. The obtained results consist of trigonometric, hyperbolic trigonometric and mixed functions. We also discuss the effect of fractional order derivative. To validate our results, we utilized the Mathematica software. Additionally, we depict some of the obtained kink, periodic, singular, and kink-singular wave solitons, using two and three dimensional graphs. The obtained results are useful in the fields of fluid dynamics, nonlinear optics, ocean engineering and others. Furthermore, these employed techniques are not only straightforward, but also highly effective when used to solve non-linear fractional partial differential equations (FPDEs). Full article

Soil arching is significantly influenced by relative density, while its mechanisms have barely been analyzed. A series of DEM numerical simulations of the classical trapdoor test were carried out to investigate the multi-scale mechanisms of arching development and degradation in granular materials with different relative density. For analysis, the granular assembly was divided into three zones according to the particle vertical displacement normalized by the trapdoor displacement δ. The results show that before the maximum arching state (corresponding to the minimum arching ratio), contact forces between particles in a specific zone (where the vertical displacement of particles is larger than 0.1δ but less than 0.9δ) increase rapidly and robust arched force chains with large particle contact forces are generated. The variation in contact forces and force chains becomes more obvious as the sample porosity decreases. As a result, soil arching generated in a denser particle assembly is stronger, and the minimum value of the arching ratio is increased with the sample porosity. After the maximum arching state, the force chains in this zone are degenerated gradually, leading to a decrease in particle contact forces in microscale and an increase in the arching ratio in macroscale. The recovery of the arching ratio after the minimum value is also more significant in simulations with a larger relative density, as the degeneration of contact force chains is more obvious in denser samples. These results indicate the importance of contact force chain stabilities in specific zones for improving soil arching in engineering practice. Full article

Fractional differential equations, which are non-local and can better describe memory and genetic properties, are widely used to describe various physical, chemical, and biological phenomena. Therefore, the multi-agent systems based on discrete-time fractional stochastic models are established. First, some followers are selected for pinning control. In order to save resources and energy, an event-triggered based control mechanism is proposed. Second, under this control mechanism, sufficient conditions on the interaction graph and the fractional derivative order such that formation control can be achieved are given. Additionally, influenced by noise, the multi-agent system completes formation control in the mean square. In addition to that, these results are equally applicable to the discrete-time fractional formation problem without noise. Finally, the example of numerical simulation is given to prove the correctness of the results. Full article