Search Results (64)

The controlled synthesis of long hydrophobic blocks in amphiphilic block copolymers remains challenging in living anionic ring-opening polymerization (LAROP), particularly when competing effects such as back-biting and solubility limitations are involved. In this study, we investigated the temperature-dependent growth of poly(allyl glycidyl ether) (PAGE) blocks in PEO-b-PAGE block copolymers synthesized via LAROP using potassium naphthalenide as a co-initiator. Systematic variation in reaction parameters revealed that reaction temperature plays a significant role in governing effective PAGE block extension and dispersity control. Lower temperatures facilitated the formation of longer PAGE blocks with dispersities below 1.1 and DP values approaching targeted compositions, whereas elevated temperatures limited block growth. A group method of data handling (GMDH) polynomial neural network was employed as an auxiliary tool to prioritize influential variables within the experimental design matrix. The GMDH-guided analysis consistently identified temperature as the most influential variable, in agreement with experimental observations. These results provide quantitative insight into the temperature-controlled propagation behavior of PAGE in LAROP systems and offer a practical framework for improving block copolymer synthesis under kinetically and thermodynamically constrained conditions. Full article

Dry gas reservoirs play a pivotal transitional role in meeting the net-zero target worldwide. Accurate modelling and simulation of this energy source require fast and reliable prediction of the gas compressibility factor (Z-factor). The experimental measurements of Z-factor are the most reliable source; however, they are expensive and time-consuming. This makes developing accurate predictive models essential. Traditional methods, such as empirical correlations and Equations of States (EoSs), often lack accuracy and computational efficiency. This study aims to address these limitations by leveraging the predictive power of machine learning (ML) techniques. Hence in this study three ML models of Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH), and Genetic Programming (GP) were developed. These models were trained on a comprehensive dataset comprising 1079 samples where pseudo-reduced pressure (Ppr) and pseudo-reduced temperature (Tpr) served as input and experimentally measured Z-factors as output. The performance of the developed ML models was benchmarked against two cubic EoSs of Peng–Robinson (PR) and van der Waals (vdW), and two semi-empirical correlations of Dranchuk-Abou-Kassem (DAK) and Hall and Yarborough (HY), and recent developed ML based models, using statistical metrics of Mean Squared Error (MSE), coefficient of determination (R²), and Average Absolute Relative Deviation Percentage (AARD%). The proposed ANN model reduces average prediction error by approximately 70% relative to the PR equation of state and by over 35% compared with the DAK correlation, while maintaining robust performance across the full Ppr and Tpr of dry gas systems. Additionally paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests performed on the ML results confirmed that the ANN model achieved statistically significant improvements over the other models. Moreover, two physical equations using the white-box models of GMDH and GP were proposed as a function of Ppr and Tpr for prediction of the dry gas Z-factor. The sensitivity analysis of the data shows that the Ppr has the highest positive effect of 88% on Z-factor while Tpr has a moderate effect of 12%. This study presents the first unified, statistically validated comparison of ANN, GMDH, and GP models for accurate and interpretable Z-factor prediction. The developed models can be used as an alternative tool to bridge the limitation of cubic EoSs and limited accuracy and applicability of empirical models. Full article

Predicting the quality of freshwater, both surface and groundwater, is essential for the sustainable management of water resources. This study collected 1822 articles from the Scopus database (2000–2024) and filtered them using Topic Modeling to create the study corpus. The B-SLR analysis identified exponential growth in scientific publications since 2020, indicating that this field has reached a stage of maturity. The results showed that the predominant techniques for predicting water quality, both for surface and groundwater, fall into three main categories: (i) ensemble models, with Bagging and Boosting representing 43.07% and 25.91%, respectively, particularly random forest (RF), light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM), and extreme gradient boosting (XGB), along with their optimized variants; (ii) deep neural networks such as long short-term memory (LSTM) and convolutional neural network (CNN), which excel at modeling complex temporal dynamics; and (iii) traditional algorithms like artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machines (SVMs), and decision tree (DT), which remain widely used. Current trends point towards the use of hybrid and explainable architectures, with increased application of interpretability techniques. Emerging approaches such as Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) and Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) for data-scarce contexts, Transfer Learning for knowledge reuse, and Transformer architectures that outperform LSTM in time series prediction tasks were also identified. Furthermore, the most studied water bodies (e.g., rivers, aquifers) and the most commonly used water quality indicators (e.g., WQI, EWQI, dissolved oxygen, nitrates) were identified. The B-SLR and Topic Modeling methodology provided a more robust, reproducible, and comprehensive overview of AI/ML/DL models for freshwater quality prediction, facilitating the identification of thematic patterns and research opportunities. Full article

This article presents the results of the conducted research work related to the dynamic forecasting of the difference values for the Polish Time Scale UTC(PL) for real measurement data, prepared in the form of the time series TS1 and TS2. For the presented time period (the whole year of 2024), the differences between the UTC(PL) and UTC does not exceed ±4.4 ns. The analogous differences for the interval exceeding 2 years are within the range of ±5 ns. Additionally, the obtained forecast results for the last day of forecasting in a given week are very consistent with the forecast results for the first day of the new forecasting week, which illustrates the very good quality of the forecasting and the universality of the forecasting procedure developed by the author using the GMDH-type neural network. Full article

The integration of renewable energy sources, specifically photovoltaic generation, into the grid at a large scale has significantly heightened the volatility and unpredictability of the power system. Consequently, this presents formidable challenges to ensuring the reliable operation of the grid. This study introduces a novel stacked model for photovoltaic power prediction, integrating multiple conventional data processing methods as base learners, including Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH), Least Squares Support Vector Machine (LSSVM), Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN), and Emotional Neural Network (ENN). A Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN) serves as the meta-learner, utilizing the outputs of the base learners as input features to enhance overall prediction accuracy by mitigating individual model errors. To assess the model’s effectiveness, five evaluation metrics are employed: Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), Percent Mean Average Relative Error (PMARE), Legates and McCabe Index (LM), Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), ensuring long-term stability in photovoltaic power output forecasting. Additionally, the model’s effectiveness and accuracy are validated using operational data from photovoltaic power plants in a particular province of China. The results indicate that the stacked model, after training, testing, and validation on multiple performance metrics, surpasses baseline single models in performance. Full article

The rising incidence of droughts in specific global regions in recent years, primarily attributed to global warming, has markedly increased the demand for reliable and accurate streamflow estimation. Streamflow estimation is essential for the effective management and utilization of water resources, as well as for the design of hydraulic infrastructure. Furthermore, research on streamflow estimation has gained heightened importance because water is essential not only for the survival of all living organisms but also for determining the quality of life on Earth. In this study, advanced soft computing techniques, including long short-term memory (LSTM), convolutional neural network–recurrent neural network (CNN-RNN), and group method of data handling (GMDH) algorithms, were employed to forecast monthly streamflow time series at two different stations in the Wadi Mina basin. The performance of each technique was evaluated using statistical criteria such as mean square error (MSE), mean bias error (MBE), mean absolute error (MAE), and the correlation coefficient (R). The results of this study demonstrated that the GMDH algorithm produced the most accurate forecasts at the Sidi AEK Djillali station, with metrics of MSE: 0.132, MAE: 0.185, MBE: −0.008, and R: 0.636. Similarly, the CNN-RNN algorithm achieved the best performance at the Kef Mehboula station, with metrics of MSE: 0.298, MAE: 0.335, MBE: −0.018, and R: 0.597. Full article

River discharge is an essential input to hydrosystem projects. This paper aimed to modify the group method of data handling (GMDH) to create a new artificial intelligent forecast model (abbreviated as MGMDH) for predicting discharges at river cross-sections (CSs). The basic idea was to optimise the weights for selected hydrometric and meteorological predictors. One novelty of this study was that MGMDH could take the discharge observed from a neighbouring CS as a predictor when observations from the CS of interest had ceased. Another novelty was that MGMDH could include meteorological parameters as extra predictors. The model was validated using data from natural rivers. For given lead times, MGMDH automatically determined the best forecast equations, consistent with physical river hydraulics laws. This automation minimised computing time while improving accuracy. The model gave reliable forecasts, with a coefficient of determination greater than 0.978. For lead times close to the advection time from upstream to the CS of interest, the forecast had the highest reliability. MGMDH results compared well with some other machine learning models, like neural networks and the adaptive structure of the group method of data handling. It has potential applications for efficiently forecasting discharge and offers a tool to support flood management. Full article

A new approach to predicting the geometrical characteristics of the mixing behavior of an inclined dense jet for angles ranging from 15° to 85° is proposed in this study. This approach is called the group method of data handling (GMDH) and is based on the artificial neural network (ANN) technique. The proposed model was trained and tested using existing experimental data reported in the literature. The model was then evaluated using statistical indices, as well as being compared with analytical models from previous studies. The results of the coefficient of determination (R²) indicate the high accuracy of the proposed model, with values of 0.9719 and 0.9513 for training and testing for the dimensionless distance from the nozzle to the return point $x_r/D$ and 0.9454 and 0.9565 for training and testing for the dimensionless terminal rise height $y_t/D$. Moreover, four previous analytical models were used to evaluate the GMDH model. The results showed the superiority of the proposed model in predicting the geometrical characteristics of the inclined dense jet for all tested angles. Finally, the standard error of the estimate (SEE) was applied to demonstrate which model performed the best in terms of approaching the actual data. The results illustrate that all fitting lines of the GMDH model performed very well for all geometrical parameter predictions and it was the best model, with an approximately 10% error, which was the lowest error value among the models. Therefore, this study confirms that the GMDH model can be used to predict the geometrical properties of the inclined negatively buoyant jet with high performance and accuracy. Full article

The quality of coking coal is vital in steelmaking, impacting final product quality and process efficiency. Conventional forecasting methods often rely on empirical models and expert judgment, which may lack accuracy and scalability. Previous research has explored various methods for forecasting coking coal quality parameters, yet these conventional methods frequently fall short in terms of accuracy and adaptability to different mining conditions. Existing forecasting techniques for coking coal quality are limited in their precision and scalability, necessitating the development of more accurate and efficient methods. This study aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of forecasting coking coal quality parameters by employing neural networks and artificial intelligence algorithms, specifically in the context of Knurow and Szczyglowice mines. The research involves gathering historical data on various coking coal quality parameters, including a proximate and ultimate analysis, to train and test neural network models using the Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH). Real-world data from Knurow and Szczyglowice mines’ coal production facilities form the basis of this case study. The integration of neural networks and artificial intelligence techniques significantly improves the accuracy of predicting key quality parameters such as ash content, sulfur content, volatile matter, and calorific value. This study also examines the impact of these quality indicators on operational costs and highlights the importance of final indicators like the Coke Reactivity Index (CRI) and Coke Strength after Reaction (CSR) in expanding industrial reserve concepts. Model performance is evaluated using metrics such as mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and coefficient of determination (R²). The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of these advanced techniques in enhancing predictive modeling in the mining industry, optimizing production processes, and improving overall operational efficiency. Additionally, this research offers insights into the practical implementation of advanced analytics tools for predictive maintenance and decision-making support within the mining sector. Full article

This paper presents a novel application of machine learning models to clarify the intricate behaviors of expansive soils, focusing on the impact of sand content, saturation level, and dry density. Departing from conventional methods, this research utilizes a data-centric approach, employing a suite of sophisticated machine learning models to predict soil properties with remarkable precision. The inclusion of a 30% sand mixture is identified as a critical threshold for optimizing soil strength and stiffness, a finding that underscores the transformative potential of sand amendment in soil engineering. In a significant advancement, the study benchmarks the predictive power of several models including extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), gradient boosting regression (GBR), random forest regression (RFR), decision tree regression (DTR), support vector regression (SVR), symbolic regression (SR), and artificial neural networks (ANNs and proposed ANN-GMDH). Symbolic regression equations have been developed to predict the elasticity modulus and unconfined compressive strength of the investigated expansive soil. Despite the complex behaviors of expansive soil, the trained models allow for optimally predicting the values of unconfined compressive parameters. As a result, this paper provides for the first time a reliable and simply applicable approach for estimating the unconfined compressive parameters of expansive soils. The proposed ANN-GMDH model emerges as the pre-eminent model, demonstrating exceptional accuracy with the best metrics. These results not only highlight the ANN’s superior performance but also mark this study as a groundbreaking endeavor in the application of machine learning to soil behavior prediction, setting a new benchmark in the field. Full article

The present research focuses on the machining of grade 2 titanium material using the Wire Electric Discharge Machining (WEDM) process by means of L₁₆ Orthogonal Array (OA). This study investigates numerous process parameters, including pulse on time, current, pulse off time, voltage, bed speed and flush rate. The voltage and flush rate were kept constant throughout the experiment, while the other four parameters were varied for the machining process. In this study, a 0.18 mm molybdenum wire was utilized as the electrode material. Initially, this research aimed to optimize the process parameters to discern their impact on machining characteristics (Surface Roughness and Electrode Wear) as well as on machining performance (Acoustic Emission Signals). Subsequently, simpler functional relationship plots were generated between these parameters to recognize the potential information about the machining characteristics and machining performance. The straightforward approach lacks the capability to furnish information regarding the condition of the material (Surface Roughness), the tool (Electrode Wear) and the signals (Acoustic Emission). Hence, to estimate the experimental values the numerical tools viz., Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) were used. Upon comparing the predictive performance of ANN and GMDH, it became evident that the ANN’s predictions using 70% of the data for training displayed a higher correlation with the experimental values compared to the GMDH. Full article

The increasing penetration of distributed generation (DG) to power distribution networks mainly induces weaknesses in the sensitivity and selectivity of protection systems. In this manner, conventional protection systems often fail to protect active distribution networks (ADN) in the case of short-circuit faults. To overcome these challenges, the accurate detection of faults in a reasonable fraction of time appears as a critical issue in distribution networks. Machine learning techniques are capable of generating efficient analytical expressions that can be strong candidates in terms of reliable and robust fault detection for several operating scenarios of ADNs. This paper proposes a deep group method of data handling (GMDH) neural network based on a non-pilot protection method for the protection of an ADN. The developed method is independent of the DG capacity and achieves accurate fault detection under load variations, disturbances, and different high-impedance faults (HIFs). To verify the improvements, a test system based on a real distribution network that includes three generators with a capacity of 6 MW is utilized. The extensive simulations of the power network are performed using DIgSILENT Power Factory and MATLAB software. The obtained results reveal that a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 3.51% for the GMDH-network-based protection system is accomplished thanks to formulation via optimized algorithms, without requiring the utilization of any feature selection techniques. The proposed method has a high-speed operation of around 20 ms for the detection of faults, while the conventional OC relay performance is in the blinding mode in the worst situations for faults with HIFs. Full article

In this study, various machine learning algorithms, including the minimax probability machine regression (MPMR), functional network (FN), convolutional neural network (CNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), and group method of data handling (GMDH) models, are proposed for the estimation of the seismic bearing capacity factor (N_c) of strip footings on sloping ground under seismic events. To train and test the proposed machine learning model, a total of 1296 samples were numerically obtained by performing a lower-bound (LB) and upper-bound (UB) finite element limit analysis (FELA) to evaluate the seismic bearing capacity factor (N_c) of strip footings. Sensitivity analysis was performed on all dimensionless input parameters (i.e., slope inclination (β); normalized depth (D/B); normalized distance (L/B); normalized slope height (H/B); the strength ratio (c_u/γB); and the horizontal seismic acceleration (k_h)) to determine the influence on the dimensionless output parameters (i.e., the seismic bearing capacity factor (N_c)). To assess the performance of the proposed models, various performance parameters—namely the coefficient of determination ($R^2$), variance account factor (VAF), performance index (PI), Willmott’s index of agreement (WI), the mean absolute error (MAE), the weighted mean absolute percentage error (WMAPE), the mean bias error (MBE), and the root-mean-square error (RMSE)—were calculated. The predictive performance of all proposed models for a bearing capacity factor (N_c) prediction was compared by using the testing dataset, and it was found that the MPMR model achieved the highest $R^2$ values of 1.000 and 0.957 and the lowest RMSE values of 0.000 and 0.038 in both the training and testing phases, respectively. The parametric analyses, rank analyses, REC curves, and the AIC showed that the proposed models were quite effective and reliable for the estimation of the bearing capacity factor (N_c). Full article

With the increasing level of intelligence of marine engines, there is an increasing demand for the online monitoring of engines, and marine NOx emissions have been of great concern. In this paper, a NOx simulation model is developed based on virtual measurement technology, which can calculate and predict NOx emissions based on the current operating state parameters of low-speed two-stroke diesel engines. First, the calibrated 3D simulation model is used to design the experiments to obtain the simulation experimental samples. Based on the NOx generation mechanism and diesel engine work-related parameters, the relevant factors were selected as alternative input parameters for the NOx emission model. The correlation analysis was then performed on the input parameters using the grey relational analysis correlation method and the Pearson correlation coefficient, and the principal component analysis method was used to reduce the dimensionality of the relevant factors by minimizing the loss of important information in reducing the complexity of the whole model. Then, the structure-related parameters of the backpropagation neural network (BPNN) were adaptively optimized using the group method of data handling (GMDH) to improve the accuracy of the NOx soft measurement model. Finally, the developed GMDH–BP model was validated with data and compared with the error evaluation index of BPNN and BPNN optimized by genetic algorithm (GA), and the developed NOx simulation model demonstrated high prediction accuracy under the same hyperparameter settings. The result provides technical support for the subsequent realization of the real-time online monitoring of NOx emissions from low-speed marine diesel engines without NOx sensors. Full article

The ultimate axial bearing capacity (UABC) of a single pile is an important parameter in pile design. BP neural network (BPNN) has a strong nonlinear mapping ability and can effectively predict the UABC of a single pile. However, frequent immersion in unstable search results with local vibration leads BPNN to a less usable solution. The weights and biases of the BPNN model are optimized using the improved radial movement optimization (IRMO) algorithm in this study, and a new method named the IRMO-BP neural network (IRMO-BPNN) is proposed to predict the UABC of a single pile. The IRMO-BPNN model was developed from a database of 196 static load test (SLT) samples, and model hyper-parameter analysis was carried out to determine the optimal number of hidden nodes, population size, and the number of iterations. The prediction accuracy and stability of the IRMO-BPNN model are verified by comparing it with the GA-based ANN model, ANFIS-GMDH-PSO model, and RBFANN model. The results show that the IRMO-BPNN model can accurately predict the UABC of a single pile and improves the situation that the BPNN model is easy to fall into local optimal values and its search results are unstable. The IRMO-BPNN model has significant advantages over other models. Full article