Search Results (11)

The construction industry’s evolution towards sustainability necessitates the adoption of environmentally friendly materials and practices. Geopolymer concrete (GeC) stands out as a promising alternative to conventional concrete due to its reduced carbon footprint and potential for cost savings. This study explores the predictive capabilities of soft computing models in estimating the compressive strength of GeC, utilizing multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural networks and hybrid systems incorporating the Gannet Optimization Algorithm (GOA) and Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO). A dataset comprising 63 observations from a quarry mine in Malaysia is employed, with influential parameters normalized and utilized for model development. Consequently, we integrate optimization algorithms (GOA and GWO) with MLP to fine-tune the model’s parameters and improve prediction accuracy. The models are evaluated using R², RMSE, and VAF. Various MLP architectures are explored, evaluating transfer functions and training techniques to optimize performance. In addition, hybrid models GOA–MLP and GWO–MLP are developed, with parameters fine-tuned to enhance predictive accuracy. During the training phase, the GWO–MLP model achieved an R² of 0.981, RMSE of 0.962, and VAF of 97.44%, compared to MLP’s R² of 0.95, RMSE of 0.918, and VAF of 94.59%. During the testing phase, GWO–MLP also showed the best performance with an R² of 0.976, RMSE of 1.432, and VAF of 97.51%, outperforming both MLP and GOA–MLP. The GOA–MLP model demonstrated improved performance over MLP with an R² of 0.963, RMSE of 0.811, and VAF of 95.78% in the training phase and R² of 0.944, RMSE of 2.249, and VAF of 92.86% in the testing phase. Hence, the results show that the GWO–MLP model consistently outperforms both MLP and GOA–MLP models. Sensitivity analysis further elucidates the impact of key parameters on compressive strength, aiding in the optimization of GeC formulations for enhanced mechanical properties. Overall, the study underscores the efficacy of machine learning models in predicting GeC compressive strength, offering insights for sustainable construction practices. Full article

The classification of a pre-processed fMRI dataset using functional connectivity (FC)-based features is considered a challenging task because of the set of high-dimensional FC features and the small dataset size. To tackle this specific set of FC high-dimensional features and a small-sized dataset, we propose here a conditional Generative Adversarial Network (cGAN)-based dataset augmenter to first train the cGAN on computed connectivity features of NYU dataset and use the trained cGAN to generate synthetic connectivity features per category. After obtaining a sufficient number of connectivity features per category, a Multi-Head attention mechanism is used as a head for the classification. We name our proposed approach “ASD-GANNet”, which is end-to-end and does not require hand-crafted features, as the Multi-Head attention mechanism focuses on the features that are more relevant. Moreover, we compare our results with the six available state-of-the-art techniques from the literature. Our proposed approach results using the “NYU” site as a training set for generating a cGAN-based synthetic dataset are promising. We achieve an overall 10-fold cross-validation-based accuracy of 82%, sensitivity of 82%, and specificity of 81%, outperforming available state-of-the art approaches. A sitewise comparison of our proposed approach also outperforms the available state-of-the-art, as out of the 17 sites, our proposed approach has better results in the 10 sites. Full article

Drones are an increasingly popular choice for wildlife surveys due to their versatility, quick response capabilities, and ability to access remote areas while covering large regions. A novel application presented here is to combine drone imagery with neural networks to assess mortality within a bird colony. Since 2021, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has caused significant bird mortality in the UK, mainly affecting aquatic bird species. The world’s largest northern gannet colony on Scotland’s Bass Rock experienced substantial losses in 2022 due to the outbreak. To assess the impact, RGB imagery of Bass Rock was acquired in both 2022 and 2023 by deploying a drone over the island for the first time. A deep learning neural network was subsequently applied to the data to automatically detect and count live and dead gannets, providing population estimates for both years. The model was trained on the 2022 dataset and achieved a mean average precision (mAP) of 37%. Application of the model predicted 18,220 live and 3761 dead gannets for 2022, consistent with NatureScot’s manual count of 21,277 live and 5035 dead gannets. For 2023, the model predicted 48,455 live and 43 dead gannets, and the manual count carried out by the Scottish Seabird Centre and UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) of the same area gave 51,428 live and 23 dead gannets. This marks a promising start to the colony’s recovery with a population increase of 166% determined by the model. The results presented here are the first known application of deep learning to detect dead birds from drone imagery, showcasing the methodology’s swift and adaptable nature to not only provide ongoing monitoring of seabird colonies and other wildlife species but also to conduct mortality assessments. As such, it could prove to be a valuable tool for conservation purposes. Full article

Groundwater level (GLW) prediction is essential for monitoring water resources. Our study introduces a novel model called convolutional neural network (CNN)–long short-term memory neural network (LSTM)–Multiple linear regression (MLR) for groundwater level prediction. We combine two deep learning models with the MLR model to predict GWL and overcome the limitations of the MLR model. The current paper has several innovations. Our study develops an advanced hybrid model for predicting groundwater levels (GWLs). The study also presents a novel feature selection method for selecting optimal input scenarios. Finally, an advanced method is developed to examine the impact of inputs and model parameters on output uncertainty. The current paper introduces the gannet optimization algorithm (GOA) for choosing the optimal input scenario. A CNN-LSTM-MLR model (CLM), CNN, LSTM, MLR model, CNN-MLR model (CNM), LSTM-MLR model (LSM), and CNN-LSTM model (CNL) were built to predict one-month-ahead GWLs using climate data and lagged GWL data. Output uncertainty was also decomposed into parameter uncertainty (PU) and input uncertainty (IU) using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) method. Based on our findings, the CLM model can successfully predict GWLs, reduce the uncertainty of CNN, LSTM, and MLR models, and extract spatial and temporal features. Based on the study’s findings, the combination of linear models and deep learning models can improve the performance of linear models in predicting outcomes. The GOA method can also contribute to feature selection and input selection. The study findings indicated that the CLM model improved the training Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) of the CNL, LSM, CNM, LSTM, CNN, and MLR models by 6.12%, 9.12%, 12%, 18%, 22%, and 30%, respectively. The width intervals (WIs) of the CLM, CNL, LSM, and CNM models were 0.03, 0.04, 0.07, and, 0.12, respectively, based on IU. The WIs of the CLM, CNL, LSM, and CNM models were 0.05, 0.06, 0.09, and 0.14, respectively, based on PU. Our study proposes the CLM model as a reliable model for predicting GWLs in different basins. Full article

Due to the emergence of technology, electric motors (EMs), an essential part of electric vehicles (which basically act as engines), have become a pivotal component in modern industries. Monitoring the spare parts of EMs is critical for stabilizing and managing industrial parts. Generally, the engine or motor parts are delivered to factories using packing boxes (PBs). This is mainly achieved via a pooling center that manages the operation and transportation costs. Nevertheless, this process has some drawbacks, such as a high power train, bad press, and greater energy and time consumption, resulting in performance degradation. Suppliers generally take the parts from one place and deliver them to the other, which leads to more operation and transportation costs. Instead, it requires pooling centers to act as hubs, at which every supplier collects the material. This can mitigate the cost level. Moreover, choosing the placement of pooling centers is quite a challenging task. Different methods have been implemented; however, optimal results are still required to achieve better objectives. This paper introduces a novel concept for pooling management and transport optimization of engine parts to overcome the issues in traditional solution methodologies. The primary intention of this model is to deduce the total cost of the system operation and construction. Programming techniques for transporting the PBs, as well as for locating the pooling center, are determined with the aid of an objective function as a cost function. The location of the pooling center’s cost is optimized, and a Modified Gannet Optimization Algorithm (MGOA) is proposed. Using this method, the proposed model is validated over various matrices, and the results demonstrate its better efficiency rate. Full article

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. The best method for quantifying GABA is proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H MRS). Considering that accurate measurements of GABA are affected by slight methodological alterations, demonstrating GABA reproducibility in healthy volunteers is essential before implementing the changes in vivo. Thus, our study aimed to evaluate the back-to-back (B2B) and day-to-day (D2D) reproducibility of GABA+ macromolecules (GABA+) using a 3 Tesla MRI scanner, the new 32-channel head coil (CHC), and Mescher–Garwood Point Resolved Spectroscopy (MEGA-PRESS) technique with the scan time (approximately 10 min), adequate for psychiatric patients. The dorsomedial pre-frontal cortex/anterior cingulate cortex (dmPFC/ACC) was scanned in 29 and the dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex (dlPFC) in 28 healthy volunteers on two separate days. Gannet 3.1 was used to quantify GABA+. The reproducibility was evaluated by Pearson’s r correlation, the interclass-correlation coefficient (ICC), and the coefficient of variation (CV%) (r/ICC/CV%). For Day 1, B2B reproducibility was 0.59/0.60/5.02% in the dmPFC/ACC and 0.74/0.73/5.15% for dlPFC. For Day 2, it was 0.60/0.59/6.26% for the dmPFC/ACC and 0.54/0.54/6.89 for dlPFC. D2D reproducibility of averaged GABA+ was 0.62/0.61/4.95% for the dmPFC/ACC and 0.58/0.58/5.85% for dlPFC. Our study found excellent GABA+ repeatability and reliability in the dmPFC/ACC and dlPFC. Full article

Meta-heuristic algorithms are widely used in complex problems that cannot be solved by traditional computing methods due to their powerful optimization capabilities. However, for high-complexity problems, the fitness function evaluation may take hours or even days to complete. The surrogate-assisted meta-heuristic algorithm effectively solves this kind of long solution time for the fitness function. Therefore, this paper proposes an efficient surrogate-assisted hybrid meta-heuristic algorithm by combining the surrogate-assisted model with gannet optimization algorithm (GOA) and the differential evolution (DE) algorithm, abbreviated as SAGD. We explicitly propose a new add-point strategy based on information from historical surrogate models, using information from historical surrogate models to allow the selection of better candidates for the evaluation of true fitness values and the local radial basis function (RBF) surrogate to model the landscape of the objective function. The control strategy selects two efficient meta-heuristic algorithms to predict the training model samples and perform updates. A generation-based optimal restart strategy is also incorporated in SAGD to select suitable samples to restart the meta-heuristic algorithm. We tested the SAGD algorithm using seven commonly used benchmark functions and the wireless sensor network (WSN) coverage problem. The results show that the SAGD algorithm performs well in solving expensive optimization problems. Full article

The Gannet Optimization Algorithm (GOA) has good performance, but there is still room for improvement in memory consumption and convergence. In this paper, an improved Gannet Optimization Algorithm is proposed to solve five engineering optimization problems. The compact strategy enables the GOA to save a large amount of memory, and the parallel communication strategy allows the algorithm to avoid falling into local optimal solutions. We improve the GOA through the combination of parallel strategy and compact strategy, and we name the improved algorithm Parallel Compact Gannet Optimization Algorithm (PCGOA). The performance study of the PCGOA on the CEC2013 benchmark demonstrates the advantages of our new method in various aspects. Finally, the results of the PCGOA on solving five engineering optimization problems show that the improved algorithm can find the global optimal solution more accurately. Full article

This study presents data on the directional flying behaviour of the five most abundant seabird species migrating across the Strait of Gibraltar in relation to the wind, as observed from the north coast, based on radar tracking, and identified to species level by visual observations. A total of 318 seabird trajectories were analysed, illustrating the expected east–west or west–east movements in spring and autumn. We hypothesised that the seabirds that cross the Strait channel during their migrations would behave differently with respect to compensation for wind direction, depending on their flight styles, the migratory period, and the prevailing winds. In this regard, our results showed that flapping birds (Razorbill, Puffin, Northern Gannet, and Balearic shearwater) compensated for wind drift independently of the season and the predominant wind direction. This agrees with the theory that suggests that under moderate winds and whenever visual contact with the coastline is present (as in the case of our study), migrants should compensate for wind drift to avoid being drifted towards the coast, off their main direction of flight. However, Cory’s shearwater, an active gliding seabird with long, slender wings, showed an adaptive directional response to wind, allowing it to be drifted in spring when westerly tailwinds were prevalent, but compensated for wind in autumn, when both easterly and westerly winds were similarly frequent. This adaptive flight behaviour allows it to take advantage of the prevailing tailwinds in spring, gaining ground speed and saving energy during its passage through the Strait, while in autumn, more frequent headwind conditions and a more directional migration to the south may favour compensating for wind drift. Our results support the usefulness of bird radar as a remote tool for describing the pattern of animal movements in the marine environment, as well as their behavioural response to atmospheric conditions. These studies are particularly relevant in the current framework of climate change. Full article

The insula plays a critical role in many neuropsychological disorders. Research investigating its neurochemistry with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has been limited compared with cortical regions. Here, we investigate the within-session and between-session reproducibility of metabolite measurements in the insula on a 3T scanner. We measure N-acetylaspartate + N-acetylaspartylglutamate (tNAA), creatine + phosphocreatine (tCr), glycerophosphocholine + phosphocholine (tCho), myo-inositol (Ins), glutamate + glutamine (Glx), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in one cohort using a j-edited MEGA-PRESS sequence. We measure tNAA, tCr, tCho, Ins, and Glx in another cohort with a standard short-TE PRESS sequence as a reference for the reproducibility metrics. All participants were scanned 4 times identically: 2 back-to-back scans each day, on 2 days. Preprocessing was done using LCModel and Gannet. Reproducibility was determined using Pearson’s r, intraclass-correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficients of variation (CV%), and Bland–Altman plots. A MEGA-PRESS protocol requiring averaged results over two 6:45-min scans yielded reproducible GABA measurements (CV% = 7.15%). This averaging also yielded reproducibility metrics comparable to those from PRESS for the other metabolites. Voxel placement inconsistencies did not affect reproducibility, and no sex differences were found. The data suggest that MEGA-PRESS can reliably measure standard metabolites and GABA in the insula. Full article