Solution Concept Research Articles

Solving a class of Thomas–Fermi equations: A new solution concept based on physics-informed machine learning

This paper presents a novel physics-informed machine learning approach, designed to approximate solutions to a specific category of Thomas–Fermi differential equations. To tackle the inherent intricacies of solving Thomas–Fermi equations, we employ the quasi-linearization technique, which transforms the original non-linear problem into a series of linear differential equations. Our approach utilizes collocation least-squares support vector regression, leveraging fractional Chebyshev functions for finite interval simulations and fractional rational Chebyshev functions for semi-infinite intervals, enabling precise solutions for linear differential equations across varied spatial domains. These selections facilitate efficient simulations across both finite and semi-infinite intervals. Key contributions of our approach encompass its versatility, demonstrated through successful approximation of solutions for diverse Thomas–Fermi problem types, including those featuring non-local integral terms, Bohr radius boundary conditions, and isolated neutral atom boundary conditions defined on semi-infinite domains. Furthermore, our method exhibits computational efficiency, surpassing classical collocation methods by solving a sequence of positive definite linear equations or quadratic programming problems. Notably, our approach showcases precision, as evidenced by experiments, including the attainment of the initial slope of the renowned Thomas–Fermi equation with an impressive 39-digit precision.

Systematic review turning existing Egyptian residential buildings in green ones

Due to the continuous technological advancements, expensive utility bills became a major concern for the world residents as well as governments. As a result, energy consumption mitigation became a prominent target for modern researchers. Consequently, solutions were introduced, suggesting that green principles be applied to the construction field. However, even if newly built structures became completely green and emitted no harmful emissions, the net emissions of a given city's overall construction would still be in operation, harming and polluting the environment with all their might. Therefore, it is needed to work on the net green score and rather focus on the conversion of existing buildings into green. Using a questionnaire to create a hypothetical typical Egyptian home, this study aims to apply green solutions to existing buildings in Egypt. The questionnaire also tackles other areas of Egyptian society in order to better understand their awareness and understanding of green concepts. The study’s methodology is based on the collective data gathered from other researchers in the field with applied case studies in climates similar to Egypt’s due to its lack of these solutions applications and concepts. The solutions suggested included solar panels as a retrofitting solution, and windows orientation and window-to-wall ratio (WRR) as a renovating one. As a result, the "windows" solutions suggested in this paper happened to be the most effective.

Yury N. Stolyarov in the history of Moscow State Institute of Culture

The authors analyze the contribution of Yury Nikolaevich Stolyarov, an outstanding librarian, documentary scholar, historian of book culture, to the development of the Moscow State Institute of Culture (MGIK). The conceptual and organizational solutions developed and implemented by Y. N. Stolyarov during his work for MGIK are discussed. The article is dedicated to the memory of Yury N. Stolyarov.

Two-point boundary-value problems for differential equations with generalized piecewise-constant argument

UDC 517.9 We consider a two-point boundary-value problem for a system of differential equations with generalized piecewise-constant argument. To solve the problem, we propose to use a constructive method based on the Dzhumabaev parametrization method and a new approach to the concept of general solution. The interval is partitioned with regard for the singularities of the argument. The values of the solution at the interior points of the partition are regarded as additional parameters, and the differential equation is transformed into a system of Cauchy problems with parameters on subintervals of the partition. By using the solutions of these problems, we obtain a new general solution of the differential equation with piecewise-constant argument and establish its properties. The new general solution, boundary conditions, and the conditions of continuity of the solution at the interior points of the partition are used to construct a linear system of algebraic equations for the introduced parameters. The coefficients and the right-hand side of the system are found as a result of the solution of Cauchy problems for linear ordinary differential equations on the subintervals of the partition. It is shown that the solvability of the boundary-value problem is equivalent to the solvability of the constructed system. We propose algorithms of the parametrization method for solving the analyzed boundary-value problem and establish necessary and sufficient conditions for the well-posedness of this problem.

Stability based on single-agent deviations in additively separable hedonic games

Coalition formation is a central concern in multiagent systems. A common desideratum for coalition structures is stability, defined by the absence of beneficial deviations of single agents. Such deviations require an agent to improve her utility by joining another coalition. On top of that, the feasibility of deviations may also be restricted by demanding consent of agents in the welcoming and/or the abandoned coalition. While most of the literature focuses on deviations constrained by unanimous consent, we also study consent decided by majority vote and introduce two new stability notions that can be seen as local variants of another solution concept called popularity. We investigate stability in additively separable hedonic games by pinpointing boundaries to computational complexity depending on the type of consent and friend-oriented utility restrictions. The latter restrictions shed new light on well-studied classes of games based on the appreciation of friends or the aversion to enemies. Many of our positive results follow from a new combinatorial observation that we call the Deviation Lemma and that we leverage to prove the convergence of simple and natural single-agent dynamics under fairly general conditions. Our negative results, in particular, resolve the complexity of contractual Nash stability in additively separable hedonic games.

Semantic units: organizing knowledge graphs into semantically meaningful units of representation

BackgroundIn today’s landscape of data management, the importance of knowledge graphs and ontologies is escalating as critical mechanisms aligned with the FAIR Guiding Principles—ensuring data and metadata are Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. We discuss three challenges that may hinder the effective exploitation of the full potential of FAIR knowledge graphs.ResultsWe introduce “semantic units” as a conceptual solution, although currently exemplified only in a limited prototype. Semantic units structure a knowledge graph into identifiable and semantically meaningful subgraphs by adding another layer of triples on top of the conventional data layer. Semantic units and their subgraphs are represented by their own resource that instantiates a corresponding semantic unit class. We distinguish statement and compound units as basic categories of semantic units. A statement unit is the smallest, independent proposition that is semantically meaningful for a human reader. Depending on the relation of its underlying proposition, it consists of one or more triples. Organizing a knowledge graph into statement units results in a partition of the graph, with each triple belonging to exactly one statement unit. A compound unit, on the other hand, is a semantically meaningful collection of statement and compound units that form larger subgraphs. Some semantic units organize the graph into different levels of representational granularity, others orthogonally into different types of granularity trees or different frames of reference, structuring and organizing the knowledge graph into partially overlapping, partially enclosed subgraphs, each of which can be referenced by its own resource.ConclusionsSemantic units, applicable in RDF/OWL and labeled property graphs, offer support for making statements about statements and facilitate graph-alignment, subgraph-matching, knowledge graph profiling, and for management of access restrictions to sensitive data. Additionally, we argue that organizing the graph into semantic units promotes the differentiation of ontological and discursive information, and that it also supports the differentiation of multiple frames of reference within the graph.

Eco-friendly dredging methods of changing fluvial landforms for enhancing hydraulic habitat quality and river corridor continuum

Hydraulic habitat connectivity, including the longitudinal continuum respect and lateral flood pulse, is critical for fish survival and organism dispersal. Inappropriate and excessive dredging for prevent flooding may harm river ecosystems. The main objective of this study is to evaluate whether eco-friendly dredging presented by changing local river landforms incorporating the concept of nature-based solutions could grow fish habitat quality for improving river continuity and achieving flood control effects. By combining various mathematical models and empirical formulas and verifying them with the data obtained through field surveys, we explore the interconnections of hydrology, river morphology, and the habitat dynamics of four endemic fishes in an alluvial river. The relationship between habitat structure, flood risk, and river topography, flow discharge was presented as the reference for developing the proper river dredging approaches. The results reveal that the primary habitat defects were lack of high-quality habitat, unsatisfied habitat diversity, deficiency in refugia, and disconnectivity. Longitudinal disconnectivity was induced due to shallow water depth, while lateral disconnectivity is primarily caused by fast flow velocity, suggesting different and specific dredging methods were instructed. We recommend that the corresponding eco-friendly dredging schemes for longitudinal and lateral suitable habitat linkages increase fish habitat quality and river corridor continuity. The win-win strategy for enhancing the connection between suitable habitats sustains a more beneficial aquatic corridor and simultaneously achieves alluvial flood disaster risk reduction.

Towards Controllable Generative Design: A Conceptual Design Generation Approach Leveraging the FBS Ontology and Large Language Models

Abstract Recent research in the field of design engineering is primarily focusing on using AI technologies such as Large Language Models (LLMs) to assist early-stage design. The engineer or designer can use LLMs to explore, validate and compare thousands of generated conceptual stimuli and make final choices. This was seen as a significant stride in advancing the status of the generative approach in computer-aided design. However, it is often difficult to instruct LLMs to obtain novel conceptual solutions and requirement-compliant in real design tasks, due to the lack of transparency and insufficient controllability of LLMs. This study presents an approach to leverage LLMs to infer Function-Behavior-Structure (FBS) ontology for high-quality design concepts. Prompting design based on the FBS model decomposes the design task into three sub-tasks including functional, behavioral, and structural reasoning. In each sub-task, prompting templates and specification signifiers are specified to guide the LLMs to generate concepts. User can determine the selected concepts by judging and evaluating the generated function-structure pairs. A comparative experiment has been conducted to evaluate the concept generation approach. According to the concept evaluation results, our approach achieves the highest scores in concept evaluation, and the generated concepts are more novel, useful, functional, and low-cost compared to the baseline.

DesignFusion: Integrating Generative Models for Conceptual Design Enrichment

Abstract Conceptual design is a pivotal phase of product design and development, encompassing user requirement exploration and informed solution generation. Recent generative models with their powerful content generation capabilities have been applied to conceptual design to support designers’ ideation. However, the lack of transparency in their generation process and the shallow nature of their generated solutions constrain their performance in complex conceptual design tasks. In this study, we first introduce a conceptual design generation approach that combines generative models with classic design theory. This approach decomposes the conceptual design task based on design process and design attributes, and uses the who, what, where, when, why, how (5W1H) method, function-behavior-structure model, and Kansei Engineering to guide generative models to generate conceptual design solutions through multi-step reasoning. Then we present an interactive system using a mind-map layout to visualize multi-step reasoning, called DesignFusion. This empowers designers to track the generation process and control inputs/outputs at each reasoning step. Two user studies show that our approach significantly enhances the quality of generated design solutions and enriches designer experience in human–artificial intelligence co-creation.

Designing a marine systems design specialization track at NTNU

In this paper we describe and discuss the current and future MSc specialization programme in marine systems design at the Norwegian University for Science and Technology (NTNU). We follow the structure of a design process. First, we identify relevant stakeholders. That includes industry, society and the students themselves, and we discuss what are their key needs and requirements for a master level education. Further, we outline what can be considered a conceptual solution for the marine systems design specialization programme´s structure and content. We apply two basic types of learning elements. First, a set of focused topic blocks covering central systems design models and methods to develop the required theoretical competence platform. Second, the students perform a series of creative, 'use case'-oriented collaborative development projects based on CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) principles. We discuss the “educational design solution” in terms of learning objectives vs. achieved results and evaluate the impact both from an academic and an industrial perspective.

CONCEPT SOLUTION OF AUTONOMOUS IOT SMART HIVE AND OPTIMIZATION OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

In this paper the authors present a conceptual solution for an autonomous smart beehive with a focus on energy efficiency; the hive's existence is based on artificial intelligence. The hive is equipped with an advanced system for monitoring the entry and exit of bees, as well as for collecting data on the weather inside and around the hive. Using an array of sensors controlled by Espressif ESP32 and Arduino Mega microcontroller boards, the hive continuously optimizes the operation of the ventilation system and other components, monitoring energy consumption and adapting to changing conditions. Special accents in the work are dedicated to the monitoring of the solar panel and, consequently, the capacity of the battery for independent power supply of the system, as well as the application of artificial intelligence to predict meteorological changes and optimize energy efficiency. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the solutions and technologies that enable the autonomous and energy-efficient functioning of the Smart Hive.

Development of a maturity assessment model for sustainable tourism

ABSTRACT Sustainability has become one of the most pressing worldwide concerns for the tourism sector. Destination managers face the challenge of developing strategies and assessing their success in pursuing sustainable development. However, the concept of sustainability is still vague, and existing measurement frameworks are complex and fail to sufficiently include relevant factors such as digitalisation. This article adopts a design science research (DSR) approach to address these issues, creating a conceptual solution for assessing sustainability in tourism destinations and providing directions for destinations’ future development based on a maturity model concept. Objectives for this conceptual solution are developed by critically reviewing relevant literature and existing assessment models for sustainable tourism and operationalised by designing a maturity assessment model for sustainable tourism. To validate this model, interviews with tourism experts and stakeholders are conducted in the Algarve region, Portugal. The study concludes by acknowledging limitations and offering directions for further research.

Computing balanced solutions for large international kidney exchange schemes

To overcome incompatibility issues, kidney patients may swap their donors. In international kidney exchange programmes (IKEPs), countries merge their national patient–donor pools. We consider a recently introduced credit system. In each round, countries are given an initial “fair” allocation of the total number of kidney transplants. This allocation is adjusted by a credit function yielding a target allocation. The goal is to find a solution that approaches the target allocation as closely as possible, to ensure long-term stability of the international pool. As solutions, we use maximum matchings that lexicographically minimize the country deviations from the target allocation. We perform, for the first time, a computational study for a large number of countries. For the initial allocations we use two easy-to-compute solution concepts, the benefit value and the contribution value, and four classical but hard-to-compute concepts, the Shapley value, nucleolus, Banzhaf value and tau value. By using state-of-the-art software we show that the latter four concepts are now within reach for IKEPs of up to fifteen countries. Our experiments show that using lexicographically minimal maximum matchings instead of ones that only minimize the largest deviation from the target allocation (as previously done) may make an IKEP up to 54% more balanced.

Diffuse-interface approximation and weak–strong uniqueness of anisotropic mean curvature flow

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to derive anisotropic mean curvature flow as the limit of the anisotropic Allen–Cahn equation. We rely on distributional solution concepts for both the diffuse and sharp interface models and prove convergence using relative entropy methods, which have recently proven to be a powerful tool in interface evolution problems. With the same relative entropy, we prove a weak–strong uniqueness result, which relies on the construction of gradient flow calibrations for our anisotropic energy functionals.

The Big M Game

This article discusses "extreme" Prisoner's Dilemma games, and questions Nash equilibrium as a solution concept in such situations. A slight reformulation of the concept is suggested, securing that a more reasonable solution is chosen. A SMALL WARNING TO THE READER: This article is special, not everything is true. That is, there are fictional parts. The reader is left for deciding what is fictional and what is science. Perhaps we could categorize the paper as a quiz where the objective is to rule out fictional parts from the content which at least is meant to be scientific.

RENOVATION OF A TOWER-TYPE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AS AN EXAMPLE OF THE WATER TOWER OF THE UKRAINIAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGIES

Purpose. Research and analysis of the main approaches to the renovation of tower-type industrial buildings, establishing a connection between the geometric space and the functional-spatial zoning of the premises created on their basis. Methodology. The study is devoted to one of the groups of neglected engineering structures, such as water towers. Such industrial facilities are already embedded in the infrastructure of the city, as a rule, they are embedded in dense urban development, which adds leverage for the preservation and renovation of such facilities. During the reconstruction of tower-type industrial buildings, there are problems of dismantling, removal and disposal of a large volume of structures and building materials. Study of national and international experience in renovation of tower-type industrial buildings. According to the requirements of DBN V.2.2-15:2019 "Buildings and structures. Residential buildings. Basic provisions" to the areas of the premises in a residential building, their placement in the space of the tower is analyzed in the process of designing the floors of the tower. Findings. The possibility of renovating the tower-type industrial structure of the water tower of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology into a residential building was considered. The architectural design of a 3-story residential building with the arrangement of separate entrances to the building with the help of an elevator and stairs and the distribution of spaces by floor according to functional purpose was completed. Originality. For the first time, the concept of a volume-planning solution for apartments in the limited space of a water tower was developed. This example gives impetus to the development of the reconstruction of tower-type buildings, their preservation as a historical and cultural heritage of Ukraine. Practical value. Water towers that are no longer used for their primary purpose can be reconstructed and can replenish the housing stock, acquire the significance of cultural and public centers in cities and settlements.

C–heteroatom coupling with electron-rich aryls enabled by nickel catalysis and light

Nickel photoredox catalysis has resulted in a rich development of transition-metal-catalysed transformations for carbon–heteroatom bond formation. By harnessing light energy, the transition metal can attain oxidation states that are difficult to achieve through thermal chemistry in a catalytic manifold. For example, nickel photoredox reactions have been reported for both the synthesis of anilines and aryl ethers from aryl(pseudo)halides. However, oxidative addition to simple nickel systems is often sluggish in the absence of special, electron-rich ligands, leading to catalyst decomposition. Electron-rich aryl electrophiles therefore currently fall outside the scope of many transformations in the field. Here we provide a conceptual solution to this problem and demonstrate nickel-catalysed C–heteroatom bond-forming reactions of arylthianthrenium salts, including amination, oxygenation, sulfuration and halogenation. Because the redox properties of arylthianthrenium salts are primarily dictated by the thianthrenium, oxidative addition of highly electron-rich aryl donors can be unlocked using simple NiCl2 under light irradiation to form the desired C‒heteroatom bonds.

Security paradigms for IoT in telecom networks: Conceptual challenges and solution pathways

The concept paper explores the critical security challenges posed by the Internet of Things (IoT) in telecom networks and proposes solution pathways to address them. As IoT devices proliferate in telecom networks, they introduce new vulnerabilities and security threats that must be mitigated to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of network resources and data. The paper begins by highlighting the unique security challenges posed by IoT devices, including their large attack surface, resource constraints, and diverse communication protocols. These challenges are further exacerbated in telecom networks due to the scale and complexity of the infrastructure. To address these challenges, the paper proposes a multi-faceted approach that combines technical, organizational, and regulatory measures. Technical solutions include the use of secure communication protocols, device authentication mechanisms, and encryption techniques to protect data in transit and at rest. Organizational measures focus on improving security awareness and training among network operators and ensuring the secure development and deployment of IoT devices. Regulatory measures advocate for the implementation of standards and regulations that promote security and privacy in IoT deployments. The paper also discusses the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including network operators, device manufacturers, and regulatory bodies, to address security challenges effectively. By working together, stakeholders can develop and implement best practices that enhance the security of IoT devices and telecom networks. In conclusion, the concept paper highlights the urgent need for robust security paradigms in IoT deployments within telecom networks. By implementing the proposed solution pathways and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, telecom networks can mitigate security risks and ensure the safe and secure deployment of IoT devices. Keywords: IoT, Telecom, Networks, Security.

Design of 3D-Printed Heterogeneous Reactor Systems To Overcome Incompatibility Hurdles when Combining Metal and Enzyme Catalysis in a One-Pot Process.

Combining chemo- and biocatalysis enables the design of novel economic and sustainable one-pot processes for the preparation of industrial chemicals, preferably proceeding in water. While a range of proofs-of-concept for the compatibility of such catalysts from these two different "worlds of catalysis" have recently been demonstrated, merging noncompatible chemo- and biocatalysts for joint applications within one reactor remained a challenge. A conceptual solution is compartmentalization of the catalytic moieties by heterogenization of critical catalyst components, thus "shielding" them from the complementary noncompatible catalyst, substrate or reagent. Exemplified for a one-pot process consisting of a metal-catalyzed Wacker oxidation and enzymatic reduction as noncompatible individual reactions steps, we demonstrate that making use of 3D printing of heterogeneous materials containing Cu as a critical metal component can overcome such incompatibility hurdles. The application of a 3D-printed Cu-ceramic device as metal catalyst component allows an efficient combination with the enzyme and the desired two-step transformation of styrene into the chiral alcohol product with high overall conversion and excellent enantioselectivity. This compartmentalization concept based on 3D printing of heterogenized metal catalysts represents a scalable methodology and opens up numerous perspectives to be used as a general tool also for other related chemoenzymatic research challenges.

Design von 3D‐gedruckten heterogenen Reaktorsystemen zur Überwindung von Inkompatibilitätshürden bei der Kombination von Metall‐ und Enzym‐Katalyse in einem Eintopf‐Prozess

AbstractDie Kombination von Chemo‐ und Biokatalyse ermöglicht die Entwicklung neuartiger ökonomischer und nachhaltiger Eintopfverfahren für die Herstellung von Industriechemikalien, welche vorzugsweise in Wasser ablaufen. Während kürzlich anhand einer Reihe von Beispielen der Nachweis für die Kompatibilität solcher Katalysatoren aus diesen beiden unterschiedlichen “Welten der Katalyse” aufgezeigt wurde, blieb die Zusammenführung nicht kompatibler Chemo‐ und Biokatalysatoren für gemeinsame Anwendungen in einem Reaktor eine Herausforderung. Eine konzeptionelle Lösung besteht in der Kompartimentierung der katalytischen Einheiten durch Heterogenisierung kritischer Katalysatorkomponenten, wodurch diese von dem komplementären, nicht kompatiblen Katalysator, Substrat oder Reagenz “abgeschirmt” werden. Am Beispiel eines Eintopfverfahrens, das aus einer Metall‐katalysierten Wacker‐Oxidation und einer enzymatischen Reduktion als nicht‐kompatible Einzelreaktionsschritte besteht, zeigen wir, dass durch den Einsatz des 3D‐Drucks von heterogenen, die kritische Metallkomponente Kupfer enthaltenden Materialien solche Hürden der Inkompatibilität überwinden werden können. Der Einsatz eines 3D‐gedruckten Cu‐Keramikgerüsts als Metallkatalysator‐Komponente ermöglicht eine effiziente Kombination mit dem Enzym und die gewünschte zweistufige Umwandlung von Styrol in das chirale Alkoholprodukt mit hohem Gesamtumsatz und exzellenter Enantioselektivität. Dieses auf 3D‐Druck heterogenisierter Metallkatalysatoren basierende Konzept zur Kompartimentierung stellt eine skalierbare Methodik dar und eröffnet zahlreiche Perspektiven im Hinblick auf dessen Nutzung als allgemeiner Lösungsansatz auch für weitere verwandte chemoenzymatische Forschungsherausforderungen.