Real-life Phenomena Research Articles

Generalized dynamic games with durable strategies under uncertain planning horizon

This paper establishes a new class of dynamic games which incorporates two frequently observed real-life phenomena — durable strategies and uncertain horizon. In the presence of durable strategies and random horizon, significant modification of the dynamic optimization techniques is required to accommodate these phenomena. A novel dynamic optimization theorem is developed and a new set of equations characterizing a non-cooperative game equilibrium is derived. A subgame consistent solution for the cooperative game counterpart is obtained with a new theorem for the derivation of a payoff distribution procedure under random horizon and durable strategies. A number of new application results in dynamic games are derived to reflect practical considerations in making decision. Computational illustrations in an application involving a dynamic interactive investments game are provided.

Effect of Self Feedback on Mean-Field Coupled Oscillators: Revival and Quenching of Oscillations

Interaction among different units in a network of oscillators may often lead to quenching of oscillations and the importance of oscillation quenching can be found in controlling the dynamics of many real world systems. But there are also many real life phenomena where suppression of oscillation should be avoided for maintaining the sustained evolution of the system. In this work, we propose a self-feedback control scheme through which one is able to either achieve quenching or to retrieve the rhythmic behavior in a network of mean-field diffusively coupled systems. It is found that for proper choice of the strength of the control signal, the system converges to an oscillatory state from oscillation quenched state and for further increase of the strength the system enters in chaotic region. Moreover, reversal of the phase of the control signal can induce suppression of oscillation. Thus, the proposed modification offers a better control on the dynamics of the mean-field coupled system. In addition to this, a new transition phenomenon from inhomogeneous limit cycle (IHLC) to homogeneous limit cycle (HLC) through chaotic route has also been found in the modified system.

Comparison of building understanding of students on newton’s laws with phenomenon-based ADI with assessment formative and ADI models

The Newton’s laws cannot be separated from mechanics and real life phenomenon, but research is rarely done on improving understanding of Newton’s law through ADI-Phenomenon-AF. The purpose of the research was to compare the effectiveness between ADI-Phenomenon-AF and ADI models in building understanding of Newton’s law and describing students’ difficulties after the learning process. This study used a mixed method design with an embedded experimental design. The instrument of this study was Newton’s law Understanding Test in the form of reasoned multiple-choice questions with a reliability of 0.817. The research data were analyzed by Wilcoxon test, Mann-Whitney U test, N-gain, d-effect, and a description of the reasons for students’ answers. The results show that both models are effective in building students’ understanding, but the ADI-Phenomenon-AF model is more effective than the ADI model. After the learning process the students of both classes still have difficulty in analyzing the relationship between acceleration, force, and mass. In addition, ADI-Phenomenon-AF class students still have difficulty with the nature of force in Newton’s first law, while the ADI class analyzes the application of Newton’s first and second laws.

Counterintelligence Technologies: An Exploratory Case Study of Preliminary Credibility Assessment Screening System in the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces

The preliminary credibility assessment screening system (PCASS) is a US-based program, which is currently being implemented by intelligence units of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to make the initial screening of individuals suspected of infiltrating the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). Sensors have been instrumental in the PCASS, leading to organizational change. The aim of this research is to describe how the ANDSF adapted to the implementation of PCASS, as well as implemented changes since the beginning of the program. To do so, we have conducted a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive case study that allows one to understand, through the use of a series of data collection sources, a real-life phenomenon of which little is known. The results suggest that the sensors used in PCASS empower security forces with reliable technologies to identify and neutralize internal threats. It then becomes evident that the technological leadership that PCASS provides allows the developing of a relatively stable and consistent organizational change, fulfilling the objectives of the NATO and the ANDSF.

Variable selection of spectroscopic data through monitoring both location and dispersion of PLS loading weights

High dimensional data sets against the small sample size is essential for most of the sciences. The variable selection contributes to a better prediction of real-life phenomena. A multivariate approach called partial least squares (PLS) has the potential to model the high dimensional data, where the sample size is usually smaller than the number of variables. Truncation for variables selection in PLS $$T-PLS$$ is considered a reference method. $$T-PLS$$ and many others only monitors the location of PLS loading weights for variable selection. In the current article, we propose to monitor both location and dispersion of PLS loading weights for variable selection over the high dimensional spectral data. The proposed PLS variants are based on location, dispersion, both location and dispersion and at least location or dispersion monitoring of $$PLS$$ loading weights, and are denoted by $$X-PLS$$ , $$S-PLS$$ , $$X \& S-PLS$$ and $$X|S-PLS$$ respectively. Proposed PLS variants are compared with standard PLS and $$T-PLS$$ through the Monte Carlo simulation of 100 runs on simulated and real data sets which includes corn, milk, and oil contents prediction based on spectroscopic data. $$X \& S-PLS$$ shows the best capability in selecting the real variables over the simulated data. The validated RMSE comparison indicates $$X|S-PLS$$ and $$X \& S-PLS$$ outperforms compared to other methods in predicting corn, milk, and oil contents. $$X \& S-PLS$$ selects the smallest number of variables. Interestingly, selected variables by $$X \& S-PLS$$ are more consistent compared to all other methods. Hence $$X \& S-PLS$$ appears a potential candidate for variable selection in high dimensional data.

Application of the shooting method for the solution of second order boundary value problems

Due to the applications of Boundary Value Problems (BVPs) in real-life phenomena, the shooting method has proven itself useful and efficient in handling BVP. The shooting method works by first reducing the BVP to an Initial Value Problem (IVP), then one/two initial value guesses are made. The IVPs are then solved using an iterative solution, and this process is then repeated until the second boundary condition is reached to a satisfactory level. The iterative formula used in this study is the Euler’s method while the initial value estimation method used is the Secant method (interpolation formula).

A Study of Operators on Fuzzy Sets

Overtime, mathematics had been used as a tool in modeling real life phenomenon. In some cases, these problems cannot fit-into the classical deterministic or stochastic modeling techniques, perhaps due system complexity arising from lack of complete knowledge about the phenomenon or some uncertainty. The uncertainty could either be due to lack of clear boundaries in the description of the object or perhaps due to randomness. In this article, we study a mathematical tool discovered in 1965 by Zadeh suitable for modeling real life phenomenon and examined operations on such a tool. Motivated by the work of Zadeh, we studied operators on Type-1 Fuzzy Sets (T1FSs) and Type-2 Fuzzy sets (T2FSs) and provided examples, one of which is a variant of the Yager complement function for which the complement operator was graphically illustrated. The joint and the meet operators were also studied and examples provided. Non-standard operators were defined on T1FSs and T2FSs and also classified into two groups; the triangular-norm (t-norm) and triangular-conorm (t-conorm). Using t-norm and t-conorm, an example was adopted from Castillo and Aguilar to illustrate the computation of the standard operation on T2FSs. Finally, future research direction was provided based on what is yet to be achieved in fuzzy set theory.

RADICAL DEMAND AND SPONTANEITY IN K.E. LØGSTRUP’S PHENOMENOLOGICAL ETHICS WITH CONTINUOUS REFERENCE TO S.KIERKEGAARD

Danish philosopher and theologian Knud Ejler Løgstrup (1905–1981) was professor of ethics and philosophy at the University of Aarhus. During his lifetime he published numerous books in phenomenology. In the context of the current article we should mention here Norm and Spontaneity, Art and Ethics and, the most significant, The Ethical Demand and Controverting Kierkegaard. The purpose of the current article is research the basic notions of his ontological ethics—the ethical imperative (radical, unspoken, one-sided and unfulfillable) and the sovereign expressions of life (trust, mercy, love, forgiveness, open speech, etc.). If the first one regards the demand for unselfish actions of the individual, then the second one—spontaneity and openness towards the other. In order to disclose these notions, the article confronts Løgstrup’s interpretation with Søren Kierkegaard’s (1813–1855) ethical stance, since the concept of sovereign expressions of life was offered to the reader in the book Controverting Kierkegaard. Løgstrup criticizes Kierkegaard for not paying attention to the real life phenomena and concentrating upon the solely religious self-reflection of the nuclear abstract individual. The article consists of introduction, two parts and conclusion. The introduction sets the stage for further investigation giving the historical background, tracing influences by the leading phenomenologists of the 20th century (a special role here is assigned to Hans Lipps, Martin Heidegger and Frederic Gogarten). The first part is devoted to the explication of the ethical imperative, while the second part—to the sovereign expressions of life and human interdependence. The research is summarized in the conclusion, stressing possibility to apply Løgstrup’s phenomenological approach in nursing and psychiatry.

Eco-epidemiological model and analysis of potato leaf roll virus using fractional differential equation

In this paper, mathematical models for transmission dynamics of Potato leaf roll virus using integer and fractional order differential equations are developed. The models considered Potato as well as Vector populations. The potato population is sub-divided as susceptible ( and infected ( The vector population also sub-divided as susceptible ( and infected (). Firstly, we proposed the integer order of potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) model and then we extend into fractional order due to the reason that fractional order possesses memory and other benefit in modeling of real-life phenomena. Secondly, the qualitative behavior of the model including invariant region, positivity of future solution and equilibrium points are analyzed in both approaches. Finally, numerical simulation is done to investigate the effect of each parameter on the control of the disease for both integer and fractional orders. The results obtained from numerical simulation indicate that increasing elimination rate of infected potato and contact rate have a great contribution in combating potato leaf roll virus in the specified period of time.

Adapted block hybrid method for the numerical solution of Duffing equations and related problems

<abstract><p>Problems of non-linear equations to model real-life phenomena have a long history in science and engineering. One of the popular of such non-linear equations is the Duffing equation. An adapted block hybrid numerical integrator that is dependent on a fixed frequency and fixed step length is proposed for the integration of Duffing equations. The stability and convergence of the method are demonstrated; its accuracy and efficiency are also established.</p></abstract>

A Special Issue:Recent Developments in Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations

The literature reveals that numerous real-life phenomena in the subjects of physics and engineering which are governed by highly nonlinear Partial differential equations (PDEs) with unknown analytical solutions. More precisely, the (PDEs) arise in a wide variety of physical problems such as; by way of example not exhaustive enumeration, fluid dynamics, engineering mathematics, electrostatics, plasma physics, solid mechanics, chemistry, quantum field theory, bio-mathematics, etc. Therefore, such (PDEs) have received a huge attention from mathematicians, physicists, and engineers for the sake of approximating their analytical solutions. We aimed in this special issue to publish articles focusing on recent advanced numerical studies on Differential Equations related to physics and engineering. The well-developed analysis of existing numerical algorithms in terms of efficiency, applicability, convergence, stability and accuracy is of importance. A discussion of nontrivial numerical examples is encouraged.

Transdisciplinary Collaboration in Renewable Energy Projects - A Case Study from Mustang, Nepal

In the recent years, transdisciplinary research and development have received increased attention, also in renewable energy planning and design. In contrast to theory-driven research, transdisciplinary approaches relate to the real-life phenomena and societally relevant problems. Transdisciplinary collaboration (TDC) emphasizes the mutual learning process between researchers and actors from outside academia, and the common creation of knowledge that is solution-oriented, socially robust and transferable to both scientific and societal practice. The following article discusses a transdisciplinary collaboration project on planning and designing a Solar Street Light solution in the village of Jhong, Mustang. The project is part of the MSESSD program at IOE, which has the goal to plan and implement renewable energy solution in rural areas in Nepal. The goal of the solar street light project was to contribute to Jhong’s approach of becoming a sustainable settlement. The article analyses three TDC phases of the project: 1. Gather information, discuss the problem with stakeholders and translate material, functional, operational requirements into scientific researchable questions. 2. Documenting strategies to develop a mutual learning process and 3. Assessing results for both for the stakeholders and for academic practice. Findings of the project indicate that transdisciplinary collaboration in renewable energy projects can help to operationalize learning between different actors and realize applicable results on contextualized levels. However, planned outcomes may vary and from a scientific perspective, methodologies for TC are not clearly defined or systematized yet, terminologies are vague, and de facto power relations in the field can obstruct the collaboration process. The last part of the article will point out some of the future challenges and possibilities for transdisciplinary research and development.

An EPQ model with time proportion deterioration and ramp type demand under different payment schemes with fuzzy uncertainties

To ensure the order of goods and to attract the retailers and small vendors through discounts, the advance payment is a well-practised real life phenomenon in present market scenario and is being well studied in the field of inventory modelling and supply chain. Almost all inventory models depend upon the demands of the customers. Thus, demand is an important characteristic. The items may decay or deteriorate with time and loss their values partly or in full. The parameters might fluctuate due to various reasons and is more realistic to consider the uncertainty of the parameters rather than their fixed values. A deteriorating inventory model for a single item without shortage is developed in this paper. The crisp models are developed without and with advance payment schemes having time dependent ramp type demand and time proportion deterioration rate. The corresponding fuzzy models are formulated in which several parameters involved are taken as pentagonal fuzzy numbers to incorporate the uncertainties. We used the Regular Weighted Point method to convert the fuzzy numbers into the crisp numbers in order to make the computations affordable. We presented some numerical examples and studied the changing effects of different inventory parameters. Managerial insights are also described.

Thermal analysis of radiative bioconvection magnetohydrodynamic flow comprising gyrotactic microorganism with activation energy

Bioconvection flows are very much related to engineering and real-life phenomena, for example, in the design of bio-cells, bio-conjugates and bio-microsystems, and become a hot topic in the current research. Therefore, the purpose of the present investigation is to explore theoretically the time-dependent electrically conducting flow with heat and mass transfer containing gyrotactic microorganism with activation energy toward an elongated surface with the effect of thermal radiation. Impact of velocity, thermal and concentration slips are also taken into account. The classical problem of Navier Stokes equations in the present model is reduced into ODEs by employing similarity approach. Numerical simulations are performed via boundary value problem solver based on finite difference numerical scheme using MATLAB. Impact of convergence parameters like motile microorganisms, concentration, temperature and velocity fields is elaborated through graphically and in the form of tables. The significant outcomes display that the density of motile microorganisms decreases with Peclet number and bioconvection Lewis number, while opposite behavior is noted for thermal buoyancy and buoyancy force ratio parameter on velocity profile.

Optical coronae and iridescence: some simple hands-on activities

In this article we put forward a simple idea to demonstrate cloud iridescence. The activity is aimed at upper level primary school children and above, to see that some oft-observed optical phenomena in real life are the result of diffraction through droplets on a surface or in a cloud. We use the example of polar stratospheric clouds which displays the phenomenon of iridescence. A simple hands-on activity is explained whereby spherical droplets in a cloud are modelled by small glass beads suspended in silly-putty and the iridescence effect arises from a non-uniform size distribution of these beads.

Cubic Vague Set and its Application in Decision Making.

From the hybrid nature of cubic sets, we develop a new generalized hybrid structure of cubic sets known as cubic vague sets (CVSs). We also define the concept of internal cubic vague sets (ICVSs) and external cubic vague sets (ECVSs) with examples and discuss their interesting properties, including ICVSs and ECVSs under both P and R-Order. Moreover, we prove that the R and R-intersection of ICVSs (or ECVSs) need not be an ICVS (or ECVS). We also derive the different conditions for P-union (P-intersection, R and R-intersection) operations of both ICVSs (ECVSs) to become an ICVS (ECVS). Finally, we introduce a decision-making based on the proposed similarity measure of the CVSs domain and a numerical example is given to elucidate that the proposed similarity measure of CVSs is an important concept for measuring entropy in the information/data. It will be shown that the cubic vague set has the novelty to accurately represent and model two-dimensional information for real-life phenomena that are periodic in nature.

Closed-Form Expressions for the Quantile Function of the Chi Square Distribution Using the Hybrid of Quantile Mechanics and Spline Interpolation

Chi square distribution is a continuous probability distribution primarily used in hypothesis testing, contingency analysis, and construction of confidence limits in inferential statistics but not necessarily in the modeling of real-life phenomena. The closed-form expression for the quantile function (QF) of Chi square is not available because the cumulative distribution function cannot be transformed to yield the QF and consequently places limitations on the use of the QF. Researchers have over the years proposed approximations that improve over time in terms of speed, computational efficiency, and precision, and so on. However, most of the available closed-form expressions (quantile approximation) fail at the extreme tails of the distribution. This paper used the Quantile mechanics approach to obtain second-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations whose solutions using the power series method yielded initial approximates in form of series for different values of the degrees of freedom. The initial approximate varies with the exact (R software) values which serve as the reference and the error between them was minimized by the natural cubic spline interpolation. The final approximates are correct up to an average of 8 decimal places, have small error, and is closer to the exact when compared with some other results from other researchers. The upper tail of the distribution was considered and excellent results were obtained which is a major improvement over the existing results in the literature. The approach used in this work is a hybrid of series expansions and numerical algorithms. Computer codes can be written for the application.

A numerical treatment of the two-dimensional multi-term time-fractional mixed sub-diffusion and diffusion-wave equation

In this paper, we consider an important kind of fractional partial differential equations, namely multi-term time-fractional mixed sub-diffusion and diffusion-wave equation. The crucial importance of the considered equation is due to the fact that it generalizes some substantial types of fractional differential equations that can be widely used in describing many real-life phenomena, some of these equations are the time-fractional sub-diffusion, time-fractional diffusion-wave and time-fractional diffusion equations. In this study, the 2D multi-term time-fractional mixed sub-diffusion and diffusion-wave equation is transformed to its integrated form with respect to time. An extension of the operational matrix of second-order derivative to the 2D case is used in combination with the operational matrix of fractional-order integrals and the time-space spectral collocation method to reduce such equations to systems of algebraic equations, which are solved using any suitable solver. As far as the authors know, this is the first attempt to deal with 2D multi-term time-fractional mixed sub-diffusion and diffusion-wave equation via a spectral approach. Numerical examples are provided to highlight the convergence rate and the flexibility of this approach. Our results confirm that nonlocal numerical methods are best suited to discretize fractional differential equations as they naturally take the global behavior of the solution into account.

A STUDY OF PSEUDO SPECTRAL GALERKIN METHOD FOR SOLVING DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

Differential equations have a remarkable potential to exhibit real life phenomenon. Many methods have been developed to solve these differential equations, though only a few stands with time. This paper presents a comparison of Pseudo Spectral Galerkin Method for solving ordinary differential equations with many other global methods. Results shows the high accuracy and rapid convergence of said method. Graphical comparison and error tables have been provided for better understanding of results.

Development of cohesive-zone-based prediction model for reflective cracking in asphalt overlay

ABSTRACT Reflective crack has been a major problem of asphalt overlay on existing concrete pavements. Joint or crack movements of concrete slab induce the concentrated stress in asphalt layer; thus producing this distress. Rainwater can then infiltrate into subgrade through this crack opening and the loss support is expected. In addition, the cohesive zone model has been steadily utilised to investigate the fracture behaviour of pavement materials. This method can characterise the crack propagation to the real-life phenomenon. Further, current prediction models of reflective crack have adopted the concept of uniform crack propagation to simplify their analysis. This assumption may misinterpret the crack estimation since nonuniformly propagation occurs over the cross-sectional area of asphalt overlay. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a cohesive-zone-based prediction model that can reasonably compute the amount of reflective cracks with the consideration of nonuniform crack propagation. Available data from LTPP database were also collected for reflective crack modelling and calibration. In addition, traffic- and thermal-induced reflective crack was evaluated by 3D finite element method and cohesive zone model. The mechanistic results were afterward correlated with measured the amount of reflective crack to form the prediction formulation. This model consequently generated the acceptable results with measured reflective crack.