This paper proposes a novel meta-heuristic optimization algorithm called the fine-tuning meta-heuristic algorithm (FTMA) for solving global optimization problems. In this algorithm, the solutions are fine-tuned using the fundamental steps in meta-heuristic optimization, namely, exploration, exploitation, and randomization, in such a way that if one step improves the solution, then it is unnecessary to execute the remaining steps. The performance of the proposed FTMA has been compared with that of five other optimization algorithms over ten benchmark test functions. Nine of them are well-known and already exist in the literature, while the tenth one is proposed by the authors and introduced in this article. One test trial was shown to check the performance of each algorithm, and the other test for 30 trials to measure the statistical results of the performance of the proposed algorithm against the others. Results confirm that the proposed FTMA global optimization algorithm has a competing performance in comparison with its counterparts in terms of speed and evading the local minima.
An integrated GIS-VBA (Geographical Information System – Visual Basic for Application), model is developed for selecting an optimum water harvesting dam location among an available locations in a watershed. The proposed model allows quick and precise estimation of an adopted weighted objective function for each selected location. In addition to that for each location, a different dam height is used as a nominee for optimum selection. The VBA model includes an optimization model with a weighted objective function that includes beneficiary items (positive) , such as the available storage , the dam height allowed by the site as an indicator for the potential of hydroelectric power generation , the rainfall rate as a source of water . In a
... Show MoreIn today's digital era, the importance of securing information has reached critical levels. Steganography is one of the methods used for this purpose by hiding sensitive data within other files. This study introduces an approach utilizing a chaotic dynamic system as a random key generator, governing both the selection of hiding locations within an image and the amount of data concealed in each location. The security of the steganography approach is considerably improved by using this random procedure. A 3D dynamic system with nine parameters influencing its behavior was carefully chosen. For each parameter, suitable interval values were determined to guarantee the system's chaotic behavior. Analysis of chaotic performance is given using the
... Show MoreIn this research, Zinc oxide (ZnO)/epoxy nanocomposite was synthesized by simple casting method with 2wt. % ZnO concentration. The aim of this work was to study the effect of pH and composite dosage on the photocatalytic activity of ZnO/ epoxy nanocomposite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique images proof the homogeneous distribution of ZnO nanoparticles in epoxy. A synthesized nanocomposite samples were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer (FTIR) measurements. Two spectra for epoxy and 2wt.% ZnO/epoxy nanocomposites were similar and there are no new bonds formed from the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles. Using HCl and NaOH were added to Methylene blue (MB) dye (5ppm) to gat pH values 3 and 8. The degradat
... Show MoreThe information required for construction quantities surveying is not only generated by various participants in different construction phases but also stored in different forms including graphics, text, tables, or various combinations of the three. To report a bill of quantities (BOQ), the project manager has to continuously excerpt information from various resources and record it on papers. Without adequate staff and time, this repetitive and tedious process is difficult for the project manager to handle properly and thus reduces the effectiveness and the accuracy of the quantities surveying process which creates problems during the design, tender, and construction supervision of construction projects for designers and contractors pract
... Show MoreMetasurface polarizers are essential optical components in modern integrated optics and play a vital role in many optical applications including Quantum Key Distribution systems in quantum cryptography. However, inverse design of metasurface polarizers with high efficiency depends on the proper prediction of structural dimensions based on required optical response. Deep learning neural networks can efficiently help in the inverse design process, minimizing both time and simulation resources requirements, while better results can be achieved compared to traditional optimization methods. Hereby, utilizing the COMSOL Multiphysics Surrogate model and deep neural networks to design a metasurface grating structure with high extinction rat
... Show MoreA modification to cascaded single-stage distributed amplifier (CSSDA) design by using active inductor is proposed. This modification is shown to render the amplifier suitable for high gain operation in small on-chip area. Microwave office program simulation of the Novel design approach shows that it has performance compatible with the conventional distributed amplifiers but with smaller area. The CSSDA is suitable for optical and satellite communication systems.
Trip generation is the first phase in the travel forecasting process. It involves the estimation of the
total number of trips entering or leaving a parcel of land per time period (usually on a daily basis);
as a function of the socioeconomic, locational, and land-use characteristics of the parcel.
The objective of this study is to develop statistical models to predict trips production volumes for a
proper target year. Non-motorized trips are considered in the modeling process. Traditional method
to forecast the trip generation volume according to trip rate, based on family type is proposed in
this study. Families are classified by three characteristics of population social class, income, and
number of vehicle ownersh