Among the metaheuristic algorithms, population-based algorithms are an explorative search algorithm superior to the local search algorithm in terms of exploring the search space to find globally optimal solutions. However, the primary downside of such algorithms is their low exploitative capability, which prevents the expansion of the search space neighborhood for more optimal solutions. The firefly algorithm (FA) is a population-based algorithm that has been widely used in clustering problems. However, FA is limited in terms of its premature convergence when no neighborhood search strategies are employed to improve the quality of clustering solutions in the neighborhood region and exploring the global regions in the search space. On the

The aim of advancements in technologies is to increase scientific development and get the overall human satisfaction and comfortability. One of the active research area in recent years that addresses the above mentioned issues, is the integration of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology into network-based systems. Even though, RFID is considered as a promising technology, it has some bleeding points. This paper identifies seven intertwined deficiencies, namely: remote setting, scalability, power saving, remote and concurrent tracking, reusability, automation, and continuity in work. This paper proposes the construction of a general purpose infrastructure for RFID-based applications (IRFID) to tackle these deficiencies. Finally

The present work is to investigate the feasibility of removal vanadium (V) and nickel (Ni) from Iraqi heavy gas oil using activated bentonite. Different operating parameters such as the degree of bentonite activation, activated bentonite loading, and operating time was investigated on the effect of heavy metal removal efficiency. Experimental results of adsorption test show that Langmuir isotherm predicts well the experimental data and the maximum bentonite uptake of vanadium was 30 mg/g. The bentonite activated with 50 wt% H₂SO₄ shows a (75%) removal for both Ni and V. Results indicated that within approximately 5 hrs, the vanadium removal efficiencies were 33, 45, and 60% at vanadium loadings of 1

Active vibration control is the main problem in different structure. Smart material like piezoelectric make a structure smart, adaptive and self-controlling so, they are effective in active vibration control. In this paper piezoelectric elements are used as sensors and actuators in flexible structures for sensing and actuating purposes, and to control the vibration of a cantilever beam by using sliding mode control. The sliding mode controller (SMC) is designed to attenuate the vibration induced by initial tip displacement which is equal to 15 mm.  It is designed based on the balance realization reduction method where three states are selected for the reduced model from the 24^th states that describe the c

The green synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NP) was investigated using Ni(NO3)2 as a precursor, olive tree leaves as a reducing agent, and D-sorbitol as a capping agent. The structural, optical, and morphology of the synthesized NiO-NP have been characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray crystallography (XRD) pattern, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The SEM analysis showed that the nanoparticles have a spherical shape and highly crystalline as well as highly agglomerated and appear as cluster of nanoparticles with a size range of (30 to 65 nm). The Scherrer relation has been used to estimate the crystallite size of NiO-NP which ha

A novel encapsulated deep eutectic solvent (DES) was introduced for biodiesel production via a two-step process. The DES was encapsulated in medical capsules and were used to reduce the free fatty acid (FFA) content of acidic crude palm oil (ACPO) to the minimum acceptable level (< 1%). The DES was synthesized from methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (MTPB) and p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA). The effects pertaining to different operating conditions such as capsule dosage, reaction time, molar ratio, and reaction temperature were optimized. The FFA content of ACPO was reduced from existing 9.61% to less than 1% under optimum operating conditions. This indicated that encapsulated MTPB-DES performed high catalytic activity in FFA esterificatio

The global food supply heavily depends on utilizing fertilizers to meet production goals. The adverse impacts of traditional fertilization practices on the environment have necessitated the exploration of new alternatives in the form of smart fertilizer technologies (SFTs). This review seeks to categorize SFTs, which are slow and controlled-release Fertilizers (SCRFs), nano fertilizers, and biological fertilizers, and describes their operational principles. It examines the environmental implications of conventional fertilizers and outlines the attributes of SFTs that effectively address these concerns. The findings demonstrate a pronounced environmental advantage of SFTs, including enhanced crop yields, minimized nutrient loss, improved nut