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Article
Publication date: 29 March 2024

Bingbing Qi, Lijun Xu and Xiaogang Liu

The purpose of this paper is to exploit the multiple-Toeplitz matrices reconstruction method combined with quadratic spatial smoothing processing to improve the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to exploit the multiple-Toeplitz matrices reconstruction method combined with quadratic spatial smoothing processing to improve the direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation performance of coherent signals at low signal-to-noise ratio (SNRs).

Design/methodology/approach

An improved multiple-Toeplitz matrices reconstruction method is proposed via quadratic spatial smoothing processing. Our proposed method takes advantage of the available information contained in the auto-covariance matrices of individual Toeplitz matrices and the cross-covariance matrices of different Toeplitz matrices, which results in a higher noise suppression ability.

Findings

Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that, compared with the existing Toeplitz matrix processing methods, the proposed method improves the DOA estimation performance in cases with a low SNR. Especially for the cases with a low SNR and small snapshot number as well as with closely spaced sources, the proposed method can achieve much better performance on estimation accuracy and resolution probability.

Research limitations/implications

The study investigates the possibility of reusing pre-existing designs for the DOA estimation of the coherent signals. The proposed technique enables achieve good estimation performance at low SNRs.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the DOA problem at low SNRs in communication systems.

Originality/value

The proposed method proved to be useful for the DOA estimation at low SNR.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 41 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 February 2024

Leonardo Valero Pereira, Walter Jesus Paucar Casas, Herbert Martins Gomes, Luis Roberto Centeno Drehmer and Emanuel Moutinho Cesconeto

In this paper, improvements in reducing transmitted accelerations in a full vehicle are obtained by optimizing the gain parameters of an active control in a roughness road…

Abstract

Purpose

In this paper, improvements in reducing transmitted accelerations in a full vehicle are obtained by optimizing the gain parameters of an active control in a roughness road profile.

Design/methodology/approach

For a classically designed linear quadratic regulator (LQR) control, the vibration attenuation performance will depend on weighting matrices Q and R. A methodology is proposed in this work to determine the optimal elements of these matrices by using a genetic algorithm method to get enhanced controller performance. The active control is implemented in an eight degrees of freedom (8-DOF) vehicle suspension model, subjected to a standard ISO road profile. The control performance is compared against a controlled system with few Q and R parameters, an active system without optimized gain matrices, and an optimized passive system.

Findings

The control with 12 optimized parameters for Q and R provided the best vibration attenuation, reducing significantly the Root Mean Square (RMS) accelerations at the driver’s seat and car body.

Research limitations/implications

The research has positive implications in a wide class of active control systems, especially those based on a LQR, which was verified by the multibody dynamic systems tested in the paper.

Practical implications

Better active control gains can be devised to improve performance in vibration attenuation.

Originality/value

The main contribution proposed in this work is the improvement of the Q and R parameters simultaneously, in a full 8-DOF vehicle model, which minimizes the driver’s seat acceleration and, at the same time, guarantees vehicle safety.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Abstract

Purpose

In this paper, the authors study the nonlinear matrix equation Xp=Q±A(X-1+B)-1AT, that occurs in many applications such as in filtering, network systems, optimal control and control theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present some theoretical results for the existence of the solution of this nonlinear matrix equation. Then the authors propose two iterative schemes without inversion to find the solution to the nonlinear matrix equation based on Newton's method and fixed-point iteration. Also the authors show that the proposed iterative schemes converge to the solution of the nonlinear matrix equation, under situations.

Findings

The efficiency indices of the proposed schemes are presented, and since the initial guesses of the proposed iterative schemes have a high cost, the authors reduce their cost by changing them. Therefore, compared to the previous scheme, the proposed schemes have superior efficiency indices.

Originality/value

Finally, the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed schemes in comparison to an existing scheme are demonstrated by various numerical examples. Moreover, as an application, by using the proposed schemes, the authors can get the optimal controller state feedback of $x(t+1) = A x(t) + C v(t)$.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 November 2023

Yi-Cheng Chen and Yen-Liang Chen

In this “Info-plosion” era, recommendation systems (or recommenders) play a significant role in finding interesting items in the surge of online digital activity and e-commerce…

Abstract

Purpose

In this “Info-plosion” era, recommendation systems (or recommenders) play a significant role in finding interesting items in the surge of online digital activity and e-commerce. The purpose of this paper is to model users' preference evolution to recommend potential items which users may be interested in.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel recommendation system, namely evolution-learning recommendation (ELR), is developed to precisely predict user interest for making recommendations. Differing from prior related methods, the authors integrate the matrix factorization (MF) and recurrent neural network (RNN) to effectively describe the variation of user preferences over time.

Findings

A novel cumulative factorization technique is proposed to efficiently decompose a rating matrix for discovering latent user preferences. Compared to traditional MF-based methods, the cumulative MF could reduce the utilization of computation resources. Furthermore, the authors depict the significance of long- and short-term effects in the memory cell of RNN for evolution patterns. With the context awareness, a learning model, V-LSTM, is developed to dynamically capture the evolution pattern of user interests. By using a well-trained learning model, the authors predict future user preferences and recommend related items.

Originality/value

Based on the relations among users and items for recommendation, the authors introduce a novel concept, virtual communication, to effectively learn and estimate the correlation among users and items. By incorporating the discovered latent features of users and items in an evolved manner, the proposed ELR model could promote “right” things to “right” users at the “right” time. In addition, several extensive experiments are performed on real datasets and are discussed. Empirical results show that ELR significantly outperforms the prior recommendation models. The proposed ELR exhibits great generalization and robustness in real datasets, including e-commerce, industrial retail and streaming service, with all discussed metrics.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 124 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 December 2023

Jeong Hoon Choi, Sangdo Choi and Nallan C. Suresh

The objective of this study is to explore the structural attributes of the pharmaceutical industry before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic by examining the relationship between…

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study is to explore the structural attributes of the pharmaceutical industry before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic by examining the relationship between inventory and firm performance and developing a taxonomy of pharmaceutical firms based on the earns-turns matrix.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the inventory–firm performance linkage, considering both total inventory and its discrete inventory components in pharmaceutical firms. In addition, this research develops a new taxonomy of pharmaceutical firms based on the earns-turns matrix. A large panel dataset of firms in the US pharmaceutical industry was collected for the period 2000–2019.

Findings

The results reveal that strategic groups identified based on this taxonomy show different levels of profitability and inventory turns in the earns-turns matrix. Most pharmaceutical firms moved from the low-right to the top-left section in the earns-turns matrix, indicating that these firms have generally pursued profitability rather than effective inventory management.

Research limitations/implications

This study explores the structural attributes of the pharmaceutical industry using the earns-turns matrix. This two-dimensional analysis may not, however, capture the full complexity of inventory–firm performance dynamics.

Practical implications

The mapping of strategic groups on the earns-turns matrix provides a useful tool for visual representations of the dynamics of strategic groups in terms of financial performance and inventory management performance. Practitioners can use the earns-turns matrix to benchmark their firm's position against their competitors.

Originality/value

This study broadens the scope of operations management research by introducing the earns-turns matrix as an empirical validation tool for operational and strategic management theories. This study emphasizes the effectiveness of the earns-turns matrix in analyzing strategic groups of pharmaceutical firms.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 November 2023

Heping Liu, Sanaullah, Angelo Vumiliya and Ani Luo

The aim of this article is to obtain a stable tensegrity structure by using the minimum knowledge of the structure.

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this article is to obtain a stable tensegrity structure by using the minimum knowledge of the structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Three methods have been formulated based on the eigen value decomposition (EVD) and singular value decomposition theorems. These two theorems are being implemented on the matrices, which are computed from the minimal data of the structure. The required minimum data for the structure is the dimension of the structure, the connectivity matrix of the structure and the initial force density matrix computed from the type of elements. The stability of the structure is analyzed based on the rank deficiency of the force density matrix and equilibrium matrix.

Findings

The main purpose of this article is to use the defined methods to find (1) the nodal coordinates of the structure, (2) the final force density values of the structure, (3) single self-stress from multiple self-stresses and (4) the stable structure.

Originality/value

By using the defined approaches, one can understand the difference of each method, which includes, (1) the selection of eigenvalues, (2) the selection of nodal coordinates from the first decomposition theorem, (3) the selection of mechanism mode and force density values further and (4) the solution of single feasible self-stress from multiple self-stresses.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2023

Ahmed M. E. Bayoumi

This article proposes a relaxed gradient iterative (RGI) algorithm to solve coupled Sylvester-conjugate transpose matrix equations (CSCTME) with two unknowns.

Abstract

Purpose

This article proposes a relaxed gradient iterative (RGI) algorithm to solve coupled Sylvester-conjugate transpose matrix equations (CSCTME) with two unknowns.

Design/methodology/approach

This article proposes a RGI algorithm to solve CSCTME with two unknowns.

Findings

The introduced (RGI) algorithm is more efficient than the gradient iterative (GI) algorithm presented in Bayoumi (2014), where the author's method exhibits quick convergence behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The introduced (RGI) algorithm is more efficient than the GI algorithm presented in Bayoumi (2014), where the author's method exhibits quick convergence behavior.

Practical implications

In systems and control, Lyapunov matrix equations, Sylvester matrix equations and other matrix equations are commonly encountered.

Social implications

In systems and control, Lyapunov matrix equations, Sylvester matrix equations and other matrix equations are commonly encountered.

Originality/value

This article proposes a relaxed gradient iterative (RGI) algorithm to solve coupled Sylvester conjugate transpose matrix equations (CSCTME) with two unknowns. For any initial matrices, a sufficient condition is derived to determine whether the proposed algorithm converges to the exact solution. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested method and to compare it with the gradient-based iterative algorithm proposed in [6] numerical examples are provided.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 July 2023

A.M.D.S. Atapattu, Chandanie Hadiwattage, B.A.K.S. Perera and Dilakshan Rajaratnam

The circular economy concept emerged as the resolution to the destructive linear economy practices. Nevertheless, the transition to a circular built environment is hindered due to…

Abstract

Purpose

The circular economy concept emerged as the resolution to the destructive linear economy practices. Nevertheless, the transition to a circular built environment is hindered due to the ambiguities of the economic value of the concept. Conversely, numerous decision-making tools are applied in the construction industry in assessing economic alternatives, even if there is a gap in utilising these tools in appraising circular economic practices. Hence, this study investigates the potential benefits of applying proven decision-making practices, particularly criteria scoring matrices, in developing circular built environments.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was followed to achieve the aim of the study. A conceptual design of a criteria scoring matrix was developed with a comprehensive literature survey. Semi-structured interviews of a three-round Delphi expert survey were employed to assess the matrix qualitatively and develop the matrix further. Data were analysed using the content analysis method.

Findings

The lack of a value assessment tool in economically assessing the circular economy principles is a key barrier to transcending to a circular built environment. In addressing this issue, this study develops a criteria scoring matrix for circularity value assessment during the design stage of a construction project.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the theory by developing a criteria scoring matrix to measure the economic contribution of circular economy principles. Further, this research contributes to the practice by allowing construction alternatives to be selected, balancing the potential economic return options of a project with the project's contribution to a circular economy.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2023

Mandeep Singh, Khushdeep Goyal and Deepak Bhandari

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of titanium oxide (TiO2) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles-reinforced pure aluminium (Al) on the mechanical properties of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of titanium oxide (TiO2) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles-reinforced pure aluminium (Al) on the mechanical properties of hybrid aluminium matrix nanocomposites (HAMNCs).

Design/methodology/approach

The HAMNCs were fabricated via a vacuum die-assisted stir casting route by a two-step feeding method. The varying weight percentages of TiO2 and Y2O3 nanoparticles were added as 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 Wt.%.

Findings

Scanning electron microscope images showed the homogenous dispersion of nanoparticles in Al matrix. The tensile strength by 28.97%, yield strength by 50.60%, compression strength by 104.6% and micro-hardness by 50.90% were improved in HAMNC1 when compared to the base matrix. The highest values impact strength of 36.3 J was observed for HAMNC1. The elongation % was decreased by increasing the weight percentage of the nanoparticles. HAMNC1 improved the wear resistance by 23.68%, while increasing the coefficient of friction by 14.18%. Field emission scanning electron microscope analysis of the fractured surfaces of tensile samples revealed microcracks and the debonding of nanoparticles.

Originality/value

The combined effect of TiO2 and Y2O3 nanoparticles with pure Al on mechanical properties has been studied. The composites were fabricated with two-step feeding vacuum-assisted stir casting.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 September 2023

Bilian Cheng, Gaoming Jiang, Junjie Zhao and Bingxian Li

The purpose of this paper is to conveniently and accurately design partial knitting knitted fabrics based on matrix transformation.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conveniently and accurately design partial knitting knitted fabrics based on matrix transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using mathematical modeling, the pattern diagram block matrix and process design matrix of partial knitting knitted fabrics are established, and the process knitting diagram with parameter information is generated. Based on the establishment of the mathematical model of the process knitting diagram, a loop deformation method based on three-dimensional (3D) coordinate point matrix transformation is proposed.

Findings

The matrix transformation method can provide a suitable deformed loop mode for partial knitting knitted fabrics and helps to generate a 3D modeling diagram conveniently.

Originality/value

This paper proposed a method of design and modeling of partial knitting knitted fabric based on matrix transformation. Taking the 3D modeling effect of conventional partial knitting as an example to test the modeling method, the results show that after matrix transformation, the loop model can realize the rapid transformation and calculation of the coordinates of the control point and generate a 3D modeling diagram.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 35 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

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