A Comparative Study of Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms for Solving Real-World Engineering Design Problems

Real-world engineering design problems with complex objective functions under some constraints are relatively difficult problems to solve.Such design problems are widely experienced in many engineering fields,such as industry,automotive,construction,machinery,and interdisciplinary research.However,there are established optimization techniques that have shown effectiveness in addressing these types of issues.This research paper gives a comparative study of the implementation of seventeen new metaheuristic methods in order to optimize twelve distinct engineering design issues.The algorithms used in the study are listed as:transient search optimization(TSO),equilibrium optimizer(EO),grey wolf optimizer(GWO),moth-flame optimization(MFO),whale optimization algorithm(WOA),slimemould algorithm(SMA),harris hawks optimization(HHO),chimp optimization algorithm(COA),coot optimization algorithm(COOT),multi-verse optimization(MVO),arithmetic optimization algorithm(AOA),aquila optimizer(AO),sine cosine algorithm(SCA),smell agent optimization(SAO),and seagull optimization algorithm(SOA),pelican optimization algorithm(POA),and coati optimization algorithm(CA).As far as we know,there is no comparative analysis of recent and popular methods against the concrete conditions of real-world engineering problems.Hence,a remarkable research guideline is presented in the study for researchersworking in the fields of engineering and artificial intelligence,especiallywhen applying the optimization methods that have emerged recently.Future research can rely on this work for a literature search on comparisons of metaheuristic optimization methods in real-world problems under similar conditions.

Oscillation properties of eigenfunctions for Sturm-Liouville problems with interface conditions via Prufer transformation

A class of Sturm-Liouville problems with discontinuity is studied in this paper.The oscillation properties of eigenfunctions for Sturm-Liouville problems with interface conditions are obtained.The main method used in this paper is based on Prufer transformation,which is different from the classical ones.Moreover,we give two examples to verify our main results.

Problematic Use of Video Games in Schools in Northern Benin (2023)

Objective: To study the problematic use of video games among secondary school students in the city of Parakou in 2023. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the commune of Parakou from December 2022 to July 2023. The study population consisted of students regularly enrolled in public and private secondary schools in the city of Parakou for the 2022-2023 academic year. A two-stage non-proportional stratified sampling technique combined with simple random sampling was adopted. The Problem Video Game Playing (PVP) scale was used to assess problem gambling in the study population, while anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: A total of 1030 students were included. The mean age of the pupils surveyed was 15.06 ± 2.68 years, with extremes of 10 and 28 years. The [13 - 18] age group was the most represented, with a proportion of 59.6% (614) in the general population. Females predominated, at 52.8% (544), with a sex ratio of 0.89. The prevalence of problematic video game use was 24.9%, measured using the Video Game Playing scale. Associated factors were male gender (p = 0.005), pocket money under 10,000 cfa (p = 0.001) and between 20,000 - 90,000 cfa (p = 0.030), addictive family behavior (p < 0.001), monogamous family (p = 0.023), good relationship with father (p = 0.020), organization of video game competitions (p = 0.001) and definite anxiety (p Conclusion: Substance-free addiction is struggling to attract the attention it deserves, as it did in its infancy everywhere else. This study complements existing data and serves as a reminder of the need to focus on this group of addictions, whose problematic use of video games remains the most frequent due to its accessibility and social tolerance. Preventive action combined with curative measures remains the most effective means of combating the problem at national level.

Association of preschool children behavior and emotional problems with the parenting behavior of both parents

BACKGROUND Parental behaviors are key in shaping children’s psychological and behavioral development,crucial for early identification and prevention of mental health issues,reducing psychological trauma in childhood.AIM To investigate the relationship between parenting behaviors and behavioral and emotional issues in preschool children.METHODS From October 2017 to May 2018,7 kindergartens in Ma’anshan City were selected to conduct a parent self-filled questionnaire-Health Development Survey of Preschool Children.Children’s Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire(Parent Version)was applied to measures the children’s behavioral and emotional performance.Parenting behavior was evaluated using the Parental Behavior Inventory.Binomial logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between the detection rate of preschool children’s behavior and emotional problems and their parenting behaviors.RESULTS High level of parental support/participation was negatively correlated with conduct problems,abnormal hyperactivity,abnormal total difficulty scores and abnormal prosocial behavior problems.High level of maternal support/participation was negatively correlated with abnormal emotional symptoms and abnormal peer interaction in children.High level of parental hostility/coercion was positively correlated with abnormal emotional symptoms,abnormal conduct problems,abnormal hyperactivity,abnormal peer interaction,and abnormal total difficulty scores in children(all P<0.05).Moreover,paternal parenting behaviors had similarly effects on behavior and emotional problems of preschool children compared with maternal parenting behaviors(all P>0.05),after calculating ratio of odds ratio values.CONCLUSION Our study found that parenting behaviors are associated with behavioral and emotional issues in preschool children.Overall,the more supportive or involved the parents are,the fewer behavioral and emotional problems the children experience;conversely,the more hostile or controlling the parents are,the more behavioral and emotional problems the children face.Moreover,the impact of fathers’parenting behaviors on preschool children’s behavior and emotions is no less significant than that of mothers’parenting behaviors.

Dirac method for nonlinear and non-homogenous boundary value problems of plates

The boundary value problem plays a crucial role in the analytical investigation of continuum dynamics. In this paper, an analytical method based on the Dirac operator to solve the nonlinear and non-homogeneous boundary value problem of rectangular plates is proposed. The key concept behind this method is to transform the nonlinear or non-homogeneous part on the boundary into a lateral force within the governing function by the Dirac operator, which linearizes and homogenizes the original boundary, allowing one to employ the modal superposition method for obtaining solutions to reconstructive governing equations. Once projected into the modal space, the harmonic balance method(HBM) is utilized to solve coupled ordinary differential equations(ODEs)of truncated systems with nonlinearity. To validate the convergence and accuracy of the proposed Dirac method, the results of typical examples, involving nonlinearly restricted boundaries, moment excitation, and displacement excitation, are compared with those of the differential quadrature element method(DQEM). The results demonstrate that when dealing with nonlinear boundaries, the Dirac method exhibits more excellent accuracy and convergence compared with the DQEM. However, when facing displacement excitation, there exist some discrepancies between the proposed approach and simulations;nevertheless, the proposed method still accurately predicts resonant frequencies while being uniquely capable of handling nonuniform displacement excitations. Overall, this methodology offers a convenient way for addressing nonlinear and non-homogenous plate boundaries.

Using Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Location Problem of Drone Logistics Hub

Drone logistics is a novel method of distribution that will become prevalent.The advantageous location of the logistics hub enables quicker customer deliveries and lower fuel consumption,resulting in cost savings for the company’s transportation operations.Logistics firms must discern the ideal location for establishing a logistics hub,which is challenging due to the simplicity of existing models and the intricate delivery factors.To simulate the drone logistics environment,this study presents a new mathematical model.The model not only retains the aspects of the current models,but also considers the degree of transportation difficulty from the logistics hub to the village,the capacity of drones for transportation,and the distribution of logistics hub locations.Moreover,this paper proposes an improved particle swarm optimization(PSO)algorithm which is a diversity-based hybrid PSO(DHPSO)algorithm to solve this model.In DHPSO,the Gaussian random walk can enhance global search in the model space,while the bubble-net attacking strategy can speed convergence.Besides,Archimedes spiral strategy is employed to overcome the local optima trap in the model and improve the exploitation of the algorithm.DHPSO maintains a balance between exploration and exploitation while better defining the distribution of logistics hub locations Numerical experiments show that the newly proposed model always achieves better locations than the current model.Comparing DHPSO with other state-of-the-art intelligent algorithms,the efficiency of the scheme can be improved by 42.58%.This means that logistics companies can reduce distribution costs and consumers can enjoy a more enjoyable shopping experience by using DHPSO’s location selection.All the results show the location of the drone logistics hub is solved by DHPSO effectively.

Problem-solving model guided by stimulus-organism-response theory:State of mind and coping styles of depressed mothers after cesarean delivery

BACKGROUND The use of a problem-solving model guided by stimulus-organism-response(SOR)theory for women with postpartum depression after cesarean delivery may inform nursing interventions for women with postpartum depression.AIM To explore the state of mind and coping style of women with depression after cesarean delivery guided by SOR theory.METHODS Eighty postpartum depressed women with cesarean delivery admitted to the hospital between January 2022 and October 2023 were selected and divided into two groups of 40 cases each,according to the random number table method.In the control group,the observation group adopted the problem-solving nursing model under SOR theory.The two groups were consecutively intervened for 12 weeks,and the state of mind,coping styles,and degree of post-partum depression were analyzed at the end of the intervention.RESULTS The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale-24-item scores of the observation group were lower than in the control group after care,and the level of improvement in the state of mind was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).The level of coping with illness in the observation group after care(26.48±3.35)was higher than that in the control group(21.73±3.20),and the level of avoidance(12.04±2.68)and submission(8.14±1.15)was lower than that in the control group(15.75±2.69 and 9.95±1.20),with significant differences(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Adopting the problem-solving nursing model using SOR theory for postpartum depressed mothers after cesarean delivery reduced maternal depression,improved their state of mind,and coping level with illness.

THE WEIGHTED KATO SQUARE ROOT PROBLEMOF ELLIPTIC OPERATORS HAVING A BMOANTI-SYMMETRICPART

Let n≥2 and let L be a second-order elliptic operator of divergence form with coefficients consisting of both an elliptic symmetric part and a BMO anti-symmetric part in ℝ^(n).In this article,we consider the weighted Kato square root problem for L.More precisely,we prove that the square root L^(1/2)satisfies the weighted L^(p)estimates||L^(1/2)(f)||L_(ω)^p(R^(n))≤C||■f||L_(ω)^p(R^(n);R^(n))for any p∈(1,∞)andω∈Ap(ℝ^(n))(the class of Muckenhoupt weights),and that||■f||L_(ω)^p(R^(n);R^(n))≤C||L^(1/2)(f)||L_(ω)^p(R^(n))for any p∈(1,2+ε)andω∈Ap(ℝ^(n))∩RH_(2+ε/p),(R^(n))(the class of reverse Hölder weights),whereε∈(0,∞)is a constant depending only on n and the operator L,and where(2+ε/p)'denotes the Hölder conjugate exponent of 2+ε/p.Moreover,for any given q∈(2,∞),we give a sufficient condition to obtain that||■f||L_(ω)^p(R^(n);R^(n))≤C||L^(1/2)(f)||L_(ω)^p(R^(n))for any p∈(1,q)andω∈A_(p)(R^(n))∩pRH_(q/p),(R^(n)).As an application,we prove that when the coefficient matrix A that appears in L satisfies the small BMO condition,the Riesz transform∇L^(−1/2)is bounded on L_(ω)^(p)(ℝ^(n))for any given p∈(1,∞)andω∈Ap(ℝ^(n)).Furthermore,applications to the weighted L^(2)-regularity problem with the Dirichlet or the Neumann boundary condition are also given.

Appropriate Combination of Crossover Operator and Mutation Operator in Genetic Algorithms for the Travelling Salesman Problem

Genetic algorithms(GAs)are very good metaheuristic algorithms that are suitable for solving NP-hard combinatorial optimization problems.AsimpleGAbeginswith a set of solutions represented by a population of chromosomes and then uses the idea of survival of the fittest in the selection process to select some fitter chromosomes.It uses a crossover operator to create better offspring chromosomes and thus,converges the population.Also,it uses a mutation operator to explore the unexplored areas by the crossover operator,and thus,diversifies the GA search space.A combination of crossover and mutation operators makes the GA search strong enough to reach the optimal solution.However,appropriate selection and combination of crossover operator and mutation operator can lead to a very good GA for solving an optimization problem.In this present paper,we aim to study the benchmark traveling salesman problem(TSP).We developed several genetic algorithms using seven crossover operators and six mutation operators for the TSP and then compared them to some benchmark TSPLIB instances.The experimental studies show the effectiveness of the combination of a comprehensive sequential constructive crossover operator and insertion mutation operator for the problem.The GA using the comprehensive sequential constructive crossover with insertion mutation could find average solutions whose average percentage of excesses from the best-known solutions are between 0.22 and 14.94 for our experimented problem instances.

Problems and Development Suggestions of Nature Education in Jiangxi Province

The forest coverage rate of Jiangxi Province ranks second in China.It has rich natural resources,a long history of ancient color culture and rich red culture.In the development of nature education,Jiangxi Province has great potential and advantages.This paper introduces the development conditions of nature education in Jiangxi Province,summarizes the problems existing in the development of nature education in Jiangxi Province from the aspects of the types of nature education and the construction of nature education base,such as simple content and single form,imperfect infrastructure and lack of professionals,and puts forward some suggestions on the development of nature education in Jiangxi Province.

The Regularity of Solutions to Mixed Boundary Value Problems of Second-Order Elliptic Equations with Small Angles

This paper considers the regularity of solutions to mixed boundary value problems in small-angle regions for elliptic equations. By constructing a specific barrier function, we proved that under the assumption of sufficient regularity of boundary conditions and coefficients, as long as the angle is sufficiently small, the regularity of the solution to the mixed boundary value problem of the second-order elliptic equation can reach any order.

Spherically Symmetric Problem of General Relativity for a Fluid Sphere

The paper is devoted to a spherically symmetric problem of General Relativity (GR) for a fluid sphere. The problem is solved within the framework of a special geometry of the Riemannian space induced by gravitation. According to this geometry, the four-dimensional Riemannian space is assumed to be Euclidean with respect to the space coordinates and Riemannian with respect to the time coordinate. Such interpretation of the Riemannian space allows us to obtain complete set of GR equations for the external empty space and the internal spaces for incompressible and compressible perfect fluids. The obtained analytical solution for an incompressible fluid is compared with the Schwarzchild solution. For a sphere consisting of compressible fluid or gas, a numerical solution is presented and discussed.

A Priori Error Analysis for NCVEM Discretization of Elliptic Optimal Control Problem

In this paper, we propose the nonconforming virtual element method (NCVEM) discretization for the pointwise control constraint optimal control problem governed by elliptic equations. Based on the NCVEM approximation of state equation and the variational discretization of control variables, we construct a virtual element discrete scheme. For the state, adjoint state and control variable, we obtain the corresponding prior estimate in H1 and L2 norms. Finally, some numerical experiments are carried out to support the theoretical results.

Numerical Exploration of Asymmetrical Impact Dynamics: Unveiling Nonlinearities in Collision Problems and Resilience of Reinforced Concrete Structures

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of collision and impact problems’ numerical solutions, focusing ongeometric, contact, and material nonlinearities, all essential in solving large deformation problems during a collision.The initial discussion revolves around the stress and strain of large deformation during a collision, followedby explanations of the fundamental finite element solution method for addressing such issues. The hourglassmode’s control methods, such as single-point reduced integration and contact-collision algorithms are detailedand implemented within the finite element framework. The paper further investigates the dynamic responseand failure modes of Reinforced Concrete (RC) members under asymmetrical impact using a 3D discrete modelin ABAQUS that treats steel bars and concrete connections as bond slips. The model’s validity was confirmedthrough comparisons with the node-sharing algorithm and system energy relations. Experimental parameterswere varied, including the rigid hammer’s mass and initial velocity, concrete strength, and longitudinal and stirrupreinforcement ratios. Findings indicated that increased hammer mass and velocity escalated RC member damage,while increased reinforcement ratios improved impact resistance. Contrarily, increased concrete strength did notsignificantly reduce lateral displacement when considering strain rate effects. The study also explores materialnonlinearity, examining different materials’ responses to collision-induced forces and stresses, demonstratedthrough an elastic rod impact case study. The paper proposes a damage criterion based on the residual axialload-bearing capacity for assessing damage under the asymmetrical impact, showing a correlation betweendamage degree hammer mass and initial velocity. The results, validated through comparison with theoreticaland analytical solutions, verify the ABAQUS program’s accuracy and reliability in analyzing impact problems,offering valuable insights into collision and impact problems’ nonlinearities and practical strategies for enhancingRC structures’ resilience under dynamic stress.

On the “Onion Husk” Algorithm for Approximate Solution of the Traveling Salesman Problem

The paper describes some implementation aspects of an algorithm for approximate solution of the traveling salesman problem based on the construction of convex closed contours on the initial set of points (“cities”) and their subsequent combination into a closed path (the so-called contour algorithm or “onion husk” algorithm). A number of heuristics related to the different stages of the algorithm are considered, and various variants of the algorithm based on these heuristics are analyzed. Sets of randomly generated points of different sizes (from 4 to 90 and from 500 to 10,000) were used to test the algorithms. The numerical results obtained are compared with the results of two well-known combinatorial optimization algorithms, namely the algorithm based on the branch and bound method and the simulated annealing algorithm. .

Analysis of the Effect of Problem-Oriented Nursing Intervention on Patients with Lower Extremity Arteriosclerosis Obliterans in Vascular Surgery

Objective: To analyze the effect of problem-oriented nursing intervention on patients with lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) in vascular surgery. Methods: The clinical data of 128 patients with lower extremity ASO in vascular surgery were selected and randomly divided into groups A and B, with 64 cases each. Group A is the control group, and Group B is the observation group. Group A received the routine nursing intervention, and Group B received the problem-oriented nursing intervention. The compliance, self-care ability, psychological state, quality of life, and nursing satisfaction of the two groups of patients were evaluated based on various indicators. Results: After the intervention, the evaluation of self-care ability (ESCA) score of the patients in Group B was higher than that of Group A, and the symptom checklist-90 (SCL-90) score was lower than that of Group A. The differences were significant (t = 10.019, t = 3.118, P < 0.01). After the intervention, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) index scores of the two groups increased and the increase in Group B was significantly higher than Group A (P < 0.001). The compliance rate of Group B (62/ 96.88%) was higher than that of Group A (52/ 81.25%), and the difference was extremely significant (χ2 = 8.020, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Problem-oriented nursing intervention for patients with lower extremity ASO in vascular surgery improved the patient’s self-care ability, and quality of life, reduced the patient’s negative emotions, and enhanced their overall satisfaction.

The Status Quo and Problems of Red Cultural Sites in the New Era and Their Exploration Paths: Taking the Luxi Region as an Example

Red cultural site is the carrier of red culture,containing profound revolutionary history and value of the times,we should deeply excavate the intrinsic potential of red cultural sites,pay attention to the ontological protection of red cultural sites,develop and improve the red cultural innovation projects,and strengthen the red culture itself and supporting the construction.This paper takes the old revolutionary area of Luxi as an example,conducts field investigation and visits based on the local county records and party history materials,and investigates a total of five red cultural sites and memorial halls in Luxi,focusing on the actual achievements and problems exposed in the protection and development of the current red cultural sites,to provide references and thinking for the protection,development,and innovative utilization of red cultural sites in the new era of our country.

Effects of Health Education with Problem-Based Learning Approaches on the Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Coping Skills of Women with High-Risk Pregnancies in Plateau Areas

Objective: Given the unique cultural background, way of life, and physical environment of the Tibetan Plateau, this study aims to investigate the effects of health education using problem-based learning (PBL) approaches on the knowledge, attitude, practice, and coping skills of women with high-risk pregnancies in this region. Methods: 76 high-risk pregnancy cases were enrolled at Tibet’s Linzhi People’s Hospital between September 2023 and April 2024. 30 patients admitted between September 2023 and December 2023 were selected as the control group and were performed with regular patient education. 46 patients admitted between January 2024 and April 2024 were selected as the observation group and were performed regular patient education with problem-based learning approaches. Two groups’ performance on their health knowledge, attitude, practice and coping skills before and after interventions were evaluated, and patient satisfaction were measured at the end of the study. Results: There was no statistical significance (P P P Conclusions: Health education with problem-based learning approaches is worth promoting as it can help high-risk pregnant women in plateau areas develop better health knowledge, attitude and practice and healthier coping skills. Also, it can improve patient sanctification.

Prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems among schoolchildren in Herat City,Afghanistan

Background:The prevalence of pediatric mental illnesses has been increasing in recent years,with a great potential to impact on individual's functionality and adaptation in adulthood.Objective:This study aims to assess emotional and behavioral problems among schoolchildren in Herat City of Afghanistan.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on schoolchildren(grade 5-10),between September and November 2021.Sociodemographic data was collected using a paper-based 14-item structured questionnaire.Data on emotional and behavioral problems was collected using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire(SDQ)based on teachers'and children's report.Statistical analyses were performed in IBM SPSS Statistics(version 27).Results:A total of 418 students,including 190(45.5%)males and 228(54.5%)females with a mean age of 14.1±1.7(11-<18)years were included in the study.The prevalence of students*self-reported total difficulties and prosocial problem were 5.7%and 1.2%,respectively.An insignificant difference was observed between mean total difficulties scores between students'self-reported and teachers'reported SDQ.Gender,grade,concern about shortage of food,and concern about losing house were significantly predicting students'self-reported total difficulties scores.Conclusion:This is the first study to report the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems among schoolchildren in Herat City,Afghanistan.This,together with relevant global literature,highlight the need to address pediatric mental health,and provide services aimed at preventing,and treating children with these prob­lems around the world.

Radon Measure Solutions to Riemann Problems for Isentropic Compressible Euler Equations of Polytropic Gases

We solve the Riemann problems for isentropic compressible Euler equations of polytropic gases in the class of Radon measures,and the solutions admit the concentration of mass.It is found that under the requirement of satisfying the over-compressing entropy condition:(i)there is a unique delta shock solution,corresponding to the case that has two strong classical Lax shocks;(ii)for the initial data that the classical Riemann solution contains a shock wave and a rarefaction wave,or two shocks with one being weak,there are infinitely many solutions,each consists of a delta shock and a rarefaction wave;(iii)there are no delta shocks for the case that the classical entropy weak solutions consist only of rarefaction waves.These solutions are self-similar.Furthermore,for the generalized Riemann problem with mass concentrated initially at the discontinuous point of initial data,there always exists a unique delta shock for at least a short time.It could be prolonged to a global solution.Not all the solutions are self-similar due to the initial velocity of the concentrated point-mass(particle).Whether the delta shock solutions constructed satisfy the over-compressing entropy condition is clarified.This is the first result on the construction of singular measure solutions to the compressible Euler system of polytropic gases,that is strictly hyperbolic,and whose characteristics are both genuinely nonlinear.We also discuss possible physical interpretations and applications of these new solutions.