Tensile Strain Capacity Prediction of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) Using Soft Computing Techniques

Plain concrete is strong in compression but brittle in tension,having a low tensile strain capacity that can significantly degrade the long-term performance of concrete structures,even when steel reinforcing is present.In order to address these challenges,short polymer fibers are randomly dispersed in a cement-based matrix to forma highly ductile engineered cementitious composite(ECC).Thismaterial exhibits high ductility under tensile forces,with its tensile strain being several hundred times greater than conventional concrete.Since concrete is inherently weak in tension,the tensile strain capacity(TSC)has become one of the most extensively researched properties.As a result,developing a model to predict the TSC of the ECC and to optimize the mixture proportions becomes challenging.Meanwhile,the effort required for laboratory trial batches to determine the TSC is reduced.To achieve the research objectives,five distinct models,artificial neural network(ANN),nonlinear model(NLR),linear relationship model(LR),multi-logistic model(MLR),and M5P-tree model(M5P),are investigated and employed to predict the TSCof ECCmixtures containing fly ash.Data from115 mixtures are gathered and analyzed to develop a new model.The input variables include mixture proportions,fiber length and diameter,and the time required for curing the various mixtures.The model’s effectiveness is evaluated and verified based on statistical parameters such as R2,mean absolute error(MAE),scatter index(SI),root mean squared error(RMSE),and objective function(OBJ)value.Consequently,the ANN model outperforms the others in predicting the TSC of the ECC,with RMSE,MAE,OBJ,SI,and R2 values of 0.42%,0.3%,0.33%,0.135%,and 0.98,respectively.

Constructing a biofunctionalized 3D-printed gelatin/sodium alginate/chitosan tri-polymer complex scaffold with improvised biological andmechanical properties for bone-tissue engineering

Sodium alginate(SA)/chitosan(CH)polyelectrolyte scaffold is a suitable substrate for tissue-engineering application.The present study deals with further improvement in the tensile strength and biological properties of this type of scaffold to make it a potential template for bone-tissue regeneration.We experimented with adding 0%–15%(volume fraction)gelatin(GE),a protein-based biopolymer known to promote cell adhesion,proliferation,and differentiation.The resulting tri-polymer complex was used as bioink to fabricate SA/CH/GEmatrices by three-dimensional(3D)printing.Morphological studies using scanning electron microscopy revealed the microfibrous porous architecture of all the structures,which had a pore size range of 383–419μm.X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses revealed the amorphous nature of the scaffold and the strong electrostatic interactions among the functional groups of the polymers,thereby forming polyelectrolyte complexes which were found to improve mechanical properties and structural stability.The scaffolds exhibited a desirable degradation rate,controlled swelling,and hydrophilic characteristics which are favorable for bone-tissue engineering.The tensile strength improved from(386±15)to(693±15)kPa due to the increased stiffness of SA/CH scaffolds upon addition of gelatin.The enhanced protein adsorption and in vitro bioactivity(forming an apatite layer)confirmed the ability of the SA/CH/GE scaffold to offer higher cellular adhesion and a bone-like environment to cells during the process of tissue regeneration.In vitro biological evaluation including the MTT assay,confocal microscopy analysis,and alizarin red S assay showed a significant increase in cell attachment,cell viability,and cell proliferation,which further improved biomineralization over the scaffold surface.In addition,SA/CH containing 15%gelatin designated as SA/CH/GE15 showed superior performance to the other fabricated 3D structures,demonstrating its potential for use in bone-tissue engineering.

Introduction to the Special Issue on Computational Intelligent Systems for Solving Complex Engineering Problems: Principles and Applications

Computational Intelligent(CI)systems represent a pivotal intersection of cutting-edge technologies and complex engineering challenges aimed at solving real-world problems.This comprehensive body of work delves into the realm of CI,which is designed to tackle intricate and multifaceted engineering problems through advanced computational techniques.The history of CI systems is a fascinating journey that spans several decades and has its roots in the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques.Through a wide array of practical examples and case studies,this special issue bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and practical implementation,shedding light on how CI systems can optimize processes,design solutions,and inform decisions in complex engineering landscapes.This compilation stands as an essential resource for both novice learners and seasoned practitioners,offering a holistic perspective on the potential of CI in reshaping the future of engineering problem-solving.

Recent advances in the application of MXenes for neural tissue engineering and regeneration

Transition metal carbides and nitrides(MXenes)are crystal nanomaterials with a number of surface functional groups such as fluorine,hydroxyl,and oxygen,which can be used as carriers for proteins and drugs.MXenes have excellent biocompatibility,electrical conductivity,surface hydrophilicity,mechanical properties and easy surface modification.However,at present,the stability of most MXenes needs to be improved,and more synthesis methods need to be explored.MXenes are good substrates for nerve cell regeneration and nerve reconstruction,which have broad application prospects in the repair of nervous system injury.Regarding the application of MXenes in neuroscience,mainly at the cellular level,the long-term in vivo biosafety and effects also need to be further explored.This review focuses on the progress of using MXenes in nerve regeneration over the last few years;discussing preparation of MXenes and their biocompatibility with different cells as well as the regulation by MXenes of nerve cell regeneration in two-dimensional and three-dimensional environments in vitro.MXenes have great potential in regulating the proliferation,differentiation,and maturation of nerve cells and in promoting regeneration and recovery after nerve injury.In addition,this review also presents the main challenges during optimization processes,such as the preparation of stable MXenes and long-term in vivo biosafety,and further discusses future directions in neural tissue engineering.

Green microfluidics in microchemical engineering for carbon neutrality

The concept of“carbon neutrality”poses a huge challenge for chemical engineering and brings great opportunities for boosting the development of novel technologies to realize carbon offsetting and reduce carbon emissions.Developing high-efficient,low-cost,energy-efficient and eco-friendly microfluidicbased microchemical engineering is of great significance.Such kind of“green microfluidics”can reduce carbon emissions from the source of raw materials and facilitate controllable and intensified microchemical engineering processes,which represents the new power for the transformation and upgrading of chemical engineering industry.Here,a brief review of green microfluidics for achieving carbon neutral microchemical engineering is presented,with specific discussions about the characteristics and feasibility of applying green microfluidics in realizing carbon neutrality.Development of green microfluidic systems are categorized and reviewed,including the construction of microfluidic devices by bio-based substrate materials and by low carbon fabrication methods,and the use of more biocompatible and nondestructive fluidic systems such as aqueous two-phase systems(ATPSs).Moreover,low carbon applications benefit from green microfluidics are summarized,ranging from separation and purification of biomolecules,high-throughput screening of chemicals and drugs,rapid and cost-effective detections,to synthesis of fine chemicals and novel materials.Finally,challenges and perspectives for further advancing green microfluidics in microchemical engineering for carbon neutrality are proposed and discussed.

A Review on Interface Engineering of MXenes for Perovskite Solar Cells

With an excellent power conversion efficiency of 25.7%,closer to the Shockley–Queisser limit,perovskite solar cells(PSCs)have become a strong candidate for a next-generation energy harvester.However,the lack of stability and reliability in PSCs remained challenging for commercialization.Strategies,such as interfacial and structural engineering,have a more critical influence on enhanced performance.MXenes,two-dimensional materials,have emerged as promising materials in solar cell applications due to their metallic electrical conductivity,high carrier mobility,excellent optical transparency,wide tunable work function,and superior mechanical properties.Owing to different choices of transition elements and surface-terminating functional groups,MXenes possess the feature of tuning the work function,which is an essential metric for band energy alignment between the absorber layer and the charge transport layers for charge carrier extraction and collection in PSCs.Furthermore,adopting MXenes to their respective components helps reduce the interfacial recombination resistance and provides smooth charge transfer paths,leading to enhanced conductivity and operational stability of PSCs.This review paper aims to provide an overview of the applications of MXenes as components,classified according to their roles as additives(into the perovskite absorber layer,charge transport layers,and electrodes)and themselves alone or as interfacial layers,and their significant importance in PSCs in terms of device performance and stability.Lastly,we discuss the present research status and future directions toward its use in PSCs.

Investigating the Effects of Eichhornia Crassipes Biodiesel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas on the Performance and Emissions of a Dual-Fuel Engine

This study considers the effect of Eichhornia Crassipes Biodiesel(ECB)blends on the performances,combustion,and emission characteristics of a direct injection compression ignition engine operated in a dual-fuel mode(DFM)and equipped with an Exhaust gas recirculation technique(EGR).In particular,a single-cylinder,four-stroke,water-cooled diesel engine was utilized and four modes of fuel operation were considered:mode I,the engine operated with an ordinary diesel fuel;mode II,the engine operated with the addition of 2.4 L/min of lique-fied petroleum gas(LPG)and 20%EGR;mode III,20%ECB with 2.4 L/min LPG and 20%EGR;mode IV,40%ECB with 2.4 L/min LPG and 20%EGR.The operation conditions were constant engine speed(1500 rpm),var-iation of load(25%,50%,75%,and 100%),full load,with a compression ratio of 18,and a time injection of 23°BTDC(Before top died center).With regard to engine emissions,carbon dioxide(CO_(2)),carbon monoxide(CO),hydrocarbons(UHC),and nitrogen oxide(NOX)were measured using a gas analyzer.The smoke opacity was measured using an OPABOX smoke meter.By comparing the results related to the different modes with mode I at full load,the BTE(Brake thermal efficiency)increased by 20.17%,11.45%,and 12.66%with modes II,III,and IV,respectively.In comparison to the results for mode II,the BTE decreased due to the combustion of ECB blends by 7.26%and 6.24%for mode III and mode IV,respectively,at full load.In comparison to mode II,the Brake specific energy consumption(BSEC)increased with the ECB substitution.With ECB blends,there is a noticeable decrease in the CO,CO_(2),and UHC emissions at a partial load.Furthermore,the 20%ECB has no effect on CO emissions at full load.For modes II and IV,the CO_(2)increased by 33.33%and 19%,respectively,while the UHC emissions were reduced by 14.49%for mode III and 26.08%for mode IV.The smoke of mode III was lower by 7.21%,but for mode IV,it was higher by 12.37%.In addition,with mode III and mode IV,the NOx emissions increased by 30.50%and 18.80%,respectively.

Development Program of Chemical Industry Based Computer Assisted Instruction for Students of Industrial Engineering Department in Indonesia

This study aims to improve the competence of students of the Department of Industrial Engineering in Indonesia in the subject of Chemical Industry, in particular through the model-based teaching materials CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction) in the form of an interactive CD. In particular, the study was carried out for the purposes of: 1) designing and developing models of devices based learning CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction) systematically in prototype form, 2) producing an interactive CD as a model learning devices Chemical Industry based CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction) to improve the competence of students of the Department of Industrial Engineering in Industrial chemistry courses. The benefits of this research are: 1) for the government, the results of this study can be used as a reference in implementing educational policies, especially to enhance the nation’s competitiveness in the era of informatics;and 2) for the Department of Industrial Engineering in Indonesia, the results of this research can be used to enhance learning that can improve the competence of students in the subject of Chemical Industry, which in turn can be passed with high achievement. Products produced in the first year are a design-based teaching materials CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction) in prototype form, with the following steps: 1) pre- production which includes needs analysis, identifying and analyzing the needs based on the content of curriculum and learning model based CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction), the development of a concept related to Chemical Industry, the development of multimedia content that includes developing materials, animation, and evaluation related to industrial chemicals, gathering material to make the recording sound, shooting, and editing with regard to the development of teaching materials chemical Industry based CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction), as well as developing the storyboard as the layout of the multimedia contents by involving experts multimedia;2) production process that includes design/design and conduct of programming a prototype which means at this stage of the design and development of teaching materials based CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction);and 3) post-production which includes the evaluation justification experts, conducted trials on stakeholders, being revised based on input from experts, and doing packing and labeling.

LDH-based nanomaterials for photocatalytic applications:A comprehensive review on the role of bi/trivalent cations, anions,morphology, defect engineering, memory effect, and heterojunction formation

Using sunlight to drive chemical reactions via photocatalysis is paramount for a sustainable future.Among several photocatalysts,employing layered double hydrides(LDH) for photocatalytic application is most straightforward and desirable owing to their distinctive two-dimensional(2D) lamellar structure and optical attributes.This article reviews the advancements in bimetallic/trimetallic LDHs and various strategies to achieve high efficiency toward an outstanding performing photocatalyst.Firstly,the tuning of LDH components that control the electro nic and structural properties is explained.The tu ning obtained through the adoption,combination,and incorporation of different cations and anions is also explained.The progress of modification methods,such as the adoption of different morphologies,delamination,and defect engineering towards enhanced photocatalytic activities,is discussed in the mainstream.The band engineering,structural characteristics,and redox tuning are further deliberated to maximize solar energy harvesting for different photocatalytic applications.Finally,the progress obtained in forming hierarchical heterostructures through hybridization with other semiconductors or conducting materials is systematically disclosed to get maximum photocatalytic performance.Moreover,the structural changes during the in-situ synthesis of LDH and the stability of LDH-based photocatalysts are deliberated.The review also summarizes the improvements in LDH properties obtained through modification tactics and discusses the prospects for future energy and environmental applications.

Effect of Al_(2)O_(3) Nanoparticles on the Compression Ignition Performances and Emitted Pollutants of a Diesel Engine

To improve the performances of diesel engines and to reduce the pollutants they emit,aluminum oxide nanopar-ticles in varying quantities(50,100,150 ppm)have been added to conventional diesel fuel.The results of such experimental tests have revealed that the addition of nano-Al_(2)O_(3) particles to the diesel fuel reduces its consump-tion by 0.488%,1.02%,and 1.377%,respectively and increases the brake thermal efficiency by 1.4%,2.6%,and 3.8%,respectively.The concentrations of undesired gases decrease accordingly by 1.5%,1.7%,and 2.8%for HC and by 5.88%,11.7%,and 17.6%,respectively,for CO.For the same percentages of nanoparticles,NO_(x) increases by 2.65,4.36,and 5.37,while the TSP(Total Suspended Particulate)decreases by 22%,34.66%,and 49.7%,respectively.In the same conditions,sulfur dioxide pollutants increase by 4.57%,8.8%and 12.89%,and H_(2)S levels by 4.7%,7.81%and 8.9%,respectively.

Impediments of Cognitive System Engineering in Machine-Human Modeling

A comprehensive understanding of human intelligence is still an ongoing process,i.e.,human and information security are not yet perfectly matched.By understanding cognitive processes,designers can design humanized cognitive information systems(CIS).The need for this research is justified because today’s business decision makers are faced with questions they cannot answer in a given amount of time without the use of cognitive information systems.The researchers aim to better strengthen cognitive information systems with more pronounced cognitive thresholds by demonstrating the resilience of cognitive resonant frequencies to reveal possible responses to improve the efficiency of human-computer interaction(HCI).Apractice-oriented research approach included research analysis and a review of existing articles to pursue a comparative research model;thereafter,amodel development paradigm was used to observe and monitor the progression of CIS during HCI.The scope of our research provides a broader perspective on how different disciplines affect HCI and how human cognitive models can be enhanced to enrich complements.We have identified a significant gap in the current literature on mental processing resulting from a wide range of theory and practice.

BME 2.0: Engineering the Future of Medicine

If the 20th century was the age of mapping and controlling the external world,the 21st century is the biomedical age of mapping and controlling the biological internal world.The biomedical age is bringing new technological breakthroughs for sensing and controlling human biomolecules,cells,tissues,and organs,which underpin new frontiers in the biomedical discovery,data,biomanufacturing,and translational sciences.This article reviews what we believe will be the next wave of biomedical engineering(BME)education in support of the biomedical age,what we have termed BME 2.0.BME 2.0 was announced on October 122017 at BMES 49(https://www.bme.jhu.edu/news-events/news/miller-opens-2017-bmes-annual-meeting-with-vision-for-new-bme-era/).We present several principles upon which we believe the BME 2.0 curriculum should be constructed,and from these principles,we describe what view as the foundations that form the next generations of curricula in support of the BME enterprise.The core principles of BME 2.0 education are(a)educate students bilingually,from day 1,in the languages of modern molecular biology and the analytical modeling of complex biological systems;(b)prepare every student to be a biomedical data scientist;(c)build a unique BME community for discovery and innovation via a vertically integrated and convergent learning environment spanning the university and hospital systems;(d)champion an educational culture of inclusive excellence;and(e)codify in the curriculum ongoing discoveries at the frontiers of the discipline,thus ensuring BME 2.0 as a launchpad for training the future leaders of the biotechnology marketplaces.We envision that the BME 2.0 education is the path for providing every student with the training to lead in this new era of engineering the future of medicine in the 21st century.

Erratum to “BME 2.0: Engineering the Future of Medicine”

In the article“BME 2.0:Engineering the Future of Medicine”[1],the competing interests statement was inadvertently omitted by the publisher from the published version of the article.This has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML(full text).

苹果机械化采收发展历程、模式及其技术现状

经过近千年的进化发展,苹果伴随着品种及树形的改良,经历从自然熟落到人工采摘,从辅助工具、辅助收获平台、振动捡拾到智能机器人采收的发展历程及相应的不同的机械化作业模式。介绍苹果机械化采收的发展历程及技术现状、不同收获模式下所使用的机具设备以及不同收获模式所应用的场景与条件,为我国苹果主产区因地制宜地选择适合当地苹果收获作业模式提供借鉴。如人工或机器人采摘适用于苹果鲜售市场,非选择性振动捡拾收获方式适用于苹果的二次加工领域;而为提高机器人的作业效率,需要对苹果树的树形进行结构简化改良,需要考虑农机与栽培农艺的结合。

跟网型和构网型逆变器的阻抗无源化方法综述

相比传统同步机主导的电力系统,由并网逆变器所主导的新能源并网发电系统动态特性发生了根本性变化。近年,国内外报道了多次新能源并网发电系统振荡事件,振荡现象具有宽频域特征,动态行为具有非线性、时变性和复杂性。并网逆变器的端口阻抗无源性是保证并网发电系统稳定的充分条件,适用于复杂电网下的稳定性优化。文中针对跟网型和构网型逆变器,分别从控制器优化设计、串并联虚拟阻抗和其他无源化方法这三个方面,对两类逆变器的中高频阻抗无源化改善方法进行了总结和梳理,最后探讨了当前研究的不足与现存的挑战。

Two-dimensional Parameter Relationships for W UMa-type Systems Revisited

Reviewing the empirical and theoretical parameter relationships between various parameters is a good way to understand more about contact binary systems.In this investigation,two-dimensional(2D)relationships for P–MV(system),P–L1,2,M1,2–L1,2,and q–Lratiowere revisited.The sample used is related to 118 contact binary systems with an orbital period shorter than 0.6 days whose absolute parameters were estimated based on the Gaia Data Release 3 parallax.We reviewed previous studies on 2D relationships and updated six parameter relationships.Therefore,Markov chain Monte Carlo and Machine Learning methods were used,and the outcomes were compared.We selected 22 contact binary systems from eight previous studies for comparison,which had light curve solutions using spectroscopic data.The results show that the systems are in good agreement with the results of this study.

A shield of defense:Developing ballistic composite panels with effective electromagnetic interference shielding absorption

The primary goal of this study is to develop cost-effective shield materials that offer effective protection against high-velocity ballistic impact and electromagnetic interference(EMI)shielding capabilities through absorption.Six fiber-reinforced epoxy composite panels,each with a different fabric material and stacking sequence,have been fabricated using a hand-layup vacuum bagging process.Two panels made of Kevlar and glass fibers,referred to as(K-NIJ)and(G-NIJ),have been tested according to the National Institute of Justice ballistic resistance protective materials test NIJ 0108.01 Standard-Level IIIA(9 mm×19 mm FMJ 124 g)test.Three panels,namely,a hybrid of Kevlar and glass(H-S),glass with ceramic particles(C-S),and glass with recycled rubber(R-S)have been impacted by the bullet at the center,while the fourth panel made of glass fiber(G-S)has been impacted at the side.EMI shielding properties have been measured in the X-band frequency range via the reflection-transmission method.Results indicate that four panels(K-NIJ,G-NIJ,H-S,and G-S)are capable of withstanding high-velocity impact by stopping the bullet from penetrating through the panels while maintaining their structural integrity.However,under such conditions,these panels may experience localized delamination with variable severity.The EMI measurements reveal that the highest absorptivity observed is 88% for the KNIJ panel at 10.8 GHz,while all panels maintain an average absorptivity above 65%.All panels act as a lossy medium with a peak absorptivity at different frequencies,with K-NIJ and H-S panels demonstrating the highest absorptivity.In summary,the study results in the development of a novel,costeffective,multifunctional glass fiber epoxy composite that combines ballistic and electromagnetic interference shielding properties.The material has been developed using a simple manufacturing method and exhibits remarkable ballistic protection that outperforms Kevlar in terms of shielding efficiency;no bullet penetration or back face signature is observed,and it also demonstrates high EMI shielding absorption.Overall,the materials developed show great promise for various applications,including the military and defense.

A prototype for on-site generation of chlorinated disinfectant for use in rural aqueducts

Sodium hypochlorite has significant potential as a sanitation solution in hard-to-reach areas.Few studies have investigated the optimal electrolysis parameters for its production with volumes greater than 1o L.This study evaluated sodium hypochlorite production through electrolysis in a 22-L prototype and identified the optimal operating parameters.Tests were performed using graphite electrodes with areas of 68.4 cm²at the laboratory scale and 1865.0 cm?at the prototype scale.A design for experiments with different operating times,chloride concentrations,and electric current intensities was developed.The optimal operating time,sodium chloride concentration,and current intensity at the laboratory scale were 120 min,150 g of chloride per liter,and 3 A,respectively,leading to the production of 5.02 g/L of the disinfectant with an energy efficiency of 12.21 mg of Cl2 per kilojoule.At the prototype scale,the maximum sodium hypochlorite concentration of 3.99 g of chloride per liter was achieved with an operating time of 120 min,a sodium chloride concentration of 100 g of chloride per liter,and a current intensity of 70 A,reaching an energy efficiency of 42.56 mg of Cl2 per kilojoule.In addition,this study evaluated the influences of the chloride concentration,current intensity,and operating time on the production of sodium hypochlorite at the two scales,and formulated the equations showing the trends of sodium hypochlorite production and energy efficiency in the electrochemical systems.The 22-L prototype model for production of this oxidizing substance is promising for disinfection of large volumes of water in areas that are difficult to access.

Boulder-induced form roughness and skin shear stresses in a gravel-bed stream

Boulder spacing in mountain rivers and near-wake flow zones within the boulder array is very useful for fish habitat and growth of aquatic organisms.The present study aims to investigate how the boulder array and spacing influence the near-bed flow structures in a gravel-bed stream.Boulders are staggered over a gravel-bed stream with three different inter-boulder spacing namely(a)large(b)medium and(c)small spacing.An acoustic Doppler velocimeter was used for flow measurements in a rectangular channel and the results were compared with those acquired from numerical simulation.The time-averaged velocity profiles at the near-wake flow zones of boulders experience maximum flow retardation which is an outcome of the boulder-induced form roughness.The ratio of velocity differences associated to form and skin roughness and its positive magnitude reveals the dominance of form roughness closest to the boulders.Form roughness computed is 1.75 to 2 times higher than the skin roughness at the near-wake flow region.In particular,the collective immobile boulders placed at different inter-boulder spacings developed high and low bed shear stresses closest to the boulders.The low bed shear stresses characterised by a secondary peak developed at the trough location of the boulders is attributed to the skin shear stress.Further,the spatial averaging of time-averaged flow quantities gives additional impetus to present an improved illustration of fluid shear stresses.The formation of form-induced shear stress is estimated to be 17%to 23%of doubleaveraged Reynolds shear stress and partially compensates for the damping of time-averaged Reynolds shear stress in the interfacial sub-layer.The quadrant analysis of spatial velocity fluctuations depicts that the form-induced shear stresses are dominant in the interfacial sub-layer and have no significance above the gravel-bed surface.

New Antenna Array Beamforming Techniques Based on Hybrid Convolution/Genetic Algorithm for 5G and Beyond Communications

Side lobe level reduction(SLL)of antenna arrays significantly enhances the signal-to-interference ratio and improves the quality of service(QOS)in recent and future wireless communication systems starting from 5G up to 7G.Furthermore,it improves the array gain and directivity,increasing the detection range and angular resolution of radar systems.This study proposes two highly efficient SLL reduction techniques.These techniques are based on the hybridization between either the single convolution or the double convolution algorithms and the genetic algorithm(GA)to develop the Conv/GA andDConv/GA,respectively.The convolution process determines the element’s excitations while the GA optimizes the element spacing.For M elements linear antenna array(LAA),the convolution of the excitation coefficients vector by itself provides a new vector of excitations of length N=(2M−1).This new vector is divided into three different sets of excitations including the odd excitations,even excitations,and middle excitations of lengths M,M−1,andM,respectively.When the same element spacing as the original LAA is used,it is noticed that the odd and even excitations provide a much lower SLL than that of the LAA but with amuch wider half-power beamwidth(HPBW).While the middle excitations give the same HPBWas the original LAA with a relatively higher SLL.Tomitigate the increased HPBWof the odd and even excitations,the element spacing is optimized using the GA.Thereby,the synthesized arrays have the same HPBW as the original LAA with a two-fold reduction in the SLL.Furthermore,for extreme SLL reduction,the DConv/GA is introduced.In this technique,the same procedure of the aforementioned Conv/GA technique is performed on the resultant even and odd excitation vectors.It provides a relatively wider HPBWthan the original LAA with about quad-fold reduction in the SLL.