Tengda Li, Gang Wang, Qiang Fu^*

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.140, No.3, pp. 2559-2586, 2024, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2024.052039

Abstract Aiming at the problems of low solution accuracy and high decision pressure when facing large-scale dynamic task allocation (DTA) and high-dimensional decision space with single agent, this paper combines the deep reinforcement learning (DRL) theory and an improved Multi-Agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (MADDPG-D2) algorithm with a dual experience replay pool and a dual noise based on multi-agent architecture is proposed to improve the efficiency of DTA. The algorithm is based on the traditional Multi-Agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (MADDPG) algorithm, and considers the introduction of a double noise mechanism to increase the action exploration… More >

Meignanamoorthi Dhandapani^*, V. Vetriselvi, R. Aishwarya

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.140, No.3, pp. 2449-2486, 2024, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2024.050986

Abstract The emergence of beyond 5G networks has the potential for seamless and intelligent connectivity on a global scale. Network slicing is crucial in delivering services for different, demanding vertical applications in this context. Next-generation applications have time-sensitive requirements and depend on the most efficient routing path to ensure packets reach their intended destinations. However, the existing IP (Internet Protocol) over a multi-domain network faces challenges in enforcing network slicing due to minimal collaboration and information sharing among network operators. Conventional inter-domain routing methods, like Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), cannot make routing decisions based on performance,… More >

Abderrezzaq Benalia^1,2,*, Kerroum Derbal², Zahra Amrouci^2,3, Ouiem Baatache², Amel Khalfaoui⁴, Antonio Pizzi^5,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.4, pp. 667-698, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.048306

Abstract This review describes the mechanisms of natural coagulants. It provides a good understanding of the two key processes of coagulation-flocculation: adsorption and charge neutralization, as well as adsorption and bridging. Various factors have influence the coagulation/flocculation process, including the effect of pH, coagulant dosage, coagulant type, temperature, initial turbidity, coagulation speed, flocculation speed, coagulation and flocculation time, settling time, colloidal particles, zeta potential, the effects of humic acids, and extraction density are explained. The bio-coagulants derived from plants are outlined. The impact of organic coagulants on water quality, focusing on their effects on the physicochemical… More > Graphic Abstract

Vesna Vetma^*†‡, Jan Rožanc^§, Emilie M. Charles^*†, Christian T. Hellwig^*†‡¶, Leonidas G. Alexopoulos^§#, Markus Rehm^*†‡#

Oncology Research, Vol.25, No.9, pp. 1489-1494, 2017, DOI:10.3727/096504017X14897145996933

Abstract Antagonists of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), alone or in combination with genotoxic therapeutics, have been shown to efficiently induce cell death in various solid tumors. The IAP antagonist birinapant is currently being tested in phase II clinical trials. We herein aimed to investigate the antitumor efficacy of dacarbazine in vitro, both as a single agent and in combination with birinapant, in melanoma cell lines. Covering clinically relevant drug concentration ranges, we conducted a total of 5,400 measurements in a panel of 12 human melanoma cell lines representing different stages of disease progression. Surprisingly, functionally More >

Mohammad Yaghoub Abdollahzadeh Jamalabadi^*

Frontiers in Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol.22, No.2, pp. 511-536, 2024, DOI:10.32604/fhmt.2024.051004

Abstract Heat and mass transport through evaporation or drying processes occur in many applications such as food processing, pharmaceutical products, solar-driven vapor generation, textile design, and electronic cigarettes. In this paper, the transport of water from a fresh potato considered as a wet porous media with laminar convective dry air fluid flow governed by Darcy’s law in two-dimensional is highlighted. Governing equations of mass conservation, momentum conservation, multiphase fluid flow in porous media, heat transfer, and transport of participating fluids and gases through evaporation from liquid to gaseous phase are solved simultaneously. In this model, the… More >

Abdulghani M. Abdulghani, Mokhles M. Abdulghani, Wilbur L. Walters, Khalid H. Abed^*

Intelligent Automation & Soft Computing, Vol.39, No.2, pp. 337-352, 2024, DOI:10.32604/iasc.2024.047017

Abstract Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) has proven to be successful in cooperative assignments. MARL is used to investigate how autonomous agents with the same interests can connect and act in one team. MARL cooperation scenarios are explored in recreational cooperative augmented reality environments, as well as real-world scenarios in robotics. In this paper, we explore the realm of MARL and its potential applications in cooperative assignments. Our focus is on developing a multi-agent system that can collaborate to attack or defend against enemies and achieve victory with minimal damage. To accomplish this, we utilize the StarCraft… More >

Xin Zou¹, Jieyu Zhang¹, Ting Cheng¹, Yangyang Guo¹, Xiao Han¹, Han Liu¹, Yuxing Qin¹, Jie Li², Dabing Xiang^1,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.93, No.4, pp. 699-712, 2024, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2024.048469

Abstract To mitigate the wastage of seed resources and reduce the usage of pesticides and fertilizers, seed coating agents have gained popularity. This study employs single-factor and multi-index orthogonal experimental design methods to investigate the seed coating formula and physical properties of Tartary buckwheat. The specific effects of each component on Tartary buckwheat seed germination are analyzed. The findings reveal that the seed coating agent formulated with 1.5% polyvinyl alcohol, 0.15% sodium alginate, 0.2% op-10, 0.1% polyacrylamide, 8% colorant, 3% ammonium sulfate, 1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and 0.15% carbendazim exhibits the most effective coating. It demonstrates… More >

Yongjiang Zhao, Haoyi Zhong, Chang Cyoon Lim^*

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.79, No.1, pp. 449-471, 2024, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2024.048771

Abstract This paper examines the difficulties of managing distributed power systems, notably due to the increasing use of renewable energy sources, and focuses on voltage control challenges exacerbated by their variable nature in modern power grids. To tackle the unique challenges of voltage control in distributed renewable energy networks, researchers are increasingly turning towards multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL). However, MARL raises safety concerns due to the unpredictability in agent actions during their exploration phase. This unpredictability can lead to unsafe control measures. To mitigate these safety concerns in MARL-based voltage control, our study introduces a novel… More >

Yong Ma¹, Han Zhao², Kunyin Guo^3,*, Yunni Xia^3,*, Xu Wang⁴, Xianhua Niu⁵, Dongge Zhu⁶, Yumin Dong⁷

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.140, No.1, pp. 907-927, 2024, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2024.048759

Abstract Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) is a technology designed for the on-demand provisioning of computing and storage services, strategically positioned close to users. In the MEC environment, frequently accessed content can be deployed and cached on edge servers to optimize the efficiency of content delivery, ultimately enhancing the quality of the user experience. However, due to the typical placement of edge devices and nodes at the network’s periphery, these components may face various potential fault tolerance challenges, including network instability, device failures, and resource constraints. Considering the dynamic nature of MEC, making high-quality content caching decisions… More >

Laima Vevere^*, Beatrise Sture, Vladimir Yakushin, Mikelis Kirpluks, Ugis Cabulis

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.3, pp. 585-602, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.047350

Abstract Cryogenic insulation material rigid polyurethane (PU) foams were developed using bio-based and recycled feedstock. Polyols obtained from tall oil fatty acids produced as a side stream of wood biomass pulping and recycled polyethylene terephthalate were used to develop rigid PU foam formulations. The 4th generation physical blowing agents with low global warming potential and low ozone depletion potential were used to develop rigid PU foam cryogenic insulation with excellent mechanical and thermal properties. Obtained rigid PU foams had a thermal conductivity coefficient as low as 0.0171 W/m·K and an apparent density of 37–40 kg/m³. The developed… More > Graphic Abstract