A novel aggregation method for Pythagorean fuzzy multiple attribute group decision making

As an extension of fuzzy set, a Pythagorean fuzzy set has recently been developed to model imprecise and ambiguous information in practical group decision‐making problems. The aim of this paper is to introduce a novel aggregation method for the Pythagorean fuzzy set and analyze possibilities for its application in solving multiple attribute decision‐making problems. More specifically, a new Pythagorean fuzzy aggregation operator called the Pythagorean fuzzy induced ordered weighted averaging‐weighted average (PFIOWAWA) operator is developed. This operator inherits main characteristics of both ordered weighted average operator and induced ordered weighted average to aggregate the Pythagorean fuzzy information. Some of main properties and particular cases of the PFIOWAWA operator are studied. A method based on the proposed operator for multiple attribute group decision making is developed. Finally, we present a numerical example of selection of research and development projects to illustrate applicability of the new approach in a multiple attribute group decision‐making problem.     

Überblick über Verfahren zur Prüfung der Zähigkeit hochfester Stähle

Überblick über die wichtigsten Verfahren zur Kennzeichnung des Bruchverhaltens hochfester Stähle mit einer Streckgrenze über 120 kg/mm² unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Ermittlung ihrer Bruchzähigkeit. Möglichkeiten und Anwendung der linearen Bruchmechanik für die Voraussage des Werkstoffverhaltens im Bauteil unter Berücksichtigung verschiedener Beanspruchungsbedingungen.     

A survey of the training of computer users in Swedish companies

This study concerns how user training on newly introduced computer application programs is carried out. Questionnaire data from the computer managers of 265 Swedish companies were analysed. The results show that formal training, i.e., teacher-directed group instruction, and self-studies using instruction manuals represented nearly two-thirds of all reported training forms. For the most recently introduced program, classes (group instruction) with simultaneous computer exercises was the form of formal training that was nearly always used. When formal training was given it was compulsory in over half of the cases. However, substitutes for users attending a training course were only provided by the company in very few of these cases. The implications of these findings for effective user training are discussed.     

An adsorptive transfer technique coupled with brdicka reaction to reveal the importance of metallothionein in chemotherapy with platinum based cytostatics

The drugs based on platinum metals represent one of the oldest, but also one of the most effective groups of chemotherapeutic agents. Thanks to many clinical studies it is known that resistance of tumor cells to drugs is a frequent cause of chemotherapy failure. With regard to platinum based drugs, multidrug resistance can also be connected with increased expression of low-molecular weight protein metallothionein (MT). This study aimed at investigating the interactions of MT with cisplatin or carboplatin, using the adsorptive transfer technique coupled with differential pulse voltammetry Brdicka reaction (AdTS DPV Brdicka reaction), and a comparison of in vitro results with results obtained in vivo. The results obtained from the in vitro study show a strong affinity between platinum based drugs and MT. Further, we analyzed extracts of neuroblastoma cell lines treated with cisplatin or carboplatin. It is clear that neuroblastoma UKF-NB-4 cisplatin-resistant and cisplatin-sensitive cell lines unlikely respond to the presence of the platinum-based cytostatics cisplatin and carboplatin. Finally, we determined the level of MT in samples from rabbits treated with carboplatin and patients with retinoblastoma treated with the same drug.     

Notes on the Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Methyl Acetoacetate in Neoteric Solvents

Asymmetric hydrogenation of methyl acetoacetate to methyl (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate by [(R)- RuCl(binap)(p-cymen)]Cl has been studied in methanol-ionic liquid and methanol- dense CO₂ solvent systems. The ionic pairs triethylhexylammonium and 1-methylimidazolium with bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl) imide and hexafluorophosphates were used. The role of ionic pairs on the kinetic parameters and (enantio)selectivity has been demonstrated. Although the CO₂ expanded methanol system suffered from a reduction in both reaction rate and product selectivity, this changed in the presence of water. The high selectivity of the optimized methanol-CO₂-water-halide system was designed as a consequence of observed additive effects.     

High-temperature tribological properties of CrAlN, CrAlSiN and AlCrSiN coatings

Cr-Al-Si-N coatings with high and low Cr/Al ratios (CrAlSiN and AlCrSiN, respectively) were deposited on WC substrates by cathodic arc and compared with a reference Cr-Al-N coating. The silicon content was close to 3 at.%. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that CrAlN and CrAlSiN coatings exhibited the cubic Cr(Al)N structure, whereas in AlCrSiN a mixture of cubic Cr(Al)N and wurtzite-type AlN was identified. All three coatings showed excellent thermal stability and oxidation resistance up to 800 °C. The tribological properties were evaluated by ball-on-disk tribometer in the temperature range 25-600 °C. Two materials were used as counterparts: alumina and 440C steel. Sliding against 440C steel balls led to the extensive wear of the balls and transfer of the ball material to the surface of the coatings. The coatings were not damaged. When sliding against alumina balls, the coating wear was low up to testing temperature 300 °C. At 400 °C, CrAlSiN coating was partially worn through. CrAlN and AlCrSiN coatings were almost immediately worn out at 600 °C. The analysis of the wear debris identified high-temperature adhesive failure of the coatings.     

A High-Resolution TEM/EELS Study of the Effect of Doping Elements on the Sliding Mechanisms of Sputtered WS2 Coatings

It has been shown many times that cosputtering low-friction coatings of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and tungsten disulfide (WS₂) with other elements can improve the structural, mechanical, and tribological properties. To achieve the lowest friction, MoS₂ or WS₂ should be doped with element(s) improving the hardness and density of the coatings. On the other hand, such elements, or their compounds, should not be present in the outermost molecular layers at the sliding interface. This article suggests that there are important differences between how MoS₂ and WS₂ coatings respond to or react with doping elements, despite the almost identical structure and behavior of the undoped materials. Two systems have been investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and scanning TEM (STEM) electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), W-S-C-Cr and W-S-C-Ti, and showed significant amounts of oxides, which typically formed a layer just underneath the crystalline WS₂ top layer. Further, carbon was almost completely absent in the tribofilms, despite the fact that the as-deposited coatings contained as much as 40–50 at% C. An interesting observation here is that WS₂ basal planes surround or embed Fe wear particles, suggesting a relatively strong adhesion or a Fe-S chemical bonding between iron/steel and WS₂. The result of this is that the wear particles become pacified and remain in the contact as low-friction material.     

Synthesis, conformation and biological evaluation of the enantiomers of 3-fluoro-gamma-aminobutyric acid ((R)- and (S)-3F-GABA): an analogue of the neurotransmitter GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA (1) is one of the major inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitters of the central nervous system. This article describes the first synthesis of both the (R)- and (S)- enantiomers of 3-fluoro-GABA (2, 3F-GABA). DFT calculations were carried out in a continuum solvent model (PCM-B3LYP) to estimate the preferred conformations of 3F-GABA in aqueous solution. NMR coupling constants were calculated for each conformer and were then used to simulate the NMR spectra to evaluate the solution conformation of 3F-GABA. A preliminary evaluation of the 3F-GABA enantiomers shows that they act similarly as agonists of cloned GABA(A) receptors; however, they behave quite differently in a whole animal (Xenopus laevis tadpole model).     

A Possible Industrial Solution to Ferment Lignocellulosic Hydrolyzate to Ethanol: Continuous Cultivation with Flocculating Yeast

The cultivation of toxic lignocellulosic hydrolyzates has become a challenging research topic in recent decades. Although several cultivation methods have been proposed, numerous questions have arisen regarding their industrial applications. The current work deals with a solution to this problem which has a good potential application on an industrial scale. A toxic dilute-acid hydrolyzate was continuously cultivated using a high-cell-density flocculating yeast in a single and serial bioreactor which was equipped with a settler to recycle the cells back to the bioreactors. No prior detoxification was necessary to cultivate the hydrolyzates, as the flocks were able to detoxify it in situ. The experiments were successfully carried out at dilution rates up to 0.52 h⁻¹. The cell concentration inside the bioreactors was between 23 and 35 g-DW/L, while the concentration in the effluent of the settlers was 0.32 ± 0.05 g-DW/L. An ethanol yield of 0.42–0.46 g/g-consumed sugar was achieved, and the residual sugar concentration was less than 6% of the initial fermentable sugar (glucose, galactose and mannose) of 35.2 g/L.