Hierarchical semi-numeric method for pairwise fuzzy group decision making

Gradual improvements to a single-level semi-numeric method, i.e., linguistic labels preference representation by fuzzy sets computation for pairwise fuzzy group decision making are summarized. The method is extended to solve multiple criteria hierarchical structure pairwise fuzzy group decision-making problems. The problems are hierarchically structured into focus, criteria, and alternatives. Decision makers express their evaluations of criteria and alternatives based on each criterion by using linguistic labels. The labels are converted into and processed in triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs). Evaluations of criteria yield relative criteria weights. Evaluations of the alternatives, based on each criterion, yield a degree of preference for each alternative or a degree of satisfaction for each preference value. By using a neat ordered weighted average (OWA) or a fuzzy weighted average operator, solutions obtained based on each criterion are aggregated into final solutions. The hierarchical semi-numeric method is suitable for solving a larger and more complex pairwise fuzzy group decision-making problem. The proposed method has been verified and applied to solve some real cases and is compared to Saaty's (1996) analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method.     

Linguistic labels for expressing fuzzy preference relations infuzzy group decision making

This paper proposes improvements to pairwise group decision making based on fuzzy preference relations in three ways. First, it extends the fuzzy preference relation representation using linguistic labels. Decision makers may express their preference relations in linguistic labels which are more practically implementable for solving group decision making problems. Second, it modifies the computational procedures by using fuzzy sets representation and computation, and by avoiding the use of strict threshold values. This allows natural representation, preserves the preference accuracy, and produces more intuitively meaningful solutions. Finally, it considers fuzzy criteria of the alternatives explicitly. Solutions are first derived based on each criterion, and then by using neat ordered weighted average (OWA) operator the final solutions which accommodate all criteria are determined. The proposed method is verified for solving fuzzy group decision making problems, i.e., advertising media selection cases.     

Emergent Synthesis Approaches to Control and Planning in Make to Order Manufacturing Environments

The main goal of manufacturing systems with make to order environments is to provide products for unique requirements of customers. The demand for products can vary not only in product variety but in optimum criteria. Whilst a manufacturing system might be capable of producing the required product, there can appear difficulties for the system to fulfill the cost and time related constraints of the consumer. This paper introduces emergent synthesis approaches to manufacturing control and production planning in make to order environments to evaluate and control the range of time and cost constraints that the system is able to complete.     

YES1 as a Therapeutic Target for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer after Trastuzumab and Trastuzumab-Emtansine (T-DM1) Resistance Development

Trastuzumab-emtansine (T-DM1) is a therapeutic agent molecularly targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC), and it is especially effective for MBC with resistance to trastuzumab. Although several reports have described T-DM1 resistance, few have examined the mechanism underlying T-DM1 resistance after the development of acquired resistance to trastuzumab. We previously reported that YES1, a member of the Src family, plays an important role in acquired resistance to trastuzumab in HER2-amplified breast cancer cells. We newly established a trastuzumab/T-DM1-dual-resistant cell line and analyzed the resistance mechanisms in this cell line. At first, the T-DM1 effectively inhibited the YES1-amplified trastuzumab-resistant cell line, but resistance to T-DM1 gradually developed. YES1 amplification was further enhanced after acquired resistance to T-DM1 became apparent, and the knockdown of the YES1 or the administration of the Src inhibitor dasatinib restored sensitivity to T-DM1. Our results indicate that YES1 is also strongly associated with T-DM1 resistance after the development of acquired resistance to trastuzumab, and the continuous inhibition of YES1 is important for overcoming resistance to T-DM1.     

Modeling and online scheduling of flexible manufacturing systemsusing stochastic Petri nets

The authors discuss the modeling of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) under uncertainty and evaluate a rule base for online scheduling. To represent uncertain events in an FMS, such as failure of machine tools, repair time, and processing time, they develop continuous-time and discrete-time stochastic Petri nets with hierarchical structures for constructing the FMS model. For obtaining an efficient schedule for the FMS with an online real-time basis, they construct a rule base and evaluate its performance using the FMS simulation system proposed     

Multilayer Construction with Various Ceramic Films for Electronic Devices Fabricated by Aerosol Deposition

Aerosol deposition (AD) is applicable as a fabrication technology for microstructures comprising different materials. We used this method for electronic devices that consist of ceramic films and metal electrodes. Various ceramic thick films (5–50 μm thickness), for example, Al₂O₃, 2MgO·SiO₂, and BaTiO₃, were deposited on substrates using room-temperature aerosol deposition. The dielectric constant of BaTiO₃ was 78 at 1 MHz. Multilayer constructions with ceramic films and copper electrodes were obtained using aerosol deposition and sputtering. During deposition, photoresist film masks were applied to produce patterns of ceramic films and connections between upper and lower electrodes through the ceramic films.