Multiple criteria decision aiding: a dialectical perspective

This is a summary of the Ouerdane’s PhD thesis supervised by Alexis Tsoukiàs and Nicolas Maudet and defended on 01 December 2009 at the Université Paris-Dauphine, Paris. The thesis is written in English and is available from the author upon request. This work has the aim to investigate the different ways to use argumentation theory in a decision context. More precisely within multi-criteria evaluation models. The principal aim is to meet the needs in terms of explanations and revision during a decision process.     

Matrix solid-phase dispersion as a tool for phytochemical and bioactivities characterisation: Crataegus oxyacantha L._A case study

The use of a matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) process to extract polyphenols from hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha L.) a deciduous shrub with an expected rich phytochemical profile, has been evaluated. MSPD extracts of fruits and leaves have an outstanding content of polyphenols, although the particular phenolic profile is solvent dependent. The extracts were analysed by HPLC-DAD for the accurate identification of the major bioactive polyphenols, some of which have never been described for this species. MSPD has proven to be a good alternative to the classic methods of obtaining natural extracts, fast and with low consumption of organic solvents, therefore, environmentally friendly. The bioactivities can be considered also very remarkable, revealing extracts with high levels of antioxidant activity.     

Nonlinear model predictive control based on Nelder Mead optimization method

In this paper, a model predictive control (MPC) scheme based on Hammerstein model is carried on. The use of such nonlinear models complicates the implementation of the MPC in terms of computational time and burden since a nonlinear and so a nonconvex optimization problem will result. The Nelder Mead (NM) algorithm, as a free derivative method, is used to solve the resulting optimization problem. NM algorithm proves its efficiency in terms of computation time and global optimum seeking that can be successfully exploited especially with fast dynamic systems. A comparative study between the NM algorithm and the gradient-based method (GBM) based on computation time is established. The efficiency of the NM algorithm is illustrated with SISO and MIMO examples compared to GBM algorithm.     

The active analog approach applied to the pharmacophore identification of benzodiazepine receptor ligands

Summary Applied to seven potent benzodiazepine-receptor ligands belonging to chemically different classes, the active analog approach allowed the stepwise identification of the pharmacophoric pattern associated with the recognition by the benzodiazepine receptor.A unique pharmacophore model was derived which involves six critical zones: (a) a -electron rich aromatic (PAR) zone; (b) two electron-rich zones ₁ and ₂ placed at 5.0 and 4.5 Å respectively from the reference centroid in the PAR zone; (c) a freely rotating aromatic ring (FRA) region; (d) an out-of-plane region (OPR), strongly associated with agonist properties; and (e) an additional hydrophobic region (AHR).The model accommodates all presently known ligands of the benzodiazepine receptor, identifies sensitivity to steric hindrance close to the ₁ zone, accounts forR andS differential affinities and distinguishes requirements for agonist versus non-agonist activity profiles.Abbreviations Pyrazoloquinolines CGS (2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro pyrazolo [4,3-c] quinoline-3 (3H)-one) - Cinnolinones CIN (2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-benzo [h] 3-cinnolinone - Triazolophthalazines TZPH (3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6 pyrrolidinotriazolo [4,3-a] phthalazine - Cyclopyrrolones RP 27267, CLO ([6-(5-chloro-2-pyridyl)-6,7-dihydro-7 oxo-5H-pyrrolo [3,4-b]pyrazin-5-yl] 4-methyl-l-piperazine carboxylate) - Phenylquinolines PK (phenyl-2 (morpholinocarbonyl methyl oxy)-4 quinoline - -Carbolines BCC (3-carboethoxy--carboline) - Benzodiazepines: Diazepam DZ (7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5 phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one)     

Chemical constituents,in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of ethyl acetate extract obtained from Cytisus triflorus l’Her

Abstract

The present study investigates the phenolic composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of an ethyl acetate extract from C. triflorus L’Her. The phytochemical study on the aerial parts of C. triflorus belonging to the Fabaceae family led to the isolation and structural elucidation of 5-Hydroxy-7-O-glucosylflavone (P1), 5-Hydroxy-7-O-galactosylflavone (P2), 5,7-Dihydroxy-flavone (P3), 5,7,3’-Trihydroxy,4’-methoxy-flavone (P4). These compounds were identified by 1D and 2D NMR combined analysis as well as by UV.

Ethyl acetate extract of C. triflorus showed a significant and dose-dependent antioxidant activity in vitro, related to the presence of phenolics (180.33?±?12.22?µg GAE/mg) and flavonoids (16.78?± 1.54?µg QE/mg). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus CECT 240 and Escherichia coli CECT 4099, by agar-diffusion method. The most active antibacterial activity was expressed by ethyl acetate extract of C. triflorus against Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus. The gathered results suggest that C. triflorus polyphenols and flavonoids are closely associated to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.     

Preference elicitation for a ranking method based on multiple reference profiles

4OR - Multiple criteria decision aid methodologies support decision makers (DM) facing decisions involving conflicting objectives. DM’s preferences should be captured to provide meaningful...     

A theoretical investigation of the regio- and stereoselectivities of the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of C-diethoxyphosphoryl-N-methylnitrone with substituted alkenes

A theoretical study of the regio- and stereoselectivities of the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of C-diethoxyphosphoryl-N-methylnitrone with substituted alkenes (allyl alcohol and methyl acrylate) is carried out using DFT at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of theory. The FMO analysis and DFT-based reactivity indices confirmed the experimental ortho regioisomeric pathway. Potential energy surface analysis shows that these 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions favor the formation of the ortho-trans cycloadduct in both cases. The obtained results are in agreement with experimental data.     

Direct observation of phase transitions by time-resolved pyro/reflectometry of KrF laser-irradiated metal oxides and metals

New experimental results are obtained by coupling both time-resolved reflectivity and rapid infrared pyrometry under a hemispherical reactor. The heating source KrF laser beam (28 ns, 248 nm) is homogenized and as for probing, a CW He-Ne laser beam (10 mW, 633 nm) is used.Using both methods infrared pyrometry with an IR detector cooled with liquid nitrogen and sensitive in the spectral range 1-12 μm, and time-resolved reflectivity with a rapid photodiode, we were able to study complex thermodynamic transitions with nanosecond time resolution. Three different materials are studied by varying the KrF fluence (energy/surface) from 100 to 2000 mJ/cm²: thin films melting (Au/Ni), the threshold of plasma formation (Ti), and complex liquid phase segregation under semi-conductor state (ZnO). The formation of a liquid Zn film induced by temperature gradient is well evidenced by our signals. Also melting of thin films irradiated by low laser fluences (less than 500 mJ/cm²) translates the typical thermodynamic behavior. Finally, wide fluence dynamic (400-2000 mJ/cm²) is analyzed in the case of Ti surface, and results show two distinguished regimes: first one bellow 1000 mJ/cm² corresponding to the early stage plasma initiation, and second one over 1000 mJ/cm² to the dynamics of plasma expansion.     

A theoretical study of the mechanism and stereoselectivity of the Diels-Alder cycloaddition between difluoro-2-methylencyclopropane and furan

A theoretical study of the molecular mechanism and stereoselectivity of the Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction between difluoro-2-methylencyclopropane and furan has been carried out at the B3LYP/6-31G+^∗∗ level of theory. The calculation of activation and reaction energies indicates that the 3-endo cycloadduct is favored both kinetically and thermodynamically, which is in agreement with the experimental data. Analysis of the bond order and charge transfer in the transition states shows that this reaction takes place via a synchronous-concerted mechanism.