A ranking model in uncertain, imprecise and multi-experts contexts: The application of evidence theory

We consider ranking problems where the actions are evaluated on a set of ordinal criteria. The evaluation of each alternative with respect to each criterion may be imperfect and is provided by one or several experts. We model each imperfect evaluation as a basic belief assignment (BBA). In order to rank the BBAs characterizing the performances of the actions according to each criterion, a new concept called RBBD and based on the comparison of these BBAs to ideal or nadir BBAs is proposed. This is performed using belief distances that measure the dissimilarity of each BBA to the ideal or nadir BBAs. A model inspired by Xu et al.’s method is also proposed and illustrated by a pedagogical example.     

Modelling of gearbox dynamics under time-varying nonstationary load for distributed fault detection and diagnosis

Fault detection and diagnosis in mechanical systems during their time-varying nonstationary operation is one of the most challenging issues. In the last two decades or so researches have noticed that machines work in nonstationary load/speed conditions during their normal operation. Diagnostic features for gearboxes were found to be load dependent. This was experimentally confirmed by a smearing effect in the spectrum.In order to better understand the involved phenomena and to ensure agreement between simulation and experimental results, two models of gearboxes (a fixed-axis two-stage gearbox and a planetary gearbox) operating under varying load conditions are proposed. The models are based on two mechanical systems used in the mining industry, i.e. the belt conveyor and the bucket wheel excavator. An original transmission error function expressing changes in technical condition and load variation is presented.Energy based parameters (the signal RMS value or the arithmetic sum of the amplitudes of spectral gearmesh components) are adopted as the diagnostic features. Simulation results show a strong correlation between load values, changes in condition and the diagnostic features. The findings are key to condition monitoring. Thanks to the use of the models one can better understand the phenomena identified through an analysis of vibration signals captured from real machines.     

Benzochromenopyrimidines: Synthesis,Antiproliferative Activity against Colorectal Cancer and Physicochemical Properties

Ten new differently substituted 3-benzyl-5-aryl-3,5-dihydro-4H-benzo[6,7]chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4,6,11-triones 3 were synthesized by a simple and cost-efficient procedure in a one-pot, three-component reaction from readily available ethyl 2-amino-4-aryl-5,10-dioxo-5,10-dihydro-4H-benzo[g]chromene-3-carboxylates, benzylamine and triethyl orthoformate under solvent- and catalyst-free conditions. All the new compounds were screened for their antiproliferative activity against two colorectal-cancer-cell lines. The results showed that the compounds 3-benzyl-5-phenyl-3,5-dihydro-4H-benzo[6,7]chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-4,6,11-trione (3a) and 3-benzyl-5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3,5-dihydro-4H-benzo[6,7]chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-4,6,11-trione (3g) exhibited the most potent balanced inhibitory activity against human LoVo and HCT-116 cancer cells.     

Contribution a l'etude des systemes Ca3(PO4)2-MSO4 (M=Sr,Ba)

In the systems Ca₃(PO₄)₂-MSO₄ (M = Sr, Ba), the series of single phase Ca_21?3xM_2xI(PO₄)_14?2x(SO₄)_2x with 0<x<0.15 forM=Sr and 0<x<0.1 forM = Ba have been prepared. These solid solutions, respectively strontium phosphosulfate and barium phosphosulfate, are isostructural with anhydrous tricalcium orthophosphate. They have been characterized by their infrared spectra and their crystallographic unit cell parameters.     

Thermochemistry of the mixed calcium phosphate Ca8P2O7(PO4)4

The calcium mixed phosphate Ca₈P₂O₇(PO₄)₄ has been synthesized by thermal decomposition of octacalcium phosphate previously prepared by precipitation in ammoniacal phosphate solution. The enthalpy of formation at 298.15 K referenced to β-tricalcium phosphate and calcium pyrophosphate is determined. β-Tricalcium phosphate was prepared by two methods: precipitation in ammoniacal aqueous medium and high temperature solid-state reaction. Calcium pyrophosphate was prepared by high temperature solid-state reaction. All the compounds are characterized by chemical analysis, X-rays diffraction and IR spectroscopy. The enthalpy of formation +10.83 ± 0.63 kJ mol⁻¹ is obtained by solution calorimetry at 298.15 K in nitric acid.     

Quality control system design through the goal programming model and the satisfaction functions

The goal programming (GP) model has been utilized for designing a quality control system (QCS) where several features are simultaneously considered. In the context of the quality control, the parameters can be imprecise and expressed through intervals. The aim of this paper is to propose two formulations for designing a QCS based on the imprecise GP model. The concept of satisfaction functions will be utilized to integrate explicitly the decision-maker’s preference. The developed formulations are illustrated through an example of a paper factory.     

Serial correlation estimation through the imprecise Goal Programming model

The Goal Programming (GP) model was used as a time-series analysis tool that incorporates a Serial Correlation where the dependent variable is considered as precise. This formulation does not take into consideration the decision-maker’s preferences. However, the dependent variable can be imprecise and its value can be expressed through an interval. The aim of this paper is to develop a new formulation of the GP model for regression with Serial Correlation where the dependent variable is imprecise. The proposed model will also integrate explicitly the decision-maker’s preferences. A numerical example was used to illustrate our model.     

The nonlinear Schrödinger equation and the propagation of weakly nonlinear waves in optical fibers and on the water surface

The dynamics of waves in weakly nonlinear dispersive media can be described by the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE). An important feature of the equation is that it can be derived in a number of different physical contexts; therefore, analogies between different fields, such as for example fiber optics, water waves, plasma waves and Bose–Einstein condensates, can be established. Here, we investigate the similarities between wave propagation in optical Kerr media and water waves. In particular, we discuss the modulation instability (MI) in both media. In analogy to the water wave problem, we derive for Kerr-media the Benjamin–Feir index, i.e. a nondimensional parameter related to the probability of formation of rogue waves in incoherent wave trains.     

Etude des systemes CaHPO4−MHPO4−H2O (M=Sr,Ba) A 50°C

The systems CaHPO₄−MHPO₄−H₂O (M=Sr, Ba) were studied at 50°C. ForM=Sr, the series of single phases, Ca_1−xSr_xHPO₄ for 0.95<X<0.75 and Ca_xSr_1−xHPO₄ for 0.4<X<1 have been prepared. These solid solution were caracterized by their infrared spectra and their crystallographic unit cell parameters. ForM=Ba a new phase Ca₂Ba(HPO₄)₃ has been determined. It was characterized by DRX, IR, ATD and chemical analyses.

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Zusammenfassung Bei 50°C wurde das System CaHPO₄−MHPO₄−H₂O (mitM=Sr, Ba) untersucht. FürM=Sr wurden Serien von Einzelphasen erhalten: Ca_1−xSr_xHPO₄ für 0.95<X< 0.75 und Ca_xSr_1−xHPO₄ für 0.4<X<1. Diese Mischkristalle wurden anhand ihrer Infrarotspektren und ihrer kristallographischen Elementarzellenparameter charakterisiert. FürM=Ba wurde die neue Phase Ca₂Ba(HPO₄)₃ ermittelt. Sie wurde mittels DRX, IR, ATD und chemischer Analyse charakterisiert.

     

On the methodology of the World Competitiveness Report

A nation with its natural resources, human capabilities, research and educational institutions, government organizations, financial systems, and cultural and social values provides an environment in which firms are created, organized, and managed. The competitive environment a nation provides influences the performance of its firms at home and abroad. Therefore, it is of prime importance for both governments and firms to study the competitive environment of a country in comparison with those of the others. The World Competitiveness Report (WCR), a report annually produced by the Institute for Management Development (IMD) and the World Economic Forum (WEF), both based in Switzerland, is a study that rates and ranks the competitiveness of a certain group of countries (OECD plus 15 newly industrialized countries) and is a widely quoted study in the international media. Although some essence of its methodology is given for a general understanding, details are not provided, perhaps for proprietary reasons since the report is a commercial enterprise itself. The objective of this paper is to uncover the methodology used by the WCR. For this purpose, the methodological information provided in the WCR is used to the fullest extent. However, for the steps where the information is missing or when different interpretations are possible, an approach based on mathematical programming is employed to ‘guess’ the methodology.