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University-teaching quality evaluations are crucial for assessing teachers' effectiveness and enhancing students' learning in classrooms. To improve the evaluation efficiency, this study suggests a creative classroom evaluation approach by using machine vision and pentapartitioned neutrosophic cubic set (PNCS). First, this study uses machine vision technology to establish a PNCS to capture the students' states in classrooms. Second, it proposes four entropy functions to determine the attribute weights. Third, it combines the improved entropy weight functions with the PNCS to evaluate the teaching effectiveness. This study's practical price is to introduce big data theories into teaching evaluation fields. Last, an example is provided to confirm the efficacy and applicability of the evaluation approach suggested in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with a mathematical model for tumor growth with angiogenesis and a necrotic core. The problem is a nonlinear problem which has two free boundaries: the external boundary of the tumor and the external boundary of the internal necrotic core. Using the implicit function theorem, the relationship between the two free boundaries is studied. The asymptotic stability of the unique steady-state solution is proved. The effect of nutrient concentration on tumor growth is studied. The relationship between the stage with a necrotic core and the stage without necrotic core is also studied. The results show that whether the steady-state of tumor growth has a necrotic core or not is determined by the concentration of external nutrients. The stage of tumor with necrotic core and the stage without necrotic core could transform into each other by adjusting the concentration of external nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous progress of the chemical industry, warehouse design needs to be diversified on account of the increasing complex and multitudinous perilous chemicals. In this situation, this study projects the conception of the interconnected warehouse. By taking the storage points as the quantity and the path as the variable, this study establishes a quadratic allocation model on the operations of this novel kind of warehouse. Then, an improved neural network algorithm is proposed to ascertain the optimal solution. The innovation of this study is that it releases the space resources of the classic dangerous goods warehouse and improves the operational efficiency of the dangerous goods warehouse under the premise of ensuring safety. Finally, the proposed model and algorithm is tested and verified with a data of Shanghai Lingang dangerous Material Warehouse. The empirical research demonstrates that the interconnected warehouse has ideal performance for lifting the handling efficiency on the basis of ensuring safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to solve the problem of intelligent collision avoidance of unmanned ships at sea, and it proposes a novel driving strategy generating method of collision avoidance based on an extensive-form game mode with fuzzy credibility numbers. The innovation of this study is to propose an extensive-form game model of unmanned ships under the situation of two-sides clamping and verify the validity by fuzzy credibility. Firstly, this study divides the head-on situation of the ship at sea quantitatively to help the unmanned ship take targeted measures when making collision avoidance decisions. Secondly, this study adopts an extensive-form game model to model the problem of collision avoidance of an unmanned ship in the case of clamping on two sides. Thirdly, the extensive-form game model is organically combined with the fuzzy credibility degree to judge whether the collision avoidance game of unmanned ship achieves the optimal collision avoidance result. The effectiveness of the introduced game model is verified by case analysis and simulation. Finally, an illustrative example shows that the proposed mathematical model can better help unmanned ships make real-time game decisions at sea in the scenario of two-sides clamping effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Similarity measure is a useful tool to determine the similarity of two intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs). Theoretically, there are two free variables of membership and non-membership on IFSs, and the most fuzzy set is not solely. Therefore, it is impossible to establish a similarity measure satisfying the classical axiom on it by using only the distance between any given IFSs and the assumed most fuzzy set. The motivation and innovation of this study lies in the exploration and use of the two most fuzzy sets, and the weighted average distance between IFSs and the two most fuzzy sets is used to define the similarity measure. Based on this analysis, a knowledge-based similarity measure on IFSs is proposed and some applications of this proposed measure in pattern recognition are introduced. The advantage of the introduced similarity measure is that it calculates the dissimilarity between the complementary sets well. Furthermore, it proves that the novel similarity measure satisfies axioms of the similarity measure on IFSs, and overcomes the drawbacks of the existing measures. Finally, a series of examples in pattern recognition fields are introduced to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed similarity measure. • This study proves that the fuzziest number in IFS is not solely. • Weighted average distances between IFSs and the two most fuzzy sets are proposed. • A novel knowledge-based similarity measure on IFSs is proposed. • The proposed novel similarity measure overcomes the drawbacks of the classical ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a mathematical model for solid avascular tumor growth with a time delay in regulatory apoptosis is studied. In the model, two types of cell apoptoses are considered, one is natural apoptosis and the other is regulatory apoptosis. The process of regulatory apoptosis is delayed compared to the processes of proliferation and natural apoptosis. The existence and uniqueness of a solution to the model are proved. The long-time asymptotic behavior of the solutions is studied. The results show that the dynamical behavior of solutions to this mathematical model is similar to that of the corresponding quasi-stationary problem for some special parameter values. Numerical simulations of some special parameter values are also given to verify our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The main contribution of this study is the setting of temporary positions for dangerous goods. • The theoretical innovation point of this study is a novel self-adapted Genetic-BP neural network algorithm. • This study considers two types of the opportunity cost generated by temporary position. • This study combines Genetic-BP neural network and decision making theories together. • Our research has been highly praised by Shanghai Port. Storage plays an important part in the field of logistics; however, conventional storage and operation may result in an overloaded condition due to low management efficiency. To address this problem, this study proposes the concept of temporary positions in interconnected warehouses. By analyzing the opportunity costs generated, a hierarchical optimization model was constructed to quantify the improvement of temporary positions. Firstly, this study analyses the characteristics of the warehouse operation and constructs a quadratic assignment model by considering safety and efficiency. Besides, a novel genetic-BP neural network was proposed to find the optimal route of a forklift. After that, a hierarchical optimization model was constructed by considering two types of opportunity costs. Finally, an empirical study demonstrates that the interconnected mode with temporary positions has a satisfactory performance for improving operational efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a complete ranking method for interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IVIFNs) is introduced by using a score function and three types of entropy functions. This work is motivated by the work of Lakshmana Gomathi Nayagam et al. (Soft Comput 21, 7077–7082, 2017) in which a novel non-hesitant score function for the theory of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets was introduced. The authors claimed that the proposed non-hesitant score function could overcome the shortcomings of some familiar methods. By using some examples, they pointed out that the non-hesitant score function is better compared with Sahin's and Zhang et al.'s approaches. It is pointed out that although in some specific cases, the cited method overcomes the shortcomings of several of the existing methods mentioned, it also created new defects that can be solved by other methods. The main aim of this study is to give a complete ranking method for IVIFNs which can rank any two arbitrary IVIFNs. At last, two examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In elevating the efficiency and practicality of warehouse operations, our team proposes the concept of interconnected dangerous goods warehouses. To support the operations of this kind of warehouse, this original study addresses three factors that affect the operations of such warehouses, namely the distance traveled by the forklift (cost factors), the similarity between the distances operated by the forklifts (efficiency factors), and the distance between each stack of goods in the warehouse (safety factors). In considering safety factors and improving the operational efficiency of stocking in or out of dangerous goods, this study proposes a waterfall mechanism for warehouse operations. The main characteristic of this study is a three-stage model to integrate key factors influencing the operations of dangerous goods stocking in or out warehouse. Thereafter, an example is given to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed waterfall mechanism and the three-stage model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the entropy of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IVIFNs) is analyzed, and two kinds of entropy factors are proposed. By using the normalized score function, normalized Type-1 entropy factor, and normalized Type-2 entropy factor, a series of utility functions on IVIFNs are proposed. In particular, one of the proposed utility functions is structured based on integral. By using the proposed utility functions, IVIFNs can be compared and ranked. The characteristic of these proposed utility functions is that they are objective on comparing IVIFNs from the point of probability. Thereafter, two kinds of fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making methods in interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy setting are introduced by using the proposed entropy functions. Finally, an example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed utility functions and the fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report oxidative cleavage of C C bonds in β-O-4 lignin models that is catalyzed by gold nanoparticles stabilized by graphene quantum dots (AuNPs-GQDs). We demonstrate that GQDs can enhance the catalytic activity of AuNPs. The AuNPs-GQDs shows the highest catalytic activity when the mass ratio of AuNPs to GQDs is of 1:18. Moreover, AuNPs-GQDs exhibits higher activity in the cleavage of C α C β bond of the compounds when their C β is adjacent to an oxygen atom. The possible oxidation pathway is proposed. Unlabelled Image • The cleavage of β-O-4 linkage has been a challenging step for the conversion of lignin to biofuels or other valuable chemicals in industry. • Gold nanoparticles stabilized by graphene quantum dots was prepared. • It can catalyze the oxidative cleavage of β-O-4 lignin models with H 2 O 2 as the oxidant. • It shows higher activity in the cleavage of C α -C β bond when C β is linked to an O atom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the widespread application of information technology in higher education, the use of machine vision technology to evaluate classroom quality provides a new idea for evaluating university teaching. However, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the evaluation results has become a challenge for decision-makers. To address these issues, this study proposes a new method for student classroom evaluation based on the Fermatean fuzzy set. The innovative aspects of this study are as follows. Firstly, an evaluation index system for assessing classroom teaching quality is constructed by recognizing students' behavior status. Secondly, a novel Fermatean fuzzy generalized standard weighted distance (FFGSWD) is proposed. Based on this measure, a decision model using the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is constructed. The FFGSWD-TOPSIS model introduces an adaptive weighting algorithm using a backpropagation neural network to determine the weights for individual class sessions, replacing the expert evaluation process. Additionally, the fuzzy entropy measure proposed is used to determine the weight of the indicators. Finally, the feasibility and practicality of the proposed method are validated by evaluating teaching quality in four courses at a university. The sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis further demonstrate the effectiveness and stability of the method, providing valuable insights for evaluating and improving teaching quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional composite of Co3O4 nanoparticles and nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (3D Co3O4/N-rGO) with a unique 3D porous structure was prepared, and its catalytic activity in lignin model compound oxidation was explored. The 3D Co3O4/N-rGO composite exhibits improved catalytic performance as compared to Co3O4 nanoparticles or 3D N-rGO in the oxidation of lignin model compounds. The higher catalytic activity of the 3D Co3O4/N-rGO composite is attributed to the combination of its porous structural features, large surface area that is provided by the 3D N-rGO matrix, and active Co3O4 nanoparticles doped on the N-rGO surface. The structural features of the 3D Co3O4/N-rGO are beneficial to reactant and product diffusion and transportation, and also are helpful in preventing aggregation of Co3O4 nanoparticles. In addition, the introduction of N atoms in rGO is also favorable for the formation of active oxygen species for the oxidation of model compounds. Given the high activity and the easy recovery from the reaction system, the 3D Co3O4/N-rGO composite should be applicable to non-noble metal catalytic systems for lignin model compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since fuzziness lacks the distinction between a set and its complement, it is difficult to measure the distance between different hesitant fuzzy sets (HFSs) by a single value. In this study, a new concept “hesitant distance set (HDS)” is proposed, where the distance between different HFSs can be characterized by a series of different values. This study has three primary contributions. Firstly, most of the existing distance measures on HFSs are based on vector operation, while the novel proposed HDSs are based on set operation. Secondly, a statistical method is proposed to compare different HDSs, and some important properties of the comparison method are introduced. Thirdly, the characteristics of the novel HDSs and the classical hesitant distances are studied comparatively. Finally, the practicality and validity of the HDSs on HFSs are illustrated through an urban road traffic state identification example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the deficiency of the accuracy function for interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IVIFSs), which was initially proposed by Sahin (Soft Comput , 2015). And then, two parameters are introduced to characterize the internal mechanism of the accuracy function for the IVIFSs, where the first parameter is the contrast degree between the membership degree and the non-membership degree of the element to the related IVIFS, and the second parameter is the hesitancy degree of the element to the related IVIFS. Using these two parameters, one new accuracy function and one new fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making method in interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy setting are proposed. Finally, an example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent work has revealed that the lateral size of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) is a crucial factor dictating their biomedical applications. A facile method to sort as-prepared GQDs with wide size distributions into different sized GQDs with narrow size distributions by using aluminum ions was developed. The mechanism of this separation was investigated. The obtained differently sized GQDs were found to exhibit dissimilar cytotoxicity, which suggests that their effects on cells or organisms could be different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), inheriting the superb property of graphene oxide, possess smaller lateral size and high biocompatibility, thus having potential in biomedical applications. We previously discovered that GQDs, combining with Cu2+ions, could cleave DNA primarily through an oxidative pathway; yet, oxidative DNA cleavage is not practically preferred in biology. In this work, we explore the DNA cleavage ability of GQDs with Zn2+and Ni2+. Zn2+and Ni2+alone are incapable of cleaving supercoiled DNA, but when combining with the GQDs, Zn2+and Ni2+exhibit DNA cleavage activity. However, the activity of these two systems is much lower than that of GQDs/Cu2+, and GQDs/Ni2+is less active than GQDs/Zn2+. The functional mechanism of GQDs/Ni2+and GQDs/Zn2+is different from that of GQDs/Cu2+. The GQDs play a key role in the two systems; the redox inactive Zn2+and Ni2+ions assist to generate the oxidative species that eventually lead to the DNA cleavage. The current results together with our previous result indicate that GQDs together with metal ions can cleave supercoiled DNA, and their cleavage activities depend on the properties of metal ions: for redox active metal ions, metal ions play key roles, for redox inactive metal ions, GQDs are dominant. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, a kind of multiple attribute group decision making problem is studied, where there is no original information about the weights of importance of the attributes and the decision makers (DMs), and the attribute values are given in the form of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IVIFNs). To solve this problem, a new method is proposed based on utility theory. In the proposed method, the weights of importance of the DMs and the attributes are all determined by using the intuitionistic indexes of related IVIFNs. And then, the alternatives are compared by using their composite interval indexes which are generated based on utility theory. Finally, two numerical examples are proposed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate here that under a mild condition (aqueous solution, pH 7, 50 °C, 6 MPa O2) gold nanocrystals (AuNCs) can catalyze the oxidation of 1‐phenylethane‐1,2‐diol to 2‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylethan‐1‐one selectively. And the yield can reach 87% when 94% the reactant is converted. Through comparing with different substrates, we show that the high selectivity of the AuNCs for 2‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylethan‐1‐one is due to the activity difference between the two hydroxy groups in the diol. AuNCs tend to catalyze the oxidation of the hydroxy group that locates in α‐C position of benzyl diol. Gold nanocrystals (AuNCs) can catalyze the oxidation of 1‐phenylethane‐1,2‐diol to 2‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylethan‐1‐one selectively under mild conditions (aqueous solution, pH 7, 50 °C, 6 MPa O2). And the yield of 2‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylethan‐1‐one can reach 87% when 94% reactant is converted. The high selectivity for 2‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylethan‐1‐one might be aroused by the activity difference of the two hydroxy groups in the diol, the one adjacent to benzyl group is easier to be oxidized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to explore the effect of different personnel attributes and the relationship between different people on evacuation efficiency in the case of a passenger ship fire. As such, this study proposes a speed correction method that considers human attributes and interactions between different populations. Firstly, a hesitant fuzzy set and hesitant fuzzy average operator are adopted to quantify four kinds of personnel attributes. Secondly, considering the influence of different people, this study extracts the formula for acceleration under the interactive influence of different groups of people. At the same time, based on the first-order linear relationship between velocity and acceleration, an interactive velocity correction method is presented in the evacuation of ship personnel. Finally, this study uses the personnel evacuation simulation software Pathfinder to conduct experiments, and introduces the corrected speed and the uncorrected speed into the evacuation simulation process, respectively. The results show that the simulation results of the revised speed plan are more consistent with reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a mathematical model for solid vascular tumor growth with Gibbs–Thomson relation is studied. On the free boundary, we consider Gibbs–Thomson relation which means energy is expended to maintain the tumor structure. Supposing that the nutrient is the source of the energy, the nutrient denoted by σ satisfies ∂ n σ + α [ σ − σ ¯ (1 − γ κ) ] = 0 on  ∂ Ω , where α > 0 is a constant representing the ability of the tumor to absorb the nutrient through its blood vessels; σ ¯ is concentration of the nutrient outside the tumor; κ is the mean curvature; γ denotes adhesiveness between cells and ∂ n σ denotes the exterior normal derivative on ∂ Ω. The existence, uniqueness and nonexistence of radially symmetric solutions are discussed. By using the bifurcation method, we discuss the existence of nonradially symmetric solutions. The results show that infinitely many nonradially symmetric solutions bifurcate from the radially symmetric solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on comparative studies on correlation coefficient theory and utility theory, a series of rules that utility functions on dual hesitant fuzzy rough sets (DHFRSs) should satisfy, and a kind of novel utility function on DHFRSs are proposed. The characteristic of the introduced utility function is a parameter, which is determined by decision-makers according to their experiences. By using the proposed utility function on DHFRSs, a novel dual hesitant fuzzy rough pattern recognition method is also proposed. Furthermore, this study also points out that the classical dual tool is suitable to cope with dynamic data in exploratory data analysis situations, while the newly proposed one is suitable to cope with static data in confirmatory data analysis situations. Finally, a medical diagnosis and a traffic engineering example are introduced to reveal the effectiveness of the newly proposed utility functions on DHFRSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of this study is to explore the role of cardinality of hesitant fuzzy element (HFE) in distance measures on hesitant fuzzy sets (HFSs). Firstly, three parameters, i.e., credibility factor, conservative factor, and a risk factor are introduced, thereafter, a series of novel distance measures on HFSs are proposed using these three parameters. These newly proposed distance measures handle the relationship between the cardinal number and the element values of hesitant fuzzy set well, and are suitable to combine subjective and objective decision-making information. When using these functions, decision makers with different risk preferences are allowed to give different values for these three parameters. In particular, this study transfers the hesitance degree index to a credibility of the values in HFEs, which is consistent with people's intuition. Finally, the practicability of the newly proposed distance measures is verified by two examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Free trade port zones serve as an important platform for opening up China's economy. • An evaluation indicator system is designed to evaluate the performance of such zones. • The development performance and influencing factors are found to vary for each zone. • The combination of AHP and GRA is an effective method to evaluate the performance. • We offer decision-making suggestions for the port managers in order to improve business performance. Abstract A free trade port, with elaborate logistics and prominent policy advantages, is a special zone that falls under the supervision of customs and a combination of China's port and land region. Resembling free trade zones in form, free trade ports represent China's institutional innovation with strategic significance. They serve as an important platform for opening up China's economy. As a special area supervised by China's Customs, a typical free trade port zone is currently undergoing upgradation and transitioning into a free trade zone. Its development performance is the key factor in this process. In this study, a development performance evaluation system for a typical free trade port zone was established on the basis of theoretical models and empirical research. Six typical free trade port zones were selected in China's coastal areas: Yangshan, Yantai, Xiamen Haicang, Guangzhou Nansha, Ningbo Meishan and Tianjin Dongjiang. The development performances of these zones were evaluated using a system built by combining an analytic hierarchy process with a grey relational analysis. Additionally, empirical research was conducted for these six free trade port zones. By comparing the development levels of these zones, the main problems in each zone were identified, and upgrade measures were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As bridges connecting seaports and their hinterland, dry ports serve to expand the hinterland and increase cargo sources of seaports, rendering efficient international logistics circulation in hinterland areas possible. The roles of dry ports have attracted increasing attention from various ocean shipping countries. Seaports and dry ports possess complementary functions and increasingly close interactions. The paper builds an assessment indicator system on correlations between seaports and dry ports and a two-stage grey relational analysis (GRA) method through collating dry port-related literature to facilitate quantitative studies on the correlations between seaports and dry ports, namely, using two quantitative indicators of Deng’s correlation and absolute correlation to assess and determine the correlations in the development of seaports and dry ports. The paper then carries out case studies on Xiamen Port and its six dry ports to verify the effectiveness of the method and model in the paper. The study results show that Xiamen Port has very high region-varying correlations with its hinterland dry ports. Dry port development not only depends on their shipment volume indicators, but also significantly correlated with their economic indicators, and the hinterland economic indicators become key factors driving the fast development of a seaport. The analyzing method in the paper is conducive for government departments and relevant stakeholders to formulate superior policies and provide theoretical bases for the development of correlations between seaports and their dry ports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composites of gold nanoparticles and graphene quantum dots (AuNPs/GQDs) exhibit excellent dispersibility in aqueous solutions. Thus, it is difficult to separate them from wet reaction systems when they are used as catalysts. To resolve this issue, in this study, an AuNPs/GQDs composite was immobilized on silicon dioxide through the hydrothermal method, which involved the formation of an amide bond between the surface GQDs of the AuNPs/GQDs composite and the amino group of the silane. The as-synthesized AuNPs/GQDs/SiO2 composite was found to be suitable for use as a heterogeneous catalyst for the oxidation of veratryl alcohol in water and exhibited catalytic activity comparable to that of bare AuNPs/GQDs as well as better recyclability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the route recommendation provided by the traffic management authority, rather than the uncontrollable bifurcation splitting rate, is directly considered as the control variable in the route guidance system; a real-time en-route diversion control strategy with multiple objectives is designed in a Model Predictive Control (MPC) framework with regard to system uncertainties and disturbances. The objectives include not only traffic efficiency, but also emission reduction and fuel economy, which respectively correspond to minimizing the total time spent (TTS), total amount of emissions and fuel consumption for all vehicles moving through a network. In the MPC framework, the routing control problem is transformed to be a constrained combinational optimization, which is solved by the parallel Tabu Search algorithm. Two representative traffic scenarios are tested, and the simulation results show: (1) The room for improvement in each objective by means of route diversion control is not consistent with each other and varies with the utilized traffic scenario. In the peak hour, the routing control can lead to significant improvements in TTS and fuel economy, while a relatively small improvement in emission reduction is achieved; in the off-peak hour, however, it is opposite, which indicates that routing is possibly dispensable from the aspect of improving traffic efficiency, but is required from the aspect of emission reduction. (2) The conflict among the multiple objectives varies with the utilized traffic scenario in route diversion control. Improving traffic efficiency often conflicts with emission reduction in both scenarios. For the objectives of traffic efficiency and fuel economy, they are not conflicting in peak hour, while in the off-peak hour, the two objectives are likely conflicting, and the improvement in one objective can lead to the degradation in the other objective. (3) Regardless of the scenarios of peak hour or off-peak hour, the proposed control strategy can result in a proper trade-off among the three chosen objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A time-delayed mathematical model for tumor growth with the effect of periodic therapy is studied. The establishment of the model is based on the reaction-diffusion dynamics and mass conservation law and is considered with a time delay in cell proliferation process. Sufficient conditions for the global stability of tumor free equilibrium are given. We also prove that if external concentration of nutrients is large the tumor will not disappear and the conditions under which there exist periodic solutions to the model are also determined. Results are illustrated by computer simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed plantations of Eucalyptus with native tree species can effectively improve forest ecosystem services. However, the long-term effects and ratios of Eucalyptus -native tree species mixture on plant diversity in different plant layer, multiple ecosystem services, multiservice and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To fill these gaps, a four-level intercropping gradient of Eucalyptus urophylla planted with eight native tree species (NS) was set up (i.e., 20%NS, 30%NS, 40%NS, 50%NS), monitored and compared with a monoculture E. urophylla plantation (EU) and a randomly mixed plantation (98%NS) in southern China. We calculated the multiple ecosystem services of the plantation and the multidimensional diversity (taxonomic diversity (TD), functional diversity (FD), and phylogenetic diversity (PD)) of different plant layers. The results showed that the long-term (13–15a) and short-term (1a) plantation communities were significantly different in multidimensional diversity in all three vertical plant layers. In the long-term, intercropping with more than 20% native trees significantly increased the multidimensional diversity in the tree layer, but not the shrub and herb layers, compared to the EU. Intercropping with 50% native trees significantly promoted biodiversity conservation service, ecosystem multiservice and synergistic relationships among ecosystem services over a decade. Both initial mixing ratio and naturally restored multidimensional diversity in shrub and herb layers influenced tree layer's multidimensional diversity, contributing to long-term multiple ecosystem services of mixed Eucalyptus -native tree species plantations. Our results highlighted the risk of applying short-term based diversity results in long-term strategy making for E. urophylla plantation, quantitatively explored the high explanatory power of plant functional and phylogenetic diversities on multiservice, and expanded understanding of the mechanisms of the triad, biodiversity-ecosystem service-ecosystem stability. To practice, intercropping 50% native trees was recommend for long-term optimizing multiservice restoration, including but not limited to biodiversity conservation, and the syngeneic development among ecosystem services of Eucalyptus plantations. • The short-term and long-term results of diversity in Eucalyptus plantations differ. • Intercropping ratios have a long-term impact on the tree layer. • Intercropping Eucalyptus with 50% native trees provides higher ecosystem multiservice. • Intercropping ratio and natural restoration jointly promote ecosystem services. • Functional and phylogenetic diversity positively relate to ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Operational efficiency is significant for the comprehensive competitiveness of a port. In this study, we use a principal component analysis-data envelopment analysis (PCA-DEA) integrated model to evaluate the operational efficiency of iron ore logistics at the ports of Bohai Bay, China. The key indicators and systematic framework are established for logistics efficiency research. We consider the PCA-DEA integrated model as a practical tool for evaluating and analyzing the relative efficiency of the iron ore logistics of each port in that area. The proposed method consists of a two-stage research and analysis that begins with PCA. In the first stage, we use PCA to obtain 6 synthetic indicators, including 4 input indicators and 2 output indicators, from 15 original indicators. In the second stage, the standard DEA approach is used with the specific synthetic indicators. The evaluation results of the selected ports from the integrated PCA-DEA model are compared and discussed. The comparison of the evaluation results indicates that the PCA-DEA model provides a practical and powerful tool for the investigation of the port logistics problem. With this integrated model, a comparison analysis and further research into the iron ore logistics efficiency of different ports in the area are presented. Finally, discussions and suggestions are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly fluorescent coordination cage [Zn8L4I8] has been constructed by treating enantiopure pyridyl-functionalized metallosalalen units (L) with zinc(II) iodide and characterized by a variety of techniques including microanalysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. Strong intermolecular π-π, CH⋅⋅⋅π, and CH⋅⋅⋅I interactions direct packing of the cage molecules to generate a 3D polycage network interconnected by pentahedral cages formed by adjacent pentamers. The cage has an amphiphilic helical cavity decorated with chiral NH functionalities capable of interactions with guest species such as saccharides. The fluorescence of the cage was greatly enhanced by five enantiomeric saccharides in solution, with enantioselectivity factors of 2.480-4.943, and by five enantiomeric amines in the solid state, with enantioselective fluorescence enhancement ratios of 1.30-3.60. This remarkable chiral sensing of both saccharides and amines with impressive enantioselectivity may result from the steric confinement of the cavity as well as its conformational rigidity. It holds great promise for the development of novel chiral cage materials for sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In indeterminate and inconsistent setting, existing simplified neutrosophic indeterminate set (SNIS) can be depicted by the neutrosophic number (NN) functions of the truth, falsity and indeterminacy. Then, the three NN functions in SNIS lack their refined expressions and then the simplified neutrosophic indeterminate decision making (DM) method cannot carry out the multicriteria DM problems with both criteria and sub-criteria in the setting of SNISs. To overcome the flaws, this study first proposes a new notion of a refined simplified neutrosophic indeterminate set (RSNIS), which is described by the refined truth, falsity and indeterminate NN information regarding both elements and sub-elements in a universe set, as the extension of SNIS. Next, we propose the arccosine and arctangent similarity measures of RSNISs and their multicriteria DM method with various indeterminate risk ranges so as to carry out multicriteria DM problems with weight values of both criteria and sub-criteria in RSNIS setting. Lastly, the proposed DM method is applied to a multicriteria DM example of slope design schemes for an open pit mine to illustrate its application in the indeterminate DM problem with RSNISs. The decision results and comparative analysis indicate the rationality and efficiency of the proposed DM method with different indeterminate risk ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On urban streets with bus stops, bus arrivals can disrupt traffic flows in the neighboring areas. Different stop designs have distinct influences on the road users. This study aims to evaluate how different types of bus stops affect the operations of vehicles, bicycles, and buses that pass by. Four types of stops that differ in geometric layout are examined. They are termed the shared bike/bus (Type 1), separated shared bike/bus (Type 2), vehicle/bus with inboard bike lane (Type 3), and bus bay with inboard bike lane (Type 4). Data are collected from eight sites in two cities of China. Results of data analysis show that different bus stop designs have quite different impacts on the neighboring traffic flows. More specifically, Type 3 stops create the least bicycle delay but the largest vehicle delay. Type 4 stops have the least impact on bicycle and vehicle operations, but occupy the most road space. Traffic operations are less affected by Type 1 stops than by Type 2 stops. Policy suggestions are discussed regarding the optimal design of bus stops that minimizes the total vehicle delay of all modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uneven petroleum distribution in the world and various countries' dependence on the petroleum for economic development make maritime oil shipping an extremely important way for various countries to launch oil trade. Marine oil shipping, while bringing economic benefits to various countries, witnesses oil spill accidents by oil tankers, which led to losses to oil trading and shipping countries and seriously polluted the marine ecological environment. The tanker shipping pollution and oil spills’ damages to the marine environment have drawn much attention. This paper sets up an entropy weighted grey relation analysis method to analyze key contributors to oil spills, and evaluates the extent of impacts of each factor in different ship operations. Based on actual conditions of global oil tankers, we chose seven dominant contributors to global tanker oil spills for evaluation, and established an analytic framework of global tanker oil spill factors based on the combined method, with specific analysis steps and methods provided. Finally, we conducted a model empirical study based on history data of global tanker oil spills in the past 46 years from 1970 to 2015 to verify the practicability and effectiveness of the model established in this paper for analyzing global tanker oil spill factors. The results of this study are conducive for government departments and policy makers to take appropriate and effective strategies to manage and prevent global tanker oil spills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a free boundary problem for a solid avascular tumor growth under the action of periodic external inhibitors with time delays in proliferation is studied. Sufficient conditions for the global stability of tumor-free equilibrium are given. Moreover, if external concentration of nutrients is large, we also prove that the tumor will not disappear and determine the conditions under which there exist periodic solutions to the model. The results show that the periodicity of the inhibitor may imply periodicity of the size of the tumor. More precisely, if (the concentration of external nutrients) is greater than , where are two constants; ; is a periodic function which can be interpreted as a treatment and is the period of . Results are illustrated by computer simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]