Search

In this article, we present a study on the development in the theory and application of the Z-numbers since its inception in 2011. The review covers the formalization of Z-number-based mathematical operators, the role of Z-numbers in computing with words, decision-making, and trust modeling, application of Z-numbers in real-world problems such as multisensor data fusion, dynamic controller design, safety analytics, and natural language understanding, a brief comparison with conceptually similar paradigms, and some potential areas of future investigation. The paradigm currently has at least four extensions to its definition: multidimensional Z-numbers, parametric Z-numbers, hesitant-uncertain linguistic Z-numbers, and Z*-numbers. The Z-numbers have also been used in conjunction with rough sets and granular computing for enhanced uncertainty handling. While this decade has seen a plethora of theoretical initiatives toward its growth, there remains a major work scope in the direction of practical realization of the paradigm. Some challenges yet unresolved are automated translation of (imprecise, sarcastic, and metaphorical) linguistic expressions to their Z-number forms, discernment of probability–possibility distributions to map real-world situations under consideration, analysis of linguistic equivalents of Z-operator results to intuitive human responses, the endogenous arousal of belief in intelligent agents, and analysis of biases embedded in expert-belief values that are primary inputs to Z-number-based expert systems. After a decade of the Z-numbers, the paradigm has proved to be of use in expert-input-based decision-making systems and initial value problems. Its applicability in high-risk, high-precision areas, such as deep-sea exploration and space science, remains unexplored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The double-weave structure of a fabric allows for the use of different materials and weave structures for the upper and lower layer, which can be advantageous in the functionalization of 3D printed textiles. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the influence of simple and double-weave structures on the adhesion of 3D printed fabrics. From this perspective, we investigated the influence of different twill derivates and weft densities on the adhesion force. We produced fabrics specifically for this study and printed them with a polylactic acid filament using Fused Deposition Modeling technology. The T-peel test was performed to measure the adhesion, and the results were statistically analyzed. A morphological study of the surfaces and cross-sections of the 3D printed fabrics helped us interpret the results. We found that adhesion was higher for double fabrics when printed with a smaller z-distance, where the molten polymer reached the lower layer of the fabric and adhered to it. The opposite was confirmed when printing with a larger z-distance, where adhesion was higher for simple fabrics. Both weave and density had a significant effect on adhesion in all cases. Surprisingly, different twill derivatives generally had a greater influence on adhesion than density.

In this paper the author introduces the notion of IFZ-graph in Graph Theory. The classical Dijkstra's algorithm to find the shortest path in graphs is not applicable to IFZ-graphs. Consequently the author proposes a new algorithm called by IFZ-Dijkstra's Algorithm to solve the Shortest Path Problem (SPP) in an IFZ-graph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The double-weave structure of a fabric allows for the use of different materials and weave structures for the upper and lower layer, which can be advantageous in the functionalization of 3D printed textiles. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the influence of simple and double-weave structures on the adhesion of 3D printed fabrics. From this perspective, we investigated the influence of different twill derivates and weft densities on the adhesion force. We produced fabrics specifically for this study and printed them with a polylactic acid filament using Fused Deposition Modeling technology. The T-peel test was performed to measure the adhesion, and the results were statistically analyzed. A morphological study of the surfaces and cross-sections of the 3D printed fabrics helped us interpret the results. We found that adhesion was higher for double fabrics when printed with a smaller z-distance, where the molten polymer reached the lower layer of the fabric and adhered to it. The opposite was confirmed when printing with a larger z-distance, where adhesion was higher for simple fabrics. Both weave and density had a significant effect on adhesion in all cases. Surprisingly, different twill derivatives generally had a greater influence on adhesion than density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]