Search

The choice of similarity measure (SM) plays an important role in distinguishing between objects. Similarity measure of Pythagorean fuzzy sets (PFSs) is very useful and effective in discriminating between different Pythagorean fuzzy sets. Therefore, in this paper, we suggest a new similarity measure for PFSs based on converting the PFSs into their lower, upper and middle fuzzy sets (FSs) to calculate their degree of similarity. We construct an axiomatic definition for a new SM of PFSs. Furthermore, we put forward a new way to express the similarity measure of PFSs to show its competency, reliability and applicability. For establishing reasonability and usefulness of the proposed methods, we present several practical examples related to pattern recognition and multicriteria decision making problems. Finally, we construct an algorithm for Portuguese of interactive and multiple attributes decision making (TODIM) method based on the proposed similarity measures, for handling complex multicriteria decision making problems related to day to day life. Our final results show that the suggested method is reasonable, reliable and useful in managing different complex decision making problems in the context of Pythagorean fuzzy sets as the domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuzzy sets (FSs) with belief and plausibility measures in Dempster-Shafer theory (DST) are recognized as different methodology to model imperfect, uncertain, and vague information more accurately than probability. Various generalizations of DST to FSs are suggested in the numerous literatures but the generalization of DST to Pythagorean fuzzy sets (PFSs) has not yet been considered so far. In this paper, we first suggest an intuitive and simple way to develop a generalization of DST to PFSs with the characterization of belief function in terms of membership function and plausibility function in terms of 1-nonmemberhip function respectively. We give the interpretation of belief and plausibility on PFSs and then construct belief-plausibility intervals (BPIs) of PFSs. On the basis of suggested BPIs, we use Hausdorff distance to describe the distance between two BPIs and then construct several similarity measures in the generalized context of DST to PFSs. By utilizing the method of VIekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje (VIKOR), the suggested belief and plausibility measures on PFSs in the framework of DST enable us to develop a belief-plausibility VIKOR (BP-VIKOR) to manage multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) problems related to daily life settings. Numerical analysis with examples are given to show the suggested method is reasonable, and suitable in the environment of PFSs in the context of generalization of DST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy storage materials, particularly chalcogenides, are fascinating electrode materials for supercapacitors (SCs) because of their high capacitance, remarkable electrical conductivity, and multiple oxidation states contributed by numerous metal cations. Herein, a novel nanocomposite based on zinc sulfide and copper diselenide, denoted as (ZnS–CuSe 2), was prepared via a sonochemical-assisted method. The structural analysis revealed the cubic structure for pure ZnS, orthorhombic for CuSe 2, and co-existing cubic and orthorhombic phases for ZnS–CuSe 2 nanocomposites with high purity and crystallinity. The ZnS–CuSe 2 nanocomposite offered exceptional electrochemical performance with redox peaks from the CV analysis, and coupled with plateaus in the charge/discharge profile, confirming the faradaic energy storage properties with functional reversibility. Similarly, a high conductive feature of the ZnS–CuSe 2 composite was revealed by impedance study, with a minor charge transfer resistance than their bulk materials. A hybrid asymmetric supercapacitor (HASCs) composed of ZnS–CuSe 2 //AC was constructed, which manifested an enlarged voltage window up to 1.7 V with capacitance of 95 F g−1 and a maximum specific energy of 38 Wh kg−1. Also, high power delivery was attained at 3927 Wkg-1 when specific energy goes down to 12 Wh kg− at 5 A g−1. Interestingly, only 81.8% retention was left beneath when cycled to 8000 cycles, specifying decent stability of the ZnS–CuSe 2 //AC HASCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Cd/Co co-doped TiO 2 nanoparticles are successfully synthesized. • Structural, morphological, and optical characteristics are investigated. • The optical bandgap reduced for an optimum Co concentration. • Cd/Co co-doped TiO 2 revealed substantial antibacterial properties. Emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains due to the frequent use of antibiotics has led scientists to develop new materials to protect human health. Metal oxides such as titania (TiO 2) can play an effective role in controlling the infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, however, its wide bandgap has limited its utilisation. In this study, we have doped TiO 2 with cadmium (Cd) and cobalt (Co) to tune its bandgap for enhanced antibacterial characteristics. Hydrothermal route was used to prepare a series of TiO 2 , Cd-doped and Cd/Co co-doped TiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs), with varying content of Co. Structural studies of the prepared samples revealed the formation of crystalline tetragonal anatase phase of TiO 2 with average crystallite sizes between 5 and 10 nm. The XRD results were further supported by the Raman analysis, where vibrational modes associated the anatase TiO 2 were observed. The Raman data indicated a gradual shift and broadening of peaks with the increase in Co concentration. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images revealed the aggregated surface morphology for all the prepared samples. UV excitonic and visible emission peaks due to the defect centres associated with oxygen vacancies were observed in photoluminescence (PL) spectra. A substantial decrease in the bandgap of TiO 2 from 3.02 eV to 2.47 eV was achieved by doping TiO 2 with only 1 % Cd and 1 % Co. Compared to pure TiO 2 samples, Cd/Co co-doped TiO 2 NPs displayed superior antibacterial activity against the notorious P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato fruit rot caused by fungi is the most common postharvest problem. The fungi are responsible for spoilage of produce between harvest and consumption. This study analyzed the distribution of tomato fruit rot using descriptive as well as geostatistical techniques and diversity of associated fungal species. Descriptive statistics indicated that the rot incidence and severity ranged from 10.22-44.17% and 0.7 - 7.10 mm. Geostatistical techniques were used to predict the spatial dependency class. Results revealed that rot incidence data had a nugget/sill ratio of 0.487 inferring moderate spatial dependence, whereas severity inferring weak spatial dependence with nugget/sill ratio of 0.221. Furthermore, geostatistical analysis was also applied to examine spatial variability within-field using semivariogram and kriged maps. The maps of current study showed spatial distribution of rot incidence and severity in the study area. These digital maps will be helpful to develop pre-and post-harvest management strategies against tomato fruit rot. A total of nine fungal species were isolated from infected tomato fruit namely; Geotrichum candidum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Bipolaris, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizopus stolonifer, Culvularia lunata and Penicillum digitatum. Aspergillus flavus was dominating species (17.02%) followed by Fusarium oxysporum (14.89%) and Alternaria alternata (12.76%), while Culvularia lunata has the least occurrence (6.38%). This study provides information about post-harvest rotting fungi of tomato to the growers, extension workers and researchers in the district Gilgit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article investigates the rapid expansion of private schooling in the Northern Areas of Pakistan during the period 1993–2003. Our observations are mainly based on a survey of about 40% of the total number of private schools in the Northern Areas in which we attested trends that are characteristic of many private schools elsewhere, both nationally and internationally. For instance, most of the parents are by no means wealthy, most think that private schools provide better quality than government schools, English-medium instruction is a key requirement, and all have pragmatic expectations of the benefits for their children both from private schooling and from English-medium education. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]