An analytical framework for the best–worst method

Since the development of the best–worst method (BWM) in 2015, it has become a popular research focus in multi-criteria decision-making. The original optimization problem of the BWM is a nonlinear min–max model that can lead to multiple optimal solutions, while the linear model of the BWM produces a unique solution. The two models need to be...

BI-IEnKF coupling model for effective source term estimation of natural gas leakage in urban utility tunnels

As an effective way to facilitate the increasing demand for reliable infrastructure, energy supply and sustainable urban development, underground utility tunnels have been developed rapidly in recent years. Due to the widespread distribution of utility tunnels, the safe operation of natural gas pipelines accommodated in utility tunnels has...

A conflict cluster-based method for collision avoidance decision-making in multi-ship encounter situations

During the process of collision avoidance, especially in a multi-ship encounter situation, the dynamic interactions among individual ships impose a significant impact on collision avoidance decision-making. It is imperative, therefore, that collision avoidance decisions are formulated with a comprehensive consideration of not only the current...

Hydrogenated Boron Phosphide with the excellent tunability of electronic properties and Current-Voltage responses

Combining the first principles calculations and the non-equilibrium Green’s function formalisms, we decipher the structural, electronic, and transport properties of boron phosphide (BP) with hydrogenation. Hydrogenated BP monolayer is an indirect semiconductor with a wide-bandgap of 3.76 eV that is favorable in power devices. We find that the...

Examining industrial air pollution embodied in trade: implications of a hypothetical China-UK FTA

Very few developed economies have a full free trade agreement (FTA) with China. This study employs one GTAP model and builds an extended environmental multi-region input–output model to investigate a hypothetical China-UK FTA, concerning embodied industrial emissions of SO2, PM2.5, NOX, and NH3. The economic sectors are also classified based on...

Response of hydrogeological processes in a regional groundwater system to environmental changes: A modeling study of Yinchuan Basin, China

The sustainable development of groundwater resources in arid and semi-arid regions is a challenging task hindered by climate change and human activities. The rational utilization and management of groundwater resources is, therefore, dependent on an understanding of the influences of human and climatic factors on the spatial distribution of...

Study on the Mg-Li-Zn ternary alloy system with improved mechanical properties, good degradation performance and different responses to cells

Novel Mg-(3.5, 6.5wt%)Li-(0.5, 2, 4wt%)Zn ternary alloys were developed as new kinds of biodegradable metallic materials with potential for stent application. Their mechanical properties, degradation behavior, cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility were studied. These potential biomaterials showed higher ultimate tensile strength than...