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The phase transition of metals is a research hotspot in molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. With the increase of the development of MD, different force fields with different requirements have emerged, which helps to select the appropriate force field and also increases the difficulty of selection. In addition, previous studies have been affected by particle size, which affects the melting point accuracy. MD simulation of the melting and condensing behavior of Aluminum (Al) particles was carried out by using EAM force fields from different sources. The thermal behavior of phase transition was studied by means of potential energy, specific heat, MSD, FCC lattice number, etc. The melting and condensation process of 2–10nm cubic without boundary under the NPT system was simulated, and the steady-state simulation was discussed by means of an isometric temperature point. It is proved that the borderless simulation can completely eliminate the boundary effect. The parameter setting of efficient use of EAM is widely discussed by using this method, and the effectiveness of the EAM force field is compared, so as to improve the efficiency of scholars engaged in related research and avoid the difficult choice of force field files. The results show that the borderless simulation has quite high advantages in terms of phase transition potential energy and melting point, while the current EAM force field is inherently deficient in this kind of discussion, and the development of new force field is urgent.

The effect of Tokishakuyakusan, a Chinese herbal medicine, was examined, in vivo, in women with luteal insufficiency and in women with normal menstrual cycles. Luteal insufficiency was determined by daily measurement of basal body temperature and plasma progesterone levels. Tokishakuyakusan improved luteal insufficiency. Furthermore, the effects of Tokishakuyakusan on prolactin, gonadotropins, steroids, angiotensin II, ANP and renin levels in the blood of women with normal menstrual cycles were studied, as were the medicine's effects on estrogens, pregnenediol and LH in the urine of the same women. Tokishakuyakusan had no adverse effect on hormonal levels in either blood or urine. Furthermore, no clinical side effects were detected. These results suggest that Tokishakuyakusan improves luteal insufficiency in women but does not affect the hormonal levels of women with normal menstrual cycles.

Companies aim to make their supply chains more efficient by using modern information technology (IT). Owing to limited resources there is a need to prioritize IT projects and those generating the highest business value should be implemented first. In this paper, we first develop the theoretical foundations for the prioritization decision and then implement the theoretical principles by applying the ANP (analytic network process) approach. A model is developed to aid a buyer company in selecting prioritized suppliers for adopting electronic invoicing. The case company is a leading Finnish textile and clothing design company. The ANP approach is considered suitable for this type of decision problem with many interconnected decision-making criteria. As the result of the analysis, the prioritized suppliers, representing different supplier types in the case company, are determined. The results can be applied to schedule e-invoicing implementation projects among the supplier companies. Based on the case study it can be concluded that the theoretical principles and the ANP approach can also be applied to other IT implementation decisions concerning supply chain efficiency.

This paper proposes fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making approach integrated with fuzzy real option value theory. The applicability of the proposed method was shown on a real-world supermarket location selection problem. Based on the interviews with the experts, the evaluation criteria for retail location selection were identified. Then the network for fuzzy analytic network process (ANP) method was constructed. The fuzzy real option value for each alternative was calculated and used in the proposed approach as the representative of the financial dimension. Finally, the preference ranking of alternatives and the relative importance of the criteria were obtained. The significant contribution of the proposed approach is that it integrates the financial dimension (FROV) of the location problem methodologically with the multi-criteria characteristic (FANP) of the problem. Another importance of this study is the first usage of real options valuation in the area of location selection science.

There are many examples of successful application of the famous Bayes’ theorem to forecast the outcome of causes or influences of events. However, there are also many examples of failures of just using probabilities and statistics without also using judgments in each particular application. This is particularly true in medical diagnoses and in sports. The extension we proposed found a way to calculate probabilities combining logical inference of data and judgment. This research extends the use of Bayes’ theorem by incorporating judgments within the framework of the frequently used decision theory, the analytic network process (ANP) and illustrates its use with an application.

Many times, benefit-opportunity-cost-risk (BOCR) information system (IS)-related decisions are based mainly on short-term financial variables. We propose a broader decision-making framework, using contingency theory to identify environmental specific factors and assimilation theory to identify post-implementation factors to be considered in the decision. This approach is demonstrated within the context of a case study: the decision to merge the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County IS functions using an analytic network process (ANP)/BOCR analysis. ANP is a multi-criteria decision-making approach toward making decisions taking into account multiple criteria, alternatives and their interrelationships. The contingency/assimilation approach proposed here can be used in all sorts of IS decisions while the proposed IS merge decision model can be applied, with some contextual modifications, to similar public IS merge decisions. In addition, the ANP/BOCR approach is meticulously explained to serve as a useful reference for prospective users.

In this paper, we have established Cosine Trigonometric Operational Law (CTOL) and constructed Cosine Trigonometric Neutrosophic Weighted Averaging (CT-NWA) operator in the domain of generalized neutrosophic environment, which has been endorsed in a Multi-Criteria Group Decision Making (MCGDM) technique to select the best Anti-Pegasus software. In this study, the expertize recommendations and public opinion are well taken in context of debatable Pegasus issue in the Indian political, bureaucratic and democratic aspects. The problem has been addressed and resolved by using the integrated methodology of Analytical Network Process (ANP) and Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) strategies. Here, we have optimized the weight factors and the gradation values of the decision makers as well as the sub-criteria of each criterion using Linear Programming (LP) model. Finally, we have performed the comparative analysis from various aspects to justify the reliability of our results.

In this paper, we proposed a model for selection of the most suitable city for a new nuclear power plant in Turkey by using fuzzy analytical hierarchy process and fuzzy analytical network process due to linguistic terms. The implementation of the system is demonstrated by a problem having four stages of hierarchy which contains four criteria and twenty attributes. The study compares the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy analytic network process results.

Compliance with legislation and inclination towards sustainability have been major drivers for electronics manufacturers to implement end-of-life (EOL) and end-of-use (EOU) take back models. Designing of an efficient product recovery network entails key strategic decisions such as locating facilities with suitable capacities and determining an efficient distribution network for the reverse flow. Process of evaluation and selection of suitable location for managing recovery processes must allow the evaluation of opinions of all the stakeholders owing to its major economical, environmental as well as social impact. Multi criteria decision making (MCDM) techniques are therefore required to deal with the numerous conflicting tangible and intangible attributes. The paper aims at developing a MCDM model for an electronics manufacturing company seeking to sustainably manage its recovery processes for EOL and EOU products. It determines the optimal location of a recovery facility center (RFC) and optimal collection routes. For this purpose, the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) is utilized to determine the interdependencies among the various conflicting criteria considered for evaluation of alternative locations. Analytic Network Process (ANP) is then applied to generate the relative importance of the locations. Locating, capacity and routing decisions are further incorporated by developing a mixed integer linear programming model under fuzzy environment which determines optimum capacity of the RFC to be opened with adoption of best technology and optimal routes of transportation with optimal selection of vehicles. The mathematical model performs trade-off between economical and environmental performance (in terms of carbon emission) of the proposed reverse logistics (RL) network.

Wireless communication is the primary communication means of combat surface ships at sea. Wireless communication system urgently needs to be improved since it is easy to be interfered and has low reliability and low dynamic networking capacity. Making scientific evaluating to the solutions of wireless system is the primary task of system modification. According to the problem of massive indexes, strong correlation between indexes and inconsistent dimensions, the ANP method abstracts the correlation between indexes into network structure. The correlations between indexes are fully discussed, and the subjective human factors are effectively avoided. The MAUF method transfer index data into evaluable parameters using utility function according to the operational requirement of each index. Through the integrated use of ANP and MAUF methods, 5 system solutions are scientifically evaluated, and the result is true and reliable.