Search results

The purpose of this paper is to consider compromise solutions of multiple attribute decision-making methods (TOPSIS, VIKOR, and similarity-based approach) in order to evaluate and rank mutual funds and to compare the capabilities of different approaches based on the different traditional indices of mutual funds assessment. In addition, a new algorithm for ranking mutual funds was proposed subsequently.

In this research, three groups of indices including general, risk-modified performance evaluation, and risk-modified performance evaluation indices using semivariance were used in the mutual funds assessment, which led to the comparison between selected mutual funds, using three mentioned methods and three different groups of criteria. The results of this comparison were compiled and synthesized with linear assignment method. At the end, an algorithm for decision making and investing in mutual funds for professional and unprofessional investors was proposed.

Using different methods and different criteria proved that the results of similarity-based approach as a MADM technique have the ability to rank and evaluate mutual funds regardless of the criteria used compared to TOPSIS and VIKOR. Furthermore, the authors propose the algorithm of this research as a new model of mutual funds evaluation which considers a wide range of variables with respect to amateur and professional points of view.

The originality of this paper is threefold: first, different criteria were considered to make the evaluation more comprehensive. Second, four different approaches were used to make the results more authentic. Third, a holistic algorithm with its implication was proposed.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using conductive polymers such as polyaniline (PANI) as corrosion inhibitors for metals.

In this study, the effect of the addition of praseodymium (Pr³⁺) cations on the corrosion inhibition performance of PANI for AZ31 magnesium alloy was appraised through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization tests.

The results of EIS and potentiodynamic polarization tests indicated the improvement of corrosion resistance of AZ31 during different immersion times.

This anti-corrosion ability of PANI/Pr³⁺ composite applies as non-toxic environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor on the self-healing corrosion protection properties.

The conductive polymers are interested for many industries. The reported data can be used by the formulators working in the R&D departments.

The anti-corrosion ability of PANI/Pr³⁺ composite present a novel and high effective route against metal corrosion besides application of toxic corrosion.

The application of titanium dioxide coating in the field of architectural heritage is a great challenge. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to study the synthesis, characterization and corrosion inhibition performance of Pr³⁺ cations doped PANI nano-fibers as an anti-corrosion additive for AZ31 magnesium alloy in 3.5 Wt.% NaCl solution.

The present study aims to design and simulate various types of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) origami-based nanopores and explore their stability under different temperatures and constraints. To create DNA origami nanopores, both one-layer and two-layer structures can be utilized.

One of the key applications of DNA origami structures involves the creation of nanopores, which have garnered significant interest for their diverse applications across multiple scientific disciplines. DNA origami nanopores can be studied individually and in combination with other structures. The structural stability of these nanopores across various temperature conditions is crucial for enabling the passage of diverse payloads.

Comparing these DNA origami structures can provide valuable insights into the performance of these nanopores under different conditions. The results indicate that two-layer nanopores exhibit better structural stability under various temperatures compared to one-layer nanopores. Additionally, small structural changes in two-layer nanopores enable them to maintain stability even at high temperatures.

In this paper, various DNA origami-based nanopores were designed and simulated, focusing specifically on one-layer and two-layer configurations. The two-layer nanopore consistently exhibited superior stability across both free and restrained scenarios, undergoing fewer structural changes compared to the one-layer nanopore. As temperatures increased, the two-layer nanopore remained less susceptible to deformation, maintaining closer to its original shape. Moreover, in the free scenario, the geometric shape of the two-layer nanopore demonstrated fewer variations than the one-layer nanopore.

This study aims to identify the enablers of supply chain resilience (SCR) through a literature review and expert panel input in the context of Pakistan and the post-pandemic era. This study also aims to categorize and rank the identified enablers using expert panel input.

A review of the extant literature was conducted to investigate and identify the factors that contribute to SCR. The relative ranking of the enablers was carried out by a group of industry and academic experts. The expert panel was convened to compare the main categories and each enabler in pairs and to score the enablers using triangular fuzzy numbers.

This study identified 16 critical SCR enablers. Using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP), these enablers were divided into three groups and analyzed. The results show that financial enablers, technology enablers and then social enablers are prioritized when it comes to SCR in emerging markets. The robustness of the ranking of enablers is tested through sensitivity analysis.

The results shall be helpful for policymakers and managers to understand the important enablers and also help allocate resources to important enablers. Managers will be able to formulate strategies to achieve SCR in an uncertain environment.

This is one of the first attempts to identify and rank the enablers of SCR in an emerging economy context.