This study has been inspired by numerous requests for clarification from researchers who often confuse Saaty’s Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with the pairwise comparisons (PC) method, taking AHP as the only representation of PC. This study should be regarded as an interpretation and clarification of past investigations of PC. In addition, this article is a reflection on general PC research at a higher level of abstraction: the...

In this paper, bending analysis of rectangular functionally graded (FG) nanoplates under a uniform transverse load has been considered based on the modified couple stress theory. Using Hamilton’s principle, governing equations are derived based on a higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT). The set of coupled equations are solved using the dynamic relaxation (DR) method combined with finite difference (FD) discretization technique...

This article addresses the problem of the scale effect for an Ultra Large Container Ship (ULCS) with a novel twin-crp-pod propulsion system. Twin-crp-pod steering-propulsion arrangement is an innovative solution that gains from three well-known systems: twin-propeller, contra-rotating propellers and pod propulsors. It is expected that applying the twin-crp-pod system to the analysed Ultra Large Container Ship will increase propulsion...

Thermal utilization of meat-and-bone meal (MBM) is subject to stringent regulations that are meant to provide elimination of any potential pathogens. Incineration as well as other possible routes for thermal conversion of MBM are still at the research state. The universal technology was developed that allows to combust various types of waste organic materials, including animal waste, municipal solid waste and sludge, mixed at any...

Research background: In the actual sizable populations of households, the standard microeconomic concept of equivalence scales is intractable since its necessary condition of equality of household welfare levels is unlikely to be fulfilled. Purpose of the article: This paper aims to develop a concept of an equivalence scale, which can be suitable for continuous distributions of expenditures in the population. Methods: Using household...