The multicriteria ranking problem involves ranking a set of alternatives in decreasing order of preference. The ELECTRE III method for solving this problem consists of two phases. The first phase constructs a fuzzy outranking relation known as the credibility matrix. The second phase exploits this matrix through the distillation procedure to derive a final ranking. The purpose of this paper is to explain why the distillation procedure needs to be revised and, secondly, to present the revised version we propose. This new version considers a different type of preference information from the decision-maker and modifies specific computational rules of the former method. The revised procedure replaces qualification scores with preference counts, i.e., the number of alternatives strictly preferred over each alternative, thereby improving stability and interpretability. This change improves the method's ability to handle ties, reduces sensitivity to minor inconsistencies, and ensures more faithful representations of decision-maker preferences. Furthermore, the procedure addresses the issue of cyclic preferences by systematically breaking cycles, contributing to more consistent rankings. The revised procedure is particularly valuable in complex multicriteria decision-making scenarios where decision-makers require robust, consistent, and interpretable rankings.
Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) wood diseases represent a significant threat to global production, commonly attributed to fungi belonging to the order Botryosphaeriales; however, emerging fungi causing similar symptoms in the field have recently been detected. The objective of this study was to identify emerging pathogens associated with blueberry wood diseases through phylogenetic, morphological, and pathogenic approaches. Symptomatic samples were collected from 16 commercial fields located in the municipalities of Culiacan, Guasave, Ahome, and El Fuerte in Sinaloa, Mexico. A total of 672 fungal colonies were isolated with the following frequencies: Neopestalotiopsis (48.5%), Alternaria (43.2%), and Curvularia (8.3%). A set of 22 representative isolates was selected for descriptive analyses, considering their distribution across sampling sites and comprising 17 Alternaria, 2 Curvularia, and 3 Neopestalotiopsis isolates. Morpho-phylogenetic analyses differentiated seven species: Alternaria alternata, A. burnsii, A. tomato, A. arborescens, Curvularia plantarum, C. muehlenbeckiae, and Neopestalotiopsis rosae. Pathogenicity assays were carried out by placing mycelial discs onto healthy branches of three-year-old blueberry plants. All tested isolates caused necrotic lesions on inoculated branches, though the degree of aggressiveness differed among them. Alternaria alternata (isolate CCLF533) produced the most severe lesions, whereas A. tomato and Neopestalotiopsis rosae exhibited lower aggressiveness. To our knowledge, this study provides the first global report of Alternaria burnsii, A. tomato, Curvularia plantarum, and C. muehlenbeckiae as causal agents of blueberry wood diseases and represents the first confirmation of A. alternata and A. arborescens as pathogens of blueberry woody tissues, rather than being restricted to fruit or foliar infections. These results emphasize the relevance of studying newly emerging fungal pathogens and reinforce the necessity of establishing integrated disease management programs grounded in epidemiological research.
Energy access fundamentally drives community development. Powering essential services and infrastructure, reliable electricity facilitates social, economic, health, and educational progress. This study investigates the fabrication and characterization of epoxy (EP) and vinyl ester (VE)-natural fibers biocomposites for use in sustainable energy systems. The novelty of this research is based on an integrated approach that combines the characterization of biocomposites from fique and coir fibers with their application in the production of a functional vertical axis hydrokinetic turbine (VAHT) prototype. Characterization included tensile tests complemented by Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and Izod impact testing. The thermal properties were studied using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was utilized to examine the adhesion and dispersion of fibers within the matrix. Viscoelastic properties were assessed using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). Non-woven composites displayed a substantial stiffening effect, with improvements in tensile modulus reaching up to 33 % over neat resin. Non-woven fique fiber biocomposites showed the highest impact energy absorption (4.5 J), whereas EP-woven fique fiber specimens demonstrated superior tensile strength (35 MPa). Thermal degradation onset for VE-NWFF was observed at 397 degrees Celsius. The results of the ANOVA test showed that fiber and fabric type have statistically significant impacts on mechanical performance (p <= 0.05). Research findings indicate that developed biocomposites can meet the necessary performance standards for hydrokinetic turbines production, providing a sustainable and cost-efficient alternative for distributed power networks in isolated areas.
Traditional shellfish harvesting plays a crucial role in food security, local livelihoods and the preservation of cultural heritage in coastal communities. This study examined environmental, socioeconomic and circular economy perceptions associated with the artisanal fishery of the “black chinese” snail (Hexaplex nigritus) in the Navachiste Lagoon system, located in the south-eastern Gulf of California. A quantitative, exploratory–descriptive approach was employed using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 225 fishers. Four analytical dimensions were evaluated: environmental perception, personal-family-social, economic, and circular economy perception. Given the multidimensional nature of the questionnaire, the results were interpreted through item-level response patterns. An exploratory hierarchical cluster analysis using Ward’s method suggested greater similarity between environmental and economic perception profiles, without establishing a definitive relationship. The descriptive results indicated moderate environmental concern (x¯ = 3.12), high sociocultural value (x¯ = 4.49), a negative economic perception (x¯ = 2.32) associated with low income and dependence on intermediaries, and limited adoption of circular economy practices (x¯ = 1.36). It is concluded that, despite its cultural importance, surveyed fishers perceive that the fishery faces environmental pressures and economic constraints and shows an almost total lack of integration of circular economy practices. These findings underscore the potential importance of developing comprehensive policies to promote sustainable management, strengthen marketing, and foster a circular economy for the H. nigritus fishery with the aim of contributing to its long-term sustainability in the region.
