Purpose–Material selection,driven by wide and often conflicting objectives,is an important,sometimes difficult problem in material engineering.In this context,multi-criteria decision-making(MCDM)methodologies are eff...Purpose–Material selection,driven by wide and often conflicting objectives,is an important,sometimes difficult problem in material engineering.In this context,multi-criteria decision-making(MCDM)methodologies are effective.An approach of MCDM is needed to cater to criteria of material assortment simultaneously.More firms are now concerned about increasing their productivity using mathematical tools.To occupy a gap in the previous literature this research recommends an integrated MCDM and mathematical Bi-objective model for the selection of material.In addition,by using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution(TOPSIS),the inherent ambiguities of decision-makers in paired evaluations are considered in this research.It goes on to construct a mathematical bi-objective model for determining the best item to purchase.Design/methodology/approach–The entropy perspective is implemented in this paper to evaluate the weight parameters,while the TOPSIS technique is used to determine the best and worst intermediate pipe materials for automotive exhaust system.The intermediate pipes are used to join the components of the exhaust systems.The materials usually used to manufacture intermediate pipe are SUS 436LM,SUS 430,SUS 304,SUS 436L,SUH 409 L,SUS 441 L and SUS 439L.These seven materials are evaluated based on tensile strength(TS),hardness(H),elongation(E),yield strength(YS)and cost(C).A hybrid methodology combining entropy-based criteria weighting,with the TOPSIS for alternative ranking,is pursued to identify the optimal design material for an engineered application in this paper.This study aims to help while filling the information gap in selecting the most suitable material for use in the exhaust intermediate pipes.After that,the authors searched for and considered eight materials and evaluated them on the following five criteria:(1)TS,(2)YS,(3)H,(4)E and(5)C.The first two criteria have been chosen because they can have a lot of influence on the behavior of the exhaust intermediate pipes,on their performance and on the cost.In this structure,the weights of the criteria are calculated objectively through the entropy method in order to have an unbiased assessment.This essentially measures the quantity of information each criterion contribution,indicating the relative importance of these criteria better.Subsequently,the materials were ranked using the TOPSIS method in terms of their relative performance by measuring each material from an ideal solution to determine the best alternative.The results show that SUS 309,SUS 432L and SUS 436 LM are the first three materials that the exhaust intermediate pipe optimal design should consider.Findings–The material matrix of the decision presented in Table 3 was normalized through Equation 5,as shown in Table 5,and the matrix was multiplied with weighting criteriaß_j.The obtained weighted normalized matrix V_ij is presented in Table 6.However,the ideal,worst and best value was ascertained by employing Equation 7.This study is based on the selection of material for the development of intermediate pipe using MCDM,and it involves four basic stages,i.e.method of translation criteria,screening process,method of ranking and search for methods.The selection was done through the TOPSIS method,and the criteria weight was obtained by the entropy method.The result showed that the top three materials are SUS 309,SUS 432L and SUS 436 LM,respectively.For the future work,it is suggested to select more alternatives and criteria.The comparison can also be done by using different MCDM techniques like and Choice Expressing Reality(ELECTRE),Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory(DEMATEL)and Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation(PROMETHEE).Originality/value–The results provide important conclusions for material selection in this targeted application,verifying the employment of mutual entropy-TOPSIS methodology for a series of difficult engineering decisions in material engineering concepts that combine superior capacity with better performance as well as cost-efficiency in various engineering design.展开更多
The ELECTRE(ELimination Et Choix Traduisant la REalite)method has gained widespread recognition as one of the most effective multi-criteria decision-making(MCDM)methods.Its versatility allows it to be applied in a wid...The ELECTRE(ELimination Et Choix Traduisant la REalite)method has gained widespread recognition as one of the most effective multi-criteria decision-making(MCDM)methods.Its versatility allows it to be applied in a wide range of areas such as engineering,economics,business,environmental management and many others.This paper aims to provide an overview of the ELECTRE method,including its fundamental concepts,applications,advantages,and limitations.At its core,the ELECTRE method is an outranking family of MCDM techniques,which allows for the direct comparison of alternatives based on a set of criteria.The method takes into account the preferences and importance of decision-makers and generates a ranking of the alternatives based on their relative strengths and weaknesses.The ELECTRE method is a powerful tool for decision-making,and its applicability to a wide range of fields demonstrates its versatility and adaptability.By understanding its concepts,applications,merits,and demerits,decision-makers can use the ELECTRE method to make informed and effective decisions in a variety of contexts.展开更多
The VIKOR(VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje)method,which is a multi-criteria decision-making method,is examined in this paper.The VIKOR method,like other MCDM techniques such as the Technique for Or...The VIKOR(VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje)method,which is a multi-criteria decision-making method,is examined in this paper.The VIKOR method,like other MCDM techniques such as the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution(TOPSIS),is widely used to solve complex decision-making problems in various fields such as engineering,management,and finance.This paper provides an overview of the VIKOR method,including its application areas,advantages,and disadvantages.Besides,in this survey paper,the process steps of the VIKOR method are described,including determining the decision matrix,normalizing the matrix,determining the weights of the criteria,calculating the utility and regret values,calculating the VIKOR index,and finally ranking the alternatives.By providing an overview of the VIKOR method and its process steps,this paper aims to provide a better understanding of the method and its potential application in different decision-making contexts.展开更多
A method of minimizing rankings inconsistency is proposed for a decision-making problem with rankings of alternatives given by multiple decision makers according to multiple criteria. For each criteria, at first, the ...A method of minimizing rankings inconsistency is proposed for a decision-making problem with rankings of alternatives given by multiple decision makers according to multiple criteria. For each criteria, at first, the total inconsistency between the rankings of all alternatives for the group and the ones for every decision maker is defined after the decision maker weights in respect to the criteria are considered. Similarly, the total inconsistency between their final rankings for the group and the ones under every criteria is determined after the criteria weights are taken into account. Then two nonlinear integer programming models minimizing respectively the two total inconsistencies above are developed and then transformed to two dynamic programming models to obtain separately the rankings of all alternatives for the group with respect to each criteria and their final rankings. A supplier selection case illustrated the proposed method, and some discussions on the results verified its effectiveness. This work develops a new measurement of ordinal preferences’ inconsistency in multi-criteria group decision-making （MCGDM） and extends the cook-seiford social selection function to MCGDM considering weights of criteria and decision makers and can obtain unique ranking result.展开更多
The VIKOR method is a multi-criteria decision making aid, which employs linear normalization to offer compromise solu- tions and has been successfully applied to various group decision making problems. However, the co...The VIKOR method is a multi-criteria decision making aid, which employs linear normalization to offer compromise solu- tions and has been successfully applied to various group decision making problems. However, the conventional VIKOR techniques used to integrate group judgments and the information loss arising from defuzzification are problematic and distort final outcomes. An improved integration method, which is optimization-based, is proposed. And it can handle fuzzy criteria values and weights. The precondition for accurately defuzzifying triangular fuzzy num- bers is identified. Several effective defuzzification procedures are proposed to improve the extant VIKOR, and a comprehensive evaluation framework is offered to aid multi-criteria group decision making. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the practicability of the proposed method.展开更多
Molecular microbiological methods, such as competetive PCR, real-time PCR, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and large-scale parallel-pyrosequencing, require the extraction of sufficient quantity of high ...Molecular microbiological methods, such as competetive PCR, real-time PCR, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and large-scale parallel-pyrosequencing, require the extraction of sufficient quantity of high quality DNA from microbiologically and chemically complex matrices. Due to difficulties in the field to standardize/select the optimum DNA preservation-extraction methods in view of laboratories differences, this article attempts to present a straight-forward mathematical framework for comparing some of the most commonly used methods. To this end, as a case study, the problem of selecting an optimum sample preservation-DNA extraction strategy for obtaining total bacterial DNA from swine feces was considered. Two sample preservation methods (liquid nitrogen and RNAlater?) and seven extraction techniques were paired and compared under six quantitative DNA analysis criteria: yield of extraction, purity of extracted DNA (A260/280 and A 260/230 ratios), duration of extraction, degradation degree of DNA, and cost. From a practical point of view, it is unlikely that a single sample preservation-DNA extraction strategy can be optimum for all selected criteria. Hence, a systematic multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach was used to compare the methods. As a result, the ZR Fecal DNA MiniPrepTM DNA extraction kit for samples preserved either with liquid nitrogen or RNAlater? were identified as potential optimum solutions for obtaining total bacterial DNA from swine feces. Considering the need for practicality for in situ applications, we would recommend liquid nitrogen as sample preservation method, along with the ZR Fecal DNA MiniPrepTM kit. Total bacterial DNA obtained by this strategy can be suitable for downstream PCR-based DNA analyses of swine feces.展开更多
A semantics-based model is proposed to enable weakened hedges, such as ＂more or less＂ and ＂roughly＂ in the context of linguistic multi-criteria decision making. First, the resemblance relations are defined based o...A semantics-based model is proposed to enable weakened hedges, such as ＂more or less＂ and ＂roughly＂ in the context of linguistic multi-criteria decision making. First, the resemblance relations are defined based on the semantics of terms on the domain. Then, the hedges can be represented after the upper and loose upper approximations of a linguistic term are derived. Accordingly, some compact formulae can be derived for the semantics of linguistic expressions with hedges. Parameters in these formulae are objectively determined according to the semantics of original terms. The proposed model presents a more natural way to express the decision information under uncertainties and its semantics is clear. The proposed model is clarified by solving the problem of evaluation and selection of sustainable innovative energy technologies. Computational results demonstrate that the model can deal with various uncertainties of the problem. Finally, the model is compared with existing techniques and extended to the case when the semantics of terms are represented by trapezoidal fuzzy numbers.展开更多
Intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy numbers and their operational laws are defined. Based on these operational laws, some aggregation operators, including intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy weighted arithmetic averaging op...Intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy numbers and their operational laws are defined. Based on these operational laws, some aggregation operators, including intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy weighted arithmetic averaging operator and weighted geometric averaging operator are proposed. Expected values, score function, and accuracy function of intuitionitsic trapezoidal fuzzy numbers are defined. Based on these, a kind of intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy multi-criteria decision making method is proposed. By using these aggregation operators, criteria values are aggregated and integrated intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy numbers of alternatives are attained. By comparing score function and accuracy function values of integrated fuzzy numbers, a ranking of the whole alternative set can be attained. An example is given to show the feasibility and availability of the method.展开更多
This paper takes the synthesizing evaluation about industrial economic benefits by examples and proposes a new method named maximizing deviation method for multiindices decision. The new method can automatically deter...This paper takes the synthesizing evaluation about industrial economic benefits by examples and proposes a new method named maximizing deviation method for multiindices decision. The new method can automatically determine the weight coefficients among the multiindices and also can obtain the exact and reliable evaluation results without subjectivity.展开更多
Proper solid waste disposal is an important socioeconomic concern for all developing countries.Municipalities have their own policies,individual approaches and methods to manage the solid wastes.They consider wastelan...Proper solid waste disposal is an important socioeconomic concern for all developing countries.Municipalities have their own policies,individual approaches and methods to manage the solid wastes.They consider wastelands outside the urban area as the best suitable for the solid waste disposal.Such improper site selection will create morphological changes that lead to environmental hazards in the urban and its surrounding areas.In this research,the site selection for urban solid waste disposal in the Coimbatore district used geographical information system(GIS)and multi-criteria decision analysis(MCDA).Thematic layers of lineament density,landuse/landcover,population density,groundwater depth,drainage density,slope,soil texture,geology and geomorphology were considered as primary criteria and weights for criteria,and sub-criteria were assigned by MCDA analysis.The resultant weight score was validated by consistency ratio so that the efficiency of the selected criteria was justified.The overlay analysis in GIS environment provides 17 potential zones in Coimbatore district,among which,four suitable sites were screened and refined with the help of field investigation and visual interpretation of satellite image.The result of landfill suitability map shows the effectiveness of the proposed method.展开更多
A proper weapon system is very important for a na- tional defense system. Generally, it means selecting the optimal weapon system among many alternatives, which is a multiple- attribute decision making （MADM） proble...A proper weapon system is very important for a na- tional defense system. Generally, it means selecting the optimal weapon system among many alternatives, which is a multiple- attribute decision making （MADM） problem. This paper proposes a new mathematical model based on the response surface method （RSM） and the grey relational analysis （GRA）. RSM is used to obtain the experimental points and analyze the factors that have a significant impact on the selection results. GRA is used to an- alyze the trend relationship between alternatives and reference series. And then an RSM model is obtained, which can be used to calculate all alternatives and obtain ranking results. A real world application is introduced to illustrate the utilization of the model for the weapon selection problem. The results show that this model can be used to help decision-makers to make a quick comparison of alternatives and select a proper weapon system from multiple alternatives, which is an effective and adaptable method for solving the weapon system selection problem.展开更多
In the case of unknown weights, theories of multi-attributed decision making based on interval numbers and grey related analysis were used to optimize mining methods. As the representative of independence for the indi...In the case of unknown weights, theories of multi-attributed decision making based on interval numbers and grey related analysis were used to optimize mining methods. As the representative of independence for the indicator, the smaller the correlation of indicators is, the greater the weight is. Hence, the weights of interval numbers of indicators were determined by using correlation coefficient. Relative closeness based on positive and negative ideal methods was calculated by introducing distance between interval numbers, which made decision making more rational and comprehensive. A new method of ranking interval numbers based on normal distribution was proposed for the optimization of mining methods, whose basic properties were discussed. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of this method were verified by theories and practice.展开更多
For group decision-making problems with linguistic assessment information, a new method based on two-tuple and WC-OWA operator is proposed, in which the criteria＇s weights and the decision-makers＇ preference informa...For group decision-making problems with linguistic assessment information, a new method based on two-tuple and WC-OWA operator is proposed, in which the criteria＇s weights and the decision-makers＇ preference information might take the form of linguistic grade, or might be between two continuous linguistic grades, or might be linguistic interval, or might be default. In this method, all linguistic values are transformed into two-tuple, and an aggregative decision-making matrix is obtained by using interval operation. The group aggregative values of each criterion on alternatives are computed by using a WC-OWA operator, the aggregative values on alternatives are worked out, and transformed into two-tuple. And the rank of the alternatives is obtained by using the order property of two-tuple. An example shows the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.展开更多
Oilseed rape is one of the most important oil crops globally.Attaining the appropriate cultivation method(planting pattern and nitrogen level)is necessary to achieve high yield,quality and resource utilization efficie...Oilseed rape is one of the most important oil crops globally.Attaining the appropriate cultivation method(planting pattern and nitrogen level)is necessary to achieve high yield,quality and resource utilization efficiency.However,the optimal method for oilseed rape varies across countries and regions.The objective of the present study was to determine an appropriate cultivation method,including planting pattern and nitrogen application,for winter oilseed rape in northwestern China.Two planting patterns:ridge film mulching and furrow planting(RFMF)and flat planting(FP),and six nitrogen(N)amounts:0(N0),60(N60),120(N120),180(N180),240(N240),and 300(N300)kg N ha–1 were applied across three growing seasons(2014–2017).Three comprehensive decision analysis methods:principal component analysis,grey correlation degree analysis and the combined entropy weight and dynamic technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution method were used to evaluate the growth and physiological indicators,nutrient uptake,yield,quality,evapotranspiration,and water use efficiency of winter oilseed rape.Planting pattern,nitrogen amount and their interaction significantly affected the indicators aforementioned.The RFMF pattern significantly increased all indicators over the FP pattern.Application of N also markedly increased all the indicators except for seed oil content,but the yield,oil production and water use efficiency were decreased when N fertilizer exceeded 180 kg N ha–1 under FP and 240 kg N ha–1 under RFFM.The evaluation results of the three comprehensive decision analysis methods indicated that RFMF planting pattern with 240 kg N ha–1 is an appropriate cultivation method for winter oilseed rape in northwestern China.These findings are of vital significance to maximize yield,optimize quality and improve resource use efficiencies of winter oilseed rape.展开更多
Multi-criteria decision making(MCDM)is a technique used to achieve better outcomes for some complex business-related problems,whereby the selection of the best alternative can be made in as many cases as possible.This...Multi-criteria decision making(MCDM)is a technique used to achieve better outcomes for some complex business-related problems,whereby the selection of the best alternative can be made in as many cases as possible.This paper proposes a model,the multi-criteria decision support method,that allows both service providers and consumers to maximize their profits while preserving the best matching process for resource allocation and task scheduling.The increasing number of service providers with different service provision capabilities creates an issue for consumers seeking to select the best service provider.Each consumer seeks a service provider based on various preferences,such as price,service quality,and time to complete the tasks.In the literature,the problem is viewed from different perspectives,such as investigating how to enhance task scheduling and the resource allocation process,improve consumers’trust,and deal with network problems.This paper offers a novel model that considers the preferences of both service providers and consumers to find the best available service provider for each consumer.First,the model adopts the best-worst method(BWM)to gather and prioritize tasks based on consumers’and service providers’preferences.Then,the model calculates and matches similarities between the sets of tasks from the consumer’s side with the sets of tasks from the provider’s side to select the best service provider for each consumer using the two proposed algorithms.The complexity of the two algorithms is found to be O(n3).展开更多
Refinery scheduling attracts increasing concerns in both academic and industrial communities in recent years.However, due to the complexity of refinery processes, little has been reported for success use in real world...Refinery scheduling attracts increasing concerns in both academic and industrial communities in recent years.However, due to the complexity of refinery processes, little has been reported for success use in real world refineries. In academic studies, refinery scheduling is usually treated as an integrated, large-scale optimization problem,though such complex optimization problems are extremely difficult to solve. In this paper, we proposed a way to exploit the prior knowledge existing in refineries, and developed a decision making system to guide the scheduling process. For a real world fuel oil oriented refinery, ten adjusting process scales are predetermined. A C4.5 decision tree works based on the finished oil demand plan to classify the corresponding category(i.e. adjusting scale). Then,a specific sub-scheduling problem with respect to the determined adjusting scale is solved. The proposed strategy is demonstrated with a scheduling case originated from a real world refinery.展开更多
Evaluation model was proposed which refers to fuzzy formalism of the personnel management issues taking account their specific characteristics. Application of TOPSIS （technique for order Performance by similarity to ...Evaluation model was proposed which refers to fuzzy formalism of the personnel management issues taking account their specific characteristics. Application of TOPSIS （technique for order Performance by similarity to ideal solution） method for evaluation and regulation of alternatives based on hierarchically structured criteria of qualitative character by multiple experts to intellectually support decisions made in staff management issues is reviewed in the article. Candidate selection experiment based on criteria system formed using TOPSIS method for evaluation of candidates during solution of hiring problems reviewed and obtained results were compared with results obtained using Matlab program package.展开更多
The neutral grounding mode of medium-voltage distribution network decides the reliability, overvoltage, relay protection and electrical safety. Therefore, a comprehensive consideration of the reliability, safety and e...The neutral grounding mode of medium-voltage distribution network decides the reliability, overvoltage, relay protection and electrical safety. Therefore, a comprehensive consideration of the reliability, safety and economy is particularly important for the decision of neutral grounding mode. This paper proposes a new decision method of neutral point grounding mode for mediumvoltage distribution network. The objective function is constructed for the decision according the life cycle cost. The reliability of the neutral point grounding mode is taken into account through treating the outage cost as an operating cost. The safety condition of the neutral point grounding mode is preserved as the constraint condition of decision models, so the decision method can generate the most economical and reliable scheme of neutral point grounding mode within a safe limit. The example is used to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the decision method.展开更多
Because of the uncertainty and subjectivity of decision makers in the complex decision-making environment,the evaluation information of alternatives given by decision makers is often fuzzy and uncertain.As a generaliz...Because of the uncertainty and subjectivity of decision makers in the complex decision-making environment,the evaluation information of alternatives given by decision makers is often fuzzy and uncertain.As a generalization of intuitionistic fuzzy set(IFSs)and Pythagoras fuzzy set(PFSs),q-rung orthopair fuzzy set(q-ROFS)is more suitable for expressing fuzzy and uncertain information.But,in actual multiple attribute decision making(MADM)problems,the weights of DMs and attributes are always completely unknown or partly known,to date,the maximizing deviation method is a good tool to deal with such issues.Thus,combine the q-ROFS and conventional maximizing deviation method,we will study the maximizing deviation method under q-ROFSs and q-RIVOFSs in this paper.Firstly,we briefly introduce the basic concept of q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets(q-ROFSs)and q-rung interval-valued orthopair fuzzy sets(q-RIVOFSs).Then,combine the maximizing deviation method with q-rung orthopair fuzzy information,we establish two new decision making models.On this basis,the proposed models are applied to MADM problems with q-rung orthopair fuzzy information.Compared with existing methods,the effectiveness and superiority of the new model are analyzed.This method can effectively solve the MADM problem whose decision information is represented by q-rung orthopair fuzzy numbers(q-ROFNs)and whose attributes are incomplete.展开更多
Deep geothermal energy presents large untapped renewable energy potential could significantly contribute to global energy needs. However, developing geothermal projects involves uncertainties regarding adequate geothe...Deep geothermal energy presents large untapped renewable energy potential could significantly contribute to global energy needs. However, developing geothermal projects involves uncertainties regarding adequate geothermal brine extraction and huge costs related to preparation phases and consequently drilling and stimulation activities. Therefore, evaluating utilization alternatives of such projects is a complex decision-making problem effectively addressed using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. This study introduces the MCDM method utilizing analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and weighted decision matrix (WDM) to assess different utilization alternatives (electricity generation, direct heat use and cogeneration). The AHP method determines the weight of each criterion and sub-criterion, while the WDM calculates the final project grade. Five criteria groups - technological, geological, economic, societal and environmental – comprising twenty-eight influencing factors were selected and used for the assessment of investment in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) projects. The AHP-WDM method was used by 38 experts from six categories: industry, educational institution, research and technology organization (RTO), small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME), local community and other. These diverse expert inputs aimed to capture varying perspectives and knowledge influence investment decisions in geothermal energy. The results were analysed accordingly. The results underscore the importance of incorporating different viewpoints to develop robust, credible, and effective investment strategies for EGS projects. Therefore, this method will contribute to more efficient EGS project development, enabling thus a greater penetration of the EGS into the market. Additionally, the proposed AHP-WDM method was implemented for a case study examining two locations. Locations were assessed and compared on scenario-based evaluation. The results confirmed the method's adequacy for assessing various end uses and comparing project feasibility across different locations.展开更多
文摘Purpose–Material selection,driven by wide and often conflicting objectives,is an important,sometimes difficult problem in material engineering.In this context,multi-criteria decision-making(MCDM)methodologies are effective.An approach of MCDM is needed to cater to criteria of material assortment simultaneously.More firms are now concerned about increasing their productivity using mathematical tools.To occupy a gap in the previous literature this research recommends an integrated MCDM and mathematical Bi-objective model for the selection of material.In addition,by using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution(TOPSIS),the inherent ambiguities of decision-makers in paired evaluations are considered in this research.It goes on to construct a mathematical bi-objective model for determining the best item to purchase.Design/methodology/approach–The entropy perspective is implemented in this paper to evaluate the weight parameters,while the TOPSIS technique is used to determine the best and worst intermediate pipe materials for automotive exhaust system.The intermediate pipes are used to join the components of the exhaust systems.The materials usually used to manufacture intermediate pipe are SUS 436LM,SUS 430,SUS 304,SUS 436L,SUH 409 L,SUS 441 L and SUS 439L.These seven materials are evaluated based on tensile strength(TS),hardness(H),elongation(E),yield strength(YS)and cost(C).A hybrid methodology combining entropy-based criteria weighting,with the TOPSIS for alternative ranking,is pursued to identify the optimal design material for an engineered application in this paper.This study aims to help while filling the information gap in selecting the most suitable material for use in the exhaust intermediate pipes.After that,the authors searched for and considered eight materials and evaluated them on the following five criteria:(1)TS,(2)YS,(3)H,(4)E and(5)C.The first two criteria have been chosen because they can have a lot of influence on the behavior of the exhaust intermediate pipes,on their performance and on the cost.In this structure,the weights of the criteria are calculated objectively through the entropy method in order to have an unbiased assessment.This essentially measures the quantity of information each criterion contribution,indicating the relative importance of these criteria better.Subsequently,the materials were ranked using the TOPSIS method in terms of their relative performance by measuring each material from an ideal solution to determine the best alternative.The results show that SUS 309,SUS 432L and SUS 436 LM are the first three materials that the exhaust intermediate pipe optimal design should consider.Findings–The material matrix of the decision presented in Table 3 was normalized through Equation 5,as shown in Table 5,and the matrix was multiplied with weighting criteriaß_j.The obtained weighted normalized matrix V_ij is presented in Table 6.However,the ideal,worst and best value was ascertained by employing Equation 7.This study is based on the selection of material for the development of intermediate pipe using MCDM,and it involves four basic stages,i.e.method of translation criteria,screening process,method of ranking and search for methods.The selection was done through the TOPSIS method,and the criteria weight was obtained by the entropy method.The result showed that the top three materials are SUS 309,SUS 432L and SUS 436 LM,respectively.For the future work,it is suggested to select more alternatives and criteria.The comparison can also be done by using different MCDM techniques like and Choice Expressing Reality(ELECTRE),Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory(DEMATEL)and Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation(PROMETHEE).Originality/value–The results provide important conclusions for material selection in this targeted application,verifying the employment of mutual entropy-TOPSIS methodology for a series of difficult engineering decisions in material engineering concepts that combine superior capacity with better performance as well as cost-efficiency in various engineering design.
文摘The ELECTRE(ELimination Et Choix Traduisant la REalite)method has gained widespread recognition as one of the most effective multi-criteria decision-making(MCDM)methods.Its versatility allows it to be applied in a wide range of areas such as engineering,economics,business,environmental management and many others.This paper aims to provide an overview of the ELECTRE method,including its fundamental concepts,applications,advantages,and limitations.At its core,the ELECTRE method is an outranking family of MCDM techniques,which allows for the direct comparison of alternatives based on a set of criteria.The method takes into account the preferences and importance of decision-makers and generates a ranking of the alternatives based on their relative strengths and weaknesses.The ELECTRE method is a powerful tool for decision-making,and its applicability to a wide range of fields demonstrates its versatility and adaptability.By understanding its concepts,applications,merits,and demerits,decision-makers can use the ELECTRE method to make informed and effective decisions in a variety of contexts.
文摘The VIKOR(VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje)method,which is a multi-criteria decision-making method,is examined in this paper.The VIKOR method,like other MCDM techniques such as the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution(TOPSIS),is widely used to solve complex decision-making problems in various fields such as engineering,management,and finance.This paper provides an overview of the VIKOR method,including its application areas,advantages,and disadvantages.Besides,in this survey paper,the process steps of the VIKOR method are described,including determining the decision matrix,normalizing the matrix,determining the weights of the criteria,calculating the utility and regret values,calculating the VIKOR index,and finally ranking the alternatives.By providing an overview of the VIKOR method and its process steps,this paper aims to provide a better understanding of the method and its potential application in different decision-making contexts.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (60904059 60975049)+1 种基金the Philosophy and Social Science Foundation of Hunan Province (2010YBA104)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program)(2009AA04Z107)
文摘A method of minimizing rankings inconsistency is proposed for a decision-making problem with rankings of alternatives given by multiple decision makers according to multiple criteria. For each criteria, at first, the total inconsistency between the rankings of all alternatives for the group and the ones for every decision maker is defined after the decision maker weights in respect to the criteria are considered. Similarly, the total inconsistency between their final rankings for the group and the ones under every criteria is determined after the criteria weights are taken into account. Then two nonlinear integer programming models minimizing respectively the two total inconsistencies above are developed and then transformed to two dynamic programming models to obtain separately the rankings of all alternatives for the group with respect to each criteria and their final rankings. A supplier selection case illustrated the proposed method, and some discussions on the results verified its effectiveness. This work develops a new measurement of ordinal preferences’ inconsistency in multi-criteria group decision-making （MCGDM） and extends the cook-seiford social selection function to MCGDM considering weights of criteria and decision makers and can obtain unique ranking result.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(71271116)
文摘The VIKOR method is a multi-criteria decision making aid, which employs linear normalization to offer compromise solu- tions and has been successfully applied to various group decision making problems. However, the conventional VIKOR techniques used to integrate group judgments and the information loss arising from defuzzification are problematic and distort final outcomes. An improved integration method, which is optimization-based, is proposed. And it can handle fuzzy criteria values and weights. The precondition for accurately defuzzifying triangular fuzzy num- bers is identified. Several effective defuzzification procedures are proposed to improve the extant VIKOR, and a comprehensive evaluation framework is offered to aid multi-criteria group decision making. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the practicability of the proposed method.
文摘Molecular microbiological methods, such as competetive PCR, real-time PCR, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and large-scale parallel-pyrosequencing, require the extraction of sufficient quantity of high quality DNA from microbiologically and chemically complex matrices. Due to difficulties in the field to standardize/select the optimum DNA preservation-extraction methods in view of laboratories differences, this article attempts to present a straight-forward mathematical framework for comparing some of the most commonly used methods. To this end, as a case study, the problem of selecting an optimum sample preservation-DNA extraction strategy for obtaining total bacterial DNA from swine feces was considered. Two sample preservation methods (liquid nitrogen and RNAlater?) and seven extraction techniques were paired and compared under six quantitative DNA analysis criteria: yield of extraction, purity of extracted DNA (A260/280 and A 260/230 ratios), duration of extraction, degradation degree of DNA, and cost. From a practical point of view, it is unlikely that a single sample preservation-DNA extraction strategy can be optimum for all selected criteria. Hence, a systematic multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach was used to compare the methods. As a result, the ZR Fecal DNA MiniPrepTM DNA extraction kit for samples preserved either with liquid nitrogen or RNAlater? were identified as potential optimum solutions for obtaining total bacterial DNA from swine feces. Considering the need for practicality for in situ applications, we would recommend liquid nitrogen as sample preservation method, along with the ZR Fecal DNA MiniPrepTM kit. Total bacterial DNA obtained by this strategy can be suitable for downstream PCR-based DNA analyses of swine feces.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.61273209)the Scientific Research Foundation of Graduate School of Southeast University(No.YBJJ1528)the Scientific Innovation Research of College Graduates in Jiangsu Province(No.KYLX15-0191)
文摘A semantics-based model is proposed to enable weakened hedges, such as ＂more or less＂ and ＂roughly＂ in the context of linguistic multi-criteria decision making. First, the resemblance relations are defined based on the semantics of terms on the domain. Then, the hedges can be represented after the upper and loose upper approximations of a linguistic term are derived. Accordingly, some compact formulae can be derived for the semantics of linguistic expressions with hedges. Parameters in these formulae are objectively determined according to the semantics of original terms. The proposed model presents a more natural way to express the decision information under uncertainties and its semantics is clear. The proposed model is clarified by solving the problem of evaluation and selection of sustainable innovative energy technologies. Computational results demonstrate that the model can deal with various uncertainties of the problem. Finally, the model is compared with existing techniques and extended to the case when the semantics of terms are represented by trapezoidal fuzzy numbers.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (70771115).
文摘Intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy numbers and their operational laws are defined. Based on these operational laws, some aggregation operators, including intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy weighted arithmetic averaging operator and weighted geometric averaging operator are proposed. Expected values, score function, and accuracy function of intuitionitsic trapezoidal fuzzy numbers are defined. Based on these, a kind of intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy multi-criteria decision making method is proposed. By using these aggregation operators, criteria values are aggregated and integrated intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy numbers of alternatives are attained. By comparing score function and accuracy function values of integrated fuzzy numbers, a ranking of the whole alternative set can be attained. An example is given to show the feasibility and availability of the method.
文摘This paper takes the synthesizing evaluation about industrial economic benefits by examples and proposes a new method named maximizing deviation method for multiindices decision. The new method can automatically determine the weight coefficients among the multiindices and also can obtain the exact and reliable evaluation results without subjectivity.
文摘Proper solid waste disposal is an important socioeconomic concern for all developing countries.Municipalities have their own policies,individual approaches and methods to manage the solid wastes.They consider wastelands outside the urban area as the best suitable for the solid waste disposal.Such improper site selection will create morphological changes that lead to environmental hazards in the urban and its surrounding areas.In this research,the site selection for urban solid waste disposal in the Coimbatore district used geographical information system(GIS)and multi-criteria decision analysis(MCDA).Thematic layers of lineament density,landuse/landcover,population density,groundwater depth,drainage density,slope,soil texture,geology and geomorphology were considered as primary criteria and weights for criteria,and sub-criteria were assigned by MCDA analysis.The resultant weight score was validated by consistency ratio so that the efficiency of the selected criteria was justified.The overlay analysis in GIS environment provides 17 potential zones in Coimbatore district,among which,four suitable sites were screened and refined with the help of field investigation and visual interpretation of satellite image.The result of landfill suitability map shows the effectiveness of the proposed method.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51375389)
文摘A proper weapon system is very important for a na- tional defense system. Generally, it means selecting the optimal weapon system among many alternatives, which is a multiple- attribute decision making （MADM） problem. This paper proposes a new mathematical model based on the response surface method （RSM） and the grey relational analysis （GRA）. RSM is used to obtain the experimental points and analyze the factors that have a significant impact on the selection results. GRA is used to an- alyze the trend relationship between alternatives and reference series. And then an RSM model is obtained, which can be used to calculate all alternatives and obtain ranking results. A real world application is introduced to illustrate the utilization of the model for the weapon selection problem. The results show that this model can be used to help decision-makers to make a quick comparison of alternatives and select a proper weapon system from multiple alternatives, which is an effective and adaptable method for solving the weapon system selection problem.
基金Project(50774095) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject(200449) supported by the National Outstanding Doctoral Dissertations Special Funds of China
文摘In the case of unknown weights, theories of multi-attributed decision making based on interval numbers and grey related analysis were used to optimize mining methods. As the representative of independence for the indicator, the smaller the correlation of indicators is, the greater the weight is. Hence, the weights of interval numbers of indicators were determined by using correlation coefficient. Relative closeness based on positive and negative ideal methods was calculated by introducing distance between interval numbers, which made decision making more rational and comprehensive. A new method of ranking interval numbers based on normal distribution was proposed for the optimization of mining methods, whose basic properties were discussed. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of this method were verified by theories and practice.
基金the Key Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China (70631004)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (70771115)
文摘For group decision-making problems with linguistic assessment information, a new method based on two-tuple and WC-OWA operator is proposed, in which the criteria＇s weights and the decision-makers＇ preference information might take the form of linguistic grade, or might be between two continuous linguistic grades, or might be linguistic interval, or might be default. In this method, all linguistic values are transformed into two-tuple, and an aggregative decision-making matrix is obtained by using interval operation. The group aggregative values of each criterion on alternatives are computed by using a WC-OWA operator, the aggregative values on alternatives are worked out, and transformed into two-tuple. And the rank of the alternatives is obtained by using the order property of two-tuple. An example shows the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
基金This research was supported by the Special Fund forAgroscientific Research in the Public Interest,China(201503125 and 201503105)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China(2452018089).
文摘Oilseed rape is one of the most important oil crops globally.Attaining the appropriate cultivation method(planting pattern and nitrogen level)is necessary to achieve high yield,quality and resource utilization efficiency.However,the optimal method for oilseed rape varies across countries and regions.The objective of the present study was to determine an appropriate cultivation method,including planting pattern and nitrogen application,for winter oilseed rape in northwestern China.Two planting patterns:ridge film mulching and furrow planting(RFMF)and flat planting(FP),and six nitrogen(N)amounts:0(N0),60(N60),120(N120),180(N180),240(N240),and 300(N300)kg N ha–1 were applied across three growing seasons(2014–2017).Three comprehensive decision analysis methods:principal component analysis,grey correlation degree analysis and the combined entropy weight and dynamic technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution method were used to evaluate the growth and physiological indicators,nutrient uptake,yield,quality,evapotranspiration,and water use efficiency of winter oilseed rape.Planting pattern,nitrogen amount and their interaction significantly affected the indicators aforementioned.The RFMF pattern significantly increased all indicators over the FP pattern.Application of N also markedly increased all the indicators except for seed oil content,but the yield,oil production and water use efficiency were decreased when N fertilizer exceeded 180 kg N ha–1 under FP and 240 kg N ha–1 under RFFM.The evaluation results of the three comprehensive decision analysis methods indicated that RFMF planting pattern with 240 kg N ha–1 is an appropriate cultivation method for winter oilseed rape in northwestern China.These findings are of vital significance to maximize yield,optimize quality and improve resource use efficiencies of winter oilseed rape.
文摘Multi-criteria decision making(MCDM)is a technique used to achieve better outcomes for some complex business-related problems,whereby the selection of the best alternative can be made in as many cases as possible.This paper proposes a model,the multi-criteria decision support method,that allows both service providers and consumers to maximize their profits while preserving the best matching process for resource allocation and task scheduling.The increasing number of service providers with different service provision capabilities creates an issue for consumers seeking to select the best service provider.Each consumer seeks a service provider based on various preferences,such as price,service quality,and time to complete the tasks.In the literature,the problem is viewed from different perspectives,such as investigating how to enhance task scheduling and the resource allocation process,improve consumers’trust,and deal with network problems.This paper offers a novel model that considers the preferences of both service providers and consumers to find the best available service provider for each consumer.First,the model adopts the best-worst method(BWM)to gather and prioritize tasks based on consumers’and service providers’preferences.Then,the model calculates and matches similarities between the sets of tasks from the consumer’s side with the sets of tasks from the provider’s side to select the best service provider for each consumer using the two proposed algorithms.The complexity of the two algorithms is found to be O(n3).
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21706282,21276137,61273039,61673236)Science Foundation of China University of Petroleum,Beijing(No.2462017YJRC028)the National High-tech 863 Program of China(2013AA 040702)
文摘Refinery scheduling attracts increasing concerns in both academic and industrial communities in recent years.However, due to the complexity of refinery processes, little has been reported for success use in real world refineries. In academic studies, refinery scheduling is usually treated as an integrated, large-scale optimization problem,though such complex optimization problems are extremely difficult to solve. In this paper, we proposed a way to exploit the prior knowledge existing in refineries, and developed a decision making system to guide the scheduling process. For a real world fuel oil oriented refinery, ten adjusting process scales are predetermined. A C4.5 decision tree works based on the finished oil demand plan to classify the corresponding category(i.e. adjusting scale). Then,a specific sub-scheduling problem with respect to the determined adjusting scale is solved. The proposed strategy is demonstrated with a scheduling case originated from a real world refinery.
文摘Evaluation model was proposed which refers to fuzzy formalism of the personnel management issues taking account their specific characteristics. Application of TOPSIS （technique for order Performance by similarity to ideal solution） method for evaluation and regulation of alternatives based on hierarchically structured criteria of qualitative character by multiple experts to intellectually support decisions made in staff management issues is reviewed in the article. Candidate selection experiment based on criteria system formed using TOPSIS method for evaluation of candidates during solution of hiring problems reviewed and obtained results were compared with results obtained using Matlab program package.
文摘The neutral grounding mode of medium-voltage distribution network decides the reliability, overvoltage, relay protection and electrical safety. Therefore, a comprehensive consideration of the reliability, safety and economy is particularly important for the decision of neutral grounding mode. This paper proposes a new decision method of neutral point grounding mode for mediumvoltage distribution network. The objective function is constructed for the decision according the life cycle cost. The reliability of the neutral point grounding mode is taken into account through treating the outage cost as an operating cost. The safety condition of the neutral point grounding mode is preserved as the constraint condition of decision models, so the decision method can generate the most economical and reliable scheme of neutral point grounding mode within a safe limit. The example is used to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the decision method.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No.71571128the Humanities and Social Sciences Foundation of Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China(No.17XJA630003).
文摘Because of the uncertainty and subjectivity of decision makers in the complex decision-making environment,the evaluation information of alternatives given by decision makers is often fuzzy and uncertain.As a generalization of intuitionistic fuzzy set(IFSs)and Pythagoras fuzzy set(PFSs),q-rung orthopair fuzzy set(q-ROFS)is more suitable for expressing fuzzy and uncertain information.But,in actual multiple attribute decision making(MADM)problems,the weights of DMs and attributes are always completely unknown or partly known,to date,the maximizing deviation method is a good tool to deal with such issues.Thus,combine the q-ROFS and conventional maximizing deviation method,we will study the maximizing deviation method under q-ROFSs and q-RIVOFSs in this paper.Firstly,we briefly introduce the basic concept of q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets(q-ROFSs)and q-rung interval-valued orthopair fuzzy sets(q-RIVOFSs).Then,combine the maximizing deviation method with q-rung orthopair fuzzy information,we establish two new decision making models.On this basis,the proposed models are applied to MADM problems with q-rung orthopair fuzzy information.Compared with existing methods,the effectiveness and superiority of the new model are analyzed.This method can effectively solve the MADM problem whose decision information is represented by q-rung orthopair fuzzy numbers(q-ROFNs)and whose attributes are incomplete.
基金funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 792037support from Department of Energy and Power Systems of University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing.
文摘Deep geothermal energy presents large untapped renewable energy potential could significantly contribute to global energy needs. However, developing geothermal projects involves uncertainties regarding adequate geothermal brine extraction and huge costs related to preparation phases and consequently drilling and stimulation activities. Therefore, evaluating utilization alternatives of such projects is a complex decision-making problem effectively addressed using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. This study introduces the MCDM method utilizing analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and weighted decision matrix (WDM) to assess different utilization alternatives (electricity generation, direct heat use and cogeneration). The AHP method determines the weight of each criterion and sub-criterion, while the WDM calculates the final project grade. Five criteria groups - technological, geological, economic, societal and environmental – comprising twenty-eight influencing factors were selected and used for the assessment of investment in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) projects. The AHP-WDM method was used by 38 experts from six categories: industry, educational institution, research and technology organization (RTO), small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME), local community and other. These diverse expert inputs aimed to capture varying perspectives and knowledge influence investment decisions in geothermal energy. The results were analysed accordingly. The results underscore the importance of incorporating different viewpoints to develop robust, credible, and effective investment strategies for EGS projects. Therefore, this method will contribute to more efficient EGS project development, enabling thus a greater penetration of the EGS into the market. Additionally, the proposed AHP-WDM method was implemented for a case study examining two locations. Locations were assessed and compared on scenario-based evaluation. The results confirmed the method's adequacy for assessing various end uses and comparing project feasibility across different locations.
