A Blind Spot in the Reframing of a Universe of Possibles: Towards a Suitable Model for Decision-Making Theory and A.I.

Bayesian inference model is an optimal processing of incomplete information that, more than other models, better captures the way in which any decision-maker learns and updates his degree of rational beliefs about possible states of nature, in order to make a better judgment while taking new evidence into account. Such a scientific model proposed for the general theory of decision-making, like all others in general, whether in statistics, economics, operations research, A.I., data science or applied mathematics, regardless of whether they are time-dependent, have in common a theoretical basis that is axiomatized by relying on related concepts of a universe of possibles, especially the so-called universe (or the world), the state of nature (or the state of the world), when formulated explicitly. The issue of where to stand as an observer or a decision-maker to reframe such a universe of possibles together with a partition structure of knowledge (i.e. semantic formalisms), including a copy of itself as it was initially while generalizing it, is not addressed. Memory being the substratum, whether human or artificial, wherein everything stands, to date, even the theoretical possibility of such an operation of self-inclusion is prohibited by pure mathematics. We make this blind spot come to light through a counter-example (namely Archimedes’ Eureka experiment) and explore novel theoretical foundations, fitting better with a quantum form than with fuzzy modeling, to deal with more than a reference universe of possibles. This could open up a new path of investigation for the general theory of decision-making, as well as for Artificial Intelligence, often considered as the science of the imitation of human abilities, while being also the science of knowledge representation and the science of concept formation and reasoning.

Bi-level model for shared parking decision-making based on parking lot assignment simulation

In order to carry out comprehensive decision-making of multi-class shared parking measures within a region, a bilevel model assisting decision-making is proposed. The upper level selects parkers＇ average satisfaction and the violation rate during peak hours as indices in object function, and sets probability distribution models describing dynamic parking demand of each site, the feasibility of shared parking scenarios and occupancy requirements during peak hours of each parking lot as restrictions. The simulation model in the lower level sets up rules to assign each parker in the random parking demand series to the proper parking lot. An iterative method is proposed to confirm the state of each parking lot at the start of formal simulations. Besides, two patterns linking initialization and formal simulation are presented to acquire multiple solutions. The results of the numerical examples indicate the effectiveness of the model and solution methods.

DECISION-MAKING OF SLICING SCHEME IN FUSED DEPOSITION MODELING PROCESS BASED ON ANALYTICAL HIERARCHICAL PROCESS

Based on analyzing the influences of a slicing scheme on stair-stepping effect, supporting structure, efficiency and deformation, etc. , analytical hierarchical process （AHP） combining with fuzzy synthetic evaluation is introduced to make decision in slicing schemes for a processing part. The application in determining the slicing scheme for a computer mouse during prototyping shows that the method increases the rationality during decision- making and improves quality and efficiency for the prototyping part.

Evolutionary Decision-Making and Planning for Autonomous Driving Based on Safe and Rational Exploration and Exploitation

Decision-making and motion planning are extremely important in autonomous driving to ensure safe driving in a real-world environment.This study proposes an online evolutionary decision-making and motion planning framework for autonomous driving based on a hybrid data-and model-driven method.First,a data-driven decision-making module based on deep reinforcement learning(DRL)is developed to pursue a rational driving performance as much as possible.Then,model predictive control(MPC)is employed to execute both longitudinal and lateral motion planning tasks.Multiple constraints are defined according to the vehicle’s physical limit to meet the driving task requirements.Finally,two principles of safety and rationality for the self-evolution of autonomous driving are proposed.A motion envelope is established and embedded into a rational exploration and exploitation scheme,which filters out unreasonable experiences by masking unsafe actions so as to collect high-quality training data for the DRL agent.Experiments with a high-fidelity vehicle model and MATLAB/Simulink co-simulation environment are conducted,and the results show that the proposed online-evolution framework is able to generate safer,more rational,and more efficient driving action in a real-world environment.

A Decision-Making Framework Model of Cutting Fluid Selection for Green Manufacturing and the Case Study

Pursuing the green manufacturing (GM) of products i s very beneficial in the alleviation of environment burdens. In order to reap such benefits, green manufacturing is involved in every aspect of manufacturing proc esses. During the machining process, cutting fluid is one of the main roots of e nvironmental pollution. And how to make an optimal selection for cutting fluid f or GM is an important path to reduce the environmental pollution. The objective factors of decision-making problems in the traditional selection of cutting flu id are usually two: quality and cost. But from the viewpoint of GM, environmenta l impact (E) should be considered together. In this paper, a multi-object d ecision-making model of cutting fluid selection for GM is put forward, in which the objects of Quality (Q), Cost(C) and Environmental impact (E) are considered together. In this model, E means to minimize the environmental impact, Q means to maximize the quality and C means to minimize the cost. Each objective is anal yzed in detail too. A case study on a decision-making problem of cutting fluid selection in a gear hobbing process is analyzed, and the result shows the model is practical.

Ranking environmental projects model based on multicriteria decision-making and the weight sensitivity analysis

With the fast growth of Chinese economic, more and more capital will be invested in environmental projects. How to select the environmental investment projects （alternatives） for obtaining the best environmental quality and economic benefits is an important problem for the decision makers. The purpose of this paper is to develop a decision-making model to rank a finite number of alternatives with several and sometimes conflicting criteria. A model for ranking the projects of municipal sewage treatment plants is proposed by using exports＇ information and the data of the real projects. And, the ranking result is given based on the PROMETHEE method. Furthermore, by means of the concept of the weight stability intervals （WSI）, the sensitivity of the ranking results to the size of criteria values and the change of weights value of criteria are discussed. The result shows that some criteria, such as “proportion of benefit to project cost”, will influence the ranking result of alternatives very strong while others not. The influence are not only from the value of criterion but also from the changing the weight of criterion. So, some criteria such as “proportion of benefit to project cost” are key critera for ranking the projects. Decision makers must be cautious to them.

COLLISION AVOIDANCE DECISION-MAKING MODEL OF MULTI-AGENTS IN VIRTUAL DRIVING ENVIRONMENT WITH ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS

Collision avoidance decision-making models of multiple agents in virtual driving environment are studied. Based on the behavioral characteristics and hierarchical structure of the collision avoidance decision-making in real life driving, delphi approach and mathematical statistics method are introduced to construct pair-wise comparison judgment matrix of collision avoidance decision choices to each collision situation. Analytic hierarchy process （AHP） is adopted to establish the agents＇ collision avoidance decision-making model. To simulate drivers＇ characteristics, driver factors are added to categorize driving modes into impatient mode, normal mode, and the cautious mode. The results show that this model can simulate human＇s thinking process, and the agents in the virtual environment can deal with collision situations and make decisions to avoid collisions without intervention. The model can also reflect diversity and uncertainly of real life driving behaviors, and solves the multi-objective, multi-choice ranking priority problem in multi-vehicle collision scenarios. This collision avoidance model of multi-agents model is feasible and effective, and can provide richer and closer-to-life virtual scene for driving simulator, reflecting real-life traffic environment more truly, this model can also promote the practicality of driving simulator.

Research on Maneuver Decision-Making of Multi-Agent Adversarial Game in a Random Interference Environment

The strategy evolution process of game players is highly uncertain due to random emergent situations and other external disturbances.This paper investigates the issue of strategy interaction and behavioral decision-making among game players in simulated confrontation scenarios within a random interference environment.It considers the possible risks that random disturbances may pose to the autonomous decision-making of game players,as well as the impact of participants’manipulative behaviors on the state changes of the players.A nonlinear mathematical model is established to describe the strategy decision-making process of the participants in this scenario.Subsequently,the strategy selection interaction relationship,strategy evolution stability,and dynamic decision-making process of the game players are investigated and verified by simulation experiments.The results show that maneuver-related parameters and random environmental interference factors have different effects on the selection and evolutionary speed of the agent’s strategies.Especially in a highly uncertain environment,even small information asymmetry or miscalculation may have a significant impact on decision-making.This also confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of the method proposed in the paper,which can better explain the behavioral decision-making process of the agent in the interaction process.This study provides feasibility analysis ideas and theoretical references for improving multi-agent interactive decision-making and the interpretability of the game system model.

Shared Decision-Making after Implementation of the Chronic Care Model (CCM)—An Evaluative Approach

Background: In paternalistic models, healthcare providers’ responsibility is to decide what is best for patients. The main concern is that such models fail to respect patient autonomy and do not promote patient responsibility. Aim: To evaluate mental healthcare team members’ perceptions of their own role in encouraging elderly persons to participate in shared decision-making after implementation of the CCM. The CCM is not an explanatory theory, but an evidence-based guideline and synthesis of best available evidence. Methods: Data were collected from two teams that took part in a focus group interview, and the transcript was analysed by means of qualitative thematic analysis. Results: One overall theme emerged—Preventing the violation of human dignity based on three themes, namely, Changing understanding and attitudes, Increasing depressed elderly persons’ autonomy and Clarifying the mental healthcare team coordinator’s role and responsibility. The results of this study reveal that until recently, paternalism has been the dominant decision-making model within healthcare, without any apparent consideration of the patient perspective. Community mental healthcare can be improved by shared decision-making in which team members initiate a dialogue focusing on patient participation to prevent the violation of human dignity. However, in order to determine how best to empower the patient, team members need expert knowledge and intuition.

The Credit Risk Assessment Model of Internet Supply Chain Finance: Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model with the Principle of Variable Weight

The characteristics of the financing model are firstly analyzed when the e-commerce enterprises participate in the supply chain finance. Internet supply chain finance models are divided into three categories with the standard of whether the electronic commerce enterprises provide funds for small and medium enterprises instead of banks. And then we further study the financing process and the functions of the e-commerce platform with specific examples. Finally, combined with the characteristics of the supply chain finance model, we set up a small and medium enterprises credit evaluation model based on the principle of variable weight with its dynamic data. At the same time, a multi-time points and multi-indicators decision-making method based on the principle of variable weight is proposed and a specific example is presented. In this paper, the multi-criteria decision-making model with the principle of variable weight has been used two times. At last, a typical case has been analyzed based on this model with a higher accuracy rate of credit risk assessment.

Assistive Devices and Clothing: Exploring Adaptive Clothing Needs for Women with Lower Limb Prostheses Using the FEA Model

This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the essential considerations in designing adaptive clothing for women with lower limb prostheses in Saudi Arabia. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research entailed semi-structured, in-depth interviews with women utilizing lower limb prostheses and prosthetic specialists. This approach was selected to unearth pivotal design prerequisites and comprehend the specific challenges these women encounter within the realm of clothing. The utilization of selective sampling facilitated the collection of intricate and valuable insights. A Functional, Expressive, and Aesthetic (FEA) User Needs model was utilized to scrutinize participant feedback. Functional requisites encompass ease of dressing and undressing, accessibility to the prosthetic limb, comfort, mobility with the prosthesis, and appropriate fit. Additionally, participants highlighted various expressive needs, including privacy preservation, modesty, camouflaging disability appearances, maintaining alignment with non-disabled women’s fashion, and considerations about the aesthetic aspects of garments.

The Credit Risk Assessment Model of Internet Supply Chain Finance: Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model with the Principle of Variable Weight

The characteristics of the financing model are firstly analyzed when the e-commerce enterprises participate in the supply chain finance. Internet supply chain finance models are divided into three categories with the standard of whether the Electronic commerce enterprises provide funds for small and medium enterprises instead of banks. And then we further study the financing process and the functions of the e-commerce platform with specific examples. Finally, combined with the characteristics of the supply chain finance model, we set up a small and medium enterprises credit evaluation model based on the principle of variable weight with its dynamic data. At the same time, a multi time points and multi indicators decision-making method based on the principle of variable weight is proposed and a specific example is presented. In this paper, the Multi-criteria decision-making model with the principle of variable weight has been used two times. At last, a typical case has been analyzed based on this model with a higher accuracy rate of credit risk assessment.

Use of models in large-area forest surveys： comparing model-assisted, model-based and hybrid estimation

This paper focuses on the use of models for increasing the precision of estimators in large-area forest surveys. It is motivated by the increasing availability of remotely sensed data, which facilitates the development of models predicting the variables of interest in forest surveys. We present, review and compare three different estimation frameworks where models play a core role： model-assisted, model-based, and hybrid estimation. The first two are well known, whereas the third has only recently been introduced in forest surveys. Hybrid inference mixes design- based and model-based inference, since it relies on a probability sample of auxiliary data and a model predicting the target variable from the auxiliary data.We review studies on large-area forest surveys based on model-assisted, model- based, and hybrid estimation, and discuss advantages and disadvantages of the approaches. We conclude that no general recommendations can be made about whether model-assisted, model-based, or hybrid estimation should be preferred. The choice depends on the objective of the survey and the possibilities to acquire appropriate field and remotely sensed data. We also conclude that modelling approaches can only be successfully applied for estimating target variables such as growing stock volume or biomass, which are adequately related to commonly available remotely sensed data, and thus purely field based surveys remain important for several important forest parameters.

Towards better meta-analyses in assisted reproductive technology: Fixed, random or multivariate models?

AIM: To study the validity of the fixed, random, and multivariate meta-analytical models applied in meta-analyses in artificial reproduction technique. METHODS: Based on common characteristics of in vitro fertilization(IVF) meta-analyses, we simulated a large number of data to compare results issued from the fixed model(FM) with the random model(RM). For multiple endpoints meta-analysis(MA), we compared the univariate RM with the multivariate model(MM). Finally, we illustrate our findings in re-analyzing a recent MA. RESULTS: In our review, although a homogeneous effect was excluded in 89% of the MAs(11%), FM was utilized in 41 studies(82%). From simulations, a concordance of 59% ± 6% was found between the two tests, with up to 65% of falsely significant results with FM. The Q-test on studies characterized by substantial heterogeneity falsely accepted homogeneity in 46% of studies. Comparing separate univariate RM and MM on multiple endpoints studies, MM reduces the between endpoint discrepancy(BED) of 68%, and increases the power of 57% ± 8%. In the example dealing with the controversial effect of luteneizing hormone supplementation to follicle stimulating hormone during ovarian stimulation in IVF cycles, MM reduced BED by 66%, and consistent effects were found for all the endpoints, irrespective of partial reporting. CONCLUSION: The FM generally may produce falsely significant differences. The RM should always be used. For multiple endpoints, the MM constitutes the best option.

A decision-making model of gear process for green manufacturing

A decision-making model of gear process for green manufacturing is presented, which integrates the five objectives including the time, quality, cost, resource consumption and environmental impact of gear process together into the development of a strategy. Mathematical description is provided for the multi-objectives decision-making model. The expert judgment and the multi-fuzzy assessment theory are introduced to do sensible comparisons and give quantitative results. A case study on practical cutting tool selection in gear machining demonstrates that the proposed model is applicable.

Stochastic Modeling and Assisted History-Matching Using Multiple Techniques of Multi-Phase Flowback from Multi-Fractured Horizontal Tight Oil Wells

In this paper, the methods developed by?[1] are used to analyze flowback data, which involves modeling flow both before and after the breakthrough of formation fluids. Despite the versatility of these techniques, achieving an optimal combination of parameters is often difficult with a single deterministic analysis. Because of the uncertainty in key model parameters, this problem is an ideal candidate for uncertainty quantification and advanced assisted history-matching techniques, including Monte Carlo (MC) simulation and genetic algorithms (GAs) amongst others. MC simulation, for example, can be used for both the purpose of assisted history-matching and uncertainty quantification of key fracture parameters. In this work, several techniques are tested including both single-objective (SO) and multi-objective (MO) algorithms for history-matching and uncertainty quantification, using a light tight oil (LTO) field case. The results of this analysis suggest that many different algorithms can be used to achieve similar optimization results, making these viable methods for developing an optimal set of key uncertain fracture parameters. An indication of uncertainty can also be achieved, which assists in understanding the range of parameters which can be used to successfully match the flowback data.

Modeling and Simulation of Laser Assisted Turning of Hard Steels

This research work is focused on simulation of laser assisted turning as a new solution for machining of hard steels. A transient, three-dimensional model was developed to predict the temperature distribution of a rotated cylindrical steel workpiece subjected to a localized heating using a moving Gaussian laser beam. In this regard, a User-Defined Function was created to overcome the problem of a moving Gaussian heat source’ definition. This User-Defined Function was compiled into a finite volume software package (Fluent), where three-dimensional single precision solver was used for analysis. Based on this model, simulation of the surface temperature of 32 mm diameter workpiece of AISI51 50H steel was performed as a function of time at a specific distance behind the laser beam spot, which is corresponding to 30° angle from the laser beam. The simulation results were compared with other published data of the same steel type where a close agreement was obtained. The verified model was used for simulation of laser assisted turning of 20 mm diameter workpiece of AISI D2 tool steel. The cutting depth, behind the laser beam, was set at a distance corresponding to 60° angle from the laser beam for having sufficient access for handling both laser head and cutting tool. This cutting depth was studied as a function of different lasers and machining parameters. The results indicated that the optimum parameters for successful laser-assisted turning process of the concerned steels are 800 W laser power, 5 mm laser beam spot diameter, 20 sec preheating time, 0.8 mm/sec laser scanning speed, 300 rpm rotational speed and 0.8 mm/sec feed rate. These parameters ensure easy/successful cutting of 1 mm depth in one pass without deteriorating the properties of the remaining bulk material. It can be deduced that the developed model might provide a useful tool for online process control of different steel types regardless of their physical properties and geometries.

Decision-Making Model of Public Service Facility Configuration in Multi-agent Communities and Its Application

The decision.making process of the public service facility configuration in multi.agent community is usually simplistic and static. In order to reflect dynamic changes and interactions of all behavior subjects induding of residents, real estate developers and the government, a decision-making model of public service facility configuration according to the multi-agent theory was made to improve the efficiency of the public service facility configuration in community and the living quality of residents. Taking a community to the cast of Jinhui Port in Fengxian District in Shanghai for example, the model analyzed the decision-makers＇ adaptive behaviors and simulated the decision.making criteria. The results indicate that the decision-making model and criteria can be well of satisfying the purpose of improving validity and rationality of public service facility configuration in large community.

Consensus model of social network group decision-making based on trust relationship among experts and expert reliability

Due to people’s increasing dependence on social networks,it is essential to develop a consensus model considering not only their own factors but also the interaction between people.Both external trust relationship among experts and the internal reliability of experts are important factors in decision-making.This paper focuses on improving the scientificity and effectiveness of decision-making and presents a consensus model combining trust relationship among experts and expert reliability in social network group decision-making(SN-GDM).A concept named matching degree is proposed to measure expert reliability.Meanwhile,linguistic information is applied to manage the imprecise and vague information.Matching degree is expressed by a 2-tuple linguistic model,and experts’preferences are measured by a probabilistic linguistic term set(PLTS).Subsequently,a hybrid weight is explored to weigh experts’importance in a group.Then a consensus measure is introduced and a feedback mechanism is developed to produce some personalized recommendations with higher group consensus.Finally,a comparative example is provided to prove the scientificity and effectiveness of the proposed consensus model.

Toward Modelling of Transformational Change Processes in Farm Decision-Making

In the coming decades, agricultural systems will have to adapt to tremendous challenges. Behavioral models have important potential to better understand and steer changes toward sustainability brought about by this context. Relying on a literature review, we distinguish incremental changes (extensions of what is already done) and transformational changes, which involve the reorientation of a considerable amount of farming activities. Transformational changes are particularly important in the context of global change. Existing integrated modelling frameworks based on behavioral theories are suited for incremental changes, but remain limited for transformational changes. Qualitative studies provide important insights on two key aspects of transformational changes, learning and social relations, but they have not been explicitly oriented toward computer modelling yet. Based on this literature and three seminal decision-making approaches, we propose a description of transformational change processes in farm decision-making, as a first step toward an implementation in agent-based models.