A Comprehensive Overview of the ELECTRE Method in Multi-Criteria Decision-Making

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.

Quality Decisions Based on Time between Events Data Analysis

decisions(Quality Decisions)depend on scientific analysis of data.Data are collected,generally,in two ways:1)one sample of suitable size,2)subsequent samples,at regular intervals of time.Often the data are considered normally distributed.This is wrong because the data must be analysed according to their distribution:Decisions are different.In several cases the data are exponentially distributed:we see how to scientifically deal with Control Charts(CC)to decide;this is opposite to what gives the T Charts that are claimed to be a good method for dealing with“rare events”:The Minitab Software(19&20&21)for“T Charts”is considered.The author will compare some methods,found in the literature with the author’s Theory RIT(Reliability Integral Theory):We will see various cases found in the literature.Classical Shewhart Control Charts and the TBE(Time Between Events)Control Charts have been considered:it appears that with RIT the future decisions will be both sounder and cheaper,for data is exponentially distributed.The novelty of the paper is in the scientific way of dealing with the Control Charts and their Control Limits,both with normally distributed data and with exponentially distributed data.In this way,a lot of wrong published papers on“Time Between Events”are to be discarded,even if their authors claim“We used Standard Statistical methods,typical in the vast literature of similar papers”.The author had to self-cite because it seems the only one that has been fighting for years for“Papers Quality”;he humbly asked the readers to inform him if some people did the same.

HIV Counseling and Testing Uptake,Knowledge and Attitude and Influencing Factors among Student Nurses and Midwives in The Gambia:An Institutional-based Cross-sectional Study

HIV counseling and testing(HCT)has become paramount in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS worldwide.However,the uptake of HCT has been very slow globally,especially in sub-Saharan Africa.Student nurses formed the largest group undergoing health care training in the country compared to doctors and other health cadres.According to WHO,they are part of the most vulnerable group to HIV infection,judging by the fact that they interact more with patients/clients than other healthcare professionals.This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HCT uptake,knowledge,and attitude and evaluate influencing factors among student nurses and midwives in public nursing schools.An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from 305 randomly selected nursing students and midwives using a validated and reliable self-administered questionnaire.Descriptive statistics(percentages,mean and standard deviation)and inferential statistics(chi square,logistics regression,one-way ANOVA and independent samples t-test)were used for data analysis using SPSS version 25.0.A p-value<0.05 was considered for statistical significance.Out of the 305 students recruited for the study,60.98%were females,with a mean age of 25.5 years old.About 58.4%of the participants had tested for HIV in the past.About 95.7%acknowledged the importance of HCT in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.HCT uptake among student nurses and midwives was influenced by factors ranging from an individual that are interpersonal challenges(such as concerns of friends),perceived susceptibility to the disease,lack of confidentiality,stigma and discrimination from health service providers.Therefore,these barriers can be addressed through an organized targeted health education intervention and advocacy programs across health training institutions in the Gambia and beyond.

Companies’ E-waste Estimation Based on General Equilibrium The­ory Context and Random Forest Regression Algorithm in Cameroon: Case Study of SMEs Implementing ISO 14001:2015

Given the challenge of estimating or calculating quantities of waste electrical and electronic equipment(WEEE)in developing countries,this article focuses on predicting the WEEE generated by Cameroonian small and medium enterprises(SMEs)that are engaged in ISO 14001:2015 initiatives and consume electrical and electronic equipment(EEE)to enhance their performance and profitability.The methodology employed an exploratory approach involving the application of general equilibrium theory(GET)to contextualize the study and generate relevant parameters for deploying the random forest regression learning algorithm for predictions.Machine learning was applied to 80%of the samples for training,while simulation was conducted on the remaining 20%of samples based on quantities of EEE utilized over a specific period,utilization rates,repair rates,and average lifespans.The results demonstrate that the model’s predicted values are significantly close to the actual quantities of generated WEEE,and the model’s performance was evaluated using the mean squared error(MSE)and yielding satisfactory results.Based on this model,both companies and stakeholders can set realistic objectives for managing companies’WEEE,fostering sustainable socio-environmental practices.

Greening the Supply Chain: Drivers and Outcomes in the Korean Manufacturing Industry

This research investigates the determinants of green supply chain management(GSCM)adoption and its impact on organizational performance,while considering the potential moderating factors influencing GSCM adoption.Despite the growing prevalence of GSCM practices among Korean firms,the factors driving their adoption have not received sufficient attention.To bridge this gap,the study uses structural equation modeling,integrating stakeholder theory and resource-based theory to explore how green entrepreneurial orientation(GEO),institutional pressure,and relational capital affect GSCM adoption.Additionally,the study explores the effects of GSCM implementation on competi­tiveness and economic performance.Drawing data from a sample of 213 Korean manufacturing firms,the PLS-SEM analysis highlights the significant influence of GEO,institutional pressure,and relational capital on GSCM adoption.Additionally,the study emphasizes the positive impact of GSCM implementation on firm competitiveness.These find­ings provide valuable insights for enhancing sustainability in supply chain management and are applicable to similar context countries such as Taiwan,China,Japan,and the Netherlands.

The Impact of Information Technology on Service Quality,Satisfaction,and Customer Relationship Management(Case Study:IT Organization Individuals)

Recent research and studies have shown that Information Technology(IT)has a significant impact on service quality,customer satisfaction,and customer relationship development.With the proliferation and penetration of technology in all aspects of life,organizations are responding to the implications and opportunities that IT creates in relation to customer services.The main objective of using information technology in organizations is to increase customer satisfaction,service quality,and customer relationship management,which the authors will focus on here.Enhancing service quality,improving customer satisfaction,and establishing close and sustainable customer relationships are key advantages of leveraging information technology in this field.This article examines the impact of information technology on service quality,customer satisfaction,and customer relationship development and provides strategies and models for organizations to improve customer satisfaction and establish closer connections with them through the use of information technology.Seventy individuals from the IT field were used to evaluate the proposed model.The proposed model was compared with three models:SEM,regression,and decision tree,and the results demonstrated better performance of this approach.

Understanding Applications and Best Practices of DEMATEL:A Method for Prioritizing Key Factors in Multi-Criteria Decision-Making

Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory(DEMATEL)method is a powerful tool for understanding and visualizing the causal relationships among factors in complex decision-making problems.The method uses diagrams and matrixes to map out the causal relationships and interdependencies among factors,allowing decision-makers to identify key drivers and potential solutions to the problem.DEMATEL has a wide range of application areas,including supply chain management,environmental planning,healthcare,finance,and engineering,among others.The DEMATEL method is a valuable tool for decision-makers who need to understand the complex causal relationships among factors in order to make informed decisions.The method provides a structured approach for analyzing and prioritizing factors and for identifying potential solutions to complex problems.This paper describes the main features of this method,its application areas as well as the main process steps in the DEMATEL method.

Strategies for Adoption of Circular Economy in the Nigeria Construction Industry

The concept of circular economy has gained recognition as a way to manage waste and conserve resources sustainably,and has the potential to transform the construction industry.This is particularly relevant in the construction industry due to the significant amounts of waste generated during the construction and demolition process.This study examines the perceived importance and effectiveness of strategies related to the circular economy in the construction industry.The data were collected through a survey administered to professionals in the construction sector,capturing their perceptions of various strategies.The results reveal that most strategies received high mean ratings,indicating their perceived significance.Strategies such as waste management and recycling facilities,design for disassembly,and prioritising the use of renewable and sustainable materials were highly valued by the respondents.Additionally,statistical analyses confirmed the significance of these strategies.However,some strategies received comparatively lower ratings,suggesting the need for further attention and improvement.The findings have important implications for policymakers,industry professionals,and stakeholders,guiding decision-making and resource allocation.By prioritising and implementing the identified strategies,stakeholders can drive the adoption of circular economy principles,enhance resource efficiency,and reduce waste in construction practices.Furthermore,this study lays the foundation for future research,highlighting the importance of exploring barriers to implementation,understanding synergies and trade-offs among strategies,conducting longitudinal studies to assess long-term impact,and broadening the participant pool for a more comprehensive understanding.Overall,this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the circular economy in the construction industry and provides valuable insights for promoting sustainability and circularity within the sector.

Evaluating the Impact of Workshop Management on the Progress of Road Construction Projects(Case Study:Road Construction Projects of Tehran Province)

Construction projects,including road construction,are very important.Therefore,a lot of money is spent on these projects every year.So,the lack of proper planning will increase the cost and cause irreparable damage to the country.The role of workshop management is one of the most important factors in increasing the cost of these types of projects.Generally,workshop management plays a very important role in improving the quality and quantity of projects and has an important place in the project implementation process.Therefore,this study evaluated the impact of workshop management on the progress of road construction projects on a case-by-case basis in road construction projects in Tehran province.According to the purpose of the research,this study was a descriptive-survey type.In addition,the tool used in this research was a questionnaire.The statistical population of this research included all experts and specialists in road construction projects,among whom 65 people were selected by snowball method.Then the collected data were analyzed using SPSS software.The results of this study showed that the management of the workshop and its role in the control and implementation of projects is a complex process,which can be implemented at high levels and effectively by combining scientific and experimental training.And a very important point in the discussion of workshop management is applying scientific management to the use of valuable experiences from others.Because management knowledge not only does not negate the use of these experiences,but also emphasizes the necessity of using them.In other words,improving the knowledge of workshop management is one of the requirements for the implementation of value engineering in construction projects,especially road construction,and it is very important.

Sectoral Advanced Planning Systems (APS) Based on Utility Functions

This paper contains the example of sectoral APS systems,for which the problem algorithmic space coincides with the relevant operational environment with great accuracy.The method of scheduling for technological processes with looping is described,based on the simultaneous application of two criteria:the value of relative direct costs and the average utility of order fulfillment.The influence of buffers on the work of shops is considered.The proposed method provides an automatic grouping of the same type of jobs on all machines involved while taking into account the required duration of jobs.A package of application programs has been developed that allows planning for an average number of orders.The result of the program is a set of non-dominant(not improved)options that are offered to the user for making a final decision.

Development of Low-carbon and Sustainable Magnesium-bearing Cementitious Materials-based Solidification Approaches for Management of Problematic Soils

The production of traditional cementitious binders such as calcium-based Portland cement poses a serious challenge to the environment and society.Therefore,low-carbon,green and sustainable magnesium-based cementitious materials are developed to replace fully or partly Portland cement and reduce the consumption of natural resources and CO_(2)emissions.Three interesting techniques,including reactive MgO-activated industrial solid wastes,MgO-based cement and carbonation of magnesium-bearing materials,are elucidated to point to the necessity for developing novel magnesium-based cementitious materials.In the coming future,the carbonation of magnesium-rich industrial solid wastes or its combination with reactive MgO for application in various construction sectors such as soft ground improvement and concrete fabrication would be a promising approach to generate high-value products based on industrial solid wastes.

Analysis of Simple Additive Weighting Method(SAW)as a MultiAttribute Decision-Making Technique:A Step-by-Step Guide

The simple additive weighting(SAW)method is one of the oldest and most widely used decision-making methods.It has a simple process that can be utilized in different subject areas such as engineering,environmental sciences,and energy.The main concepts of the SAW method are introduced in this paper and then a step-by-step guide to using SAW technique for decision-making and ranking purposes in multi-attribute cases is presented.

The Economic Analysis of Law as a Reference for the Grounds of Judicial Decisions

The present article aimed to analyze the application of the economic analysis of Law as a reference for the reasoning of judicial decisions.To that end,an analysis was carried out on the definitions of what is hermeneutics and economic analysis of law,based on the construction of the matrix rule of conduct for public administration.The method of the approach followed was empirical-dialectical,using bibliographic,legislative and jurisprudential research,having a reference to the Law and Economics.

Washing Defects and Remedial Actions of Denim Garments and Statistical Review of Denim Sectors in Emerging Economy

This paper aimed to identify the washing defects of denim garments and the remedies for these washing defects of denim garments in Bangladesh.The other purpose of this paper is to explain how such errors are related to the waste,production,and production costs of denim clothing.It also provides a statistical review of the denim sector in Bangladesh as compared to other countries.This paper is conveyed based on theoretical and statistical.It appears washing defects of denim garment,and their remedial actions and reveals the effect of washing defects on wastage,production,and production cost of denim garments.This research paper shows more washing defects of denim garments in Bangladesh.The statistical review displays that Bangladesh is exporting denim products nearly 200 million pieces every year over the world and ranks as the second-largest denim garments exporter after China.By studying this paper,the manufacturer of denim garments in Bangladesh and other countries will be conscious of these defects and able to minimize these defects that will help improve the economy all over the world.

Airport Revenue Diversification

This report emphasizes the non-aeronautical revenues of airports that are playing an increasingly important part in the revenues of airport.This report delves into different fields of non-aeronautical services that serve as an important revenue source as well as how to better manage these fields to bring greater profits and incomes for the airport.This report focuses on airport advertising,food and beverage and airport car parking as to their potential benefits and threats to the revenues of different airports.It shows that although these fields of non-aeronautical services can potentially bring in a lot of revenues and profits to the airports,different airports also need to adopt proactive policies and strategies to improve these fields to increase their revenues and competitiveness.

Cost Estimation for Modernization of Metro Terminal Stations Using ANN Technique

The current situation of Cairo metro stations,especially terminal stations and its surrounding areas,has bad financial revenue and bad effect on environment.It is a major factor in increasing of noise,traffic jam and air pollution,in addition to,spreading of street vendors,collecting of random parking around these terminal stations.Thus,this paper proposed a methodology helping to apply multilateral investments in metro terminal stations for getting extra profits and decreasing the bad environmental effect of terminal stations and its surrounding areas.Hence,Helwan-Metro station on line 1 has been considered as a case study.Number of passengers at peak time,their ages,and their destinations,have been considered by making a field survey and a questionnaire.After collecting data and finalizing the surveying questionnaire,primary studies were done to modify and introduce a new proposal for Helwan-Metro station.The initial cost of the proposed project is predicted by using Artificial Neural Network technique using Just NN software.The investment feasibility achieved by consideration of Life Cycle Cost analysis and calculation of Net Present Value(NPV)of the proposed project.

Effect of Aromatic Ring, Cation, and Anion Types of Ionic Liquids on Heavy Oil Recovery

Surfactant/alkali flooding is one of the best chemical flooding methods to enhance the oil Recovery Factor(RF).In this research,Ionic Liquid/Alkali(ILA)mixtures were chosen to represent a form of chemical flooding experiments.The selected Ionic Liquids(ILs),{[EMIM][Cl],[THTDPH][Cl],[EMIM][Ac],[BzMIM][Cl],[DMIM][Cl],[BzMIM][TOS],[dMIM][TOS]and[MPyr][TOS]},were introduced to investigate their efficiency in improving heavy oil(14o API)RF from the sand packs.Besides,the use of mixtures of the same ionic liquids and brine(3.37 wt.% salts)with an alkali(Sodium Bicarbonate[NaHCO3])were also investigated.In this experimental study,the flooding process started with injecting about 3.2 Pore Volumes(PVs)of only brine,followed by one PV of the chemical composites,and flushed with two PVs of formation brine.The study discussed the influence of cation type,anion type,the structure of the ILs,and the effect of combining ILs/alkali on the RF.The results revealed that the proposed chemical mixtures are effective in enhancing the recovery factor.ILs with shorter alkyl chain and more aromatic rings are noticeably more efficient in enhancing the RF.Finding the optimum composition of([DMIM][Cl]+NaHCO3)the chemical slug increased the additional RF up to 31.55(%OOIP).Also,increasing the slug size to two PVs improved the RF to 42.13(%OOIP).The recovery factor mechanism was explained and supported by measuring the effect of IL types on the viscosity,Surface Tension(SFT),and Zeta Potential(ZP)of the mixture.

Prediction of Formation Pressure Gradients of NC98 Field-Sirte Basin-Libya

The prediction of formation pore pressure and fracture pressure gradients is a significant step towards the drilling plan.In this study,the formation pressures of twelve wells from NC98 field-Sirte Basin(Waha Oil Company)were calculated by employing empirical methods,Eaton's equations,that depend on the real drilling and well-logging data.Regarding the results,the normal pore pressure in the NC98 field in Sirte basin is 9.89 kPa/m(0.437 Psi/ft),and it is extending from the top of the wells in the investigated area to 2134 m(7,000 ft).A subnormal to normal pore pressure zone is noticed in the interval of 2134 m to 2743 m(7,000 ft.-9,000 ft).Then,slightly subnormal to somewhat abnormal(overpressure)region is seen from 2743–3414(9,000 ft.-11,200 ft).Beyond to that depth and down to the top of the reservoir,the overpressure zone was clearly observed.Based on the results,the casing seating depth and the equivalent mud weight were simply determined for the area of study.

Chinese Journals' Chief Editors Should Enhance Their Response Rate to Authors

Chief editors are the souls of journals,and can guarantee a journal's success by enhancing the efficiency of the manuscript submission and publication process through promptness and speedy response rates to authors.In this study,a total of 867 international journals—indexed by Science Citation Index,Social Sciences Citation Index,and Arts&Humanities Citation Index,and 567 Chinese journals—indexed by Chinese Science Citation Database and Chinese Social Science Citation Information database,were randomly selected to explore whether significant differences in the response rate and speed exist between chief editors.639 chief editors'email addresses were obtained for the international journals,whereas 357 email addresses were gathered for the Chinese journals.However,due to mail servers,only 274 international and 330 Chinese editors were successfully contacted.All messages contained a questionnaire geared to determine the total length of time required for the manuscript submission and publication process.After two months,a 100% response rate was achieved for international chief editors,while Chinese chief editors had a significantly lower rate(P<0.01)of 30.6%.Nevertheless,for both international and Chinese chief editors,66% and 58% provided a response within 12 hours,respectively.Although several reasons exist for the Chinese journals'lagging behind international journals,this study demonstrates that the response rate of chief editors to authors may also be a contributing factor.Thus,chief editors of Chinese journals should enhance their response rate to improve the current situation and further contribute to Chinese journals'success.

Hydrodynamic Effect on the Iso-octane Steam-Reforming in a Monolithic Reactor Channel

The production process of clean hydrogen by iso-octane steam reforming in a micro-reactor under atmospheric pressure,and the high temperature was investigated.The simulation is done using momentum conservation,mass conservation,and convection-diffusion equations,represented by the Navier-Stocks equations,the continuity equation,and the Steffan-Maxwell equation respectively.The resolution was performed using a differential equations discretization into their conservative by the finite element method with an unconditionally stable scheme.An analysis of the hydrodynamics of the flow effect shows that the hydrogen produced by iso-octane reforming is proportional to the mixed flow Reynolds number.