Underwater multiple target tracking decision making based on an analytic network process

Underwater multi-target tracking logic and decision （UMTLD） has difficulty resolving multi-target tracking problems for underwater vehicles. Present methods assume factors in UMTLD are uncorrelated, when these are actually in a complex, interdependent relationship. To provide this, an index set of multi-target tracking decision characteristics and an analytic network process （ANP） model of the UMTLD method was -established. This method brings the index set of multi-target tracking decision into the ANP model, and the optimization multitarket tracking decision is achieved via computation of the resulting supermatrix. The rationality and robustness of decision results increase in simulations by 13% and 47% respectively with analytic hierarchy process （AHP）. These results indicate that the ANP method should be the preferred method when UMTLD factors are interdependent.

Using analytic network process to analyze problems for implementing turn-key construction projects in Taiwan

The turn-key construction project is implemented in Taiwan not by a single company but by a make-shift group of several companies. Hence,problems to coordinate the professional construction management (PCM) and the supervising architectural company often occur for the lack of long-term experience to work together. The various factors that affect the implementation of turn-key projects currently practiced in Taiwan are analyzed using the analytic network process (ANP). The objective is to study how the twelve key factors in the four layers of "Role assignment","Signing contract","Operational procedures" and "Losing capital investment" affect the progress of implementing the turn-key project in Taiwan. The results reveal that "Delay in payment" has the most negative influence with 15.62% weighing factor; "Latent risk" comes next with 11.14% weighing factor,and "Responsibility of construction company for project quality" is the third with 10.79% weighing factor.

Concurrent Material Selection of Natural Fibre Filament for Fused Deposition Modeling Using Integration of Analytic Hierarchy Process/Analytic Network Process

The employment of natural fibres in fused deposition modeling has raised much attention from researchers in finding a suitable formulation for the natural fibre composite filaments.Moreover,selection of suitable natural fibres for fused deposition modeling should be performed before the development of the composites.It could not be performed without identifying selection criteria that comprehend both materials and fused deposition modeling process requirements.Therefore,in this study,integration of the Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP)/Analytic Network Process(ANP)has been introduced in selecting the natural fibres based in different clusters of selection concurrently.The selection process has been performed based on the interdependency among the selection criteria.Pairwise comparison matrices are constructed based on AHP’s hierarchical model and super matrices are constructed based on the ANP’s network model.As a result,flax fibre has ranked at the top of the selection by scored 19.5%from the overall evaluation.Flax fibre has excellent material properties and been found in various natural fibre composite applications.Further investigation is needed to study the compatibility of this fibre to be reinforced with a thermoplastic polymer matrix to develop a resultant natural fibre composite filament for fused deposition modeling.

A Novel Features Prioritization Mechanism for Controllers in Software-Defined Networking

The controller in software-defined networking(SDN)acts as strategic point of control for the underlying network.Multiple controllers are available,and every single controller retains a number of features such as the OpenFlow version,clustering,modularity,platform,and partnership support,etc.They are regarded as vital when making a selection among a set of controllers.As such,the selection of the controller becomes a multi-criteria decision making(MCDM)problem with several features.Hence,an increase in this number will increase the computational complexity of the controller selection process.Previously,the selection of controllers based on features has been studied by the researchers.However,the prioritization of features has gotten less attention.Moreover,several features increase the computational complexity of the selection process.In this paper,we propose a mathematical modeling for feature prioritization with analytical network process(ANP)bridge model for SDN controllers.The results indicate that a prioritized features model lead to a reduction in the computational complexity of the selection of SDN controller.In addition,our model generates prioritized features for SDN controllers.

Assessing and Mapping Land Suitability Units for Maize (Zea mays L) Production Using Integrated DEMATEL-ANP Model and GIS in the Foumbot Agricultural Basin (Cameroon Western Highlands)

Land suitability assessment (LSA) is an essential step in the process of determining environmental limits for sustainable crop production. Up to date, studies on LSA for crop production in Cameroon have been based on empirical methods which are limited as they consider similar singnificance levels for all evaluation criteria and do not consider the interrelationships of criteria in the best-fit models. In the present study a qualitative land suitability evaluation by an integrated multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach and geographic information system (GIS) was tested to assess and map suitable land units for maize (Zea mays L) production in Cameroon Western highland. Eight environmental criteria identified as the most relevant for maize production in the area of interest (AOI) saw their thematic maps prepared using ArcGIS 10.8. The relationship between criteria was considered by the DEMATEL method. The criteria were weighted using the ANP method. Thereafter, the land suitability map was obtained using the weighted overlay analysis (WOA) in ArcGIS. The results obtained indicated that slope has the highest specific weight and consequently the greatest influence on land suitability for maize production in the locality. The land suitability map generated showed that Foumbot’s agricultural land suitability for maize production varies from very high to marginally suitable (99% of the surface area). Specifically, 11% (8056 ha) is very highly suitable, 29% (21,119 ha) is highly suitable, 38% (27,405 ha) are moderately suitable and 20% (14,422 ha) are marginally suitable. The remaining 1% that falls under non suitable class represents 606 ha and is located on the steep slopes around the Mount Mbappit. The kappa analysis reveals a total overall accuracy of 78.67% and a kappa value of 0.7256 with an asymptotic error of 0.058 which is good. Then the model used in this research is highly recommended for future land evaluation works in Cameroon and similar ecosystems around the world.

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE ANALYTIC NETWORK PROCESS- DEPENDENCE AND FEEDBACK IN DECISION-MAKING WITH A SINGLE NETWORK

The Analytic Network Process (ANP) is a multicriteria theory of measurement used to derive relative priority scales of absolute numbers from individual judgments (or from actual measurements normalized to a relative form) that also belong to a fundamental scale of absolute numbers. These judgments represent the relative influence, of one of two elements over the other in a pairwise comparison process on a third element in the system, with respect to an underlying control criterion. Through its supermatrix, whose entries are themselves matrices of column priorities, the ANP synthesizes the outcome of dependence and feedback within and between clusters of elements. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with its independence assumptions on upper levels from lower levels and the independence of the elements in a level is a special case of the ANP. The ANP is an essential tool for articulating our understanding of a decision problem. One had to overcome the limitation of linear hierarchic structures and their mathematical consequences. This part on the ANP summarizes and illustrates the basic concepts of the ANP and shows how informed intuitive judgments can lead to real life answers that are matched by actual measurements in the real world (for example, relative dollar values) as illustrated in market share examples that rely on judgments and not on numerical data.

DECISION MAKING - THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY AND NETWORK PROCESSES (AHP/ANP)

This is the first part of an introduction to multicriteria decision making using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and its generalization, the Analytic Network Process (ANP). The discussion involves individual and group decisions both with the independence of the criteria from the alternatives as in the AHP and also with dependence and feedback in the entire decision structure as in the ANP. This part explains the Analytic Hierarchy Process, with examples, and presents in some detail the mathematical foundations. An exposition of the Analytic Network Process and its applications will appear in later issues of this journal.

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE ANALYTIC NETWORK PROCESS - MULTIPLE NETWORKS WITH BENEFITS,COSTS,OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS

The general theory of the ANP enables one to deal with the benefits,opportunities,costs,andrisks(the BOCR merits)of a decision,by introducing the notion of negative priorites for C and Ralong with the rating(not comparison)of the top priority alternative synthesized for each of the fourmerits in terms of strategic criteria to enable one to combine the four B,O,C,and R values of eachalternative into a single outcome.Strategic criteria are very basic criteria individuals and groups useto assess whether they should make any of the many decisions they face in their daily operations.They do not depend on any particular decision for their priorities but are assessed in terms of the goalsand values of the individual or organization.Synthesis is made with two formulas,one multiplicativeand one additive subtractive that can give rise to negative overall priorities.This paper summarizesand illustrates basic complex decisions involving several control criteria under each of the BOCRmerits.

COMPARISON OF THE ANALYTIC NETWORK PROCESS AND THE GRAPH MODEL FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION

A comparison of two decision analysis tools for the analysis of strategic conflicts, the Analytic Network Process （ANP） and the graph model for conflict resolution, is carried out by applying them to the China-US TV dumping conflict. Firstly, the graph model is introduced along with practical procedures for modeling and analyzing conflicts using the decision support software, GMCR Ⅱ. Next, ANP is explained, emphasizing structural features and procedures for synthesizing priorities. Then a framework for employing ANP to analyze strategic conflicts is designed and used to compare ANP to the graph model. The case study of the China-US TV dumping conflict provides a basis for the graph model and ANP to be compared; different features of the approaches are highlighted. The study shows that because of different theoretical backgrounds, ANP and the graph model for conflict analysis both provide useful information which can be combined to furnish a better understanding of a strategic conflict.

GIS-based landslide susceptibility modeling:A comparison between fuzzy multi-criteria and machine learning algorithms

Hazards and disasters have always negative impacts on the way of life.Landslide is an overwhelming natural as well as man-made disaster that causes loss of natural resources and human properties throughout theworld.The present study aimed to assess and compare the prediction efficiency of different models in landslide susceptibility in the Kysuca river basin,Slovakia.In this regard,the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory combining with the analytic network process(FDEMATEL-ANP),Naïve Bayes(NB)classifier,and random forest(RF)classifier were considered.Initially,a landslide inventory map was produced with 2000 landslide and nonlandslide points by randomly dividedwith a ratio of 70%:30%for training and testing,respectively.The geospatial database for assessing the landslide susceptibility was generated with the help of 16 landslide conditioning factors by allowing for topographical,hydrological,lithological,and land cover factors.The ReliefF methodwas considered for determining the significance of selected conditioning factors and inclusion in the model building.Consequently,the landslide susceptibility maps(LSMs)were generated using the FDEMATEL-ANP,Naïve Bayes(NB)classifier,and random forest(RF)classifier models.Finally,the area under curve(AUC)and different arithmetic evaluation were used for validating and comparing the results and models.The results revealed that random forest(RF)classifier is a promising and optimum model for landslide susceptibility in the study area with a very high value of area under curve(AUC=0.954),lower value of mean absolute error(MAE=0.1238)and root mean square error(RMSE=0.2555),and higher value of Kappa index(K=0.8435)and overall accuracy(OAC=92.2%).

Fuzzy analytic network process(FANP)approach in formulating infrastructural decisions of sustainable manufacturing strategy

This paper explores a fuzzy analytic network process(FANP)approach in identifying the content of manufacturing strategy infrastructural decisions that integrates sustainability and classical manufacturing strategy framework with firm size component.The findings are as follows:(1)firms must ensure highquality product requirements with a make-to-order production system;(2)large firms must prioritize decentralization of functional areas but they must also provide higher systems integration of all production-related information to mobilize better communication channels;(3)large firms must employ highly skilled human resources in order to provide strong support on functional areas;and(4)small and medium enterprises must focus on product introduction to the market as a strategy priority area.The main contribution of this paper is the decision-making framework under uncertainty that holistically identifies the decisions that comprise a sustainable manufacturing strategy which may serve as guidelines in improving existing sustainable manufacturing practices or in creating new ones.

Portfolio selection: a fuzzy-ANP approach

This study developed specific criteria and a fuzzy analytic network process(FANP)to assess and select portfolios on the Tehran Stock Exchange(TSE).Although the portfolio selection problem has been widely investigated,most studies have focused on income and risk as the main decision-making criteria.However,there are many other important criteria that have been neglected.To fill this gap,first,a literature review was conducted to determine the main criteria for portfolio selection,and a Likert-type questionnaire was then used to finalize a list of criteria.Second,the finalized criteria were applied in an FANP to rank 10 different TSE portfolios.The results indicated that profitability,growth,market,and risk are the most important criteria for portfolio selection.Additionally,portfolios 6,7,2,4,8,1,5,3,9,and 10(A6,A7,A2,A4,A8,A1,A5,A3,A9,and A10)were found to be the best choices.Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Large Infrastructure Project Plan with ANP

Analytic Network Process(ANP) was used in comprehensive evaluation of large infrastructure project plan. An model including social economy, ecological environment and resources was established with ANP method. The evaluation pattern of hierarchy structure and comprehensive evaluation method for quantity and quality of large infrastructure project were put forward, which provides an effective way to evaluate the large infrastructure project plan. Quantitative analysis indicated that the internal dependence relation of hierarchy structure has influence on ranking results of plan. It is suggested that considering the internal relation can helps managers make effective decisions.

A model of supplying poplar wood for Iranian paper & wood factories

The objective of this research is to design a method for an appropriate alternative to supply poplar wood as raw material for wood and paper factories in Iran. Due to the destruction of the forests and lack of proper plantation, replacement of the forest wood by the fast growing wood is vital to satisfy all requirements of these factories. A hierarchy was used to prioritize benefits, opportunities, costs and risks （BOCR） using the Analytic Hierarchy Process （AHP） ratings approach. To evaluate the ＂control criteria＂ of the system, a control hierarchy was also created and prioritized by applying the Analytic Network Process （ANP）. A total of four major control criteria in the system are prioritized where each one controls a network structure evaluated by using ANE The final synthesis results of the system showed that internal poplar tree farming supplied by the forest product factories was the best choice among three potential alternatives （factory procurement, external procurement and mix procurement）.

Dynamic performance management system

An integrated, efficient and effective performance management system, ＂dynamic performance management system＂, is presented, which covers the entire performance management process including measures design, analysis, and dynamic update. The analysis of performance measures using causal loop diagrams, qualitative inference and analytic network process is mainly discussed. A real world case study is carried out throughout the paper to explain how the framework works. A software tool for DPMS, Performance Analyzer, is also introduced.

A decision making model for investment and development of construction panels

A study was conducted to select the best alternative for the development of construction panels as well as investment in its manufacturing in Iran.Three alternatives are considered,cement-bonded wood composite product,substituted products（such as concrete panel） sandwich panel and a mixture of them.We apply the analytic network process（ANP） to achieve this goal.A hierarchy is designed to prioritize benefits,opportunities,costs and risks（BOCR） by using the Analytic Hierarchy Process（AHP） ratings approach.To evaluate the ＂control criteria＂ of the system,a control hierarchy is also created and prioritized by applying the Analytic Network Process（ANP）.A total of four major control criteria in the system are prioritized where each one controls a decision network evaluated using ANP.The final synthesis of the system shows cement-bonded wood composite product is the best choice among three potential alternatives for the investment and development.

Sustainable-Security Assessment Through a Multi Perspective Benchmarking Framework

The current cyber-attack environment has put even the most protected systems at risk as the hackers are nowmodifying technologies to exploit even the tiniest of weaknesses and infiltrate networks.In this situation,it’s critical to design and construct software that is both secure and long-lasting.While security is the most well-defined aspect of health information software systems,it is equally significant to prioritise sustainability because any health information software system will be more effective if it provides both security and sustainability to the customers at the same time.In this league,it is crucial to determine those characteristics in the systems that can help in the accurate assessment of the sustainable-security of the health information software during the development stage.This research work employed the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process(Fuzzy ANP)to estimate the impact of the overall sustainable-security of health information software systems and their characteristics in order to achieve a high level of sustainable-security.Furthermore,the study validates the efficacy of the Fuzzy ANP procedure by testing it on five different versions of a health information software system through Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solutions(Fuzzy TOPSIS).Despite the sensitivity of the health information software systems,this study employedmultiple versions of health information software system.When compared with the existing procedures for testing the sustainable-security of health information software systems,the outcomes were conclusive and significantly more effective.Besides saving time and resources,the mechanism suggested in this research work aims to establish an outline that software practitioners can follow to enhance the sustainablesecurity of health information software systems.

Analysis of Critical Factors in Manufacturing by Adopting a Cloud Computing Service

The advantages of a cloud computing service are cost advantages,availability,scalability,flexibility,reduced time to market,and dynamic access to computing resources.Enterprises can improve the successful adoption rate of cloud computing services if they understand the critical factors.Tofind critical factors,this studyfirst reviewed the literature and established a three-layer hierarch-ical factor table for adopting a cloud computing service based on the Technology-Organization-Environment framework.Then,a hybrid method that combines two multi-criteria decision-making tools—called the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process method and the concept of VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje acceptable advantage—was used to objectively identify critical factors for the adop-tion of a cloud computing service,replacing the subjective decision of the authors.The results of this study determinedfive critical factors,namely data access secur-ity,information transmission security,senior management support,fallback cloud management,and employee acceptance.Finally,the paper presents thefindings and implications of the study.

Partner selection of collaborative innovation of strategic emerging industry - based on ANP-GRA

The rise and development of strategic emerging industries need a new innovative mode--collaborative innovation, collaborative innovation as a complex multi-object relationship, it is essential to select an appropriate partner. Partner selection is the key to the success of strategic emerging industry collaborative innovation. This paper takes collaborative innovation partner selection as research focus, establishing evaluation system of collaborative innovation partner selection, using analytic network process （ANP） to determine the weight of evaluation index, then, obtaining grey correlation rank of collaborative innovation partner by Grey relational analysis （GILA）, providing the basis for strategic emerging industry to select collaborative innovation partner.

Selecting the Packaging System for Liquid Foods Using an ANP Model

This paper provides a model to identify the most appropriate packaging system （i.e. the industrial process by which the product is hygienically coupled with the container） for different liquid foods. The model developed is grounded on the Analytic Network Process （ANP） methodology, a powerful and flexible tool used in decision making. To select the appropriate packaging system, the model takes into account several factors, including packaging material, cost, safety, performance （e.g., speed and accuracy）, plant reliability and flexibility, which may directly or indirectly affect the suitability of the process. Moreover, the chemical and physical properties of commercial liquid foods, and the packaging technology are included in the model as further variables to be considered for the final choice. We try to answer the following research questions： is a filling system appropriate for a given liquid food？ Is it compatible with a defined packaging technology？ When several filling systems are available for a given liquid food, how can the most appropriate one be selected？ The ease of application of the model and the robustness of the results provided have been tested on a sample of 59 commercial liquid foods, for which the model allowed to identify the most suitable packaging system, providing useful practical guidelines. The model was developed in close collaboration with a panel of experts, operating in the beverage bottling industry, and validated by the same experts; thus, the resulting tool is suitable for use as a decision support system by food and bottling industries.