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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%).

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.

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.

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.

Risk evaluation for the task transfer of an aircraft maintenance program based on a multielement connection number

This paper proposes a framework for evaluating the efficacy and suitability of maintenance programs with a focus on quantitative risk assessment in the domain of aircraft maintenance task transfer. The analysis is anchored in the principles of Maintenance Steering Group-3 (MSG-3) logic decision paradigms. The paper advances a holistic risk assessment index architecture tailored for the task transfer of maintenance programs. Utilizing the analytic network process (ANP), the study quantifies the weight interrelationships among diverse variables, incorporating expert-elicited subjective weighting. A multielement connection number-based evaluative model is employed to characterize decision-specific data, thereby facilitating the quantification of task transfer-associated risk through the appraisal of set-pair potentials. Moreover, the paper conducts a temporal risk trend analysis founded on partial connection numbers of varying orders. This analytical construct serves to streamline the process of risk assessment pertinent to maintenance program task transfer. The empirical component of this research, exemplified through a case study of the Boeing 737NG aircraft maintenance program, corroborates the methodological robustness and pragmatic applicability of the proposed framework in the quantification and analysis of mission transfer risk.

AN ANP/DNP ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC ELEMENTS IN TODAY’S WORLD NETWORK ECONOMY

The network economy is a term for today＇s global relationship among economic elements characterized by massive connectivity. The central act of the new era is to connect everything to everything in deep web networks at many levels of mutually interdependent relations, where resources and activities are shared, markets are enlarged and costs and risk are reduced, Network systems contain both positive and negative feedback. A variety of feedback processes create complex system behavior. For such a network the Analytic Network Process （ANP） approach seems to be very appropriate. The ANP method makes it possible to deal systematically with all kinds of dependence and feedback in the system. Dynamic models try to reflect changes in real or simulated time and take into account that the network model components are constantly evolving. Dynamic models use concepts of state variables, flows, and feedback processes. The Dynamic Network Process （DNP） is an extension of ANP that can deal with time deoendent oriorities in a networked economv.

A STRATEGIC MODEL FOR SAFETY DURING THE HAJJ PILGRIMAGE:AN ANP APPLICATION

Saudi Arabia every year receives more than two million Muslims from all over the world to perform the Hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah. It must take place during a specific period of the year in a specific and limited space. In spite of the effort government agencies devote to this event, a variety of disasters usually take place each year. As the number of pilgrims is increasing every year the problem is becoming an alarming one. More and more resources are allocated to eliminate the occurrence of such disasters. More than one strategy has been proposed to make the Hajj as safe as possible. Knowing that the problem is very complex as it involves numerous actors, and many entangled criteria and elements, the question is which strategy is best. This paper presents the Analytic Network Process as a sound methodology for structuring the Hajj problem by designing an analytical model to find which strategy to focus on to make the pilgrimage as safe as possible.

BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES:POLICY PRIORITIZATION WITH THE ANP

Improving relations between the People＇s Republic of China （PRC） and the United States of America （US） and ensuring that they work together as allies rather than as competitors can serve as a stabilizing force against armed conflict, particularly with surrounding nations. The economic, social, and political relationships between the PRC and US have progressed along a hilly journey. As the second largest economy in the world, the PRC has continued to develop its military and is determined to climb the technological ladder. This growth has led the US and the PRC to be referred to as a G-2 of superpowers. As the US hegemony continues to weaken this G-2 relationship is becoming more important. With significant economic, political, and security issues at stake it is crucial that efforts to strengthen these relations are prioritized and implemented. A rigorous prioritization process, the Analytic Network Process （ANP） is used herein to prioritize the efforts and initiatives in the G-2 relationship. The model is presented with results and the extensive sensitivity analysis present additional insight into the suggested solutions.

ADVANCES IN DECISION ANALYSIS AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING FOR MANAGING LARGE-SCALE ENTERPRISES IN A VOLATILE WORLD: INTEGRATING BENEFITS, OPPORTUNITIES, COSTS AND RISKS (BOCR) WITH THE BUSINESS MOTIVATION MODEL (BMM)

Over the past few decades, innovations in Information and Communication Technologies （ICT） have led to a significant increase in the complexity of enterprise information systems. This has led to new challenges for enterprise architects, systems engineers, business managers and other decision makers who must cope with the complexity of business plans and processes （particularly automated engineering processes）. In order to better manage this complexity, the Business Rule Group （BRG） has put forth the Business Motivation Model （BMM）. The original BMM uses a SWOT （Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat） decision analysis approach. However, the SWOT framework contains significant limitations with respect to decision making and ICT risks, hampering the decision making ability of enterprise architects, business managers, engineers, and other decision makers. The AHP （Analytic Hierarchy Process） and ANP （Analytic Network Process） are among the most widely used decision making tools： they commonly implement a Benefit - Opportunity - Cost - Risk （BOCR） analysis to improve the effectiveness of business decision making. A new approach is put forth that replaces the original SWOT assessment with an ANP-based BOCR analysis. As well, the original BMM is modified and applied in a Component Architecture Framework （CAF）.

Risk identification and prioritization in banking projects of payment service provider companies:An empirical study

ldentifying risks and prioritizing is important for payment service provider(PSP)companies to get banking projects and gain more market share.However,studies regarding the identification of risks and causal relationships are insufficient in the lranian PSP industry and the industry is unique because of its characteristics.In this study,30 experts involved with PSP companies are employed as the research sample.Eleven key risks and 46 sub-risks are also ientified.Subsequently,the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory technique is applied to determine the effective and affected risks and the severity of their effects on each other.Finally,all risks are ranked.Due to the interal interrelationships of the main risks,the weight of each risk is calculated via the fuzy analytic network process.As the second-level risks have no significant interrelationships,they are ranked via the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process.Moreover,the best-worst method is used to ensure that the obtained rankings are reliable.This study identifies the risks affecting the loss of banking projects and determines the impacts of these risks on each.A sensitivity analysis is then conducted on the weights of the criteria,and the results are compared.

MAKING AND VALIDATING COMPLEX DECISIONS WITH THE AHP/ANP

Several examples that serve to validate the AHP/ANP with matrices hierarchies and networks are given in this paper. They are then followed by a discussion of the real numbers and how they are generated without the need for an absolute zero, and how they define an absolute scale of measurement that also does not need an absolute zero. In the AHP/ANP the measurement of an alternative depends on what other alternatives it is compared with. The result is that rank can change if alternatives are added or deleted, something that does not occur in one-at-a-time rating of the alternatives by comparing them with an ideal. An example is provided to show that this is natural and need not involve new criteria or change in judgments. A brief discussion of Utility Theory, the other multi-criteria theory, which uses interval scales to measure intangibles and some of its problems and paradoxes, is given. The references at the end include most of the papers that are adverse to the AHP with brief comments about several of them given in the paper.