Geological adaptability matching design of disc cutter using multicriteria decision making approaches

Geological adaptability matching design of a disc cutter is the prerequisite of cutter head design for tunnel boring machines(TBMs)and plays an important role in improving the tunneling efficiency of TBMs.The main purpose of the cutter matching design is to evaluate the cutter performance and select the appropriate cutter size.In this paper,a novel evaluation method based on multicriteria decision making(MCDM)techniques was developed to help TBM designers in the process of determining the cutter size.The analytic hierarchy process(AHP)and matter element analysis were applied to obtaining the weights of the cutter evaluation criteria,and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS)approaches were employed to determine the ranking of the cutters.A case application was offered to illustrate and validate the proposed method.The results of the project case demonstrate that this method is reasonable and feasible for disc cutter size selection in cutter head design.

Robust data envelopment analysis based MCDM with the consideration of uncertain data

The application of data envelopment analysis （DEA） as a multiple criteria decision making （MCDM） technique has been gaining more and more attention in recent research. In the practice of applying DEA approach, the appearance of uncertainties on input and output data of decision making unit （DMU） might make the nominal solution infeasible and lead to the efficiency scores meaningless from practical view. This paper analyzes the impact of data uncertainty on the evaluation results of DEA, and proposes several robust DEA models based on the adaptation of recently developed robust optimization approaches, which would be immune against input and output data uncertainties. The robust DEA models developed are based on input-oriented and outputoriented CCR model, respectively, when the uncertainties appear in output data and input data separately. Furthermore, the robust DEA models could deal with random symmetric uncertainty and unknown-but-bounded uncertainty, in both of which the distributions of the random data entries are permitted to be unknown. The robust DEA models are implemented in a numerical example and the efficiency scores and rankings of these models are compared. The results indicate that the robust DEA approach could be a more reliable method for efficiency evaluation and ranking in MCDM problems.

TOPSIS with Belief Structure for Group Belief Multiple Criteria Decision Making

The technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution （TOPSIS） is one of the major techniques in dealing with multiple criteria decision making （MCDM） problems, and the belief structure （BS） model has been used successfully for uncertain MCDM with incompleteness, impreciseness or ignorance. In this paper, the TOPSIS method with BS model is proposed to solve group belief MCDM problems. Firstly, the group belief MCDM problem is structured as a belief decision matrix in which the judgments of each decision maker are described as BS models, and then the evidential reasoning approach is used for aggregating the multiple decision makers＇ judgments. Subsequently, the positive and negative ideal belief solutions are defined with the principle of TOPSIS. To measure the separation from ideal solutions, the concept and algorithm of belief distance measure are defined, which can be used for comparing the difference between BS models. Finally, the relative closeness and ranking index are calculated for ranking the alternatives. A numerical example is given to illustrate the proposed method.

Transformation and risk assessment of the East Kolkata Wetlands (India)using fuzzy MCDM method and geospatial technology

The East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW) is located on the eastern periphery of the city of Kolkata and extends up to theBidyadhari-Matla River confluence. It is a Ramsar Site and acts as an absorber basin for a large number of con-taminants drained from Kolkata. Agricultural lands, sewage-fed fisheries, garbage dumping fields, horticulture,and built-up areas are included in this protected area, that covers approximately 125 km2. It reveals that climatechange reduces the variety of wetland ecosystem services and increases socio-economic vulnerability and eco-nomic stress. The human encroachment, reclamation of land for agriculture, aquaculture, and urban expansion inand around Kolkata has recently adversely threatened the EKW. The remotely sensed data, socio-economic data,and responses of inhabitants have been used to analyse the EKW’s risk and vulnerability. We employed geospatialanalysis by using the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method using nine risk factors. An in-depth analysisof the EKW using geospatial techniques and the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) helped to understandthe EKW transformations through vulnerability and risk analysis. The results show that the transformation of thewetland to aquaculture, eutrophication and pollution, road proximity, waste dumping, population density, andgrowth are the main factors for the deteriorating health, quality, and environment of the EKW. It also reveals thatquantitative and qualitative evaluations of ecosystem services, wetland degradation, transformation, and cause-effect rapport should be periodically assessed using scientific methods like FAHP, RS, GIS to formulate resilient,integrated plans and strategy for the sustainable management of the EKW.

SCALABLE AND QUANTITATIVE DECISION SUPPORT FOR THE INITIAL BUILDING DESIGN STAGES OF REFURBISHMENT

Decision-making within the building industry often involves various criteria of very different natures.Some are qualitative,others quantitative,some are objective,others subjective,but ultimately,they should all be aggregated and handled holistically in order to support decision-making.This process can also be referred to as multi-criteria decision-making(MCDM).Some aspects of MCDM are often conducted unconsciously and non-transparently.By implementing mathematical methods that have been proved applicable for MCDM,multi-criteria decision-making processes can be handled more consciously and transparently and thus be made reproducible.The calculation method presented allows quantitative sustainability and qualitative indicator values to be accounted for with the level of importance desired.The MCDM method used is Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution(TOPSIS).As the model has already been described well in the scientific literature and is used frequently,the aim is to illustrate how TOPSIS can be applied for transparent decision-making within the building industry in the context of urban renewal and refurbishment schemes through case studies of various scales and descriptions.The case studies focused on in this paper incorporate a variety of specific pre-chosen criteria,including environmental performance,functional parameters and technical parameters.The case studies cover different parameters of refurbishment in a major hospital compound in Denmark due to be taken out of operation.One central design decision is whether to refurbish or demolish the old hospital buildings.The results reveal that decision support is first of all dependent on how the decision-making tool is applied and what choices are made in relation to the actual calculations.However,by implementing a mathematically based MCDM method like that being assessed in the case studies presented,the decisions and their argu-ments become transparent and are easily communicated within a project group.As a result,the tool is considered to be universally applicable across most decision-making contexts within the building industry.

Interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators

The notion of the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set （IVIFS） is a generalization of that of the Atanassov＇s intuitionistic fuzzy set. The fundamental characteristic of IVIFS is that the values of its membership function and non-membership function are intervals rather than exact numbers. There are various averaging operators defined for IVlFSs. These operators are not monotone with respect to the total order of IVIFS, which is undesirable. This paper shows how such averaging operators can be represented by using additive generators of the product triangular norm, which simplifies and extends the existing constructions. Moreover, two new aggregation operators based on the t.ukasiewicz triangular norm are proposed, which are monotone with respect to the total order of IVIFS. Finally, an application of the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy weighted averaging operator is given to multiple criteria decision making.

Fuzzy TOPSIS method to primary crusher selection for Golegohar Iron Mine(Iran)

Selection of the crusher required a great deal of design regarding to the mine planning. Selection of suitable primary crusher from all of available primary crushers is a multi-criterion decision making(MCDM) problem. The present work explores the use of technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS) with fuzzy set theory to select best primary crusher for Golegohar Iron Mine in Iran. Gyratory, double toggle jaw, single toggle jaw, high speed roll crusher, low speed sizer, impact crusher, hammer mill and feeder breaker crushers have been considered as alternatives. Also, the capacity, feed size, product size, rock compressive strength, abrasion index and application of primary crusher for mobile plants were considered as criteria for solution of this MCDM problem. To determine the order of the alternatives, closeness coefficient is defined by calculating the distances to the fuzzy positive ideal solution(FPIS) and fuzzy negative ideal solution(FNIS). Results of our work based on fuzzy TOPSIS method show that the gyratory is the best primary crusher for the studied mine.

Manufacturing Process Oriented Environmental Friendly Assessment with Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process and Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution

Green manufacturing is a mode to realize environmental friendliness by considering the environmental impact and energy consumption in manufacturing process.In order to make an environmental friendly assessment for manufacturing process,a multi-criteria decision making( MCDM) model combined with fuzzy analytic hierarchy process( FAHP) and fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution( FTOPSIS) is proposed in this work.The environmental and resource criteria and manufacturing process objects are identified as the first step.Then,the weights of the criteria are calculated by FAHP.Finally,based on experts' evaluation using fuzzy words,the manufacturing process objects are ranked by FTOPSIS.The proposed methodology is applied to a gear shaft manufacturing.The sensitivity analysis and comparisons are implemented to prove its robustness and effectiveness for the ecofriendly assessment for process objects.

Selecting Best Software Vulnerability Scanner Using Intuitionistic Fuzzy Set TOPSIS

Software developers endeavor to build their products with the least number of bugs.Despite this,many vulnerabilities are detected in software that threatens its integrity.Various automated software i.e.,vulnerability scanners,are available in the market which helps detect and manage vulnerabilities in a computer,application,or a network.Hence,the choice of an appropriate vulnerability scanner is crucial to ensure efficient vulnerability management.The current work serves a dual purpose,first,to identify the key factors which affect the vulnerability discovery process in a network.The second,is to rank the popular vulnerability scanners based on the identified attributes.This will aid the firm in determining the best scanner for them considering multiple aspects.The multi-criterion decision making based ranking approach has been discussed using the Intuitionistic Fuzzy set(IFS)and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution(TOPSIS)to rank the various scanners.Using IFS TOPSIS,the opinion of a whole group could be simultaneously considered in the vulnerability scanner selection.In this study,five popular vulnerability scanners,namely,Nessus,Fsecure Radar,Greenbone,Qualys,and Nexpose have been considered.The inputs of industry specialists i.e.,people who deal in software security and vulnerability management process have been taken for the ranking process.Using the proposed methodology,a hierarchical classification of the various vulnerability scanners could be achieved.The clear enumeration of the steps allows for easy adaptability of the model to varied situations.This study will help product developers become aware of the needs of the market and design better scanners.And from the user’s point of view,it will help the system administrators in deciding which scanner to deploy depending on the company’s needs and preferences.The current work is the first to use a Multi Criterion Group Decision Making technique in vulnerability scanner selection.

Development of an Effective System for Selecting Construction Materials for Sustainable Residential Housing in Western Australia

Urbanization and living comfort have revolutionized the construction industry. Many techniques and strategies have been used to improve the overall efficiency of construction and to reduce waste during and after the construction activity;some are cost effective and some not. Sustainable construction strategies have addressed these issues by proposing relatively more cost effective and environment-saving solutions. One strategy is to select sustainable construction materials at the building design stage. This article involved a questionnaire survey to collect data about local technical stakeholders’ (architects, designers, engineers, estimators, and managers) awareness of environmental sustainability and current practices for selecting construction materials. A sustainability index (SI) was developed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) for the complex statistical analysis. These data were used to develop a decision support system (DSS) using the multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) technique, the TOPSIS. The support system was validated by applying it to sustainable roof products in a pilot case study—these materials are frequently used in local markets for residential construction in West Australia. So the main objective was to get insight to local market trends and features involved in construction materials selection. Data analysis was carried out to develop a decision support system to help technical stakeholders in construction materials selection process.

Fuzzy VIKOR Approach to Evaluate the Information Security Policies and Analyze the Content of Press Agencies in Gulf Countries

A news agency is an organization that gathers news reports and sells them to subscribing news organization, such as newspapers, magazines, radio and television broadcasters. A news agency may also be referred to as a wire service, newswire, or news service. The main purpose of this paper is to evaluate the security policies and analyze the content of five press agencies in gulf countries which are (Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Emirates News Agency (WAM), Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Bahrain News Agency (BNA), and Oman News Agency (OMA)) by using a fuzzy VIKOR approach where linguistic variables are applied to solve the uncertainties and subjectivities in expert decision making. Fuzzy VIKOR approach is one of the best Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques working in fuzzy environment. This study benefits security and content analysis experts know which press agency has the mandate and the competence to educate the public on news agencies. Besides, this paper contributes to Gulf agencies in helping them in their resolve to ensure the quality of content information and information security policies over the internet.

Novel Scheme for Essential Proteins Identification Based on Improved Multicriteria Decision Making

Identifying essential proteins from protein-protein interaction networks is important for studies onbiological evolution and new drug’s development.Most of the presented criteria for prioritizing essential proteinsonly focus on a certain attribute of the proteins in the network,which suffer from information loss.In order toovercome this problem,a relatively comprehensive and effective novel method for essential proteins identificationbased on improved multicriteria decision making(MCDM),called essential proteins identification-technique fororder preference by similarity to ideal solution(EPI-TOPSIS),is proposed.First,considering different attributes ofproteins,we propose three methods from different aspects to evaluate the significance of the proteins:gene-degreecentrality(GDC)for gene expression sequence;subcellular-neighbor-degree centrality(SNDC)and subcellular-indegree centrality(SIDC)for subcellular location information and protein complexes.Then,betweenness centrality(BC)and these three methods are considered together as the multiple criteria of the decision-making model.Analytic hierarchy process is used to evaluate the weights of each criterion,and the essential proteins are prioritizedby an ideal solution of MCDM,i.e.,TOPSIS.Experiments are conducted on YDIP,YMIPS,Krogan and BioGRIDnetworks.The results indicate that EPI-TOPSIS outperforms several state-of-the-art approaches for identifyingthe essential proteins through the performance measures.

Improved indoor environment through optimised ventilator and furniture positioning:A case of slum rehabilitation housing,Mumbai,India

This study optimized the ventilator and furniture location of a tenement unit in a low-income urban habitat to obtain maximum experiential indoor environmental quality(e-IEQ)over the breathing zone.Hypothetical interior layouts using a combination of the two design parameters of ventilator location and bed position were generated for optimizing the design layout.This layout could promote maximum indoor airflow and minimum indoor air temperature and contaminant concentration.In this study,an improved indoor environment is hypothesized to be attainable through improved natural ventilation and thermal performance in the occupied zones.A sequential methodology involving“parametric design modeling ecomputational simulationemultiobjective optimizationemulticriteria decision making”-based framework was selected.Results exhibited that the currently designed tenement unit had a poor indoor environment,whereas the hypothesized iterated layout“optimized design layout,scenario 3(ODL 3)”derived from the optimization and decision-making algorithm performed effectively in providing e-IEQ.An increase in experiential indoor air velocity by 0.2 m/s and a decrease in temperature by 2C were observed over the monitoring point in the ODL 3 considering the existing scenario.Therefore,this study can find a way toward the development of sustainable habitat design guidelines under upcoming slum redevelopment policies across the nation.