Research on Public Engineering Emergency Decision-Making Based on Multi-Granularity Language Information

To effectively deal with fuzzy and uncertain information in public engineering emergencies,an emergency decision-making method based on multi-granularity language information is proposed.Firstly,decision makers select the appropriate language phrase set according to their own situation,give the preference information of the weight of each key indicator,and then transform the multi-granularity language information through consistency.On this basis,the sequential optimization technology of the approximately ideal scheme is introduced to obtain the weight coefficient of each key indicator.Subsequently,the weighted average operator is used to aggregate the preference information of each alternative scheme with the relative importance of decision-makers and the weight of key indicators in sequence,and the comprehensive evaluation value of each scheme is obtained to determine the optimal scheme.Lastly,the effectiveness and practicability of the method are verified by taking the earthwork collapse accident in the construction of a reservoir as an example.

Don’t forget emergency surgery! Lessons to learn from elective indocyanine green-guided gastrointestinal interventions

Fluorescence-based imaging has found application in several fields of elective surgery,but there is still a lack of evidence in the literature about its use in the emergency setting.Clinical trials have consistently shown that indocyanine green(ICG)-guided surgery can dramatically reduce the risk of postoperative complic-ations,length of in-hospital stay and total healthcare costs in the elective setting.It is well-known that emergency surgery has a higher complication rate than its elective counterpart,therefore an impelling need for research studies to explore,validate and develop this issue has been highlighted.The present editorial aims to provide a critical overview of currently available applications and pitfalls of ICG fluorescence in abdominal emergencies.Furthermore,we evidenced how the experience of ICG-fluorescence in elective surgery might be of great help in implementing its use in acute situations.In the first paragraph we analyzed the tips and tricks of ICG-guided cancer surgery that might be exploited in acute cases.We then deepened the two most described topics in ICG-guided emergency surgery:Acute cholecystitis and intestinal ischemia,focusing on both the advantages and limitations of green-fluorescence application in these two fields.In emergency situations,ICG fluorescence demonstrates a promising role in preventing undue intestinal resections or their entity,facilitating the detection of intestinal ischemic zones,identifying biliary tree anatomy,reducing post-operative complications,and mitigating high mortality rates.The need to improve its application still exists,therefore we strongly believe that the elective and routinary use of the dye is the best way to acquire the necessary skills for emer-gency procedures.

Determination of the best materials for development and designing product using a multi-criteria decision-making

Purpose–Material selection,driven by wide and often conflicting objectives,is an important,sometimes difficult problem in material engineering.In this context,multi-criteria decision-making(MCDM)methodologies are effective.An approach of MCDM is needed to cater to criteria of material assortment simultaneously.More firms are now concerned about increasing their productivity using mathematical tools.To occupy a gap in the previous literature this research recommends an integrated MCDM and mathematical Bi-objective model for the selection of material.In addition,by using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution(TOPSIS),the inherent ambiguities of decision-makers in paired evaluations are considered in this research.It goes on to construct a mathematical bi-objective model for determining the best item to purchase.Design/methodology/approach–The entropy perspective is implemented in this paper to evaluate the weight parameters,while the TOPSIS technique is used to determine the best and worst intermediate pipe materials for automotive exhaust system.The intermediate pipes are used to join the components of the exhaust systems.The materials usually used to manufacture intermediate pipe are SUS 436LM,SUS 430,SUS 304,SUS 436L,SUH 409 L,SUS 441 L and SUS 439L.These seven materials are evaluated based on tensile strength(TS),hardness(H),elongation(E),yield strength(YS)and cost(C).A hybrid methodology combining entropy-based criteria weighting,with the TOPSIS for alternative ranking,is pursued to identify the optimal design material for an engineered application in this paper.This study aims to help while filling the information gap in selecting the most suitable material for use in the exhaust intermediate pipes.After that,the authors searched for and considered eight materials and evaluated them on the following five criteria:(1)TS,(2)YS,(3)H,(4)E and(5)C.The first two criteria have been chosen because they can have a lot of influence on the behavior of the exhaust intermediate pipes,on their performance and on the cost.In this structure,the weights of the criteria are calculated objectively through the entropy method in order to have an unbiased assessment.This essentially measures the quantity of information each criterion contribution,indicating the relative importance of these criteria better.Subsequently,the materials were ranked using the TOPSIS method in terms of their relative performance by measuring each material from an ideal solution to determine the best alternative.The results show that SUS 309,SUS 432L and SUS 436 LM are the first three materials that the exhaust intermediate pipe optimal design should consider.Findings–The material matrix of the decision presented in Table 3 was normalized through Equation 5,as shown in Table 5,and the matrix was multiplied with weighting criteriaß_j.The obtained weighted normalized matrix V_ij is presented in Table 6.However,the ideal,worst and best value was ascertained by employing Equation 7.This study is based on the selection of material for the development of intermediate pipe using MCDM,and it involves four basic stages,i.e.method of translation criteria,screening process,method of ranking and search for methods.The selection was done through the TOPSIS method,and the criteria weight was obtained by the entropy method.The result showed that the top three materials are SUS 309,SUS 432L and SUS 436 LM,respectively.For the future work,it is suggested to select more alternatives and criteria.The comparison can also be done by using different MCDM techniques like and Choice Expressing Reality(ELECTRE),Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory(DEMATEL)and Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation(PROMETHEE).Originality/value–The results provide important conclusions for material selection in this targeted application,verifying the employment of mutual entropy-TOPSIS methodology for a series of difficult engineering decisions in material engineering concepts that combine superior capacity with better performance as well as cost-efficiency in various engineering design.

Behavioral Decision-Making of Key Stakeholders in Public-Private Partnerships:A Hybrid Method and Benefit Distribution Study

Public-private partnerships(PPPs)have been used by governments around the world to procure and construct infrastructural amenities.It relies on private sector expertise and funding to achieve this lofty objective.However,given the uncertainties of project management,transparency,accountability,and expropriation,this phenomenon has gained tremendous attention in recent years due to the important role it plays in curbing infrastructural deficits globally.Interestingly,the reasonable benefit distribution scheme in a PPP project is related to the behavior decisionmaking of the government and social capital,aswell as the performance of the project.In this paper,the government and social capital which are the key stakeholders of PPP projects were selected as the research objects.Based on the fuzzy expected value model and game theory,a hybrid method was adopted in this research taking into account the different risk preferences of both public entities and private parties under the fuzzy demand environment.To alleviate the problem of insufficient utilization of social capital in a PPP project,this paper seeks to grasp the relationship that exists between the benefit distribution of stakeholders,their behavioral decision-making,and project performance,given that they impact the performance of both public entities and private parties,as well as assist in maximizing the overall utility of the project.Furthermore,four game models were constructed in this study,while the expected value and opportunity-constrained programming model for optimal decision-making were derived using alternate perspectives of both centralized decision-making and decentralized decision-making.Afterward,the optimal behavioral decision-making of public entities and private parties in four scenarios was discussed and thereafter compared,which led to an ensuing discussion on the benefit distribution system under centralized decision-making.Lastly,based on an example case,the influence of different confidence levels,price,and fuzzy uncertainties of PPP projects on the equilibrium strategy results of both parties were discussed,giving credence to the effectiveness of the hybrid method.The results indicate that adjusting different confidence levels yields different equilibriumpoints,and therefore signposts that social capital has a fair perception of opportunities,as well as identifies reciprocal preferences.Nevertheless,we find that an increase in the cost coefficient of the government and social capital does not inhibit the effort of both parties.Our results also indicate that a reasonable benefit distribution of PPP projects can assist them in realizing optimum Pareto improvements over time.The results provide us with very useful strategies and recommendations to improve the overall performance of PPP projects in China.

Research on the Application of Problem-Based Learning(PBL)Teaching Method in Clinical Emergency Teaching

Objective:To explore the application advantages of problem-based learning(PBL)teaching method in clinical emergency teaching.Methods:Two classes of students in the five-year clinical medicine major of our university were selected as the research subjects and divided into two groups according to different teaching methods.Among them,50 students who received the traditional teaching method constituted the control group,while 52 students who received the PBL teaching method constituted the observation group.After one semester,an exam was conducted to assess their theoretical knowledge and first-aid practical skills,and evaluate their clinical thinking skills.At the same time,a teaching satisfaction questionnaire was distributed to evaluate the teaching satisfaction.Results:The results of the t-test showed that the observation group was significantly higher than the control group in terms of theoretical assessment,first aid practical assessment,and clinical thinking skills,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The results of theχ2 test showed that the difference in teaching satisfaction between the observation group and the control group was statistically significant(P<0.05),and the teaching satisfaction in the observation group was significantly higher than the control group.Conclusion:Compared with traditional teaching methods,applying PBL teaching method in clinical emergency teaching can achieve more significant teaching effects.Students’mastery of theoretical knowledge,first aid practical skills,and clinical thinking skills can be effectively strengthened,and it is conducive to improving teaching satisfaction.

Information Aggregation of Group Decision-Making in Emergency Events

Information is a key factor in emergency management, which helps decision makers to make effective decisions. In this paper, aiming at clarifying the information aggregation laws, and according to the characteristic of emergency information, information relative entropy is applied in the information aggregation to establish the information aggregation model of emergency group decision-making. The analysis shows that support and credibility of decision rule are the two factors in information aggregation. The results of four emergency decision-making groups in case study support the analysis in the paper.

Characteristics of Decision-Making by Family Members When Older Adults Are Hospitalized in Emergency Cases with Life-Threatening Conditions

Aim: This study aims to elucidate decision-making characteristics based on interviews with family members with experience in having to select treatments for older adult patients who have been hospitalized following emergency transport to the hospital. Design: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 individuals with experience in surrogate decision-making for an older adult family member. Methods: The recorded interview data were transcribed verbatim, divided into minimum semantic units, and coded. Next, categories and subcategories were abstracted. A comparison was made with the conceptual constructs of a previous study that examined decision-making by families in a life-threatening crisis. Results: Four categories were extracted from 489 antecedents, 370 attributes, and 388 consequences. One new category was abstracted for each of: 1) antecedents: observing abnormalities and responding, while being worried about death;2) attributes: deliberating on the patient prognosis, the relationship with the patient, and what they believe the patient would want;and 3) consequences: continuing support during convalescence. It is desirable to provide support based on the characteristics of families of older adults, including considering the psychological burden on the families who make surrogate decisions, and also the burden of subsequent caregiving because it is not and in the present environment has not been common for patients to express their wishes beforehand.

Intelligent decision-making method for vehicles in emergency conditions based on artificial potential fields and finite state machines

This study aims to propose a decision-making method based on artificial potential fields(APFs)and finite state machines(FSMs)in emergency conditions.This study presents a decision-making method based on APFs and FSMs for emergency conditions.By modeling the longitudinal and lateral potential energy fields of the vehicle,the driving state is identified,and the trigger conditions are provided for path planning during lane changing.In addition,this study also designed the state transition rules based on the longitudinal and lateral virtual forces.It established the vehicle decision-making model based on the finite state machine to ensure driving safety in emergency situations.To illustrate the performance of the decision-making model by considering APFs and finite state machines.The version of the model in the co-simulation platform of MATLAB and CarSim shows that the developed decision model in this study accurately generates driving behaviors of the vehicle at different time intervals.The contributions of this study are two-fold.A hierarchical vehicle state machine decision model is proposed to enhance driving safety in emergency scenarios.Mathematical models for determining the transition thresholds of lateral and longitudinal vehicle states are established based on the vehicle potential field model,leading to the formulation of transition rules between different states of autonomous vehicles(AVs).

Construction of an Index System for Earthquake Emergency Loss Assessment and Decision-making

Loss assessment and decision-making are essential for earthquake emergency rescues,and for scientific prediction of seismic damage and determination of rescue objectives.In practice,however,there exist some problems,such as basic data not being precise and rich enough and decision making not having systematic and complete criteria.This paper tries to solve these problems using the method of data indexation by constructing an index system for earthquake emergency loss assessment and decision-making.

Multi-attribute decision-making based on subjective and objective integrated eigenvector method

An integrated approach is proposed to investigate the fuzzy multi-attribute decision-making （MADM） problems, where subjective preferences are expressed by a pairwise comparison matrix on the relative weights of attributes and objective information is expressed by a decision matrix. An eigenvector method integrated the subjective fuzzy preference matrix and objective information is proposed. Two linear programming models based on subjective and objective information are introduced to assess the relative importance weights of attributes in an MADM problem. The simple additive weighting method is utilized to aggregate the decision information, and then all the alternatives are ranked. Finally, a numerical example is given to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the method. The result shows that it is easier than other methods of integrating subjective and objective information.

A New Simulation Model for Recoil Analysis of Deep-Water Drilling Risers After Emergency Disconnection

The recoil response of a deep-water drilling riser following an ED(Emergency Disconnection)scenario is a transient and sensitive process.The recoiling displacement of the riser is the resultant of recoil motion and axial stretch.How-ever,it is typically represented by one variable in recoil simulations.As axial deformation is quite small compared with axial motion in the recoil process,it inevitably introduces numerical errors(i.e.,a large number annihilating a small number).Thus,it is hard to perform a quantitative analysis of axial deformation,although a consensus initial deformation is essential for recoil dynamics.Moreover,the triggered axial natural modes have never been examined before.In this study,the recoil response is decomposed into two parts:recoil motion and axial deformation,and a novel model is developed by Galerkin method.It has demonstrated that the initial stretch has a significant effect at the initial stage in recoil.The existing models underestimate the effects of axial deformation.The new model can capture information of triggered natural modes and figure out the modes undergoing dynamic compression.This study can be beneficial to overpull setting,determination of ED time and anti-recoil control optimization.

Key elements and checklist of shared decisionmaking conversation on life-sustaining treatment in emergency:a multispecialty study from China

BACKGROUND:Shared decision-making(SDM)has broad application in emergencies.Most published studies have focused on SDM for a certain disease or expert opinions on future research gaps without revealing the full picture or detailed guidance for clinical practice.This study is to investigate the optimal application of SDM to guide life-sustaining treatment(LST)in emergencies.METHODS:This study was a prospective two-round Delphi consensus-seeking survey among multiple stakeholders at the China Consortium of Elite Teaching Hospitals for Residency Education.Participants were identified based on their expertise in medicine,law,administration,medical education,or patient advocacy.All individual items and questions in the questionnaire were scored using a 5-point Likert scale,with responses ranging from"very unimportant"(a score of 1)to"extremely important"(a score of 5).The percentages of the responses that had scores of 4-5on the 5-point Likert scale were calculated.A Kendall’s W coefficient was calculated to evaluate the consensus of experts.RESULTS:A two-level framework consisting of 4 domains and 22 items as well as a ready-touse checklist for the informed consent process for LST was established.An acceptable Kendall’s W coefficient was achieved.CONCLUSION:A consensus-based framework supporting SDM during LST in an emergency department can inform the implementation of guidelines for clinical interventions,research studies,medical education,and policy initiatives.

Dynamic programming methodology for multi-criteria group decision-making under ordinal preferences

A method of minimizing rankings inconsistency is proposed for a decision-making problem with rankings of alternatives given by multiple decision makers according to multiple criteria. For each criteria, at first, the total inconsistency between the rankings of all alternatives for the group and the ones for every decision maker is defined after the decision maker weights in respect to the criteria are considered. Similarly, the total inconsistency between their final rankings for the group and the ones under every criteria is determined after the criteria weights are taken into account. Then two nonlinear integer programming models minimizing respectively the two total inconsistencies above are developed and then transformed to two dynamic programming models to obtain separately the rankings of all alternatives for the group with respect to each criteria and their final rankings. A supplier selection case illustrated the proposed method, and some discussions on the results verified its effectiveness. This work develops a new measurement of ordinal preferences’ inconsistency in multi-criteria group decision-making （MCGDM） and extends the cook-seiford social selection function to MCGDM considering weights of criteria and decision makers and can obtain unique ranking result.

A multi-criteria decision-making approach for comparing sample preservation and DNA extraction methods from swine feces

Molecular microbiological methods, such as competetive PCR, real-time PCR, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and large-scale parallel-pyrosequencing, require the extraction of sufficient quantity of high quality DNA from microbiologically and chemically complex matrices. Due to difficulties in the field to standardize/select the optimum DNA preservation-extraction methods in view of laboratories differences, this article attempts to present a straight-forward mathematical framework for comparing some of the most commonly used methods. To this end, as a case study, the problem of selecting an optimum sample preservation-DNA extraction strategy for obtaining total bacterial DNA from swine feces was considered. Two sample preservation methods (liquid nitrogen and RNAlater?) and seven extraction techniques were paired and compared under six quantitative DNA analysis criteria: yield of extraction, purity of extracted DNA (A260/280 and A 260/230 ratios), duration of extraction, degradation degree of DNA, and cost. From a practical point of view, it is unlikely that a single sample preservation-DNA extraction strategy can be optimum for all selected criteria. Hence, a systematic multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach was used to compare the methods. As a result, the ZR Fecal DNA MiniPrepTM DNA extraction kit for samples preserved either with liquid nitrogen or RNAlater? were identified as potential optimum solutions for obtaining total bacterial DNA from swine feces. Considering the need for practicality for in situ applications, we would recommend liquid nitrogen as sample preservation method, along with the ZR Fecal DNA MiniPrepTM kit. Total bacterial DNA obtained by this strategy can be suitable for downstream PCR-based DNA analyses of swine feces.

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

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

Analysis on decision-making model of plan evaluation based on grey relation projection and combination weight algorithm

In military service joint operations, when there are more operational forces, more multifarious materials are consumed, the support is more complex and fuzzy, the deployment of personnel is more rapid, and the support provided by wartime military material support powers can be more effective. When the principles,requirements, influencing factors and goals of military material support forces are deployed in wartime, an evaluation indicator system is established. Thus, a new combined empowerment method based on an analytic hierarchy process（AHP） is developed to calculate the subjective weights, and the rough entropy method is used to calculate the objective weights. Combination weights can be obtained by calculating the weight preference coefficient error, which is determined by combining the cooperative game method and the minimum deviation into objectives. This approach can determine the grey relation projection coefficient and synthesize the measure scheme superiority to finally optimize the deployment plan using the grey relation projection decision-making method. The results show that the method is feasible and effective;it can provide a more scientific and practical decision-making basis for the military material support power deployment in wartime.

Multi-criteria decision-making method for evaluation of investment in enhanced geothermal systems projects

Deep geothermal energy presents large untapped renewable energy potential could significantly contribute to global energy needs. However, developing geothermal projects involves uncertainties regarding adequate geothermal brine extraction and huge costs related to preparation phases and consequently drilling and stimulation activities. Therefore, evaluating utilization alternatives of such projects is a complex decision-making problem effectively addressed using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. This study introduces the MCDM method utilizing analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and weighted decision matrix (WDM) to assess different utilization alternatives (electricity generation, direct heat use and cogeneration). The AHP method determines the weight of each criterion and sub-criterion, while the WDM calculates the final project grade. Five criteria groups - technological, geological, economic, societal and environmental – comprising twenty-eight influencing factors were selected and used for the assessment of investment in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) projects. The AHP-WDM method was used by 38 experts from six categories: industry, educational institution, research and technology organization (RTO), small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME), local community and other. These diverse expert inputs aimed to capture varying perspectives and knowledge influence investment decisions in geothermal energy. The results were analysed accordingly. The results underscore the importance of incorporating different viewpoints to develop robust, credible, and effective investment strategies for EGS projects. Therefore, this method will contribute to more efficient EGS project development, enabling thus a greater penetration of the EGS into the market. Additionally, the proposed AHP-WDM method was implemented for a case study examining two locations. Locations were assessed and compared on scenario-based evaluation. The results confirmed the method's adequacy for assessing various end uses and comparing project feasibility across different locations.

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

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

Approach of technical decision-making by element flow analysis and Monte-Carlo simulation of municipal solid waste stream

This paper deals with the procedure and methodology which can be used to select the optimal treatment and disposal technology of municipal solid waste （MSW）, and to provide practical and effective technical support to policy-making, on the basis of study on solid waste management status and development trend in China and abroad. Focusing on various treatment and disposal technologies and processes of MSW, this study established a Monte-Carlo mathematical model of cost minimization for MSW handling subjected to environmental constraints. A new method of element stream （such as C, H, O, N, S） analysis in combination with economic stream analysis of MSW was developed. By following the streams of different treatment processes consisting of various techniques from generation, separation, transfer, transport, treatment, recycling and disposal of the wastes, the element constitution as well as its economic distribution in terms of possibility functions was identified. Every technique step was evaluated economically. The Mont-Carlo method was then conducted for model calibration. Sensitivity analysis was also carried out to identify the most sensitive factors. Model calibration indicated that landfill with power generation of landfill gas was economically the optimal technology at the present stage under the condition of more than 58% of C, H, O, N, S going to landfill. Whether or not to generate electricity was the most sensitive factor. If landfilling cost increases, MSW separation treatment was recommended by screening first followed with incinerating partially and composting partially with residue landfilling. The possibility of incineration model selection as the optimal technology was affected by the city scale. For big cities and metropolitans with large MSW generation, possibility for constructing large-scale incineration facilities increases, whereas, for middle and small cities, the effectiveness of incinerating waste decreases.

A comparison of perspectives on costs in emergency care among emergency department patients and residents

BACKGROUND: Costs of care are increasingly important in healthcare policy and, more recently, in clinical care in the emergency department(ED). We compare ED resident and patient perspectives surrounding costs in emergency care.METHODS: We conducted a mixed methods study using surveys and qualitative interviews at a single, academic ED in the United States. The two study populations were a convenience sample of adult ED patients(>17 years of age) and ED residents training at the same institution. Participants answered open- and closed-ended questions on costs, medical decision making, cost-related compliance, and communication about costs. Closed-ended data were tabulated and described using standard statistics while open-ended responses were analyzed using grounded theory.RESULTS: Thirty ED patients and 24 ED residents participated in the study. Both patients and residents generally did not have knowledge of medical costs. Patients were comfortable discussing costs while residents were less comfortable. Residents agreed that doctors should consider costs when making medical decisions whereas patients somewhat disagreed. Additionally, residents generally took costs into consideration during clinical decision-making, yet nearly all residents agreed that they had too little education on costs.CONCLUSION: There were several notable differences in ED patient and resident perspectives on costs in this U.S. sample. While patients somewhat disagree that cost should factor into decision making, generally they are comfortable discussing costs yet report having insuf? cient knowledge of what care costs. Conversely, ED residents view costs as important and agree that cost should factor into decision making but lack education on what emergency care costs.