Fuzzy distances based FMAGDM compromise ratio method and application

An extended compromise ratio method（CRM） based on fuzzy distances is developed to solve fuzzy multi-attribute group decision making problems in which weights of attributes and ratings of alternatives on attributes are expressed with values of linguistic variables parameterized using triangular fuzzy numbers.A compromise solution is determined by introducing the ranking index based on the concept that the chosen alternative should be as close as possible to the positive ideal solution and as far away from the negative ideal solution as possible simultaneously.This proposed method is compared with other existing methods to show its feasibility and effectiveness and illustrated with an example of the military route selection problem as one of the possible applications.

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.

Multi-criteria group decision making with fuzzy data:an extension of the VIKOR method

The VIKOR method is a multi-criteria decision making aid, which employs linear normalization to offer compromise solu- tions and has been successfully applied to various group decision making problems. However, the conventional VIKOR techniques used to integrate group judgments and the information loss arising from defuzzification are problematic and distort final outcomes. An improved integration method, which is optimization-based, is proposed. And it can handle fuzzy criteria values and weights. The precondition for accurately defuzzifying triangular fuzzy num- bers is identified. Several effective defuzzification procedures are proposed to improve the extant VIKOR, and a comprehensive evaluation framework is offered to aid multi-criteria group decision making. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the practicability of the proposed method.

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.

基于扎根理论及G1-CRITIC-距离函数判法-VIKOR的铁路建设项目安全管理标准化评价

为促进安全管理标准化管理模式顺利实施,铁路建设项目安全管理迈向高标准高水平,开展铁路建设项目安全管理标准化评价研究。首先,以标准化管理为理论基础,根据质性研究方法-扎根理论对数据进行编码处理,建立以制度管理标准化、人员配备标准化、物料管理标准化、环境管理标准化、现场作业标准化、过程控制标准化为6个核心范畴和32个主范畴的铁路建设项目安全管理标准化评价指标体系。其次,借助劳伦茨曲线的基尼系数改进CRITIC方法,提出“G1-CRITIC-距离函数判别法”模型,计算属性权重。最后,采用VIKOR算法对案例项目进行实证分析,基于安全管理标准化值U_(R)评估标准化管理水平。结果表明:各案例项目的安全管理标准化水平不同,U_(R)值具有显著差异,P_(1)~P_(5)各项目的U_R值分别为0.047 6、0.148 3、0.451 9、0.971 5、0.648(其中P_(4)属于“高水平”;P_(3)和P_(5)属于“中水平”;P_(1)和P_(2)属于“低水平”)。通过折衷系数扰动下的敏感性分析,综合考虑群体效用和个体妥协,对不同等级的建设项目(P_(1)~P_(5))分别进行讨论,并提出标准化建设的决策建议。研究结果与各案例项目实际安全管理标准化程度相符,为深入推进铁路建设项目标准化管理工作、促进建设项目各项安全管理行为规范运作和管理体系的持续改进提供参考依据。

Synergizing Wind,Solar,and Biomass Power:Ranking Analysis of Off-Grid System for Different Weather Conditions of Iran

Nowadays,the use of renewable energies,especially wind,solar,and biomass,is essential as an effective solution to address global environmental and economic challenges.Therefore,the current study examines the energy-economic-environmental analysis of off-grid electricity generation systems using solar panels,wind turbines,and biomass generators in various weather conditions in Iran.Simulations over 25 years were conducted using HOMER v2.81 software,aiming to determine the potential of each region and find the lowest cost of electricity production per kWh.In the end,to identify the most suitable location,the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution(TOPSIS)method was employed to rank different stations based on simulation output parameters and some other influential factors.Considering the evaluation of various parameters,the stations in Yazd,Marand,and Dezful achieved the best results,while the stations in Ramsar,Shahrekord,and Gonbad presented the least favorable outcomes.In Yazd,the wind turbine is an economic priority,and a 100 kW wind turbine is utilized in the optimal system.In Yazd,where the simultaneous use of renewable energies is most prominent,the lowest pollutant production occurred with a quantity of 1174 kg/year.Annual energy losses are highest in Jask station and lowest in Yazd.

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.

汽车盘式制动器多目标拓扑优化设计

以汽车盘式制动器为研究对象,基于变密度法拓扑优化理论进行设计,实现了刚度最大化和频率提高的优化目标。采用折衷规划法建立综合目标函数,运用灰色关联分析法确定子目标权重系数,对盘式制动器主要零部件卡钳和支架进行拓扑优化。分析结果显示:改进后卡钳、支架的刚度和强度性能符合国家标准;卡钳、支架的动态性能均有所提高,且固有频率避开了共振区域;卡钳、支架质量共减小11%。证明了设计的可行性。

Ranking Method for Complementary Judgment Matrixes with Fuzzy Numbers Based on Hausdorff Metric Distance

A method for ranking complementary judgment matrixes with traspezoidal fuzzy numbers based on Hausdorff metric distance and fuzzy compromise decision approach is proposed. With regard to fuzzy number complementary judgment matrixes given by a decider group whose members have various weights, the expert＇s information was aggregated first by means of simple weight average（SWA） method and Bonissone calculational method. Hence a matrix including all the experts＇ preference information was got. Then the matrix＇ column members were added up and the fuzzy evaluation values of the alternatives were got. Lastly, the Hausdorff metric distance and fuzzy compromise decision approach were used to rank the fuzzy evaluation values and then the ranking values of all the alternatives were got. Because exact numbers and triangular fuzzy numbers could all be transformed into trapezoidal fuzzy numbers, the method developed can rank complementary judgment matrixes with trapezoidal fuzzy numbers, triangular fuzzy numbers and exact numbers as well. An illustrative example is also given to verify the developed method and to demonstrate its feasibility and practicality.

Monte Carlo Analytic Hierarchy Process (MAHP) approach to selection of optimum mining method

One of the most critical and complicated steps in mine design is a selection of suitable mining method based upon geological,geotechnical,geographical,safety and economical parameters.The aim of this study is developing a Monte Carlo simulation to selection the optimum mining method by using effective and major criteria and at the same time,taking subjective judgments of decision makers into consideration.Proposed approach is based on the combination of Monte Carlo simulation with conventional Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP).Monte Carlo simulation is used to determine the confdence level of each alternative’s score,is calculated by AHP,with the respect to the variance of decision makers’opinion.The proposed method is applied for Jajarm Bauxite Mine in Iran and eventually the most appropriate mining methods for this mine are ranked.

Application of TOPSIS Method in Support of Decisions Made in Staff Management Issues

Evaluation model was proposed which refers to fuzzy formalism of the personnel management issues taking account their specific characteristics. Application of TOPSIS （technique for order Performance by similarity to ideal solution） method for evaluation and regulation of alternatives based on hierarchically structured criteria of qualitative character by multiple experts to intellectually support decisions made in staff management issues is reviewed in the article. Candidate selection experiment based on criteria system formed using TOPSIS method for evaluation of candidates during solution of hiring problems reviewed and obtained results were compared with results obtained using Matlab program package.

Using ELECTRE-TRI and FlowSort methods in a stock portfolio selection context

In recent years,multi-criteria sorting problems have become an interesting topic for researchers working on multi-criteria decision-making.ELimination and Choice Expressing REality(ELECTRE)-TRI and FlowSort are well-known approaches suggested for such a classification.The current study aimed to implement ELECTRE-TRI and FlowSort methods in the stock portfolio selection(SPS)as one of the most popular and important decision-making subjects and compare the outcomes of each method to understand how these methods perform in SPS problems.In this study,the best–worst method was applied to determine the weights of criteria.Four approaches for ELECTRE-TRI and 15 approaches for FlowSort were considered.Finally,19 different approaches were considered to select stocks from a large pool of stocks.Results indicated that the model parameter should be properly defined to minimize inconsistencies and improve the power of the model.

Prospect Theory Based Hesitant Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Making for Low Sulphur Fuel of Maritime Transportation

The environmental impact of maritime transport has now become a relevant issue in sustainable policy formulation and has attracted increasing interest from academia.For the sustainable development of maritime transport,International Maritime Organization stipulates that the sulfur content of ship emissions will reach 0.5 from 2020.With the approaching of the stipulated implementation date,shipowners need to adopt scientific methods to make decision on low sulfur fuel.In this study,we applied a prospect theory based hesitant fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making model to obtain the optimal decision of low Sulphur marine fuel.For this purpose,the hesitant fuzzy decision matrix is established to collect expert opinions,the maximizing deviation method is adopted to determine criteria weights.According to calculate the Euclidean distance from the reference points,we obtain the comprehensive prospect values of alternatives.Lastly,a case study is carried out to illustrate the significance and effectiveness of the proposed methodology.The innovation of this study is that it is the first-time adopting prospect theory and hesitate fuzzy sets to multi-criteria decision making for low Sulphur marine fuel,which provides an effective decision model for shipping companies under Low Sulphur regulations,and can also be extended to other industries.

An Evolutionary Algorithm Coupled to an Outranking Method for the Multicriteria Shortest Paths Problem

In this article, we are interested in solving a combinatorial optimization problem, the shortest path problem in a multi-attribute graph, by the out-ranking methods. A multi-attribute graph has simultaneously qualitative and quantitative criteria. This situation gives rise to incomparable paths thus forming the Pareto front. Outranking methods in Multi-criteria Decision Making (MCDM) are the only methods that can take into account this situation (incomparability of actions). After presenting the categories of Multi-criteria Decision Making (MCDM) and the difficulties related to the problems of the shortest paths, we propose an evolutionary algorithm based on the outranking methods to solve the problem of finding “best” paths in a multi-attribute graph with non-additive criteria. Our approach is based on the exploration of induced subgraphs of the outranking graph. Properties have been established to serve as algorithmic basis. Numerical experiments have been carried out and the results presented in this article.

基于改进多目标海樽群算法的电力系统优化调度

文中提出了一种新的多目标海樽群优化算法,将其与等式约束修正技术和可行解占优约束处理技术相结合,用于求解高度约束的电力系统环境经济优化调度问题。该算法采用高斯采样策略和变异操作增强其寻优性能;通过一种改进的基于动态拥挤距离的非支配排序方法获得分布均匀的帕累托最优前沿;应用模糊集理论为决策者提供最佳折中解。在IEEE 30节点6机组标准测试系统上进行算例仿真,并与其它优化算法进行了对比。结果表明,所提算法在求解电力系统环境经济调度问题时具有更好的优化效果。

A New Approach to University IT Project Portfolio Management Based on Multi-Criteria Methods and the COBIT 5 Governance Framework

Project portfolio management is a major challenge for some organizations.In most organizations,there are a large number of projects active at the same time,some not necessarily delivering value or not aligned with their strategic goals.Also universities face a lot of uncertainties when selecting and prioritizing the projects that make up their portfolio.In addition,the achievement of those who are aligned with the strategy of the university becomes a great challenge.So to ensure good project portfolio management,the implementation of selection and prioritization methods and processes becomes important.For the project portfolio management to be effective,it is necessary to establish a structured method adapted to the needs and strategy of the university.In this context,this paper proposes a method for selecting and prioritizing projects within the framework of the portfolio management dedicated to universities,which can promote harmony between the university’s strategy,the needs and the priority objectives for enable better decision-making.This method is based on the processes of the COBIT 5 good practice framework,and on the multi-criteria decision-making methods AHP,TOPSIS and the WSM technique,thus,it proposes seven project selection criteria based on the five axes IT governance strategies and two catalysts derived from COBIT 5 enablers.The evaluation and validation of this method was applied in the portfolio management of the Abdelmalek Essaadi Moroccan University(AUE).The result shows that this proposed method has made it possible to make a better selection and prioritization of the portfolio of projects of Abdelmleek Essaadi University having the most value.

面向多目标的汽车悬架控制臂拓扑优化研究

针对结构的多目标拓扑优化设计,提出一种基于折衷规划法归一化子目标建立综合目标函数、以灰色综合关联分析确定综合目标函数中子目标权重系数的方法。以某商用车悬架控制臂为例,运用动力学分析、静力学分析和模态分析,得到控制臂在典型工况下的刚度性能、强度性能和固有频率。用板结构进行拓扑优化和形貌优化确定控制臂外轮廓形状,再分别采用单目标拓扑优化降低典型工况下的柔顺度和提高前三阶固有频率,并采用多频率加权方式来抑制频率单目标优化时的振荡现象。将单目标拓扑优化形成的子序列与各个目标最优值形成的最优序列进行灰色综合关联分析,得到子目标的权重系数。用折衷规划法进行多目标拓扑优化,根据优化结果对控制臂进行改进设计。改进后结构分析表明:优化后的控制臂质量减轻9.3%,整体刚度性能和强度性能明显增强,各阶固有频率均有不同程度提高。

基于折衷规划的车架结构多目标拓扑优化设计

为避免单目标拓扑优化无法考虑其他因素的缺点,笔者提出了一种车架结构的多目标拓扑优化研究方法。采用折衷规划法建立了车架结构多目标拓扑优化的数学模型,其中多刚度拓扑优化目标函数采用折衷规划法定义,振动频率拓扑优化目标函数采用平均频率法定义。以某越野车车架为例,通过优化得到了同时满足刚度和振动频率要求的车架拓扑结构。理论分析和车架的实际使用情况表明该车架设计合理,说明该优化设计方法进行车架拓扑结构设计的可行性,为车架结构拓扑优化设计提供一种有效方法。

一种改进的小波阈值去噪算法及其仿真分析

针对小波阈值去噪方法中传统软硬阈值法各自存在的缺点,提出了开方法阈值去噪法。该方法对阈值的处理采用开方逼近的思路,使其曲线能很快逼近硬阈值方法曲线,并具有较好的连续性,克服了硬阈值法不连续和软阈值法有恒定偏差的缺点。通过仿真试验将开方法与其他三种方法的去噪效果进行了对比。结果证明,新方法兼顾了软硬阈值法的优点,去噪效果更好,信噪比更高。