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In group decision making (GDM), due to complexity of various factors, decision makers (DMs) often provide incomplete preference relations (PRs) in preference matrix. Interval-valued probabilistic uncertain linguistic term set (IVPULTS) is a flexible and accurate tool to depict evaluation information of experts. In this paper, we mainly propose a new concept pertaining to interval-valued probabilistic uncertain linguistic preference relation (IVPULPR) that applies the IVPULTS to preference relations. Firstly, some new basic theoretical concepts of IVPULTS are developed including ordered IVPULTS, normalization method and new expectation function. Secondly, we establish several goal programming models to estimate the unknown elements in incomplete IVPULPR and propose the expected additive consistency of IVPULPR. To improve the consistency level, two optimization models are constructed based on the idea of minimum adjustment. Thirdly, we derive the experts' weights in terms of information uncertainty, where a new method to measure information uncertainty of IVPULTS is proposed. For the sake of improving group consensus, we construct a group consensus index (GCI) and two optimization models depending on the adjustment mechanism of expert weight. Finally, a complete GDM framework with incomplete IVPULPR is devised based on the analysis of IVPULPR consistency and group consensus. Through an experiment analysis by using an UCI dataset, we find that the proposed GDM model can not only precisely express fuzzy preference information of DMs, but also ensure achievement of acceptable consistency and group consensus under the condition of not changing the initial preference as much as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The general membership functions of four types thresholds for the grades on attribute eigenvalue are proposed. • The trust information uncertainty degree in social network is researched. • A new method to generate the incomplete social network based on the trust information uncertainty degree and variable weight function is proposed. • A novel multi-objective decision optimization model for network security situation grade assessment under multi-source information is proposed. Grade assessment of network security situation is summarized as a typical multi-index grade assessment problem. However, the existed methods for grade assessment of network security situation do not consider multi-source information such as the trust information among experts, the preference information among companies and heterogeneous information of companies. The above problems are unable to be solved through traditional assessment methods. The aim of this paper is to establish a novel multi-objective decision model for the grade assessment of network security situation under multi-source information. On the basis of describing the grade assessment problem of network security situation, the membership functions of four-type thresholds for the grades on attribute eigenvalue are put forward. Two trust information uncertainty degrees in social network are defined, and the trust transfer operator based on trust information uncertainty degree and multi-path trust integration method based on the variable weight function is proposed. Afterwards, a new method to generate the incomplete social network is used to identify the weights of experts. Then, a multi-objective decision grade assessment optimization model is further established to obtain the network security situation grades and grade discrimination based on the two-tuple linguistic operator. The proposed method provides a theoretical basis for constructing and testing the grade assessment of network security situation. Meanwhile, it develops the grade assessment system of advanced network security situation and improves the ability to protect network security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term development in computer manufacturing is crucial to satisfying the demands for the software and hardware needed for artificial intelligence (AI) computation. However, the computer manufacturing sector is highly energy-intensive and resource-consuming, making company sustainability an issue. The framework developed in this study incorporates 15 sustainability criteria focusing predominantly on the economy, society, environment, and risk perspectives. A novel hybrid approach that integrates the ISVTNN (interval single-valued trapezoidal neutrosophic number), DEMATEL (decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory), and PGRA (probability-based grey relational analysis) techniques is proposed. This approach is applied to evaluate the interdependent weights of the criteria for a comprehensive calculation of the performance of the evaluated companies based on probabilities. The inclusion of ISVTNNs allows not only for the broader consideration of information uncertainty but also for more effective integration of experts' judgments. To verify the robustness of the proposed model, three sensitivity analyses were conducted. The results show no significant changes in the rankings of the evaluated companies, demonstrating the stability and reliability of the model. The proposed framework and methodology can serve as the foundation for assessing the sustainable performance of companies in the electronics manufacturing industry. This study indirectly strengthens the backbone of the AI system, by improving sustainability assessment in the computer manufacturing sector (which is integral to the foundation for AI computation). In the AI-driven era, it can be expected that hardware demands will skyrocket, making sustainable manufacturing the linchpin for long-term operational success, resilience, and industry growth. • Developed a novel group decision-making approach for assessing corporate sustainability performance. • Integrated ISVTNN to measure uncertainty and effectively amalgamate expert opinions. • The proposed ISVTNN PGRA retains fuzziness, calculating through probabilistic means. • Demonstrated approach efficacy across six electronics manufacturing enterprises. • Sensitivity analysis underscores the approach's robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both education for sustainable development (ESD) and service quality in higher education are two dominant areas of recent academic research. Due to the multifaceted and complex nature of higher education, it is crucial to adequately understand the perceptions of various stakeholders regarding the sustainability and service quality of higher education institutes (HEIs). Inspired by multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM), this study focuses on developing a systematic and integrated framework for evaluating sustainable service quality in higher education from a multi-stakeholder perspective. To this end, 20 criteria related to sustainability and service quality in higher education are identified and incorporated into five dimensions to create a comprehensive evaluation criteria system. In addition, epistemic uncertainty, conflict management, and individual bounded rationality are the main challenges in reaching group consensus among stakeholders. Considering the unique theoretical advantages of the intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) theory, Dempster-Shafer evidence theory (DSET), and TODIM method, they can be integrated to propose a fuzzy group decision-making method. Specifically, a linguistic preference scale is applied to express stakeholders' subjective judgments and construct an initial evaluation matrix. The DSET is extended based on belief divergence and belief entropy to fuse the uncertain and conflicting group evaluation information. A combination of IFS and TODIM, called IF-TODIM, is utilized to prioritize alternative HEIs by considering uncertainty representation and loss aversion behavior. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed methodology are demonstrated through a case study of maritime transportation education in China. The results enable policy-makers to make informed decisions and develop educational strategies that satisfy stakeholders, with the potential for great value in developing sustainable and high-quality higher education. • A synthetic evaluation criteria system embeds sustainability and service quality in higher education. • A holistic consideration of multiple stakeholders in higher education is suggested. • An integrated MCGDM method is proposed to evaluate the sustainable service quality of HEIs. • The modified DSET based on belief divergence and belief entropy is used for conflict management. • The IF-TODIM method addresses information uncertainty and individual bounded rationality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]