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This paper undertakes a revisit of the sunk cost fallacy, which refers to the tendency of people to persist investing resources into something, even if it is destined to have no good outcome. We emphasize that the utilities associated with different alternatives are not static for decision makers, which is exactly opposite to the traditional perspective. This paper argues that the utility of an option may change due to the choice of another option, suggesting that decisions considered irrational by the traditional analytical method, i.e., sunk cost fallacy, may be rational. We propose a novel analytical method for decision making with sunk cost when considering the utility change and validate the effectiveness of this method through mathematical modeling and computational experiments. This paper mathematically describes such decision-making problems, analyzing the impact of changes in the utilities across different alternatives on decision making with a real-world example. Furthermore, we develop a two-stage stochastic optimization model for such decision-making problems and employ the sample average approximation (SAA) method to solve them. The results from computational experiments indicate that some decisions traditionally considered irrational are, in fact, rational when the utility of an option changes as a result of choosing another option. This paper, therefore, highlights the significance of incorporating utility changes into the decision-making process and stands as a valuable addition to the literature, offering a refreshed and effective decision-making method for improved decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the number of alternative machines has increased and their technology has been continuously developed, the machine selection problem has attracted many researchers. This article reviews recent developments in applying multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods for selecting machines in the manufacturing and construction industries. Selected articles are classified according to the application area and the applied MCDM method. By focusing on the last five years, this paper identifies recent trends in developing and using these methods. Results suggest that there has been a noticeable growth in the utilization of MCDM techniques for machine selection problems in both sectors. It is also noted that several decision-support tools and methods have been developed and successfully applied during this period. Accordingly, needs and directions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A performance evaluation matrix (PEM) is an evaluation tool for assessing customer satisfaction and the importance of service items across various services. In addition, inferences based on point estimates of sample data can increase the risk of misjudgment due to sampling errors. Thus, this paper creates a decision-making model for a performance evaluation matrix based on upper confidence limits to provide various service operating systems for performance evaluation and decision making. The concept is that through the gap between customer satisfaction and the level of importance of each service item, we are able to identify critical-to-quality (CTQ) service items requiring improvement. Many studies have indicated that customer satisfaction and the importance of service items follow a beta distribution, and based on the two parameters of this distribution, the proposed indices for customer satisfaction and the importance of service items represent standardization. The vertical axis of a PEM represents the importance index; the horizontal axis represents the satisfaction index. Since these two indices have unknown parameters, this paper uses the upper confidence limit of the satisfaction index to find out the CTQ service items and the upper confidence limit of the importance index to determine the order of improvement priority for each service item. This paper then establishes a decision-making model for a PEM based on the above-mentioned decision-making rules. Since all decision-making rules proposed in this paper are established through upper confidence limits, the risk of misjudgment caused by sampling errors can be reduced. Finally, this article uses a practical example to illustrate how to use a PEM to find CTQ service items and determine the order of improvement priority for these service items that need to be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last few decades, Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques have been successfully applied to complex decision-making problems in a wide range of fields, such as economics, finance, logistics, environmental restoration, health or industrial organization, to name but a few, and imprecision and uncertainty have been incorporated into the decision-making process and applied to group decision-making contexts. The paper by Segura et at. [[7]] proposes models to solve real-world supplier evaluation problems and validate them with real data on fresh fruits in a supermarket chain. It is hoped that the international scientific community will find these selected research papers impactful and that these papers will motivate further research on MCDA for solving complex problems in various disciplines and application fields. [Extracted from the article]

This paper explores the integrated optimization of complex coupled industrial manufacturing systems and production strategies based on user customization needs. Two optimization metrics are considered: one is whether the production process of engineering manufacturing is simplified, and the other is whether it is based on the customization requirements of the customer. These two metrics are interrelated, and cases may even be conflicting. Considering the interdependence between engineering manufacturing and user requirements, this paper develops an integrated customized modular engineering manufacturing process to minimize production and maintenance costs and improve efficiency while meeting user customization requirements. This paper takes expert evaluation as an important decision indicator and optimizes the production process strategy on this basis. Finally, a case study is given to illustrate the applicability of the proposed process model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital financial inclusion and common prosperity are pivotal elements in promoting the sustainable socioeconomic development of China. This study introduces a novel Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method to evaluate the Common Prosperity Index (CPI). Using this index, alongside the Digital Financial Inclusion Index (DFII) released by Peking University, it examines the evolution of the coupling coordination relationship between digital financial inclusion and common prosperity within the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) urban agglomeration from 2011 to 2021. By integrating gravity models and social network analysis, in this paper, we thoroughly investigate the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the spatial network of this coupling coordination relationship. The results indicate that both the DFII and CPI generally exhibit an upward trend, but the decline in the coupling degree reflects a weakened interaction strength between them. Specifically, Anhui significantly lags behind Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai in the development of digital financial inclusion and common prosperity, indicating regional development imbalances. Furthermore, the strength of spatial connections in city coupling coordination has significantly increased, with Nanjing's siphon effect on cities in Anhui becoming markedly stronger, and the number of core cities in the network increasing, which demonstrates a geographical proximity feature in network development. Additionally, the overall network characteristics are transitioning towards higher density and "small-world" properties, suggesting a trend toward network stabilization. The disparity in centrality among cities has decreased, with an overall enhancement in centrality, where the spatial spillover effects from core areas such as Hangzhou-Ningbo, Nanjing-Changzhou, and Shanghai-Suzhou-Wuxi significantly promote the development of peripheral cities. Based on these findings, this paper proposes policy recommendations for the sustainable development of digital financial inclusion and common prosperity in the YRD region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tension between city logistics and its impact on sustainable urban development is evident. Often, local environmental decisions overlook the effects on urban freight logistics, lacking consideration for stakeholders. To address this, utilizing multi-criteria analysis becomes relevant for informed urban planning and management decision making. In this context, this paper conducts a systematic literature review from 2012 to 2022, focused on implementing the multi-criteria analysis methodology to evaluate alternatives for solutions in urban freight logistics. The PRISMA tool was used in the review to select publications and categorize the information obtained to address the research questions. Results display the most prominent authors and publications, authors' country affiliations, annual publication frequency, research objectives, used frameworks, involved actors, defined evaluation criteria, types of alternatives for solutions considered, and MCDM methods applied. The main finding is that the most commonly used MCDM methods were AHP hybrid followed by MAMCA. In addition, no clear correlation between the pursued objectives and the MCDM methods employed by the researchers is identified. It is important to note that all publications with the highest number of citations use fuzzy methods in their analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of blockchain has become a trend in the development of supply chain finance. Aiming to bridge the gap in the existing literature, this paper investigates a supply chain finance system based on blockchain technology which contains a manufacturer, a retailer and a financial institution and incorporates blockchain costs into the model. Firstly, this paper establishes a supply chain finance model based on blockchain technology and it presents a comparison with the process employed under the traditional model. Secondly, this paper establishes the revenue mathematical model of supply chain finance based on blockchain technology. Thirdly, the optimal decisions of each participant under centralized and decentralized decision-making are proved and obtained, respectively, and the influencing factors of the optimal decisions are analyzed. Finally, the conclusions are verified via simulations. This study finds that, when blockchain is used, the benefits of each participant in the chain are increased. In addition, centralized decision-making, which is more optimal in the traditional model, is also enhanced under blockchain. This paper demonstrates the superiority of blockchain-enabled supply chain finance in terms of model and revenue. This provides some suggestions for companies in the supply chain with regard to solving the problem of financing difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption, there might be different levels of overlapping in the access policies of different data objects outsourced by the same data owner. This paper proposes a soft set decision-making method and cluster percolation method-based policy clustering by using policy similarity for CP-ABE, aiming to merge the duplicated access policy pieces to reduce repeated computations during the encryption process of corresponding data objects. Firstly, the access policies are clustered using either the soft set decision-making or the cluster percolation method. Secondly, the access policies within the same cluster are integrated for further encryption of corresponding data objects as a whole, thereby preventing redundant computations during the encryption process and thus reducing computational overhead. Theoretical analysis and experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Civic participation is of great significance to urban management decision-making. In order to facilitate citizens to participate in city management decision-making, this paper proposes a large-scale group decision-making (LSGDM) method based on multi-granular probabilistic linguistic preference relations (MG-PLPRs). First, each decision maker selects a language terms set from the multi-granularity language terms set to represent individual preference relations, and the MG-PLPRs are obtained by statistical calculation to represent sub-group's preferences information. Then, an optimization model based on the expected consistency of PLPR and consensus measure of groups is established for achieving consensus-reaching processes, which can ensure satisfactory individual consistency and group consensus. Finally, the validity and applicability of the proposed method is verified by a case of a city "shared garden" site selection with the participation of citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper aims to investigate the interdependent influences of barriers to implementing reverse logistics in the broad spectrum of processing activities in the conditions of an emerging economy. An effort was made to approach these barriers (i.e., organizational and management barriers, technical and technological barriers, and economic, financial, and market barriers) based on the relevant literature, predominant attitudes, and experts' opinions, thus contributing to the body of knowledge in this domain. Determining the intensity of interdependent influences and the importance of barriers for implementing reverse logistics was performed to determine the most important (key) barriers that can be practically applied as guidelines for decision making. The Fuzzy DEMATEL method was used to determine the intensity of these influences on a sample of manufacturing companies in the Republic of Serbia. The results indicate that the most critical barriers to the successful implementation of reverse logistics are a lack of management support and cooperation with scientific institutions and professional associations to acquire knowledge and follow trends in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, with the accelerated development of technology towards automation and intelligence, autonomous decision-making capabilities in unmanned systems are poised to play a crucial role in contemporary aerial two-player zero-sum games (TZSGs). Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) methods enable agents to make autonomous manoeuvring decisions. This paper focuses on current mainstream DRL algorithms based on fundamental tactical manoeuvres, selecting a typical aerial TZSG scenario—within visual range (WVR) combat. We model the key elements influencing the game using a Markov decision process (MDP) and demonstrate the mathematical foundation for implementing DRL. Leveraging high-fidelity simulation software (Warsim v1.0), we design a prototypical close-range aerial combat scenario. Utilizing this environment, we train mainstream DRL algorithms and analyse the training outcomes. The effectiveness of these algorithms in enabling agents to manoeuvre in aerial TZSG autonomously is summarised, providing a foundational basis for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers a risk-averse Markov decision process (MDP) with non-risk constraints as a dynamic optimization framework to ensure robustness against unfavorable outcomes in high-stakes sequential decision-making situations such as disaster response. In this regard, strong duality is proved while making no assumptions on the problem's convexity. This is necessary for some real-world issues, e.g., in the case of deprivation costs in the context of disaster relief, where convexity cannot be ensured. Our theoretical results imply that the problem can be exactly solved in a dual domain where it becomes convex. Based on our duality results, an augmented Lagrangian-based constraint handling mechanism is also developed for risk-averse reinforcement learning algorithms. The mechanism is proved to be theoretically convergent. Finally, we have also empirically established the convergence of the mechanism using a multi-stage disaster response relief allocation problem while using a fixed negative reward scheme as a benchmark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing research in the field of decision-making can be analyzed from different perspectives. Research trends indicate that multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) methods have a significant impact on engineering and management scientific areas. Since many of the problems existing in the mentioned areas are associated with a certain level of uncertainty, type 2 fuzzy sets represent a common solution for the enhancement of conventional MADM methods. In this way, the decision-makers are encouraged to use linguistic expressions for the assessment of attributes' relative importance and their values. The purpose of this paper is to review a determination of attributes' relative importance, and their values, as well as the extension of ranking methods with type 2 fuzzy sets. The papers are systematically adjoined to groups consisting of hybrid models with the following characteristics: (1) indicating the procedure for modeling attribute relative importance and their values, (2) determining the extension of MADM methods with type 2 fuzzy sets to determine attributes' vector weights, and (3) the extension of MADM for attributes ranking with type 2 fuzzy sets. This study reviewed a total of 42 papers in the domain of engineering and management published from 2013 to 2023 in different journals indexed by the Springer, Science Direct, Emerald, Wiley, ProQuest, Taylor, and Francis research platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employee attrition and high turnover have become critical challenges faced by various sectors in today's competitive job market. In response to these pressing issues, organizations are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to predict employee attrition and implement effective retention strategies. This paper delves into the application of explainable AI (XAI) in identifying potential employee turnover and devising data-driven solutions to address this complex problem. The first part of the paper examines the escalating problem of employee attrition in specific industries, analyzing the detrimental impact on organizational productivity, morale, and financial stability. The second section focuses on the utilization of AI techniques to predict employee attrition. AI can analyze historical data, employee behavior, and various external factors to forecast the likelihood of an employee leaving an organization. By identifying early warning signs, businesses can intervene proactively and implement personalized retention efforts. The third part introduces explainable AI techniques which enhance the transparency and interpretability of AI models. By incorporating these methods into AI-based predictive systems, organizations gain deeper insights into the factors driving employee turnover. This interpretability enables human resources (HR) professionals and decision-makers to understand the model's predictions and facilitates the development of targeted retention and recruitment strategies that align with individual employee needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is uncertainty in the modeling techniques of cyber-physical systems (CPS) when faced with the multiple possibilities and distributions of complex system behavior. This uncertainty leads to the system's inability to handle uncertain data correctly, resulting in lower reliability of the system model. Additionally, existing technologies struggle to verify the activity and safety of CPS after modeling, lacking a dynamic verification and analysis approach for uncertain CPS properties.This paper introduces a generalized possibility decision process as a system model. Firstly, the syntax and semantics of generalized possibility temporal logic with decision processes are defined. Uncertain CPS is extended by modeling it based on time-based differential equations and uncertainty hybrid time automaton. After that, model checking is performed on the properties of activity and safety using fuzzy linear time properties. Finally, a cold–hot hybrid constant-temperature system model is used for simulation experiments. By combining theory and experiments, this paper provides a new approach to the verification of uncertain CPS, effectively addressing the state explosion problem. It plays a crucial role in the design of uncertain CPS and offers a key solution for model checking in the presence of uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Similarity measures on trapezoidal-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (TrVIFNs) are functions that measure the closeness between two TrVIFNs, which has a lot of applications in the area of pattern recognition, clustering, decision-making, etc. Researchers around the world are proposing various similarity measures on the generalizations of fuzzy sets. However, many such measures do not satisfy the condition that "the similarity between two fuzzy numbers is equal to 1 implies that both the fuzzy numbers are equal" and this gives a pathway for the researchers to introduce different similarity measures on various classes of fuzzy sets. Also, all of them try to find out the similarity by using a single function, and in the present study, we try to propose a combined similarity measure principle by using four functions (four similarity measures). Thus, the main aim of this work is to introduce a few sets of similarity measures on the class of TrVIFNs and propose a combined similarity measure principle on TrVIFNs based on the proposed similarity measures. To do this, in this paper, firstly, we propose four distance-based similarity measures on TrVIFNs using score functions on TrVIFNs and study their mathematical properties by establishing various propositions, theorems, and illustrations, which is achieved by using numerical examples. Secondly, we propose the idea of a combined similarity measure principle by using the four proposed similarity measures sequentially, which is a first in the literature. Thirdly, we compare our combined similarity measure principle with a few important similarity measures introduced on various classes of fuzzy numbers, which shows the need for and efficacy of the proposed similarity measures over the existing methods. Fourthly, we discuss the trapezoidal-valued intuitionistic fuzzy TOPSIS (TrVIF-TOPSIS) method, which uses the proposed combined similarity measure principle for solving a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. Then, we discuss the applicability of the proposed modified TrVIF-TOPSIS method by solving a model problem. Finally, we discuss the sensitivity analysis of the proposed approaches by using various cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuzzy multi-attribute decision-making is a hot research topic in which weight information is one of the conditions for forming a complete decision-making model, and it is also an important factor affecting the decision result. In most fuzzy multi-attribute decision-making problems, the weight information is often given in the form of real numbers. However, in real life, the weight information may not be suitable for specific numerical representation, or we cannot accurately determine the weight information. Therefore, it is very important to use fuzzy numbers to represent weight information. In this paper, we study the problem of disturbing fuzzy multi-attribute decision-making in which the attribute weight, decision-maker weight, and attribute information are given in the form of disturbing fuzzy numbers. Firstly, a new disturbing fuzzy integration operator, namely the disturbing fuzzy ring and multiplication aggregation (DFRMA) operator, is proposed, and its characteristics of closure, monotonicity, and boundary are studied. Then, the general steps of the disturbing fuzzy multi-attribute decision method based on the disturbing fuzzy ring and multiplication aggregation (DFRMA) operator are given, which include the single decision step and group decision step. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the practicability and effectiveness of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capacity of transport infrastructure is one of the very important tasks in transport engineering, which depends mostly on the geometric characteristics of road and headway analysis. In this paper, we have considered 14 road sections and determined their efficiency based on headway analysis. We have developed a novel interval fuzzy-rough-number decision-making model consisting of DEA (data envelopment analysis), IFRN SWARA (interval-valued fuzzy-rough-number stepwise weight-assessment-ratio analysis), and IFRN WASPAS (interval-valued fuzzy-rough-number weighted-aggregate sum–product assessment) methods. The main contribution of this study is a new extension of WASPAS method with interval fuzzy rough numbers. Firstly, the DEA model was applied to determine the efficiency of 14 road sections according to seven input–output parameters. Seven out of the fourteen alternatives showed full efficiency and were implemented further in the model. After that, the IFRN SWARA method was used for the calculation of the final weights, while IFRN WASPAS was applied for ranking seven of the road sections. The results show that two sections are very similar and have almost equal efficiency, while the other results are very stable. According to the results obtained, the best-ranked is a measuring segment of the Ivanjska–Šargovac section, with a road gradient = −5.5%, which has low deviating values of headways according to the measurement classes from PC-PC to AT-PC, which shows balanced and continuous traffic flow. Finally, verification tests such as changing the criteria weights, comparative analysis, changing the λ parameter, and reverse rank analysis have been performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time series data are prevalent in the real world, particularly playing a crucial role in key domains such as meteorology, electricity, and finance. Comprising observations at historical time points, these data, when subjected to in-depth analysis and modeling, enable researchers to predict future trends and patterns, providing support for decision making. In current research, especially in the analysis of long time series, effectively extracting and integrating long-term dependencies with short-term features remains a significant challenge. Long-term dependencies refer to the correlation between data points spaced far apart in a time series, while short-term features focus on more recent changes. Understanding and combining these two features correctly are crucial for constructing accurate and reliable predictive models. To efficiently extract and integrate long-term dependencies and short-term features in long time series, this paper proposes a pyramid attention structure model based on multi-scale feature extraction, referred to as the MSFformer model. Initially, a coarser-scale construction module is designed to obtain coarse-grained information. A pyramid data structure is constructed through feature convolution, with the bottom layer representing the original data and each subsequent layer containing feature information extracted across different time step lengths. As a result, nodes higher up in the pyramid integrate information from more time points, such as every Monday or the beginning of each month, while nodes lower down retain their individual information. Additionally, a Skip-PAM is introduced, where a node only calculates attention with its neighboring nodes, parent node, and child nodes, effectively reducing the model's time complexity to some extent. Notably, the child nodes refer to nodes selected from the next layer by skipping specific time steps. In this study, we not only propose an innovative time series prediction model but also validate the effectiveness of these methods through a series of comprehensive experiments. To comprehensively evaluate the performance of the designed model, we conducted comparative experiments with baseline models, ablation experiments, and hyperparameter studies. The experimental results demonstrate that the MSFformer model improves by 35.87% and 42.6% on the MAE and MSE indicators, respectively, compared to traditional Transformer models. These results highlight the outstanding performance of our proposed deep learning model in handling complex time series data, particularly in capturing long-term dependencies and integrating short-term features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generalized penalized constrained regression (G-PCR) is a penalized model for high-dimensional linear inverse problems with structured features. This paper presents a sharp error performance analysis of the G-PCR in the over-parameterized high-dimensional setting. The analysis is carried out under the assumption of a noisy or erroneous Gaussian features matrix. To assess the performance of the G-PCR problem, the study employs multiple metrics such as prediction risk, cosine similarity, and the probabilities of misdetection and false alarm. These metrics offer valuable insights into the accuracy and reliability of the G-PCR model under different circumstances. Furthermore, the derived results are specialized and applied to well-known instances of G-PCR, including l 1 -norm penalized regression for sparse signal recovery and l 2 -norm (ridge) penalization. These specific instances are widely utilized in regression analysis for purposes such as feature selection and model regularization. To validate the obtained results, the paper provides numerical simulations conducted on both real-world and synthetic datasets. Using extensive simulations, we show the universality and robustness of the results of this work to the assumed Gaussian distribution of the features matrix. We empirically investigate the so-called double descent phenomenon and show how optimal selection of the hyper-parameters of the G-PCR can help mitigate this phenomenon. The derived expressions and insights from this study can be utilized to optimally select the hyper-parameters of the G-PCR. By leveraging these findings, one can make well-informed decisions regarding the configuration and fine-tuning of the G-PCR model, taking into consideration the specific problem at hand as well as the presence of noisy features in the high-dimensional setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper considers a fractional-order smoke epidemic model. We apply fuzzy systems and probability theory to make the best decision on the stability of the smoking epidemic model by using a new class of controllers powered by special functions to effectively generalize Ulam-type stability problems. Evaluation of optimal controllability and maximal stability is the new issue. This different concept of stability not only covers the old concepts but also investigates the optimization of the problem. Finally, we apply a new optimal method for the governing model with the Atangana–Baleanu–Caputo fractional derivative to obtain stability results in Banach spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the problem of detecting cancer using such biomarkers as blood protein markers. The purpose of this research is to propose an approach for making decisions in the diagnosis of cancer through the creation of cost-sensitive SVM classifiers on the basis of datasets with a variety of features of different nature. Such datasets may include compositions of known features corresponding to blood protein markers and new features constructed using methods for calculating entropy and fractal dimensions, as well as using the UMAP algorithm. Based on these datasets, multiclass SVM classifiers were developed. They use cost-sensitive learning principles to overcome the class imbalance problem, which is typical for medical datasets. When implementing the UMAP algorithm, various variants of the loss function were considered. This was performed in order to select those that provide the formation of such new features that ultimately allow us to develop the best cost-sensitive SVM classifiers in terms of maximizing the mean value of the metric M a c r o F 1 − s c o r e . The experimental results proved the possibility of applying the UMAP algorithm, approximate entropy and, in addition, Higuchi and Katz fractal dimensions to construct new features using blood protein markers. It turned out that when working with the UMAP algorithm, the most promising is the application of a loss function on the basis of fuzzy cross-entropy, and the least promising is the application of a loss function on the basis of intuitionistic fuzzy cross-entropy. Augmentation of the original dataset with either features on the basis of the UMAP algorithm, features on the basis of the UMAP algorithm and approximate entropy, or features on the basis of approximate entropy provided the creation of the three best cost-sensitive SVM classifiers with mean values of the metric M a c r o F 1 − s c o r e increased by 5.359%, 5.245% and 4.675%, respectively, compared to the mean values of this metric in the case when only the original dataset was utilized for creating the base SVM classifier (without performing any manipulations to overcome the class imbalance problem, and also without introducing new features). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's digital age, businesses are tasked with adapting to rapidly advancing technology. This transformation is far from simple, with many companies facing difficulties navigating new technological trends. This paper highlights a key segment of a comprehensive strategic model developed to address this challenge. The model integrates various planning and decision-making tools, such as the Balanced Scorecard (BSC), Objectives and Key Results (OKR), SWOT analysis, TOWS, and the Spherical Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (SFAHP). Integrating these tools in the proposed model provides businesses with a well-rounded pathway to manage digital transformation. The model considers human elements, uncertainty management, needs prioritization, and flexibility, aiming to find the optimal balance between theory and practical applications in real-world business scenarios. This particular study delves into the use of SFAHP, specifically addressing the challenge of effectively selecting the most suitable strategy among various options. This approach not only brings a new perspective to digital transformation but also highlights the importance of choosing the right strategy. This choice is crucial for the overall adaptation of businesses. It shows how carefully applying the SFAHP method is key. Combining this with a successful digital transformation strategy is essential. Together, they provide practical and efficient solutions for businesses in a fast-changing technological environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disassembling discarded electrical products plays a crucial role in product recycling, contributing to resource conservation and environmental protection. While disassembly lines are progressively transitioning to automation, manual or human–robot collaborative approaches still involve numerous workers dealing with hazardous disassembly tasks. In such scenarios, achieving a balance between low risk and high revenue becomes pivotal in decision making for disassembly line balancing, determining the optimal assignment of tasks to workstations. This paper tackles a new disassembly line balancing problem under the limitations of quantified penalties for hazardous component disassembly and the switching time between adjacent tasks. The objective function is to maximize the overall profit, which is equal to the disassembly revenue minus the total cost. A mixed-integer linear program is formulated to precisely describe and optimally solve the problem. Recognizing its NP-hard nature, a metaheuristic algorithm, inspired by human idea generation and population evolution processes, is devised to achieve near-optimal solutions. The exceptional performance of the proposed algorithm on practical test cases is demonstrated through a comprehensive comparison involving its solutions, exact solutions obtained using CPLEX to solve the proposed mixed-integer linear program, and those of competitive peer algorithms. It significantly outperforms its competitors and thus implies its great potential to be used in practice. As computing power increases, the effectiveness of the proposed methods is expected to increase further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) has been a widely used method for handling multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems since the 1980s. However, it postulates that criteria are independent and static, which may not always hold true in realistic situations. Although several methods have been proposed to relax the assumption of independence between criteria in the AHP, such as the analytic network process (ANP), these methods do not account for time-dependent criteria in the AHP. Consequently, this paper presents an innovative method that integrates dynamic Bayesian networks (DBNs) with the AHP to model dynamic interdependencies between criteria in MCDM problems. We illustrate the proposed method through a comprehensive numerical example and compare the result with the conventional AHP. The findings suggest that the proposed method extends the AHP to accommodate time-dependent issues and, when ignoring specific information, reduces to the conventional AHP, thereby demonstrating that our approach serves as a more general AHP model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought health systems to the brink of collapse in several regions around the world, as the demand for health care has outstripped the capacity of their services, especially regarding intensive care. In this context, health system managers have faced a difficult question: who should be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), and who should not? This paper addresses this decision problem using Expected Utility Theory and Bayesian decision analysis. In order to estimate the chances of survival for patients, a structured protocol has been proposed conjointly with physicians, based on the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. A portfolio selection approach is proposed to support tackling the ICU allocation problem. A simulation study shows that the proposed approach is more advantageous than other approaches already presented in the literature, with respect to the number of lives saved. The patients' probabilities of survival inside and outside the ICU are important parameters of the model. However, assessing such probabilities can be a difficult task for health professionals. In order to give due treatment to the imprecise information regarding these probabilities, a Monte Carlo simulation is used to estimate the probabilities of recommending a patient be admitted to the ICU is the most appropriate decision, given the conditions presented. The methodology was implemented in an Information and Decision System called SIDTriagem, which is available online for free. With regards to managerial implications, SIDTriagem has a great potential to help in the response to public health emergencies systems as it facilitates rational decision-making regarding allocating ICU beds when resources are scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prediction of the infectious disease is a potential research area from the decades. With the progress in medical science, early anticipation of the disease spread becomes more meaningful when the resources are limited. Also spread prediction with limited data pose a deadly challenge to the practitioners. Hence, the paper presents a case study of the Corona virus (COVID-19). COVID-19 has hit the major parts of the world and implications of this virus, is life threatening. Research community has contributed significantly to understand the spread of virus with time, along with meteorological conditions and other parameters. Several forecasting techniques have already been deployed for this. Considering the fact, the paper presents a proposal of two Rolling horizon based Cubic Grey Models (RCGMs). First, the mathematical details of Cubic Polynomial based simple grey model is presented than two models based on time series rolling are proposed. The models are developed with the time series data of different locations, considering diverse overlap period and rolling values. It is observed that the proposed models yield satisfactory results as compared with the conventional and advanced grey models. The comparison of the performance has been carried out with calculation of standard error indices. At the end, some recommendations are also framed for the authorities, that can be helpful for decision making in tough time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable economic development plans have been shattered by the devastating COVID-19 crisis, which brought about an economic recession. The companies are suffering from financial losses, leading to financial distress and disengagement from sustainable economic goals. Many companies fail to achieve considerable financial performances, which may lead to unachieved organizational goal and a loss of direction in decision-making and investment. According to the past studies, there has been no comprehensive study done on the financial performance of the companies based on liquidity, solvency, efficiency, and profitability ratios by integrating the entropy method and fuzzy technique for order reference based on similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) model in portfolio investment. Therefore, this paper aims to propose a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model, namely the entropy-fuzzy TOPSIS model, to evaluate the financial performances of companies based on these important financial ratios for portfolio investment. The fuzzy concept helps reduce vagueness and strengthen the meaningful information extracted from the financial ratios. The proposed model is illustrated using the financial ratios of companies in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). The results show that return on equity and debt-to-equity ratios are the most influential financial ratios for the performance evaluation of the companies. The companies with good financial performance, such as the best HD company, have been determined based on the proposed model for portfolio selection. A mean-variance (MV) model is used to validate the proposed model in the portfolio investment. At a minimum level of risk, the proposed model is able to generate a higher mean return than the benchmark DJIA index. This paper is significant as it helps to evaluate the financial performance of the companies and select the well-performing companies with the proposed model for portfolio investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintenance decision-making is essential to achieve safe and reliable operation with high performance for equipment. To avoid unexpected shutdown and increase machine life as well as system efficiency, it is fundamental to design an effective maintenance decision-making scheme for equipment. In this paper, we propose a novel maintenance decision-making method for equipment based on Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Markov decision process, which can provide specific maintenance strategies in different degradation stages of the system. Specifically, the LSTM model is firstly applied to predict the remaining service life of equipment to distinguish its health state quantitatively. Then, based on the bearing residual life prediction curve, the degradation process model is constructed, and the corresponding parameters of the model are identified. Finally, the bearing degradation curve is obtained by the degradation process model, based on which the Markov decision process model is constructed to provide accurate maintenance strategies for different health conditions of system. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, an experimental study with the full life cycle data set of rolling bearings is carried out. The experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve efficient maintenance decisions for bearings under different health states, which provides a feasible solution for the maintenance of bearing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper presents an all-encompassing methodology for multi-criteria decision-making in the apparel sector, with the particular objective of aiding in the determination of the most appropriate location within the CLMV subregion. The research is conducted in three crucial stages. The process began with the administration of a survey to proprietors of garment businesses in both Thailand and the CLMV countries. This survey resulted in the compilation of an exhaustive list of site-selection criteria and sub-criteria. Based on the findings of subject matter-expert interviews, Cambodia (C), Vietnam (V), and Myanmar (M) were identified as feasible alternatives. Subsequently, the questionnaire criteria and sub-criteria were evaluated utilizing the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (Fuzzy ANP), which involved the utilization of meticulously designed pair-wise comparison matrices and local priorities. Five specialists from the Thai entrepreneurial community affirmed the effectiveness of Fuzzy ANP and expressed interest in expanding manufacturing operations in the CLMV subregion. The optimal location for Thai apparel manufacturers was subsequently determined using the Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (Fuzzy TOPSIS). The results indicated that Vietnam is the most favorable option. In order to improve the dependability of results, an amended mixture-design scenario analysis was implemented. This analysis assessed the sensitivity and dependability of the proposed model in different scenarios, ensuring its applicability in real-world situations. In contrast to traditional models, this study integrates managerial judgments and preferences into the decision-making procedure, thereby accounting for the complex interdependencies among numerous criteria. The suggested methodology functions as a beneficial instrument for decision-makers, both domestic and international, as it integrates effortlessly into the organizational structure of the CLMV region. By harmonizing objectives pertaining to data acquisition, manipulation, retention, and dissemination, this framework not only enables enhanced decision-making processes, but also optimizes system efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of intelligent game-playing has gained tremendous attention in the past few decades. The recent development of artificial intelligence (AI) players (e.g., the Go player AlphaGo) has made intelligent game-playing even more prominent in both academia and industry. The performance of state-of-the-art AI players benefits greatly from machine learning techniques, based on which, players can make estimations and decisions even without understanding the games. Although AI machines show great superiority over humans in terms of data processing and complex computation, there remains a vast distance between artificial intelligence and human intelligence with respect to the abilities of context understanding and reasoning. In this paper, we explore the theoretical foundation of intelligent game-playing from a logical perspective. The proposed logic, by considering the computational limits in practical game-playing, drops the ideal assumptions in existing logics for the classical game model. We show that under logical framework, the basis of decision-making for agents in game scenarios can be formally represented and analyzed. Moreover, by characterizing the solutions of games, this logic is able to formalize players' rational decision-making during practical game-playing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we merge the concepts of soft set theory and a bipolar intuitionistic fuzzy set. A bipolar intuitionistic fuzzy soft ideal in a BCK-algebra is defined as a soft set over the set of elements in the BCK-algebra, with each element associated with an intuitionistic fuzzy set. This relationship captures degrees of uncertainty, hesitancy, and non-membership degrees within the context of BCK-algebras. We investigate basic operations on bipolar intuitionistic fuzzy soft ideals such as union, intersection, AND, and OR. The intersection, union, AND, and OR of two bipolar intuitionistic fuzzy soft ideals is a bipolar intuitionistic fuzzy soft ideal. We also demonstrate how to use a bipolar intuitionistic fuzzy soft set to solve a problem involving decision making. Finally, we provide a general approach for handling decision-making problems using a bipolar intuitionistic fuzzy soft set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops the methodology for modeling decision processes in complex controlled dynamic systems. The idea of balancing such systems (driving them to equilibrium) is implemented, and a new mechanism for the equilibria's stability is proposed. Such an approach involves economic–mathematical modeling jointly with systems analysis methods, economics, law, sociology, game theory, management, and performance measurement. A linear-quadratic positional differential game of several players is considered. Coefficient criteria under which the game has an equilibrium in sanctions and countersanctions and, simultaneously, no Nash equilibrium are derived. The economic and legal model of active equilibrium is studied through the legal concept of sanctions, which enlarges the practical application of this class of problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intuitionistic fuzzy information is a potent tool for medical diagnosis applications as it can represent imprecise and uncertain data. However, making decisions based on this information can be challenging due to its inherent ambiguity. To overcome this, power aggregation operators can effectively combine various sources of information, including expert opinions and patient data, to arrive at a more accurate diagnosis. The timely and accurate diagnosis of medical conditions is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plans and improving patient outcomes. In this paper, we developed a novel approach for the three-way decision model by utilizing decision-theoretic rough sets and power aggregation operators. The decision-theoretic rough set approach is essential in medical diagnosis as it can manage vague and uncertain data. The redesign of the model using interval-valued classes for intuitionistic fuzzy information further improved the accuracy of the diagnoses. The intuitionistic fuzzy power weighted average (IFPWA) and intuitionistic fuzzy power weighted geometric (IFPWG) aggregation operators are used to aggregate the attribute values of the information system. The established operators are used to combine information within the intuitionistic fuzzy information system. The outcomes of various alternatives are then transformed into interval-valued classes through discretization. Bayesian decision rules, incorporating expected loss factors, are subsequently generated based on this foundation. This approach helps in effectively combining various sources of information to arrive at more accurate diagnoses. The proposed approach is validated through a medical case study where the participants are classified into three different regions based on their symptoms. In conclusion, the decision-theoretic rough set approach, along with power aggregation operators, can effectively manage vague and uncertain information in medical diagnosis applications. The proposed approach can lead to timely and accurate diagnoses, thereby improving patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G-optimal designs are those which minimize the worst-case prediction variance. Thus, such designs are of interest if prediction is a primary component of the post-experiment analysis and decision making. G-optimal designs have not attained widespread use in practical applications, in part, because they are difficult to compute. In this paper, we review the last two decades of algorithm development for generating exact G-optimal designs. To date, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) has not been applied to construct exact G-optimal designs for small response surface scenarios commonly encountered in industrial settings. We were able to produce improved G-optimal designs for the second-order model and several sample sizes under experiments with K = 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , and 5 design factors using an adaptation of PSO. Thereby, we publish updated knowledge on the best-known exact G-optimal designs. We compare computing cost/time and algorithm efficacy to all previous published results including those generated by the current state-of-the-art (SOA) algorithm, the G (I λ) -coordinate exchange. PSO is hereby demonstrated to produce better designs than the SOA at commensurate cost. In all, the results of this paper suggest PSO should be adopted by more practitioners as a tool for generating exact optimal designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a methodology involving the transformation and conversion of qualitative data gathered from open, semi-structured interviews into quantitative data—a process known as quantitizing. In the process of analysing the factors behind the different levels of success in the implementation of entrepreneurship education programs in two case studies, we came up with a challenge that became the research question for this paper: "How can we best extract, organize and communicate insights from a vast amount of qualitative information?" To answer it, we developed a methodology involving codifying, labelling, attributing a score and creating indicators/indexes and a matrix of influence. This allowed us to extract more insights than would be possible with a mere qualitative approach (e.g., we were able to rank 53 categories in two dimensions, which would have been impossible based only on the qualitative data, given the high number of pairwise comparisons: 1378). While any work in the social sciences will always keep some degree of subjectivity, by providing an example of quantitizing qualitative information from interviews, we hope to contribute to the expansion of the toolbox in mixed methods research, social sciences and mathematics and encourage further applications of this type of approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of target damage is to measure the effect of projectile attacks. Because there is antagonism at the intersection of projectiles and targets, it is very difficult to establish scientific damage assessment strategy model and a numerical calculation method. To scientifically evaluate the target damage effect when the projectile attacks the aircraft target, this paper introduces a game confrontation mechanism and proposes a numerical calculation method of aircraft target damage game strategy under the intersection confrontation. According to the theory of two-person non-cooperative games, the projectile is regarded as one of the players in the confrontation damage game, and the aircraft target is regarded as the other player. The damage gain model and gain function of the intersection confrontation of both sides are established. The effective expectation function and the minimum and maximum theorem are used to obtain the optimal Nash equilibrium solution of the game matrix strategy, and the Nash equilibrium point of the strategy space set is derived. Through calculation and comparative analysis, the results show that the optimal gain degree composed of the damage strategy selected by both the projectile and aircraft target under the Nash equilibrium solution brings the greatest gain. The proposed hybrid game strategy of damage assessment can be an effective reference for air combat decision making in the state of intersection confrontation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the financial crisis of the last decade and the increasing complexity of financial products, the European Union has introduced investor protection tools that require professionals to carry out a client profiling process. The aim is to offer products that are in line with the characteristics of the individual. The classes of variables for comprehensive profiling are obtained by matching the elements proposed by the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive and studies of classical finance. However, behavioural finance studies, which emphasise the importance of behavioural attitudes, are not clearly considered in this structured profiling. The present paper discusses the implementation of an analytic network process to support financial decision-making in a behavioural context, combining regulatory guidance and qualitative and quantitative evidence from the literature. The Kersey Temperament Model is used as the behavioural model to construct the network cluster that incorporates personality into the valuation. Uncertainty management is incorporated through recent studies in the context of intertemporal choice theory. The functionality of the network is verified through a case study, where two alternatives with different characteristics are considered to meet the same investment objective. The present approach proves how the generated structure can provide strong support for financial decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the main approaches to building algorithms for the decision support systems of information protection strategies against cyberattacks in the networks of automated process control systems (the so-called recommender systems). The advantages and disadvantages of each of the considered algorithms are revealed, and their applicability to the processing of the information security events of the UNSW-NB 15 dataset is analyzed. The dataset used contains raw network packets collected using the IXIA PerfectStorm software in the CyberRange laboratory of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (Canberra) in order to create a hybrid of the simulation of the real actions and the synthetic behavior of the network traffic generated during attacks. The possibility of applying four semantic proximity algorithms to partition process the data into clusters based on attack type in a distribution control system (DCS) is analyzed. The percentage of homogeneous records belonging to a particular type of attack is used as the metric that determines the optimal method of cluster partitioning. This metric was chosen under the assumption that cyberattacks located "closer" to each other in the multidimensional space have similar defense strategies. A hypothesis is formulated about the possibility of transferring knowledge about attacks from the vector feature space into a semantic form using semantic proximity methods. The percentage of homogeneous entries was maximal when the cosine proximity measure was used, which confirmed the hypothesis about the possibility of applying the corresponding algorithm in the recommender system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets with Ordered Pairs (IFSOP) are the recent extension of intuitionistic fuzzy sets by incorporating functional and dysfunctional points of view into the definition of membership functions. This paper extends the Technique of Order Preference Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method to the Intuitionistic Fuzzy TOPSIS (IF TOPSIS) with ordered pairs method and applies it to a multi-criteria risk-based supplier selection problem under fuzziness. IF TOPSIS with ordered pairs involves finding a positive ideal solution and a negative ideal solution, and measuring the distance between each alternative and these solutions. The final ranking of the alternatives is obtained based on the proportion of distances between the positive and negative ideal solutions. By asking functional and dysfunctional questions in this ranking process, the developed IF TOPSIS with ordered pairs method incorporates the accuracy and consistency of expert judgments, enhancing the decision-making process. A sensitivity analysis is also presented in order to show the robustness of the rankings obtained by IF TOPSIS with ordered pairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of the hybrid structure, as an extension of both soft sets and fuzzy sets, has gained significant attention in various mathematical and decision-making domains. In this paper, we delve into the realm of hemirings and investigate the properties of hybrid h-bi-ideals, including prime, strongly prime, semiprime, irreducible, and strongly irreducible ones. By employing these hybrid h-bi-ideals, we provide insightful characterizations of h-hemiregular and h-intra-hemiregular hemirings, offering a deeper understanding of their algebraic structures. Beyond theoretical implications, we demonstrate the practical value of hybrid structures and decision-making theory in handling real-world problems under imprecise environments. Using the proposed decision-making algorithm based on hybrid structures, we have successfully addressed a significant real-world problem, showcasing the efficacy of this approach in providing robust solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public–private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects have attracted attention over the past few years. In this regard, the selection of private partners is an integral decision to ensure its success. The selection process needs to identify, scrutinize, and pre-qualify potential private partners that sustain the greatest potential in delivering the designated public–private partnership projects. To this end, this research paper proposes an integrated multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model for the purpose of selection of the best private partners in PPP projects. The developed model (HYBD_MCDM) is conceptualized based on two tiers of multi-criteria decision making. In the first tier, the fuzzy analytical network process (FANP) is exploited to scrutinize the relative importance of the priorities of the selection criteria of private partners. In this respect, the PPP selection criteria are categorized as safety, environmental, technical, financial, political policy, and managerial. In the second tier, a set of seven multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) algorithms is leveraged to determine the best private partners to deliver PPP projects. These algorithms comprise the combined compromise solution (CoCoSo), simple weighted sum product (WISP), measurement alternatives and ranking according to compromise solution (MARCOS), combinative distance-based assessment (CODAS), weighted aggregate sum product assessment (WASPAS), technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), and FANP. Thereafter, the Copeland algorithm is deployed to amalgamate the obtained rankings from the seven MCDM algorithms. Four real-world case studies are analyzed to test the implementation and applicability of the developed integrated model. The results indicate that varying levels of importance were exhibited among the managerial, political, and safety and environmental criteria based on the nature of the infrastructure projects. Additionally, the financial and technical criteria were appended as the most important criteria across the different infrastructure projects. It can be argued that the developed model can guide executives of governments to appraise their partner's ability to achieve their strategic objectives. It also sheds light on prospective private partners' strengths, weaknesses, and capacities in an attempt to neutralize threats and exploit opportunities offered by today's construction business market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an improved interval-valued hesitant fuzzy weighted geometric (IIVHFWG) operator for multi-criterion decision-making is proposed. This operator is free of the limitations of the existing interval-valued hesitant fuzzy weighted average operator, interval-valued hesitant fuzzy weighted geometric operator, generalized interval-valued hesitant fuzzy weighted geometric operator, interval-valued hesitant fuzzy Hammer weighted average operator, and interval-valued hesitant fuzzy Hammer weighted geometric operator, which are prone to being influenced by extreme values. Based on the proposed IIVHFWG operator, a new method to solve the multi-criterion decisionmaking problems with interval-valued hesitant fuzzy elements is presented. Several numerical examples together with comparisons are introduced to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past century, there has been a dramatic increasing interest in the multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) technique, with a considerable amount of studies published regarding it. One of the well-known approaches in the MCGDM paradigm is Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The integration of the TOPSIS method with fuzzy set theory has proven to be successful in various applications. Recently, a wide array of publications has proposed implementing a type-2 fuzzy set with TOPSIS. However, the additional degree of uncertainty represented by type 2 has largely been ignored, especially in a few specific mathematical operations in the model. We propose constructing interval type-2 fuzzy membership functions (IT2 MFs) using interval-based data gathered from a survey, where this is used to generate a new scale to represent ratings for each alternative. This procedure utilized all information gathered from decision makers. In addition, we present a complete algorithm for TOPSIS based on IT2 fuzzy sets (IT2 FSs) which preserve the interval-based form output. The output in the form of intervals offers decision makers (DMs) with more detailed information, enabling them to make more nuanced decisions. This can include cautious decisions when intervals are wider and overlapping. Although understanding the exact meaning of these intervals and their widths in a decision-making context is challenging, this paper introduces a systematic method for connecting input uncertainty to output uncertainty in the TOPSIS technique. This approach establishes a solid foundation for future research. Thus far, no other researchers have suggested a data-driven method that combines TOPSIS with fuzzification and provides intervals as the final output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerning the development of computational tools and solutions as a decision-making aid, this paper presents the results of the waspasWEB project, which strives to provide decision-makers with a readily accessible mechanism to employ the weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) method. The social contribution of the project encompasses the development of a user-friendly and publicly accessible internet tool, as well as a package launched on the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN) to serve the community of users of the R language. The use of operational research methodologies is crucial to justify decisions, and this effort seeks to advance the adoption of such methodologies, offering managers, researchers, and the general public an intuitive and easily accessible multi-criteria decision-making tool. In this way, we present the technical specifications, usability, and interactivity of the user with the computational platform, being validated its viability through a hypothetical case study. At the end of the research, it exposes the limitations and feasibility of the proposed computational model along with future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of the decision quality of the predict-then-optimize (PO) framework, an extensively used prescriptive analytics framework in uncertain optimization problems. Our primary aim is to investigate whether an increase in data size invariably leads to better decisions within the PO framework. We focus our analysis on two contextual stochastic optimization problems—one with a non-linear objective function and the other with a linear objective function—under the PO framework. The novelty of our work lies in uncovering a previously unknown relationship: the decision quality can deteriorate with increasing data size in the non-linear case and exhibit non-monotonic behavior in the linear case. These findings highlight a potential pitfall of the PO framework and constitute our main contribution to the field, offering invaluable insights for both researchers and practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For choosing the optimal option for multiple issues, the multiattribute decision-making (MADM) technique within a Fermatean fuzzy environment is a well-known and significant method. This paper presents a novel superiority inferiority ranking (SIR) approach for Fermatean fuzzy sets in group decision-making using multicriteria to reduce investment risk. This approach aims to evaluate the strategies for selecting the optimal investment company. The SIR method is depicted, and its effectiveness in decision-making is explored. In this manuscript, we develop new types of A c z e l –A l s i n a operations on the Fermatean fuzzy environment and Fermatean Fuzzy A c z e l –A l s i n a (FF-AA) average aggregation operators, including their properties such as idempotency, monotonicity, and boundedness. Further, we introduce a Fermatean fuzzy A c z e l –A l s i n a weighted average closeness coefficient (FF-AA-WA- C C ) aggregation operator (AO) based on the closeness coefficient for MAGDM issues. By utilizing the proposed technique, we solve a numerical example of an MAGDM problem. The results show that this approach is accurate and practical, and consistent with a realistic investment circumstance. A demonstration was created to emphasize the significance and credibility of this approach and assess its validity by comparing its outcomes with the established methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important branch of modern decision-making theory, multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) plays an important role in various fields. Classic MADM methods can provide a ranking of alternatives, and decision-makers need to evaluate the level subjectively based on the ranking results. Because of the limitation of knowledge, this is likely to lead to potential individual losses. Three-way decision (3WD) theory has good classification ability. Therefore, this paper proposes a dynamic hybrid multi-attribute 3WD (MA3WD) model. First, a new scheme for constructing loss functions is proposed from the perspective of gray relational analysis (GRA), which is an accurate and objective way to describe the relationship between loss functions and attribute values. Then, conditional probabilities are determined by employing the gray relational analysis technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution (GRA-TOPSIS). With these discussions, a GRA-based hybrid MA3WD model for a single period is proposed by considering multi-source information. Furthermore, by extending the single-period scenario to a multi-period one, we construct a dynamic hybrid MA3WD model, which can obtain the final three-way decision rules as well as the results of each period and each attribute. Finally, the proposed method is applied to the case of performance evaluation of elderly-care services to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method, and comparative analyses are given to verify the superiority of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring the similarity between two objects and classifying them on the basis of their resemblance level has been a fundamental tool of the human mind. In an intuitionistic fuzzy environment, we find researchers that have attempted to generalize the fuzzy versions of similarity measures between fuzzy sets to their intuitionistic forms for measuring the level of similarity between the intuitionistic fuzzy sets. Though many different forms of intuitionistic fuzzy similarity measures have been introduced so far, a comparative study reveals that among all these measures, it is difficult for one to claim the existence of a single measure that alone has the capability to recognize every single pattern assigned to it. This paper presents a four-parametric family of similarity measures for intuitionistic fuzzy sets employing weighted average cardinality and intuitionistic fuzzy t-norms along with their dual t-co-norms. A combinational variation of the parameters involved in this family resulted in some of the famous similarity measures having an intuitionistic version. These new measures are analyzed for their properties, and they have shown some remarkable results. Moreover, the proposed family has a practical advantage over the other measures in the existing literature because every member not only possesses the capability of successfully recognizing any pattern assigned to it up to a fine accuracy but also a choice of different t-norms and co-norms within a single measure equips it with the capacity to portray different mindsets of a decision-maker who, besides being unbiased, can possess a deep psychology of being an optimist, pessimist, or possessing neutral behavior in general. Lastly, the members of this family are tested for their feasibility in a sensitive medical decision process of detection of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]