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With the rapid development of China's economy and society, the innovation of grassroots social governance has become increasingly important. This paper constructs 35 grassroots social governance innovation samples. Using the TOE theoretical framework and a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), this paper analyzes the joint effects and interactive relationships of multiple factors on grassroots social governance innovation performance from three dimensions: technology, organization, and environment. The research reveals that internal environmental openness is a necessary condition for achieving high innovation performance in grassroots social governance, and proposes four grouping models that affect the performance of grassroots social governance innovation. This paper explores the inner logic of grassroots social governance innovation from a histological perspective, and on this basis proposes an adaptive path to enhance the performance of grassroots social governance innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Debt restructuring is an effective means to solve the financial difficulties of enterprises. At present, the operation methods and means of enterprises with different characteristics to participate in debt restructuring are different, and no universal debt restructuring scheme has been formed. In order to solve this problem, this paper uses the method of fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis. This paper discusses the influence mechanism of multiple concurrent factors on enterprise debt restructuring and summarizes the selection rules of debt restructuring strategies for enterprises with different characteristics of debt. The research shows that there are five kinds of allocation for enterprises to realize debt restructuring. According to the different core conditions, enterprise debt restructuring can be divided into high-quality operation and management mode, technology leading mode, and debt-to-equity mode. The research results reveal the mechanism behind enterprise debt restructuring and provide a reference basis for the government and creditors to make corresponding decisions in the debt restructuring process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the configuration theory, this paper discusses the multiple concurrent causes and causal complex mechanisms affecting the performance differences among different new farmers. Using the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method, taking 40 cases of CCTV’s “ZHI FU JING” column as samples, the paper analyzes the necessary conditions for new farmers to produce high performance by the anthefactory-variable configuration composed of human capital, social capital, psychological capital, entrepreneurial learning and entrepreneurial opportunity identification. The results show that: (1) high human capital is the necessary core condition for new farmers to produce high entrepreneurial performance, lack of high entrepreneurial learning and lack of high entrepreneurial opportunity identification is the core necessary condition for low entrepreneurial performance; (2) the driving mechanism of new farmers’ high entrepreneurial performance is divided into three paths, and the driving mechanism of new farmers’ low entrepreneurial performance is divided into two paths; and (3) the ways of inhibiting new farmers’ performance and promoting their performance are asymmetrical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the development process of complex products, selecting the best desirable alternative supplier is a challenge since an improperly selected alternative may cause losing capacity and increasing the cycle time and cost of development for a company. For this multiple-attribute decision-making problem of supplier selection, in this paper, a supplier selection problem in which the decision data are hesitant fuzzy information and the attribute weight is unknown in complex product development is investigated, and a supplier selection decision-making approach based on hesitant fuzzy information is proposed. Firstly, a bidirectional projection based on hesitant fuzzy information is established, and then the measurement equation for the degree of closeness is improved. Further, an attribute weight determination model which minimizes the projection total deviation for the hesitant fuzzy elements is constructed. By solving this model, scientific and reasonable attribute weights are provided. Subsequently, an illustrative example is employed to not only give the ranking result of alternative suppliers but also demonstrate the validity and feasibility of the developed approach. Meanwhile, sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis are put forward to illustrate the stability of the given final ranking result and the advantages and reliability of the constructed method. For alternative or strategy selection, this proposed approach can be used as a decision-making means when uncertainties are inherent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the globe, small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs') survival space has been increasingly constrained, and their financing challenges and costly concerns have also become more evident. With the emergence of the supply chain financing model, the problem of difficult financing for SMEs has been effectively alleviated. How to effectively improve the performance of supply chain financing for SMEs is a hot issue of common concern for both business and academic circles. This paper used 90 SMEs involved in supply chain financing business for a case study based on the "Technology-Organization-Environment" (TOE) framework, using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), and explored the linkage effects of technology, organization, and environmental conditions on SMEs' performance in improving supply chain financing and their path choices. The study found that: (1) individual conditions do not constitute a necessary condition for high/low supply chain financing performance. However, technical level preconditions play a more important role in shaping the high supply chain financing performance of firms. (2) The three preconditions at the technological, organizational, and environmental levels work together to form a diverse set of conditions that drive the high supply chain financing performance of firms. That is, the paths driving the high supply chain financing performance of SMEs are characterized by "different routes to the same destination." There are three different models: "technology-supply chain capability-driven," "IT-supply chain capability-driven," and "IS-supply chain capability-driven." (3) The degree of application of corporate information technology, information sharing capability, and supply chain capability, and the lack of environmental competitiveness are the reasons for the generation of the low supply chain financing performance of SMEs. The above research findings can provide a direct theoretical basis for enterprise supply chain financing practice and are of great practical significance in guiding Chinese SMEs on how to improve their supply chain financing performance. financing practice and are of great practical significance in guiding Chinese SMEs on how to improve their supply chain financing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the existing studies on maker-space focus on internal subjects (such as makers) or external factors (such as policy support, ecological environment, and more). There has been relatively little discussion on the design of a series of mechanisms of maker-space. This paper theorizes the operating mechanism for platform services, resource gathering, network connections and endogenous cultural protection for the maker-space. It uses the method of fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyze data from 63 maker-spaces in Zhejiang Province. The study proposes a reasonable mechanism design scheme for maker-space. The results show that the innovativeness of a maker-space is the result of the synergistic effect of various operating mechanisms. Among them, the platform service function, the channel for gathering resources, the formal linkages, and the culture for sharing achievements are indispensable support mechanisms for maker-spaces. Two effective ways to promote innovation in maker-space are outlined: first, preventing interventions from external resource providers; second, building an inclusive culture of trial and error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though urban renewal has attracted much attention in recent years, relatively few studies focus on the sustainability of urban renewal projects, which is surprising given the associated economic benefits. To fill this gap, we review 31 typical cases of urban renewal in China that have existed for over 10 years and utilize fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to identify causal configurations that lead to a high level of stakeholder satisfaction. Our findings show that: (1) there are four antecedent configurations that lead to the sustainability of urban renewal of urban renewal (these are: ~ preservation of history and culture * differentiation * project reformation * ~ incremental innovation; ~ preservation of history and culture * differentiation * commercial publicity * incremental innovation; preservation of history and culture * commercial publicity * ~ project reformation * incremental innovation; and preservation of history and culture * differentiation * ~ commercial publicity * project reformation * incremental innovation); (2) compared with other conditions, differentiation and incremental innovation play more important roles in the sustainability of urban renewal; and (3) not only the improvement of the environment but also the operation and management of projects should be considered carefully. This paper contributes to urban renewal literature and offers practical suggestions for sustainable urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main idea of this paper is the substantiation of the methodological approach to the assessment of personnel risks of enterprises based on the application of the fuzzy logic apparatus in order to identify the problems of personnel risk management and provide appropriate recommendations for their solution. The methodological basis of the study is the classic provisions and fundamental works of foreign and domestic scientists, statistical data, the results of our research into the problems of assessing personnel risks of enterprises. The methods of fuzzy set theory, comparative analysis, scientific abstraction, generalization of scientific experience of modern theoretical research, systemcomplex approach were used. The study proposed a methodological approach to assessing the level of personnel risks of an enterprise; numerical experiments were conducted on the basis of a group of construction equipment manufacturers. Analysis of the results of assessing the level of personnel risks of enterprises made it possible to identify the problems of managing personnel risks at enterprises. The proposed methodological approach to assessing the level of personnel risks of enterprises based on the apparatus of fuzzy logic allows, in contrast to existing ones, to integrate the consideration of both qualitative and quantitative indicators when assessing the level of personnel risks and personnel movement indicators and to significantly increase the efficiency of decision-making under conditions of uncertainty and reduce costs in the event of adverse situations. Using in practice a methodological approach to assessing the level of personnel risks of enterprises based on the apparatus of fuzzy logic allows us to analyze the level of personnel risk as a multi-element object that is closely related to the structured functioning of the enterprise and its capabilities; and expands the original basis for conclusions, which provides a more accurate assessment of the level of personnel risk and making a reasoned decision to reduce its level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remaining useful life (RUL) prediction is an essential task in ensuring reliability in intelligent manufacturing. Recent advances in deep learning-based data-driven methods have shown promising results. However, one non-ignorable challenge is that distribution shift across various machine individuals often results in a performance decline. Domain adaptation approaches appear to be effective in tackling this issue, whereas they often require sufficient unlabeled target data, which is causally infeasible in prognostic tasks in practical scenarios. In this paper, we discuss the significance of prognostic generalization for RUL prediction, and a domain generalization-based scheme is proposed. A domain conditional invariance and specificity disentanglement network (DCISD) is proposed to learn domain conditional-invariant and domain-specific information simultaneously in a unified network. Domain conditional-invariant features are extracted through conditional domain adversarial learning and samples are conditioned by multiple RUL fuzzy sets. Domain-specific features correlated to individual degradation patterns are disentangled to promote sufficiency of degradation information. Moreover, a degradation dynamics-based augmentation method is proposed to mitigate domain imbalance following the degradation dynamics in the latent space. Two bearing run-to-failure datasets are utilized to evaluate the proposed method. Comparative and ablation studies validate the method effectiveness and superiority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theory of T-spherical fuzzy (T-SF) sets possesses remarkable capability to manage intricate uncertain information. The REGIME method is a well-established technique concerning discrete choice analysis. This paper comes up with a multiple-criteria choice analysis approach supported by the REGIME structure for manipulating T-SF uncertainties. This paper constructs new-created measurements such as superiority identifiers and guide indices for relative attractiveness and fittingness, respectively, between T-SF characteristics. This study evolves the T-SF REGIME I and II prioritization procedures for decision support. The application and comparative studies exhibit the effectiveness and favorable features of the propounded T-SF REGIME methodology in real decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to build on recent efforts occurring within business-to-business (B2B) marketing research to advance methodological developments. As phenomena within B2B relationships have become increasingly complex, marketing scholars have begun to point out the limitations associated with correlation-based methodological approaches and highlight the need for new developments in this area. One such development is the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Design/methodology/approach: This study uses a literature review to examine the use of fsQCA in B2B marketing research. Findings: First, the current manuscript presents the benefits that the application of fsQCA can offer to market researchers investigating B2B phenomena. Second, the paper presents the current state of fsQCA use within B2B marketing. Third, it suggests possible marketing B2B research topics that can be explored using fsQCA. Originality/value: The study highlights the benefits of fsQCA, presents the current state of fsQCA use within B2B marketing and offers a rich future research agenda for B2B marketing scholars. This agenda can also help spur additional method developments in the discipline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As China continues to intensify its judicial reform efforts, there are multiple factors that influence the prohibition and prevention of torture in China. This issue leads to the main research question of the article: what factors influence the protection of human rights in China to achieve the prohibition and prevention of torture? This paper uses fuzzy set (fs)/qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to explore how the configurations of multiple factors influence the establishment of a strong human rights protection system, to achieve effective torture prevention and prohibition in China. This article will focus on the cases of torture that have been made public (1998–2021). When considering how to build a strong human rights protection system to achieve the prohibition and prevention of torture, it is necessary to identify the most effective combination of cooperation with international monitoring bodies, transparency, legislation and judicial practice, attention allocation on torture cases and independent monitoring bodies for torture prevention. The analysis concludes that: (1) there are three ways of configuration to establish effective torture prevention and prohibition, (2) active engagement with international monitoring bodies is key to establishing a high level of human rights protection, particularly concerning China's current mechanisms, and (3) the three types of configurations also provide solutions for future policy and decision-makers in China. This study contributes to demonstrates the benefits of fs/QCA in testing the complementarity of judicial practice and provides conceptual and empirical evidence for previously understudied factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In traditional manufacturing enterprises, there are common problems of low added value of products, low profit, and poor business performance. As a result, they endeavor to transform themselves into intelligent manufacturing. To help with their transformation, this paper proposes a decision support model for managers to improve the business performance under different configurations of supply chain concentration and staff structure. Through the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis, the membership degree is given to the variables, and then the configuration analysis is carried out. We find that, to facilitate intelligent manufacturing, the concentration degree of supply chain or the structure of employee education should be adjusted according to the results from the qualitative comparative analysis of fuzzy sets. Two configuration paths to improve business performance are found. When the supply chain concentration degree is relatively decentralized, manufacturing enterprises should expand the proportion of sales personnel and production personnel. In other words, when the sales personnel and production personnel reach the saturation state, low concentration of suppliers and customers is more conducive to the improvement of business performance. The configuration of high proportion of production personnel and low customer concentration tends to lock enterprises in the lower end of the value chain. Therefore, it is critical for enterprises to improve the education level of employees to transform into intelligent manufacturing and improve their business performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the decision-making process, it often happens that decision makers hesitate between several possible preference values, so the multiattribute decision-making (MADM) problem of hesitant triangle fuzzy elements (HTFEs) has been widely studied. In related research works, different operators are used to fuse information, and the weighting model is used to represent the degree of difference between information fusion on various indicators, but the mutual influence between information is often not considered. In this sense, the purpose of this paper is to study the MADM problem of the hesitant triangular fuzzy power average (HTFPA) operator. First, the hesitant triangular fuzzy power-weighted average operator (HTFPWA) and the hesitant triangular fuzzy power-weighted geometric (HTFPWG) operator are given, their properties are analyzed and special cases are discussed. Then, a MADM method based on the HTFPWA operator and the HTFPWG operator is developed, and an example of selecting futures products is used to illustrate the results of applying the proposed method to practical problems. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of the HTFPA operator are verified by comparative analysis with existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consistency has always been a hot topic in the study of decision-making based on preference relations. This paper focuses on the consistency of hesitant fuzzy linguistic preference relations (HFLPRs). Firstly, a new definition of the additive consistency of HFLPRs is given. Secondly, to examine whether an HFLPR is additively consistent, two equivalent programming models are constructed. Thirdly, for inconsistent HFLPRs, the corresponding consistency improvement model is further proposed, where only upper triangular elements in the HFLPRs are considered in view of the symmetry of HFLPRs. Using the consistency improvement model, an inconsistent HFLPR can be adjusted to the consistent one, which retains the original information as much as possible. Fourthly, a hesitant fuzzy linguistic weight vector is introduced and a programming model is constructed to derive the weight vector. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are illustrated by numerical examples and comparative analysis. This result demonstrates that the consistency model proposed considers each element of HFLPRs such that the consistent HFLPRs derived fully retain the original information. Moreover, only some preference values in the HFLPR are adjusted, and no preference value is out of range of the predefined HFLTSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite positioning lies within the very core of numerous Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and Future Internet applications. With the emergence of connected vehicles, the performance requirements of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are constantly pushed to their limits. To this end, Cooperative Positioning (CP) solutions have attracted attention in order to enhance the accuracy and reliability of low-cost GNSS receivers, especially in complex propagation environments. In this paper, the problem of efficient and robust CP employing low-cost GNSS receivers is investigated over critical ITS scenarios. By adopting a Cooperative-Differential GNSS (C-DGNSS) framework, the target's vehicle receiver can obtain Position–Velocity–Time (PVT) corrections from a neighboring vehicle and update its own position in real-time. A ranking module based on multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) algorithms is proposed for the neighboring vehicle rating and optimal selection. The considered MADM techniques are simulated with various weightings, normalization techniques, and criteria associated with positioning accuracy and reliability. The obtained criteria values are experimental GNSS measurements from several low-cost receivers. A comparative and sensitivity analysis are provided by evaluating the MADM algorithms in terms of ranking performance and robustness. The positioning data time series and the numerical results are then presented, and comments are made. Scoring-based and distance-based MADM methods perform better, while L1 RMS, HDOP, and Hz std are the most critical criteria. The multi-purpose applicability of the proposed scheme, not only for land vehicles, is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quadripartitioned single-valued neutrosophic set (QSVNS) is developed to understand the concept of indeterminacy more clearly. It takes care of the diverse approaches while dealing with uncertainty under single-valued neutrosophic environment. To make the QSVNS more functional and logical, the notion of quadripartioned single-valued neutrosophic Pythagorean set (QSVNPS) is introduced. In QSVNPS, the components T, C,U, F are dependent in such a manner that T + F < 1, C+U,1, and T² + C² +U² + F² < 2 . So, the QSVNPS is a powerful framework for modeling the imprecise human knowledge in a specific manner. To calculate the arithmetic operations, we consider the quadripartitioned single-valued neutrosophic Pythagorean numbers (QSVNPNs) associated with QSVNPSs. The main advantage of using QSVNPNs is that it allows the decision-makers to carry out the calculation on uncertain parameters. The present paper aims to study Dombi operators and to establish some new Dombi weight aggregate operators and develop some properties under QSVNPN environment for solving multi-criteria decision-making(MCDM) problems that we encounter in our day-to-day life process. Then we define the score and accuracy functions for ranking the QSVNPNs to choose the best-preferred alternative that goes through under a set of certain criteria. A model for MCDM problems based on Dombi operators under QSVNPNs has been introduced. To check the feasibility of the new approach, a numerical example is demonstrated that shows the effectiveness of the proposed model for multi-criteria decision-making. Finally, a comparative analysis between the rankings, obtained by using the proposed model, of the given set of alternatives under a certain set of criteria gives the optimal choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase of complex information in applications of decision making problems, the use of probabilistic hesitant fuzzy set structure has expanded. Therefore, this paper aims to present two new operators namely q-rung orthopair probabilistic hesitant fuzzy hybrid weighted arithmetic and geometric (q-ROPHHWAG) operator and q-rung orthopair probabilistic hesitant fuzzy hybrid ordered weighted arithmetic and geometric (q-ROPHHOWAG) operator for q>0. The presented operators are better than existing operators in many respects as adding a new parameter, having more flexible structure and presenting comparative analysis in its own. Moreover, we mention from some properties of the proposed operators. In addition to, we give an algorithm and example to indicate effective, reality and flexible of presented method and operators. Then, we solve an example over Pythagorean probabilistic hesitant fuzzy sets with our operators and the results are agreement and the offered operators have superior effect than other operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Creation of a parameterized circular intuitionistic fuzzy (C-IF) scoring mechanism. • Rational C-IF scoring outcomes through the proposed parameterized scoring rule. • Allowing customization of parameters to align with decision-makers' preferences. • C-IF assignment modeling through the parameterized C-IF scoring framework. • Demonstrating its advantages through practical applications and comparative study. The notion of circular intuitionistic fuzzy (C-IF) sets, which utilizes a malleable circle to depict uncertainties and encompasses membership and non-membership constituents at its core, constitutes a progressive advancement of standard intuitionistic fuzzy sets. This paper concerns the utilization of a C-IF assignment model along with a parameterized scoring rule for a methodology involving multiple criteria assessment. This study introduces a novel parameterized C-IF scoring function, addressing limitations in current scoring methodologies. The newly proposed scoring function incorporates datum and allocating parameters, offering enhanced adaptability and practicality. Unlike some existing C-IF scoring functions, this parameterized function effectively accounts for the radius of uncertainty, ensuring more accurate and reliable C-IF number comparisons. Comparative assessments with other scoring techniques demonstrate the superiority and stability of proposed function across various C-IF datasets. This newly introduced scoring function proves valuable in addressing multiple criteria assessment challenges within C-IF contexts, providing decision analysts with a dependable tool for complex decision-making scenarios. This research delves into real-world instances, including supplier assessment and healthcare waste disposal, illustrating a practical implementation of the model. Additionally, a comparison study and investigation have been done to emphasize the benefits of the parameterized C-IF scoring procedure employed in the postulated C-IF assignment methodology. This study offers substantial contributions, encompassing: (i) devotion to the establishment of a parameterized C-IF scoring methodology, (ii) assurance of consistent and rational C-IF scoring outcomes through the proposed parameterized scoring rule, (iii) the methodology's flexibility, allowing customization of parameters to align with decision-makers' preferences, (iv) improvement in the stability of C-IF assignment modeling through the parameterized C-IF scoring framework, and (v) demonstrated its practical viability through real-world applications in tackling challenges associated with multiple criteria assessment in C-IF contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we develop to a new operator which Interval Valued Bipolar Fuzzy Prioritized Weighted Dombi Averaging operator (IVBFPWDA) by using together IVBFS and Dombi operators. This construction is important because of presenting priotrized flexible approach. The soft concept provides to rank into its own structure. Thus, the obtained rankings act to find to ideal alternative and non-ideal alternative for many k values. Then, the some properties of this concept are introduced like addition, scalar multiplication, scalar power, multiplication. Moreover, we present to score function over (IVBFSs) [8] for ranking of aggregated values. Also, the offered operator is applied over an investment example under the Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method with five steps. Firstly, the components of Decision Making Matrix are turned into aggregated values thanks to IVBFPWDA and score values are calculated. The obtained values are ranked and determined the most desired alternative. The results show that our operator is reality, objective and agreement in its own. Also, a comparative analysis is proposed by using Hamacher operators over Interval Valued Bipolar fuzzy sets (IVBFSs) [8]. As can be seen from comparison analysis, the results are agreement. But our defined operator has several advantages than operators over IVBFS for example; our operator is flexible and variable. Thus; prefer, need and requirement of decision makers can be satisfied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multiple set is a generalized version of a fuzzy set that deals with the uncertainty of an object along with its multiplicity. This work is a comparative analysis of the fundamental conclusions based on the cardinality of the classical set and fuzzy set. Several classical results based on fuzzy cardinality are then generalized to multiple set theory. An introduction to the concept of the power set of a multiple set is made, along with some basic results that support it. Furthermore, an extensive analysis of the power set properties of the fuzzy set is also carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using different interaction channels within open innovation partnerships holds the potential to enhance the chance of success in production sectors. However, our comprehension of how open innovation partnerships are affected by varying combinations of interaction channels, and how this corelates with their level of open innovation output, remains limited. There are discrepancies in the current literature regarding the individual and combined effects of open innovation interaction channels. Our study aims to resolve these inconsistencies by using a configurational perspective, which allows for the identification of multiple successful pathways. Employing fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to a dataset of European open innovation partnerships in production sectors, we uncover specific combinations of interaction channels that explain high levels of innovation outcomes. Subsequently, we distinguish between two successful pathways. Notably, we observe that the relationship between interaction channels is causally complex, high engagement in open innovation may not guarantee favorable innovation outcomes. This finding highlights the intricate causal dynamics at play. Thus, our study is a significant step toward reconciling the disparate perspectives in the literature concerning the impact of interaction channels on open innovation output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the core factors and configurations influencing parenting efficacy for fathers of children with ASD in Western China by using a configuration analysis. Background: Understanding the push-pull factors related to parenting efficacy for fathers raising children with ASD can support the fathers of children with ASD to participate in education affairs and improve the quality of family education, which is of significant importance to both individuals and society. This study recruited 156 fathers of children with ASD from China. Results: The results suggested that there was more than one (sub) configuration for achieving a high level of parenting efficacy among fathers of children with ASD. (b) The configurations could be summarized into three main types as follows: "working within the system*flexible working time," "high level of education*high level of other support," and "severe disability*fewer interaction with wife." (c) The two variables, "family income" and "community support," were not as important as they were shown in previous studies, and their effects often depended on how they interact with other variables. Conclusions: Findings highlighted the validity of deploying configuration analysis (based on the ecosystem theory) to establish the relationship between independent variables and the parenting efficacy of fathers of children with ASD. The discovery of more than one configuration led to a new consensus on how multiple factors influence parenting efficacy. Implications were suggested for practitioners, policymakers, and future research alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to develop a hybrid emergency decision-making (EDM) method by combining best–worst method (BWM), multi-attributive border approximation area comparison (MABAC) and prospect theory (PT) in trapezoidal interval type-2 fuzzy rough (TrIT2FR) environment. In this hybrid method, the decision information is represented by trapezoidal interval type-2 fuzzy rough numbers (TrIT2FRNs). Firstly, this paper defines the TrIT2FRN and analyzes its desirable properties. Then, the TrIT2FR-BWM is developed to determine criteria weights. To develop the TrIT2FR-BWM , this paper completes the following three core issues: (i) propose an effective theorem to normalize the TrIT2FR weights; (ii) build a crisp programming model to transform the minmax objective of weight-determining model for the TrIT2FR-BWM ; (iii) design a consistency ratio for the TrIT2FR-BWM to check the reliability of the determined criteria weights. Afterwards, this paper extends the classical MABAC into TrIT2FR environment to calculate the border approximation area (BAA). Subsequently, the PT is used to rank the alternatives, in which the calculated BAA is selected as the reference point. Lastly, the validity of the proposed method is certificated with a real site selection case of makeshift hospitals on COVID-19. Sensitivity analysis and comparative analyses are conducted to illustrate the robustness and superiorities of the proposed method. Some valuable results are summarized as follows: (i) the best alternative determined by the proposed method conforms with the actual selection result, (ii) the proposed models in the TrIT2FR-BWM have strong robustness, (iii) PT is helpful to improve the decision quality of EDM. • Define the TrIT2FRN and analyzes its desirable properties. • The TrIT2FR-BWM is developed to determine criteria weights. • Extend the classical MABAC into TrIT2FR environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue this study explores is to investigate the determinants of smart tourism destinations (STDs) on tourists' experiences. To address this issue, this study purports to identify different configuration paths of determinants that lead to tourists' positive experiences in STDs and explain the mechanism of the configuration effects of different determinants. The fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method was adopted to conduct a survey on 266 tourists who went to five Chinese STDs between 2021 and 2022. Smart tourism technologies, smart destination governance, personalized service, and smart infrastructure, co-creation formed distinct combination paths through different configurations. The findings demonstrated that smart infrastructure and co-creation are necessary conditions to arouse tourists' positive experiences. The results of fsQCA analysis further revealed five causal configurations leading to tourists' positive experiences. The study provides theoretical and practical implications for STDs to design effective tourism services as well as enhance tourists' overall experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of promoting green products in an effort to reduce carbon emissions relies heavily on understanding the mechanisms that influence green purchasing behavior. These mechanisms, however, remain both controversial and unclear, necessitating a thorough investigation to identify and decipher their underlying impacts. This paper presents a comprehensive dual-study analysis employing a mixed-methods approach to demystify this subject. Our first study tests the "net effect" mechanism of a theoretical model based on responses from 611 questionnaires from Chinese customers. Utilizing hierarchical regression analysis and Bootstrap confidence intervals, we examine the main effect, mediating effect, moderating effect, and moderated mediating effect to construct a more distinct "net effect" model than previously available. In the second study, the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method (fs-QCA) is employed to examine the different antecedent variables affecting green purchasing behavior. The findings show no single determinant is essential; instead, green purchasing behavior follows three distinct patterns - namely, internal autogenous, environment-oriented, and individual profit-driven. Further analysis reveals that each pattern hinges on "green trust" to facilitate green purchasing behavior. The findings offer significant contributions to the understanding of the role environmental values play in green purchasing behavior. Moreover, it furnishes empirical insights that fostering consumers toward low-carbon consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As two powerful and flexible tools for decision-makers (DMs) to model the complex cognition, the hesitant fuzzy set (HFS) and hesitant fuzzy linguistic term set (HFLTS) allow DMs to express their opinions with several possible membership values or linguistic terms on the objects over each criterion. The aim of this article is to develop a novel score function of the HFS and HFLTS including hesitant degree and fuzzy degree information. For this purpose, the notion of fuzzy degree of the hesitant fuzzy element (HFE) and hesitant fuzzy linguistic element (HFLE) is introduced first. Then, considering both the hesitant degree and fuzzy degree information in expressions, the new score function, namely the Score-H&FD, is designed. Based on which, we extend the classical SMART (simple multi-attribute rating technique) method to the hesitant fuzzy environment. As a result, the hesitant fuzzy SMART (HF-SMART) method is developed in this article. Afterwards, we apply our proposed approach to assess and rank several teachers concerning information literacy. Finally, sensitive analysis and comparative analysis are carried out. The results show that the proposed method in this article has substantial advantages and applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of Internet tools virtually increases the work connectivity behavior after-hours (WCBA), is becoming increasingly common. Previous studies have found that WCBA has a double-edged sword effect on turnover intention (TI), but the configuration effect had been ignored. To investigate the configuration effect of WCBA, internal factors (i.e., psychological capital and mindfulness), and external factors (i.e., family-to-work conflict and social support), on TI. A total of 305 participants have been collected using convenience sampling. A questionnaire that covers six personal and contextual scales of the WCBA, psychological capital (PsyCap), mindfulness, family-to-work conflict (FWC), social support (SS), and TI, was used to gather data. Adhering to configurational theory, the study was conducted using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). it was revealed that seven antecedent configurations could achieve high TI, among them, WCBA existed in S4 and S6 but was absent in S5 and S7. Moreover, WCBA can exist and be absent in S1-S3 simultaneously; and for the 13 configurations that achieve low level of TI, WCBA can exist or not. Therefore, although the achievement of low level of TI is to some extent influenced by WCBA, it relies more on the influence of other factors (i.e., PsyCap, mindfulness, ∼ FWC, and SS). The study proves that WCBA has a double-edged effect on TI. The absence of FWC and existence of SS, PsyCap, and mindfulness are critical variables to buffer the loss of psychological resources caused by WCBA and recover psychological resources in time. These results may be helpful to recognize the negative effect of WCBA existence, accompanied with the absence of mindfulness on TI; also, the absence of SS was as crucial as the existence of FWC in the process of achieving high level of TI. Plain Language Summary: The configurational effect of work connectivity behavior on turnover intention This study investigates the double-edged sword effect of WCBA on TI from a configuration perspective. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 324 enterprise employees, and the results showed that: (a) Seven configurations achieve high level of TI. When WCBA exists, for the internal factor, compared with PsyCap, the absence of mindfulness was a more critical factor leading to TI; for the external factor, the absence of SS was as crucial as the existence of FWC in the process of achieving high level of TI. (b) 13 configurations achieve low level of TI, which can be divided into seven categories based on the existence of core conditions. When WCBA exists, as long as FWC does not exist or PsyCap or SS exists, low level of TI can be achieved. (c) The absence of mindfulness is the critical cause of high level of TI, but the existence of mindfulness is not the critical cause of low level of TI. The existence of PsyCap is a critical factor in achieving low level of TI, but the absence of PsyCap is not the critical factor leading to high level of TI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Risk-taking is a key factor in corporate competitive advantage, and economic development. The type of strategic configuration that can drive high-level risk-taking is a problem worthy of attention. This study takes 2,219 listed firms in China as samples and performs a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore the linkage effect and path choice of strategic change, corporate social responsibility, innovation, diversification, and financialization with corporate risk-taking (CRT). It finds that: (a) a single strategy does not constitute a necessary condition for high-level CRT; (b) three types of adaptive schemes exist for high-level CRT, among which the risk-taking level is the highest under the path of "Innovation, diversification, and financialization"; and (c) the driving paths of CRT in different regions, industries, and ownership show obvious differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Wasserstein method measures the distance between two Z-numbers. • The Exp-TODIM method for MADM is built on the Z-Wasserstein distance. • A case study for choosing a reasonable carbon storage site is given. • The sensitivity analysis is given to illustrate the stability of the method. • Some comparative analysis is used to state the advantages of the method. Z-numbers, as relatively emerging fuzzy numbers, are to a large extent close to human language. For this reason, the Z-number is a powerful tool for representing expert evaluation information. However, the Z-number is more complex than the general structure of fuzzy numbers since it consists of both the fuzzy restriction A and the reliability measure B. As a result, calculating of the Z-number is a very complex process. This paper uses a modified Wasserstein distance to measure the distance between two Z-numbers, which avoids the loss of information better than the existing metric. Then a new decision model is constructed by combining the Z-Wasserstein distance with the exponential TODIM method(exp-TODIM), which is less susceptible to changes in parameters and has good stability. Next, a detailed example of choosing a reasonable carbon storage site is given to illustrate the feasibility of the exp-TODIM method with wasserstein distance. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is given to illustrate the stability of the method, and a comparative analysis is used to state the advantages of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a model of the combination of nostalgia and creative products, ethnic cultural heritage carry the function of shaping and spreading geo-culture. Its unique geo-cultural context, as a link, shows the historical inheritance of local culture. The deep deconstruction of its emotional identity helps to strengthen this identity and stimulate more cultural and creative designs with national and local characteristics. While culture prospers, the local cultural and creative economy is strengthened and cultural confidence and national self-confidence are further enhanced. Based on the New Year paintings of Wuqiang in Hebei, which have a strong folk vernacular and geo-cultural character in northern China, in the process of using the reconstructed pattern elements for clothing design, 156 questionnaires were collected through questionnaire interviews and fsQCA was used to analyze the emotional identity of products with high geo-cultural recognition. The study finds that while the injection of regional culture plays a role in the development of products, people's emotional identification with vernacular cultural and creative products actually depends on a combination of causal paths, with beauty and elegance more important than place and humanity as commonly believed to reflect geographic cultural identity. fsQCA was used to analyze the emotional identity of products with high geo-cultural recognition. And understand the emotional components of vernacular cultural products and how emotional factors influence people's identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study introduces a decision-making approach with the combined compromise solution (CoCoSo) under intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) named as the IF-CoCoSo method based on proposed divergence measures and score function. The aim of the presented approach is to obtain an effective solution for multi-criteria decision-making problems on IFSs context. In this line, a new procedure is presented to derive the criteria weights using generalized score function and parametric divergence measures of IFSs. To compute the criteria weight, a generalized score function and parametric divergence measures are developed on IFSs and discussed some interesting properties. Further, the presented approach is applied to rank and evaluate therapies for medical decision making problems, which demonstrates its applicability and feasibility. Finally, comparative and sensitivity analyses are discussed for validating the developed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study highlights the role of a high-speed railway system in driving the tourism industry, as the tourism market prepares to achieve sustainable development after the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the example of southwestern China, this study summarizes the configuration patterns of sustainable tourism development based on the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis method, and subsequently uses the gravity model to express its core factor based on the ArcGIS platform. The study found that the tourism development pattern in this area was not homogenous, but rather a combination of six equivalent patterns (namely configured pattern). Tourism Economic Connection was the core variable to promote tourism development. Therefore, based on the configurational theory, each city should determine its own pattern and accordingly develop strengths as well as complement weaknesses. Furthermore, determined by the complexity theory, cities should capitalize on the strength of the high-speed railway system and learn from the accomplishments realized in other cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrepreneurship scholars argue that effective storytelling is critical to the fundraising process, yet scholars rarely examine how the inclusion of core story elements in resource appeals such as characters, plot, or setting impacts fundraising effectiveness. Drawing from narrative theory and research on narrative analysis, we examine how the inclusion of fundamental story elements impacts fundraising in 359 crowdfunding campaigns. We leverage a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis to provide a holistic exploration of how story elements shape funding and reveal five storytelling configurations that yield superior funding performance. We then unpack the theoretical and practical implications of our findings to provide a deeper understanding of storytelling in resource acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of the article is to explore the configurations of dynamic capability activities and the global mindset attributes of managers that lead to international opportunity recognition. Particularly, sensing capability, seizing capability, transforming capability, networking capability, cognition, knowledge, and behaviour. Research Design & Methods: This was a quantitative study that uses a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyse how different combinations of sensing capability, seizing capability, transforming capability, networking capability, cognition, knowledge and behaviour are related to the international opportunity recognition (IOR). The sample was made up of a manager from 21 Mexican micro and small companies in the information technology (IT) sector. All the analyses were performed in the QCA package in R. Findings: The findings suggest that without seizing capability, international opportunity recognitions cannot occur, and other conditions cannot compensate for their absences. There are three causal paths derived from dynamic capabilities and a global mindset that explain when managers of firms recognize opportunities abroad. Findings also show that the seizing and networking conditions are present in the three causal paths that lead to IOR. There are no paths that lead to international opportunity recognitions without the presence of seizing and networking, reflecting their relative importance in guaranteeing IOR. On the other hand, the results show the asymmetric causality of the IOR, in which different sets of conditions are observable for the occurrence and non-occurrence of the IOR, which does not constitute a reversal of the same conditions. Implications & Recommendations: The results confirm that managers seeking to recognize international opportunities can benefit from a high level of dynamic capabilities, self-efficacy, and a global mindset. These factors can be reinforced by investing in training, education, or experiential learning; or by recruiting a manager with high levels of these factors. In the same way, policymakers can establish programs that allow the reinforcement of these factors. Finally, given the smaller sample size, future research can test this framework across larger datasets, contexts, and time to test the model's reliability. Contribution & Value Added: The results of this study reinforce the existing literature on the effect of manager dynamic capabilities and global mindset on IOR. It helps to verify the assumptions of Andersson and Evers (2015) and Tabares et al. (2021) about manager-level factors that influence IOR, by showing that the combination of explanatory conditions derived from dynamic capabilities and a global mindset explains when a manager recognizes opportunities abroad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study builds upon the venture growth literature and venture legitimation mechanisms and investigates how venture firms in China can acquire legitimacy and necessary resources from state stakeholders for venture growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. To offer a context-specific perspective of Chinese ventures' legitimation strategies, we discuss that under Chinese state capitalism, these ventures need to follow lingering socialist values, such as equality and social stability, to be recognized as appropriate business operations by state audiences. Furthermore, we discuss that access to necessary resources for venture growth is limited during crises. Based on the understanding of particular contexts of Chinese state capitalism and the COVID-19 pandemic, we examine how various sets of a venture's identity, associative, and organizational mechanisms influence venture growth during crises in China. In addition, we consider serial entrepreneurship as a contextual factor affecting the effectiveness of causal effects. This study applies the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis method to take a configurational approach and identify multiple concurrent causality of legitimacy mechanisms on venture growth. We conduct a survey and analyze data from 107 entrepreneurs of Chinese technology ventures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings show that Chinese ventures with or without repeat entrepreneurs can actively utilize various sets of legitimation mechanisms to acquire legitimacy and necessary resources from Chinese state audiences for venture growth during adversity. This study provides comprehensive understanding and practical implications on Chinese ventures' legitimation strategies for venture growth during crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Are stakeholder management and innovation substitutes or complements in affecting firm performance? Extant research provides support for both positions and thus leaves us with a puzzle. We conduct an exploratory fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) of 204 publicly listed European firms combining survey and archival data to formulate theory on how stakeholder management and innovation work (in)effectively together. Distinguishing between internal and external stakeholders and exploitative and exploratory innovation, we elaborate that managing for stakeholders and innovation can be both substitutes and complements depending on a set of contingencies. We discuss boundary conditions and implications for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambidextrous innovation is an essential way for enterprises to respond to environmental changes and create competitive advantage. This study constructs the "technology-organization-environment" (TOE) framework of enterprise ambidextrous innovation, aiming to explore the configuration effect of the linkage matching of technology, organization, and environment on enterprise ambidextrous innovation and the differentiated driving mode of enterprise ambidextrous innovation. In the study, the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is used to conduct an empirical study on the samples of 34 listed companies on the Science and Technology Innovation Board. The findings are as follows: (1) technical conditions (hardware facilities and software facilities), organizational conditions (human capital investment and R&D investment), and environmental conditions (market competition and government subsidies) are not necessary conditions for ambidextrous innovation individually; (2) there are three driven paths of ambidextrous innovation, namely, the technology-driven path under the pressure of market competition, the technology-promoted path under government support, and the resource-rich proactive change path. The conclusion has enlightening significance for guiding enterprises to attach importance to the technology and organizational conditions in the process of enterprise ambidextrous innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School climate's dynamic effect on student is widely explored in the study in different subjects; however, quietly, a few types of research concentrate on comparing different dimensions of school climate's effect on student and the influence path in different countries. To analyze and compare the school climate's mechanism in different countries' basic education system, this article used a comparative method to explore the explanation of school climate on school students' performance. With the application of 73 countries' panel data from the PISA database, the author calculated the different school climate combinations' consistency and coverage in relation to school students' performance by fs-QCA. The author found that the punctuality of students and the classroom discipline can explain the good performance of students. It also found that the combination of multidimensional school climate has a higher explanatory power than a single factor. Finally, this study ends with countermeasures and suggestions which include improving the school climate of the regional education system and improving the utility of school climate through the appropriate mix of school climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates multiplicative consistency ascertaining, inconsistency repairing, and weights derivation for hesitant multiplicative preference relations (HMPRs). First, the completely multiplicative consistency and weakly multiplicative consistency of HMPRs are defined. Based on them, 0–1 mixed programming models and simple algebraic operations are proposed to ascertain the multiplicative consistency of HMPRs. Then, some goal programming models are developed to generate the weights from consistent HMPRs and to revise inconsistent HMPRs. An integrated procedure to manage the multiplicative consistencies of HMPRs is designed. The proposed methods are also extended to accommodate incomplete HMPRs, and to estimate missing values. Finally, some numerical examples, a comparative analysis with existent approaches, and a simulation analysis are included to illustrate the practicality and effectiveness of the developed models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 crisis poses considerable threats to public health, and exploring the key configuration conditions of the public behavior response is very important for emergency risk management.Objective: This study attempts to reveal differences in the conditional configuration and mechanism of public behavior based on the proposed framework, further make up for the deficiencies of existing research in explaining such issues as "How to promote the public's protective behavior or reduce the public's excessive behavior?" and finally provide new evidence and ideas for the government to improve the emergency management system.Methods: A total of 735 valid cases were obtained using an online survey and revealed the conditional configuration and mechanism of public behavior differences through a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis based on the proposed public behavioral framework.Results: The results show that critical factors including risk communication, trust, risk perception, and negative emotions alone did not constitute a necessary condition for public protective or excessive behavior. The different configurations of influencing factors reveal the complexity of public behavioral risk management, and taking adequate measures to increase public trust and reduce negative public emotions constitute the core path of risk management to enhance positive public behavior.Conclusions: The configurations of various influencing factors reveal the complexity of public behavioral risk management. For behavioral risk management, governments should focus on adapting to multiple conditions according to their situations and, under the "overall perspective," formulate policies based on local conditions and further form a differentiated risk management path. Practically speaking, for the government, taking adequate measures to increase public trust and reduce negative public emotions is the core path of risk management to enhance positive public behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers' decision-making is complex and diverse in terms of gender. Different social, psychological, and economic factors mold the decision-making preferences of consumers. Most researchers used a variance-based approach to explain consumer decision-making that assumes symmetric relationship between variables. We have collected data from 468 smartwatch users and applied a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fs QCA) to explain and compare male and female consumers' decision-making complexity. f sQCA assumes that an asymmetric relationship between variables can exist in the real world, and different combinations of variables can lead to the same output. Results explain that different variables have a core and secondary level of impact on consumer decision-making. Hence, we can not claim that certain factors are significant or insignificant for decision-making. fs QCA results revealed that cost value, performance expectancy, and social influence play a key role in consumers' buying decisions. This study has contributed to the existing literature by explaining consumer decision-making by applying configuration and complexity theories and identifying unique solutions for both genders. A major contribution to theoretical literature was also made by this research, which revealed the complexity of consumer purchasing decisions made for new products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research suggests that market-supporting institutions are attractive to international venture capital (IVC), yet paradoxically VC firms increasingly invest in countries characterized by institutional weaknesses. In this study, we explore the institutional contexts that make countries attractive to IVC investment and favorable to IVC performance, thus illuminating the implied risk-reward tradeoffs in IVC firm location choice and ability to navigate institutional weaknesses. Utilizing fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), we find four distinct configurations of institutions associated with IVC attractiveness. Each configuration allows for some institutional weaknesses, enabling us to elaborate theory on institutional complementarities and substitutions that drive IVC investment. Further, we find that IVC firms have performed well even in countries with pervasive institutional weaknesses, suggesting that IVC firms may uniquely contribute to the success of new ventures in such institutional contexts. We discuss implications for theory and offer policy and managerial recommendations particularly relevant to IVC activity in the Asia-Pacific region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study assesses the relevance of several factors that the literature on the substance use of adolescents considers relevant. The factors embed individual variables, such as gender or age; factors linked with parental style; and variables that are associated with the teenager's social environment. Methods: The study applies complementarily ordered logistic regression (OLR) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) in a sample of 1935 teenagers of Tarragona (Spain). Results: The OLR showed that being female (OR = 0.383; p < 0.0001), parental monitoring (OR = 0.587; p = 0.0201), and religiousness (OR = 0.476; p = 0.006) are significant inhibitors of cannabis consumption. On the other hand, parental tolerance to substance use (OR = 42.01; p < 0.0001) and having close peers that consume substances (OR = 5.60; p < 0.0001) act as enablers. The FsQCA allowed for fitting the linkages between the factors from a complementary perspective. (1) The coverage (cov) and consistency (cons) attained by the explanatory solutions of use (cons = 0.808; cov = 0.357) are clearly lower than those obtained by the recipes for nonuse (cons = 0.952; cov = 0.869). (2) The interaction of being male, having a tolerant family to substance use, and peer attitudes toward substances are continuously present in the profiles that are linked to a risk of cannabis smoking. (3) The most important recipe that explains resistance to cannabis is simply parental disagreement with substance consumption. Conclusions: On the one hand, the results of the OLR allow for determining the strength of an evaluated risk or protective factors according to the value of the OR. On the other hand, the fsQCA allows for the identification not only of profiles where there is a high risk of cannabis use, but also profiles where there is a low risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Post-acquisition control is a crucial factor affecting acquisition performance. We investigate how post-acquisition control strategy affects cross-border acquisition performance of Chinese multinational enterprises (MNEs) through a configurational perspective. Design/methodology/approach: Based on 70 cross-border acquisition cases by Chinese MNEs, we adopt fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to study the combined effects of strategic control, operational control, institutional distance, cultural distance, relative capacity and business relatedness on the cross-border acquisition performance. Findings: On the basis of fuzzy set analysis of multiple interdependent factors, we identify six configurations that are conductive to achieving high cross-border acquisition performance and two configurations that relate to the absence of high performance, thus shedding light on the casually complex nature of performance drivers of acquisitions. Originality/value: This study provides a holistic, configurational approach to investigating cross-border acquisition performance by emerging market firms. Our results provide some compelling evidence that accounts for the causal complexity of post-acquisition control strategies and acquisition outcomes in the context of emerging economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the conditions that explain leading think tanks' successful strategies for the growth of world media representation of the European Union's (EU) international economic policy (N = 19). A fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was developed throughout 2009–2018, which begins with the euro crisis. The causal conditions used are: the years of experience of each think tank; the attributes of its media representation (number of languages in which they spread their messages in the media, thematic concentration, and media concentration); and the macroeconomic characteristics of the countries from which they carry out their main activity (competitiveness and belonging to the euro). This data has been obtained through Factiva® (Dow Jones & Company©), the Global Competitiveness Index (World Economic Forum), and the European Central Bank. The core conditions analysis shows the importance of the think tank experience and the diversity of languages for their successful strategies. Likewise, the different pathways suggest that the thematic concentration and membership of the euro are sufficient conditions to explain the increased influence of the EU think tanks on the international public agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuzzy set theory and its extended form have been widely used in multiple-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problems, among which the interval-valued q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets (IVq-ROFSs) got a lot of attention for its ability of capturing information denoted by interval values. Based on the previous studies, to find a better solution for fusing qualitative quantization information with fuzzy numbers, we propose a novel definition of interval-valued q-rung orthopair uncertain linguistic sets (IVq-ROULSs) based on the linguistic scale functions, as well as its corresponding properties, such as operational rules and the comparison method. Furthermore, we utilize the power Muirhead mean operators to construct the information fusion method, and provide a variety of aggregation operators based on the proposed information description environment. A model framework is constructed for solving the MAGDM problem utilizing the proposed method. Finally, we illustrate the performance of the new method and investigate its advantages and superiorities through comparative analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, to synthesize the merits of interaction operational laws (IOLs), rough numbers (RNs), power average (PA) and Heronian mean (HM), a new notion of T-spherical fuzzy rough numbers (T-SFRNs) is first introduced to describe the intention of group experts accurately and take the interaction between individual experts into account with complete and symmetric information. The distance measure and ordering rules of T-SFRNs are proposed, and the IOLs of T-SFRNs are extended. Next, the PA and HM are combined based on the IOLs of T-SFRNs, and the T-Spherical fuzzy rough interaction power Heronian mean operator and its weighted form are proposed. These aggregation operators can accurately express both individual and group uncertainty using T-SFRNs, capture the interaction among membership degree, abstinence degree and non-membership degree of T-SFRNs by employing IOLs, ensure the overall balance of variable values by the PA in the process of information fusion, and realize the interrelationship between attribute variables by the HM. Several properties and special cases of these aggregation operators are further presented and discussed. Subsequently, a new approach for dealing with T-spherical fuzzy multiple attribute group decision-making problems based on proposed aggregation operator is developed. Lastly, in order to validate the feasibility and reasonableness of the proposed approach, a numerical example is presented, and the superiorities of the proposed method are illustrated by describing a sensitivity analysis and a comparative analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]