A Discussion on “Pythagorean fuzzy AHP based risk assessment methodology for hazardous material transportation: an application in Istanbul”

Ayyildiz et al. (Environmental Science and Pollution Research (2021), 1-13) pointed out that it is important to identify and minimize the critical risks in the transportation of hazardous material. For the same, Ayyildiz et al. proposed an effective integrated decision-making methodology by combining the Modified Delphi Method (MDM) and Pythagorean fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (PF-AHP). In this integrated methodology, PF-AHP method is utilized to obtain weights of main and sub-risk factors in order to rank these factors. In Step 5 of PF-AHP method an interval valued Pythagorean fuzzy pairwise comparison matrix is transformed into a crisp matrix and then crisp AHP is applied to obtain the normalized weights from the transformed crisp matrix. It is quite evident that the crisp AHP is used only for crisp pairwise comparison matrix. However, after a deep study, it is observed that the transformed crisp matrix, obtained on applying the steps of Ayyildiz et al. methodology, violates the reciprocal propriety of pairwise comparison matrix. Therefore, to apply crisp AHP on the transformed crisp matrix is mathematically incorrect and will lead to problematic decision-making approach. Hence, may result in a heavy loss in any value-added model such as hazardous material transportation problems. Therefore, the Ayyildiz et al. methodology is not valid in its present form and cannot be used to find the solution of such type of real-life problem. Keeping the same in mind, the focus of this discussion is to make the researchers aware about these mathematical incorrect assumptions and the necessary modification is suggested.

Assessment of Risk and Uncertainty Factors Inherent in Nigerian Highway Project Using Analytical Hierarchical Process

The study presents a framework through which risk and uncertainties in Nigeria highway projects can be appraised using the analytical hierarchical process model. Pairwise comparison matrix was performed on eleven (11) risk and uncertainty factors that affect highway project performance through a questionnaire survey conducted among two hundred and four (204) respondents, which involved various stakeholders in the highway construction industry using Saaty’s AHP rating scale. The relative weights (significance/impact level) of each of the highway risk factors were estimated during the AHP model development. The results in descending order of risk factors priorities are Standard & Regulations (S&R), Construction (C), Project Staff (PS), Project Sponsor (PSp), Design (D), Project Finance (PF), Economic (E), Equipment (EQ), Environmental & Geotechnical (En&G), Site Location (SL) and Subcontractor (S) with impact levels of 16.6%, 14.2%, 13.9%, 13%, 12.7%, 12.2%, 10.8%, 9.8%, 6.2%, 4.2%, and 3.8% respectively. The model was validated using the statistical consistency test, with the model showing a consistency ratio equal to 0.1. The model was then applied to five (5) highway construction projects which had been constructed to predict the ones with the most and least risks. The result was in tandem with that which was given by the project managers from experiences on the project. This study showed that the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) decision support model can effectively be used for risk assessment and prioritization of highway construction projects for efficient resource utilization in Nigeria.

Hybrid Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Analysis for Selecting Discrete Preferable Groundwater Recharge Sites

This study proposes a hybrid fuzzy multi-criteria methodology for the selection of the most preferable site for applying managed aquifer recharge (MAR) systems by utilizing floodwaters. The use of MAR can increase water resources for later water utilization in case of drought. In this multi-criteria problem, seven recharge sites are under consideration, based on nine criteria, aiming to make a final list of their relative ranking. A fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) based on the logarithmic fuzzy preference programming (LFFP) method is used to determine the weights of criteria. LFFP is an optimization-based method that produces a priority vector from a fuzzy pairwise comparison matrix. Furthermore, fuzzy inference systems (FIS) based on the Mamdani approach are used to estimate the rating of each alternative with respect to the criterion examined, and then the final evaluation of the alternatives is obtained. A FIS is a fuzzy if–then rule-based system where the experts’ qualitative knowledge is translated into numerical reasoning for each individual criterion. The proposed methodology is applied in the aquifer system of the agricultural plain located to the southeast of the city of Xanthi in the Prefecture of Xanthi, NE Greece.

SISTEM PENDUKUNG KEPUTUSAN PENERIMAAN BEASISWA BIDIKMISI DI UINSA DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY PROCESS (AHP)

<p class="AfiliasiCxSpFirst" align="left"><strong>Abstrak:</strong></p><p class="AfiliasiCxSpMiddle"> Beasiswa merupakan pemberian bantuan biaya pendidikan kepada mahasiswa yang mampu dalam bidang akademik tetapi tidak dalam perekonomian. Namun masih sering terjadi kendala dalam pemrosesan seleksi pendaftar beasiswa, yaitu banyaknya kriteria yang harus diperhatikan dan banyaknya data pendaftar sehingga pengambilan keputusan menjadi relatif lebih sulit. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah memberikan alternatif dalam pengambilan keputusan penerima bantuan beasiswa untuk mahasiswa fakultas sains dan teknologi UINSA dengan menggunakan metode <em>Analytical Hierarchy Process (</em>AHP). Data yang diolah adalah data primer yang diperoleh dari angket. Data yang telah terkumpul selanjutnya dianalisis dengan matriks perbandingan berpasangan untuk menentukan nilai eigen dan vektor eigen. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dari 39 pendaftar diperoleh 12 pendaftar yang menjadi prioritas dalam mendapatkan beasiswa Bidikmisi. Berturut-turut mahasiswa dengan kode Z1, Z2, Z5, Z7, Z10, Z19, Z20, Z21, Z23, Z29, Z32, Z35 dengan masing-masing bobot sebesar 0.34%, 0.27%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.36%, 0.33%, 0.29%, 0.31%, 0.34%, 0.29%, 0.27%, 0.35%.</p><p class="AfiliasiCxSpMiddle" align="left"> </p><p class="AfiliasiCxSpLast" align="left"><strong>Kata Kunci</strong>:</p><p>Vektor<em> </em>Eigen<em>, Analytical Hierarchy Process </em>(AHP)<em>, </em>Nilai<em> </em>Eigen</p><p> </p><p class="AfiliasiCxSpFirst" align="left"><strong><em>Abstract:</em></strong></p><p class="AfiliasiCxSpMiddle"><em>The scholarship is the provision of tuition assistance to students who are capable of academics but have difficulties economically. However, some obstacles are often found throughout the screening process of scholarship applicants, such as the number of criteria to fulfill and the number of registrant data that results in difficulties in making a decision</em><em>. </em><em>This study aims to provide an alternative in decision making on the screening process of scholarship applicants for students from the Faculty of Science and Technology at the Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel by using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)</em><em>. </em><em>The data processed are from the primary data obtained from questionnaires. The data obtained were analyzed by using a pairwise comparison matrix to determine the eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The results indicate that of 39 registrants, 12 of them became a priority in getting the Bidikmisi scholarship</em><em>. </em><em>Consecutively, students with codes</em><em> Z1, Z2, Z5, Z7, Z10, Z19, Z20, Z21, Z23, Z29, Z32, Z35 </em><em>have the score of</em><em> 0.34%, 0.27%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.36%, 0.33%, 0.29%, 0.31%, 0.34%, 0.29%, 0.27%, 0.35%.</em><em></em></p><p class="AfiliasiCxSpMiddle" align="left"><strong><em> </em></strong></p><p class="AfiliasiCxSpLast" align="left"><strong><em>Keywords</em></strong><em>:</em></p><em>Eigenvector, Analytical Hierarchy Process</em> (AHP), <em>Eigenvalue</em>

Assessment of groundwater potential zones using GIS and AHP techniques: a case study of the Lafia district, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

In the Lafia district, rising population has increased the need for groundwater resources for economic growth. Sustainable groundwater resource management demands accurate quantitative assessment, which may be accomplished using scientific theories and innovative methods. In present study, an integrated method has been employed to assess the groundwater potential zones in the Lafia district utilizing remote sensing (RS), geographic information system (GIS), and analytic hierarchy method (AHP). For this aim, eight thematic maps regulating to occurrence and transportation of groundwater (i.e., geology, rainfall, geomorphology, slope, drainage density, soil, land use/land cover and lineament density) were generated and converted into raster format utilizing ArcGIS tool. Weights were assigned to these eight thematic maps based on their importance. Moreover, the final normalized weights of these parameters were calculated adopting pairwise comparison matrix of the AHP. To create the groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) map of the research area, we employed the overlay weighted sum approach to combine the parameters. The map has been divided into four zones (good, moderate, poor and very poor), each of which represents 19.3, 12.9, 57.8, and 10% of the study area. Lastly, the GWPZs map was validated utilizing borehole data obtained from 50 wells scattered throughout the study area to examine the performance of the approach. The validation results demonstrate that the adopted procedure produces highly reliable results that can aid in long-term development and strategic use of groundwater resources in this area.

Research of simple medical service quality index system: Based on decision-making model

BackgroundThere are many private Chinese Medicine(CM) clinics in Europe, America and other countries to choose from, but for physicians and patients, the quality of the clinic's services is difficult to determine. Physicians provide access to CM therapies due to the increasing number of patients receiving treatment within the National Health System (NHS). However, it has become a challenge for both physicians and patients to determine the competence of those who provide CM therapies. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a simple and applicable evaluation list for assessing alternative providers.AimThrough the consensus of experts, a rapid decision-making scale for the quality of CM clinics is developed for use by physicians or patients.MethodsDonabedian evaluation framework was used to design the consultation questionnaire. The indicators were designed based on the evaluation ratings of CM and the opinions of acupuncture experts in China and overseas. Delphi Method was used to seek the opinions anonymously. A pairwise comparison matrix was constructed after two rounds of expert consultation, and the weight of each indicator was calculated.ResultsThe top three weightings in the secondary indicators were the doctor-patient relationship, the number of dominant diseases, and medical records. Besides, the three highest weightings in the technical level included the number of technical projects conducted in clinics, the number of dominant diseases, and the degree of perfection of medical records. The highest weighted items in the treatment ability included the treatment effect of general diseases and the efficiency of disease treatment and treatment of general diseases. In service quality, the incidence of hospital infection and adverse events were the highest weighted items.ConclusionIt is possible to focus on the choice of therapy providers for internists and patients based on the weightings of each entry. Technical skills, competence, and quality of service are the key factors to consider when choosing an therapy provider based on specific points in each item.

Landfill Site Selection Using GIS and (AHP): Case Study of Ranya City

Ranya City is located in North West of Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Iraq. It has an area of (76.7) km2. In 2018, it was home for (102,571) inhabitants. Presently, there are no landfills in the study area that fulfills necessary environmental requirements; thus, informal and unsuitable solid waste dumping is negatively impacting human health and the environment. Land fill site selection can be a difficult task as it is impacted by different factors and regulations. This study is an attempt to identify and evaluate suitable landfill locations in the study area using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS). Ten criteria are used in this process which includes: groundwater depth, surface water, residential areas, Geological formations, slope, elevation, soil type, land use, roads and archeological sites. AHP was used to determine the weight for each criteria using pairwise comparison matrix. Three classes of suitability index were found: unsuitable (98.47%), moderately suitable (0.003%) and suitable (1.52%) of the study area. Three suitable landfill sites were identified as candidate sites that meet the requirements with an area of (0.29) km2, (0.12) km2 and (0.098) km2 respectively.

An Approach for Generating Weights Using the Pairwise Comparison Matrix

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) has been used for obtaining weights for the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), an approach known as DEAHP. This method sometimes identifies more than one decision criterion or alternative as DEAHP-efficient. To overcome this problem, this paper proposes a new approach that not only generates appropriate weights for the decision criteria or alternatives, but also differentiates between DEAHP-efficient decision criteria or alternatives. To this end, we propose a DEA model with an assurance region and a cross-weight model that prioritizes decision criteria or alternatives by considering their most unfavorable weights. Two numerical examples are also provided to illustrate the advantages and potential applications of the proposed model.

An Ordinal Consistency Indicator for Pairwise Comparison Matrix

The pairwise comparison (PC) matrix is often used to manifest human judgments, and it has been successfully applied in the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). As a PC matrix is formed by making paired reciprocal comparisons, symmetry is a striking characteristic of a PC matrix. It is this simple but powerful means of resolving multicriteria decision-making problems that is the basis of AHP; however, in practical applications, human judgments may be inconsistent. Although Saaty’s rule for the consistency test is commonly accepted, there is evidence that those so-called “acceptable” PC matrices may not be ordinally consistent, which is a necessary condition for a PC matrix to be accepted. We propose an ordinal consistency indicator called SDR (standard deviation of ranks), derive the upper bound of the SDR, suggest a threshold for a decision-maker to assess whether the ordinal consistency of a PC matrix is acceptable, and reveal a surprising fact that the degree of ordinal inconsistency of a small PC matrix may be more serious than a large one. We made a comparative analysis with some other indicators. Experimental results showed that the ordinal inconsistency measured by the SDR is invariant under heterogeneous judgment measurements with a varied spectrum of scales, and that the SDR is superior to the two compared indicators. Note that the SDR not only works for a multiplicative PC matrix but can also be used for additive and fuzzy PC matrices.