Optimal selection of an electric power wheelchair using an integrated COPRAS and EDAS approach based on Entropy weighting technique

The decision to purchase the best available electric power wheelchair (EPWC) for a person with a disability in a low-resource context is very stressful, whether it is based on financial circumstances or the availability of medical solutions. The study's objective is to assess the EPWC options available on the market, focused on a set of conflicting criteria. In this research, three multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches are used to make decisions. ENTROPY method for weightage calculation of various parameters, COPRAS and EDAS methods for evaluating and ranking alternatives are applied. Both COPRAS and EDAS are applied separately for ranking of selected wheelchair models, and to check the robustness of the applied method, sensitivity analysis on cost criterion is carried out. The result shows that for both methods, EPWC-1 is the top priority model to buy, whereas EPWC-7 is the worst model for COPRAS, and EPWC-10 is the worst model for EDAS among the ten alternatives.

The Source Conflict Cost Criterion: A Pragmatic Approach to Floating Conclusions

<p>Our research examines the problem of multiple lines of reasoning reaching the same conclusion, but only through different and unrelated arguments. In the context of non-monotonic logic, these types of conclusions are referred to as floating conclusions. The field of defeasible reasoning is divided between those who claim that floating conclusions ought not to be accepted through a prudent or skeptical point of view, whereas others argue that they are good enough conclusions to be admitted even from a conservative or skeptical standard. We approach the problem of floating conclusions through the formal framework of Inheritance Networks. These networks provide the simplest and most straightforward gateway into the technical aspects surrounding floating conclusions in the context of non-monotonic logic and defeasible reasoning. To address the problem of floating conclusions, we construct a unifying framework of analysis, namely, the Source Conflict Cost Criterion (SCCC), that contains two basic elements: source conflict and cost. Both elements are simplified through a binary model, through which we provide a comprehensive understanding of the floating conclusions as well as the problematic nature of the debate surrounding this type of inferences. The SCCC addresses three key objectives: (a) the assessment of floating conclusions and the debate surrounding its epistemological dimension, (b) the construction of a general and unified framework of analysis for floating conclusions, and (c) the specification of the normative conditions for the admission of floating conclusions as skeptically acceptable information.</p>

The Source Conflict Cost Criterion: A Pragmatic Approach to Floating Conclusions

<p>Our research examines the problem of multiple lines of reasoning reaching the same conclusion, but only through different and unrelated arguments. In the context of non-monotonic logic, these types of conclusions are referred to as floating conclusions. The field of defeasible reasoning is divided between those who claim that floating conclusions ought not to be accepted through a prudent or skeptical point of view, whereas others argue that they are good enough conclusions to be admitted even from a conservative or skeptical standard. We approach the problem of floating conclusions through the formal framework of Inheritance Networks. These networks provide the simplest and most straightforward gateway into the technical aspects surrounding floating conclusions in the context of non-monotonic logic and defeasible reasoning. To address the problem of floating conclusions, we construct a unifying framework of analysis, namely, the Source Conflict Cost Criterion (SCCC), that contains two basic elements: source conflict and cost. Both elements are simplified through a binary model, through which we provide a comprehensive understanding of the floating conclusions as well as the problematic nature of the debate surrounding this type of inferences. The SCCC addresses three key objectives: (a) the assessment of floating conclusions and the debate surrounding its epistemological dimension, (b) the construction of a general and unified framework of analysis for floating conclusions, and (c) the specification of the normative conditions for the admission of floating conclusions as skeptically acceptable information.</p>

An Improved Fuzzy TOPSIS Method with a New Ranking Index

Owing to vague concepts frequently represented in decision data, the crisp values are inadequate to model real-life situations. In this paper, the rating of each alternative and the weight of each criterion is described by linguistic terms which can be expressed in triangular fuzzy numbers. Next, we focus on fuzzy TOPSIS (FTOPSIS) method. We show that, however, the conventional FTOPSIS is interesting, but it suffers from some flaws. The shortcomings of classical FTOPSIS are shown and some solutions are given. Further, a new similarity index is proposed and then is illustrated using numerical examples. By treating the separations of an alternative from the fuzzy positive ideal solution (FPIS) and the fuzzy negative ideal solution (FNIS) as “cost” criterion and “benefit” criterion, respectively, we reduce the original fuzzy multiple criteria decision making (FMCDM) problem to a new one with two criteria. Illustrative examples are given to show the advantages of the proposed approach.

Maintenance Strategies Comparison for Francis Turbine Runner Subjected to Cavitation

This paper deals with a continuously degrading turbine runner due to cavitation that is inspected at fixed time intervals. The degradation of the system is modelled with a gamma process. This paper is focused on comparing the influence of maintenance parameters with the long-time cost criterion. A case study, based on simulated degradation paths, shows that there exists a set of parameters that minimize maintenance costs.

Relocation of public healthcare network of a large city in the event of a major earthquake: a combined methodological analysis

PurposeThe aim of this research is to improve the responsiveness of the healthcare network of a large city to a major earthquake, by applying a combined methodology to reduce human suffering and death.Design/methodology/approachScenario analysis, a non-linear programming (NLP) model, and the analytical network process are sequentially applied to find the “best location pattern”.FindingsWhen considering the occurrence of major earthquakes in cities with high population density, as a rule of thumb, the location of healthcare facilities should prioritize areas characteristically overcrowded and/or that were built based on poor standards of seismic resistance.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed research design does not include a cost criterion in the set of decision variables involved. Furthermore, the results derived from the NLP-model are restricted by the input simulation data.Practical implicationsThe performance of the “best location pattern” is compared with the current location of healthcare facilities in terms of their distances to the affected zones. Metropolis areas worldwide with similar conditions to the city under consideration could be benefited from applying the general methodology for relocation of healthcare facilities described in this research.Originality/valueThis research implements a diverse combination of methodologies to examine the problem of relocating of healthcare facilities in a large city in the wake of an assumed earthquake. In addition, to the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first study of its kind that proposes improvements in the responsiveness of the healthcare facilities' network in the city in question.

Selecting the Best Municipal Solid Waste Management Techniques in Nigeria Using Multi Criteria Decision Making Techniques

While developed countries use a variety of methods to convert municipal solid waste into various products such as energy, fertilizer, heat, and others, developing countries continue to struggle with municipal solid waste. Because of the various criteria to be considered, assessing these methods and determining which ones are best suited to the conditions of each country is a complicated task. The hybrid GREY-EDAS model was utilized in this study to evaluate waste treatment alternatives in Nigeria. The study employed seven distinct criteria relating to the environment, society, and cost, with the cost criterion being the most relevant. Subsequently, four waste treatment methods were evaluated: incineration, composting, sanitary landfills, and anerobic digestion. As a result, composting is proven to be the most effective. Sensitivity analysis was carried out by varying the weight of the criterion in seven distinct scenarios, and the model produced consistent findings.

A multi-criteria decision model for the introduction of electric storage multiple units on the partially electrified Gdynia-Hel railway

In this article, a multi-criteria study of the use of independently powered electric multiple units on the partially electrified Gdynia Główna - Hel railway was carried out. The use of (currently used) diesel and, as an alternative, electric and electric multiple units with an electric energy storage was considered. The analysis was carried out on the basis of three criteria for assessing the route service options, i.e. environmental, economic, operational and economic investment criteria. A multi-criteria decision model was developed for the analysis and a comparative analysis of the considered options for servicing the Gdynia Główna - Hel route was carried out. As part of the environmental criterion, it was found that the most environmentally friendly is the use of storage units. As part of the operational economic criterion, it was shown that the storage units have the lowest operating costs. The analysis, as part of the investment cost criterion, showed that the lowest investment costs are characteristic of route operation with the use of combustion units. The highest investment costs are related to the route operation by classic electric units, which is associated with the complete electrification of the line.