Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018

A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Computer".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2018) | Viewed by 126435

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Special Issue Editor

BORDA Research Unit and Multidisciplinary Institute of Enterprise (IME), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
Interests: decision theory; social choice; mathematical economics; fuzzy set theory
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Zadeh's fuzzy set theory incorporates impreciseness of data and evaluations by imputing the degrees to which objects belong to a set. Its appearance induced the rise of several related theories, which codify subjectivity, uncertainty, imprecision, or roughness of evaluations. Their rationale is to produce new and more flexible methodologies in order to realistically model a variety of concrete decision problems. This Special Issue invites contributions addressing novel tools, techniques and methodologies for decision making (e.g., group or multi-criteria decision making) in the context of these theories. Therefore we intend to garner articles in a variety of setups including fuzzy sets, fuzzy soft sets, type-2 fuzzy sets, interval-valued fuzzy sets, hesitant fuzzy sets, fuzzy rough sets and rough fuzzy sets. Extensive review papers which refer to the latest research findings, as well as application papers, are welcome.

Prof. Dr. José Carlos R. Alcantud
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Fuzzy set
  • Fuzzy soft set
  • Type-2 fuzzy set
  • Interval-valued fuzzy set
  • Hesitant fuzzy set
  • Neutrosophic set
  • Aggregation operator
  • Similarity and distance measure
  • Group decision making
  • Multi-criteria decision making
  • Symmetrical decision model

Published Papers (38 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 475 KiB  
Article
A Programming-Based Algorithm for Probabilistic Uncertain Linguistic Intuitionistic Fuzzy Group Decision-Making
by Kaixin Gong and Chunfang Chen
Symmetry 2019, 11(2), 234; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym11020234 - 15 Feb 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2146
Abstract
As an effective tool to express the subjective preferences of decision makers, the linguistic term sets (LTS) have been widely used in group decision-making (GDM) problems, such as hesitant fuzzy LTS, linguistic hesitant fuzzy sets, probabilistic LTS, etc. However, due to the increasing [...] Read more.
As an effective tool to express the subjective preferences of decision makers, the linguistic term sets (LTS) have been widely used in group decision-making (GDM) problems, such as hesitant fuzzy LTS, linguistic hesitant fuzzy sets, probabilistic LTS, etc. However, due to the increasing complexity of practical decision-making (DM) problems, LTS still has a lot of room to expand in fuzzy theory. Qualitative uncertainty information in the application of GDM is yet to be improved. Therefore, in order to improve the applicability of linguistic terms in DM problems, a probabilistic uncertain linguistic intuitionistic fuzzy set (PULIFS) that can fully express the decision-maker’s (DM’s) evaluation information is first proposed. To improve the rationality of DM results, we give a method for determining individual weights in the probabilistic uncertain linguistic intuitionistic fuzzy preference relation (PULIFPR) environment. In addition, we present two consistency definitions of PULIFPR to reflect both the assessment information and risk attitudes of decision makers. Subsequently, a series of goal programming models (GPMs) are established, which effectively avoid the consistency check and correction process of existing methods. Finally, the developed method is applied to an empirical example concerning the selection of a virtual reality (VR) project. The advantages of the proposed method are demonstrated by comparative analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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15 pages, 1074 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Enterprise Performance Based on Picture Fuzzy Hamacher Aggregation Operators
by Chiranjibe Jana and Madhumangal Pal
Symmetry 2019, 11(1), 75; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym11010075 - 11 Jan 2019
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 3292
Abstract
In the age of the knowledge-based economy and the rapid development of information technology, enterprise management is facing great challenges and has entered an era of prudent management. Traditional enterprise performance evaluation focuses on the interests of shareholders. Investors take financial data as [...] Read more.
In the age of the knowledge-based economy and the rapid development of information technology, enterprise management is facing great challenges and has entered an era of prudent management. Traditional enterprise performance evaluation focuses on the interests of shareholders. Investors take financial data as their base and pay attention to the study of material attraction and the results; if they do not, they cannot adjust to a new economy period. Therefore, enterprise performance reflects the interests of shareholders and business strategists for the needs of stakeholders, which is important for the future of lively competition. With that in mind, aggregation of information is an important research tool that has recently drawn the attention of researchers for information analysis. In this paper, we have developed multiple-attribute decision-making methods for enterprise performance evaluation with picture fuzzy information. We have applied Hamacher aggregation operators such as the picture fuzzy Hamacher weighted averaging (PFHWA) operator and picture fuzzy Hamacher weighted geometric (PFHWG) operator in picture fuzzy environment for the assessment of the best enterprise selection. Finally, we justified the proposed approach with the existing methods for feasibility and effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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16 pages, 604 KiB  
Article
A Multi-Criteria Group Decision Making Model for Green Supplier Selection under the Ordered Weighted Hesitant Fuzzy Environment
by Yumin Liu, Linlin Jin and Feng Zhu
Symmetry 2019, 11(1), 17; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym11010017 - 25 Dec 2018
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2828
Abstract
The green supplier selection (GSS) problem is one of the most pressing issues that can directly affect manufacturer performance. GSS has been studied in previous literature, which is considered to be a typical multiple criteria group decision making (MCGDM) problem. The ordered weighted [...] Read more.
The green supplier selection (GSS) problem is one of the most pressing issues that can directly affect manufacturer performance. GSS has been studied in previous literature, which is considered to be a typical multiple criteria group decision making (MCGDM) problem. The ordered weighted hesitant fuzzy MCGDM method can present the importance of each possible value, and the priority relationship among criteria has rarely been studied. In this study, we first extend the prioritized average (PA) operator to the ordered weighted hesitant fuzzy set (OWHFS) for solving the both problems. The generalized ordered weighted hesitant fuzzy prioritized weighted average operator (GOWHFPWA) is recommended, and some desirable properties are discussed. Based on this operator, a novel MCGDM method for GSS is developed. A numerical example of GSS is then given to prove the robustness of the proposed approach, and a sensitivity analysis is used to identify the robustness of the proposed method. Finally, a comparative analysis based on the MCGDM approach with the hesitant fuzzy prioritized weighted average (HFPWA) operator is illustrated to indicate the validity and advantages of the proposed approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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15 pages, 710 KiB  
Article
Risk Level Evaluation on Construction Project Lifecycle Using Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation and TOPSIS
by Tsegay Gebrehiwet and Hanbin Luo
Symmetry 2019, 11(1), 12; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym11010012 - 24 Dec 2018
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4706
Abstract
A risk is a predominant problem in the developing countries construction projects. Although numerous studies have been concerned on risk, there is a limited study on a mechanism to identify the typical risks and effects level. This paper presents an approach for evaluating [...] Read more.
A risk is a predominant problem in the developing countries construction projects. Although numerous studies have been concerned on risk, there is a limited study on a mechanism to identify the typical risks and effects level. This paper presents an approach for evaluating the risks in case of schedule delays at the various lifecycles of construction projects. The methodology applied is an integrated model of the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE). In this study, common criteria, sub-criteria, and attributes are constructed to make a decision concerning the influence level of risk of delay at the construction project lifecycle. The results showed that the construction stage (44%) is highly influenced, the second highly influenced stage is post construction (37%), and the least risked stage is pre-construction (35%). The construction projects in Ethiopia have faced an average delay risk of 38% at a high and very high-risk level. This work is expected to serve as a tool to assist managers in the management and control of schedule delays to mitigate their risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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20 pages, 1728 KiB  
Article
An Improved A* Algorithm Based on Hesitant Fuzzy Set Theory for Multi-Criteria Arctic Route Planning
by Yangjun Wang, Ren Zhang and Longxia Qian
Symmetry 2018, 10(12), 765; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10120765 - 17 Dec 2018
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3557
Abstract
This paper presents a new route planning system for the purpose of evaluating the strategic prospects for future Arctic routes. The route planning problem can be regarded as a multi criteria decision making problem with large uncertainties originating from multi-climate models and experts’ [...] Read more.
This paper presents a new route planning system for the purpose of evaluating the strategic prospects for future Arctic routes. The route planning problem can be regarded as a multi criteria decision making problem with large uncertainties originating from multi-climate models and experts’ knowledge and can be solved by a modified A* algorithm where the hesitant fuzzy set theory is incorporated. Compared to the traditional A* algorithm, the navigability of the Arctic route is firstly analyzed as a measure to determine the obstacle nodes and three key factors to the vessel navigation including sailing time, economic cost and risk are overall considered in the HFS-A* algorithm. A numerical experiment is presented to test the performance of the proposed algorithm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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19 pages, 2952 KiB  
Article
A Fuzzy Logic Based Intelligent System for Measuring Customer Loyalty and Decision Making
by Usman Ghani, Imran Sarwar Bajwa and Aimen Ashfaq
Symmetry 2018, 10(12), 761; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10120761 - 17 Dec 2018
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6879
Abstract
In this paper, an intelligent approach is presented to measure customers’ loyalty to a specific product and assist new customers regarding a product’s key features. Our approach uses an aggregated sentiment score of a set of reviews in a dataset and then uses [...] Read more.
In this paper, an intelligent approach is presented to measure customers’ loyalty to a specific product and assist new customers regarding a product’s key features. Our approach uses an aggregated sentiment score of a set of reviews in a dataset and then uses a fuzzy logic model to measure customer’s loyalty to a product. Our approach uses a novel idea of measuring customer’s loyalty to a product and can assist a new customer to take a decision about a particular product considering its various features and reviews of previous customers. In this study, we use a large sized data set of online reviews of customers from Amazon.com to test the performance of the customer’s reviews. The proposed approach pre-processes the input text via tokenization, Lemmatization and removal of stop words and then applies fuzzy logic approach to take decisions. To find similarity and relevance to a topic, various libraries and API are used in this work such as SentiWordNet, Stanford Core NLP, etc. The approach utilized focuses on identifying polarity of the reviews that may be positive, negative and neutral. To find customer’s loyalty and help in decision making, the fuzzy logic approach is applied using a set of membership functions and rule-based system of fuzzy sets that classify data in various types of loyalty. The implementation of the approach provides high accuracy of 94% of correct loyalty to the e-commerce products that outperforms the previous approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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26 pages, 464 KiB  
Article
Another View of Aggregation Operators on Group-Based Generalized Intuitionistic Fuzzy Soft Sets: Multi-Attribute Decision Making Methods
by Khizar Hayat, Muhammad Irfan Ali, Bing-Yuan Cao, Faruk Karaaslan and Xiao-Peng Yang
Symmetry 2018, 10(12), 753; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10120753 - 14 Dec 2018
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 3488
Abstract
In this paper, the existing definition of the group-based generalized intuitionistic fuzzy soft set is clarified and redefined by merging intuitionistic fuzzy soft set over the set of alternatives and a group of intuitionistic fuzzy sets on parameters. In this prospect, two new [...] Read more.
In this paper, the existing definition of the group-based generalized intuitionistic fuzzy soft set is clarified and redefined by merging intuitionistic fuzzy soft set over the set of alternatives and a group of intuitionistic fuzzy sets on parameters. In this prospect, two new subsets of the group-based generalized intuitionistic fuzzy soft set are proposed and several operations are contemplated. The two new aggregation operators called generalized group-based weighted averaging and generalized group-based weighted geometric operator are introduced. The related properties of proposed operators are discussed. The recent research is emerging on multi-attribute decision making methods based on soft sets, intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets, and generalized intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets. An algorithm is structured and two case studies of multi-attribute decision makings are considered using proposed operators. Further, we provide the comparison and advantages of the proposed method, which give superiorities over recent major existing methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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17 pages, 1225 KiB  
Article
Fuzzy Attribute Expansion Method for Multiple Attribute Decision-Making with Partial Attribute Values and Weights Unknown and Its Applications
by Jinbao Zhuo, Weifeng Shi and Ying Lan
Symmetry 2018, 10(12), 717; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10120717 - 04 Dec 2018
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2061
Abstract
In the real world, there commonly exists types of multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) problems with partial attribute values and weights totally unknown. Symmetry among some attribute information that is already known and unknown, and symmetry between the pure attribute set and fuzzy attribute [...] Read more.
In the real world, there commonly exists types of multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) problems with partial attribute values and weights totally unknown. Symmetry among some attribute information that is already known and unknown, and symmetry between the pure attribute set and fuzzy attribute membership set can be a considerable way to solve this type of MADM problem. In this paper, a fuzzy attribute expansion method is proposed to solve this type of problem based on two key techniques: the spline interpolation technique and the attribute weight reconfiguration technique, which are respectively used for the determination of attribute values and the reconfiguration of attribute weights. The spline interpolation technique to expand attribute values can enhance the performance of some regression methods and clustering methods by the comparisons between the results of these methods dealing with practical cases with and without the application of the technique, which further illustrates the effectiveness of this technique. For MADM problems with partial attribute values and weights totally unknown, compared with traditional fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE), FCE with the application of fuzzy attribute expansion method can obtain results more similar with the ones when all attribute values and weights are known, which is proved by the practical power quality evaluation example. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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17 pages, 322 KiB  
Article
A Decision-Making Approach Based on a Multi Q-Hesitant Fuzzy Soft Multi-Granulation Rough Model
by Kholood Mohammad Alsager, Noura Omair Alshehri and Muhammad Akram
Symmetry 2018, 10(12), 711; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10120711 - 04 Dec 2018
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2383
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a new hybrid model, multi Q-hesitant fuzzy soft multi-granulation rough set model, by combining a multi Q-hesitant fuzzy soft set and multi-granulation rough set. We demonstrate some useful properties of these multi Q-hesitant fuzzy soft [...] Read more.
In this paper, we propose a new hybrid model, multi Q-hesitant fuzzy soft multi-granulation rough set model, by combining a multi Q-hesitant fuzzy soft set and multi-granulation rough set. We demonstrate some useful properties of these multi Q-hesitant fuzzy soft multi-granulation rough sets. Furthermore, we define multi Q-hesitant fuzzy soft ( M k Q H F S ) rough approximation operators in terms of M k Q H F S relations and M k Q H F S multi-granulation rough approximation operators in terms of M k Q H F S relations. We study the main properties of lower and upper M k Q H F S rough approximation operators and lower and upper M k Q H F S multi-granulation rough approximation operators. Moreover, we develop a general framework for dealing with uncertainty in decision-making by using the multi Q-hesitant fuzzy soft multi-granulation rough sets. We analyze the photovoltaic systems fault detection to show the proposed decision methodology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
20 pages, 829 KiB  
Article
Two Types of Single Valued Neutrosophic Covering Rough Sets and an Application to Decision Making
by Jingqian Wang and Xiaohong Zhang
Symmetry 2018, 10(12), 710; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10120710 - 03 Dec 2018
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2342
Abstract
In this paper, to combine single valued neutrosophic sets (SVNSs) with covering-based rough sets, we propose two types of single valued neutrosophic (SVN) covering rough set models. Furthermore, a corresponding application to the problem of decision making is presented. Firstly, the notion of [...] Read more.
In this paper, to combine single valued neutrosophic sets (SVNSs) with covering-based rough sets, we propose two types of single valued neutrosophic (SVN) covering rough set models. Furthermore, a corresponding application to the problem of decision making is presented. Firstly, the notion of SVN β -covering approximation space is proposed, and some concepts and properties in it are investigated. Secondly, based on SVN β -covering approximation spaces, two types of SVN covering rough set models are proposed. Then, some properties and the matrix representations of the newly defined SVN covering approximation operators are investigated. Finally, we propose a novel method to decision making (DM) problems based on one of the SVN covering rough set models. Moreover, the proposed DM method is compared with other methods in an example. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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15 pages, 3062 KiB  
Article
Shadowed Sets-Based Linguistic Term Modeling and Its Application in Multi-Attribute Decision-Making
by Huidong Wang, Shifan He, Xiaohong Pan and Chengdong Li
Symmetry 2018, 10(12), 688; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10120688 - 02 Dec 2018
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2575
Abstract
For many multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) problems, linguistic variables are more convenient for people to express the attribute values. In this paper, a novel shadowed set-based method is proposed to deal with linguistic terms, where the linguistic term sets are symmetrical both in meaning [...] Read more.
For many multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) problems, linguistic variables are more convenient for people to express the attribute values. In this paper, a novel shadowed set-based method is proposed to deal with linguistic terms, where the linguistic term sets are symmetrical both in meaning and form. Firstly, to effectively express the linguistic variables, we develop a data-driven method to construct the shadowed set model for the linguistic terms. Secondly, the Pythagorean shadowed set is defined, and some theorems are subsequently explored. Thirdly, we propose the score function of the Pythagorean shadowed number and develop a new MADM method on the basis of the Pythagorean shadowed set. Finally, a case study of the supplier selection problem is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, and the superiority of our method is demonstrated by comparison analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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23 pages, 347 KiB  
Article
Algorithm for T-Spherical Fuzzy Multi-Attribute Decision Making Based on Improved Interactive Aggregation Operators
by Harish Garg, Muhammad Munir, Kifayat Ullah, Tahir Mahmood and Naeem Jan
Symmetry 2018, 10(12), 670; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10120670 - 27 Nov 2018
Cited by 106 | Viewed by 3647
Abstract
The objective of this manuscript is to present some new, improved aggregation operators for the T-spherical fuzzy sets, which is an extension of the several existing sets, such as intuitionistic fuzzy sets, picture fuzzy sets, neutrosophic sets, and Pythagorean fuzzy sets. In it, [...] Read more.
The objective of this manuscript is to present some new, improved aggregation operators for the T-spherical fuzzy sets, which is an extension of the several existing sets, such as intuitionistic fuzzy sets, picture fuzzy sets, neutrosophic sets, and Pythagorean fuzzy sets. In it, some new, improved operational laws and their corresponding properties are studied. Further, based on these laws, we propose some geometric aggregation operators and study their various relationships. Desirable properties, as well as some special cases of the proposed operators, are studied. Then, based on these proposed operators, we present a decision-making approach to solve the multi-attribute decision-making problems. The reliability of the presented decision-making method is explored with the help of a numerical example and the proposed results are compared with several prevailing studies’ results. Finally, the superiority of the proposed approach is explained with a counter example to show the advantages of the proposed work. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
14 pages, 1649 KiB  
Article
Fuzzy AHP Application for Supporting Contractors’ Bidding Decision
by Agnieszka Leśniak, Daniel Kubek, Edyta Plebankiewicz, Krzysztof Zima and Stanisław Belniak
Symmetry 2018, 10(11), 642; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10110642 - 16 Nov 2018
Cited by 65 | Viewed by 7182
Abstract
This paper proposes the author’s model based on the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to improve the efficiency of contractor bidding decisions. The essence of the AHP method is to make pairwise comparisons of available options against all evaluation criteria. The results of [...] Read more.
This paper proposes the author’s model based on the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to improve the efficiency of contractor bidding decisions. The essence of the AHP method is to make pairwise comparisons of available options against all evaluation criteria. The results of these comparisons are recorded in a square matrix in which symmetrical elements are reciprocal. In the expert opinion, a 9-step, bipolar verbal scale was used so that the symmetry of the response was maintained. For contractors from countries where the tendering system is commonly used, the choice of the right tender in which to participate influences their image, financial condition, and their aspiration to succeed. The bid/no bid decision depends on numerous factors associated with the company itself, the environment, and the project concerning the tender. When facing tough competition, contractors search for a solution which increases their chances of winning the tender. The proposed model was based on factors selected by Polish contractors. The original element of the model involves 4 original criteria and 15 sub-criteria for the assessment of investment decision projects to the selection of the most advantageous contract, i.e., the contractor’s participation in the bid. For verbal evaluations describing the criteria, symmetric triangular fuzzy numbers were assigned. The authors performed an extended analysis method combined with FAHP in the model. Fuzzy evaluations underwent elaborate analysis, the aim of which was to specify the synthetic priority weights for each criterion. As a result of the application of the method, to prove that the model works, an example from the Polish construction market was presented in which a bid/no bid decision about four possible tenders was to be taken. Despite the considered example applying to Polish conditions, the proposed model can be used also in other countries. The authors’ rationale is to produce new and more flexible methodologies in order to realistically model a variety of concrete decision problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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29 pages, 1388 KiB  
Article
m-Polar Fuzzy Soft Weighted Aggregation Operators and Their Applications in Group Decision-Making
by Azadeh Zahedi Khameneh and Adem Kiliçman
Symmetry 2018, 10(11), 636; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10110636 - 13 Nov 2018
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2807
Abstract
Aggregation operators are important tools for solving multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problems. The main challenging issue for aggregating data in a MAGDM problem is how to develop a symmetric aggregation operator expressing the decision makers’ behavior. In the literature, there are some methods [...] Read more.
Aggregation operators are important tools for solving multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problems. The main challenging issue for aggregating data in a MAGDM problem is how to develop a symmetric aggregation operator expressing the decision makers’ behavior. In the literature, there are some methods dealing with this difficulty; however, they lack an effective approach for multi-polar inputs. In this study, a new aggregation operator for m-polar fuzzy soft sets (M-pFSMWM) reflecting different agreement scenarios within a group is presented to proceed MAGDM problems in which both attributes and experts have different weights. Moreover, some desirable properties of M-pFSMWM operator, such as idempotency, monotonicity, and commutativity (symmetric), that means being invariant under any permutation of the input arguments, are studied. Further, m-polar fuzzy soft induced ordered weighted average (M-pFSIOWA) operator and m-polar fuzzy soft induced ordered weighted geometric (M-pFSIOWG) operator, which are extensions of IOWA and IOWG operators, respectively, are developed. Two algorithms are also designed based on the proposed operators to find the final solution in MAGDM problems with weighted multi-polar fuzzy soft information. Finally, the efficiency of the proposed methods is illustrated by some numerical examples. The characteristic comparison of the proposed aggregation operators shows the M-pFSMWM operator is more adaptable for solving MAGDM problems in which different cases of agreement affect the final outcome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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10 pages, 304 KiB  
Article
Novel Parameterized Distance Measures on Hesitant Fuzzy Sets with Credibility Degree and Their Application in Decision-Making
by Jiaru Li, Fangwei Zhang, Qiang Li, Jing Sun, Janney Yee, Shuhong Wang and Shujun Xiao
Symmetry 2018, 10(11), 557; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10110557 - 01 Nov 2018
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2213
Abstract
The subject of this study is to explore the role of cardinality of hesitant fuzzy element (HFE) in distance measures on hesitant fuzzy sets (HFSs). Firstly, three parameters, i.e., credibility factor, conservative factor, and a risk factor are introduced, thereafter, a series of [...] Read more.
The subject of this study is to explore the role of cardinality of hesitant fuzzy element (HFE) in distance measures on hesitant fuzzy sets (HFSs). Firstly, three parameters, i.e., credibility factor, conservative factor, and a risk factor are introduced, thereafter, a series of novel distance measures on HFSs are proposed using these three parameters. These newly proposed distance measures handle the relationship between the cardinal number and the element values of hesitant fuzzy set well, and are suitable to combine subjective and objective decision-making information. When using these functions, decision makers with different risk preferences are allowed to give different values for these three parameters. In particular, this study transfers the hesitance degree index to a credibility of the values in HFEs, which is consistent with people’s intuition. Finally, the practicability of the newly proposed distance measures is verified by two examples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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22 pages, 581 KiB  
Article
On Approximation of Any Ordered Fuzzy Number by A Trapezoidal Ordered Fuzzy Number
by Krzysztof Piasecki and Anna Łyczkowska-Hanćkowiak
Symmetry 2018, 10(10), 526; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10100526 - 21 Oct 2018
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2028
Abstract
In this paper, the model of imprecise quantity information is an ordered fuzzy number. The purpose of our study is to propose some methods of approximating any ordered fuzzy number using a trapezoidal ordered fuzzy number. The information ambiguity is evaluated by means [...] Read more.
In this paper, the model of imprecise quantity information is an ordered fuzzy number. The purpose of our study is to propose some methods of approximating any ordered fuzzy number using a trapezoidal ordered fuzzy number. The information ambiguity is evaluated by means of an energy measure. The information indistinctness is evaluated by Kosko’s entropy measure. We discuss the problem of approximation of an arbitrary ordered fuzzy number by the nearest trapezoidal ordered fuzzy number. This way, we can simplify arithmetical operations on the linear space of ordered fuzzy numbers. The set of feasible trapezoidal ordered numbers is limited by the combination of the following conditions: invariance of energy measure, invariance of entropy measure, and invariance of information support. Evaluating the influence of individual limits combinations on the utility of given approximations, two combinations of those restraints, recommended for use, were chosen. It was also indicated that one of the recommended approximation problems can be used only for ordered fuzzy numbers characterized by a low level of entropy. The obtained results are currently used in such multi-criterial decision making models as financial portfolio management, evaluation of negotiations offers, the fuzzy TOPSIS model, and the fuzzy SAW model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
13 pages, 6013 KiB  
Article
Study on an Automatic Parking Method Based on the Sliding Mode Variable Structure and Fuzzy Logical Control
by Ying Xu, Zefeng Lu, Xin Shan, Wenhao Jia, Bo Wei and Yingqing Wang
Symmetry 2018, 10(10), 523; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10100523 - 19 Oct 2018
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3261
Abstract
This paper discusses an automatic parking control method based on the combination of the sliding mode variable structure control (SMVSC) and fuzzy logical control. SMVSC is applied to drive the vehicle from a random initial position and pose, to the designated parking position [...] Read more.
This paper discusses an automatic parking control method based on the combination of the sliding mode variable structure control (SMVSC) and fuzzy logical control. SMVSC is applied to drive the vehicle from a random initial position and pose, to the designated parking position and pose. Then, the vehicle is driven from the designated parking position to the target parking slot using the method of fuzzy logical control, whose rules are limited to the range of the effective initial position. To combine SMVSC with the fuzzy logical control, the experimental results demonstrate that effective parking can be guaranteed, even if the initial position is out of the effective parking area of the fuzzy logical control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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16 pages, 8730 KiB  
Article
An Emergency Decision Making Method for Different Situation Response Based on Game Theory and Prospect Theory
by Zi-Xin Zhang, Liang Wang and Ying-Ming Wang
Symmetry 2018, 10(10), 476; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10100476 - 11 Oct 2018
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4909
Abstract
Because of the continuous burst of emergency events (EEs) recently, emergency decision making (EDM) has become an active research topic due to its crucial role in relieving and reducing various losses and damages (property, lives, environment, etc.) caused by EEs. Current EDM studies [...] Read more.
Because of the continuous burst of emergency events (EEs) recently, emergency decision making (EDM) has become an active research topic due to its crucial role in relieving and reducing various losses and damages (property, lives, environment, etc.) caused by EEs. Current EDM studies based on prospect theory (PT) have considered decision maker’s (DM’s) psychological behavior, which is very important in the EDM process because it affects DM’s decision behavior directly, particularly under the uncertainty decision environment. However, those studies neglected an important fact that different emergency situations should be handled by different measures to show the pertinence and effectiveness of the emergency response in the real world, which has been taken into consideration in EDM studies based on game theory (GT). Different behavior experiments show that DMs usually have limited rationality when involved in risk and an uncertain decision environment, in which their psychological behavior has distinct impacts on their decision choice and behavior. Nevertheless, the existing studies of EDM based on GT build on an assumption that DMs are totally rational; however, it is obvious that such an assumption is unreasonable and far from the real-world situation. Motivated by these limitations pointed out previously, this study proposes a novel EDM method combining GT and PT that considers not only the DM’s psychological behavior, but also takes different situations’ handling for EEs into account, which is closer to the EDM problems in reality. An example and comparison with other methods are provided to demonstrate the validity and rationality of the proposed method for coping with real-world EDM problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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25 pages, 2992 KiB  
Article
Some q-Rung Dual Hesitant Fuzzy Heronian Mean Operators with Their Application to Multiple Attribute Group Decision-Making
by Yuan Xu, Xiaopu Shang, Jun Wang, Wen Wu and Huiqun Huang
Symmetry 2018, 10(10), 472; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10100472 - 10 Oct 2018
Cited by 87 | Viewed by 3975
Abstract
The q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets (q-ROFSs), originated by Yager, are good tools to describe fuzziness in human cognitive processes. The basic elements of q-ROFSs are q-rung orthopair fuzzy numbers (q-ROFNs), which are constructed by membership and [...] Read more.
The q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets (q-ROFSs), originated by Yager, are good tools to describe fuzziness in human cognitive processes. The basic elements of q-ROFSs are q-rung orthopair fuzzy numbers (q-ROFNs), which are constructed by membership and nonmembership degrees. As realistic decision-making is very complicated, decision makers (DMs) may be hesitant among several values when determining membership and nonmembership degrees. By incorporating dual hesitant fuzzy sets (DHFSs) into q-ROFSs, we propose a new technique to deal with uncertainty, called q-rung dual hesitant fuzzy sets (q-RDHFSs). Subsequently, we propose a family of q-rung dual hesitant fuzzy Heronian mean operators for q-RDHFSs. Further, the newly developed aggregation operators are utilized in multiple attribute group decision-making (MAGDM). We used the proposed method to solve a most suitable supplier selection problem to demonstrate its effectiveness and usefulness. The merits and advantages of the proposed method are highlighted via comparison with existing MAGDM methods. The main contribution of this paper is that a new method for MAGDM is proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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19 pages, 331 KiB  
Article
New Similarity Measures of Single-Valued Neutrosophic Multisets Based on the Decomposition Theorem and Its Application in Medical Diagnosis
by Qingqing Hu and Xiaohong Zhang
Symmetry 2018, 10(10), 466; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10100466 - 09 Oct 2018
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1894
Abstract
Cut sets, decomposition theorem and representation theorem have a great influence on the realization of the transformation of fuzzy sets and classical sets, and the single-valued neutrosophic multisets (SVNMSs) as the generalization of fuzzy sets, which cut sets, decomposition theorem and representation theorem [...] Read more.
Cut sets, decomposition theorem and representation theorem have a great influence on the realization of the transformation of fuzzy sets and classical sets, and the single-valued neutrosophic multisets (SVNMSs) as the generalization of fuzzy sets, which cut sets, decomposition theorem and representation theorem have the similar effects, so they need to be studied in depth. In this paper, the decomposition theorem, representation theorem and the application of a new similarity measures of SVNMSs are studied by using theoretical analysis and calculations. The following are the main results: (1) The notions, operation and operational properties of the cut sets and strong cut sets of SVNMSs are introduced and discussed; (2) The decomposition theorem and representation theorem of SVNMSs are established and rigorously proved. The decomposition theorem and the representation theorem of SVNMSs are the theoretical basis for the development of SVNMSs. The decomposition theorem provides a new idea for solving the problem of SVNMSs, and points out the direction for the principle of expansion of SVNMSs. (3) Based on the decomposition theorem and representation theorem of SVNMSs, a new notion of similarity measure of SVNMSs is proposed by applying triple integral. And this new similarity is applied to the practical problem of multicriteria decision-making, which explains the efficacy and practicability of this decision-making method. The new similarity is not only a way to solve the problem of multi-attribute decision-making, but also contains an important mathematical idea, that is, the idea of transformation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
17 pages, 823 KiB  
Article
Two Types of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Covering Rough Sets and an Application to Multiple Criteria Group Decision Making
by Jingqian Wang and Xiaohong Zhang
Symmetry 2018, 10(10), 462; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10100462 - 04 Oct 2018
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2231
Abstract
Intuitionistic fuzzy rough sets are constructed by combining intuitionistic fuzzy sets with rough sets. Recently, Huang et al. proposed the definition of an intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) β -covering and an IF covering rough set model. In this paper, some properties of IF [...] Read more.
Intuitionistic fuzzy rough sets are constructed by combining intuitionistic fuzzy sets with rough sets. Recently, Huang et al. proposed the definition of an intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) β -covering and an IF covering rough set model. In this paper, some properties of IF β -covering approximation spaces and the IF covering rough set model are investigated further. Moreover, we present a novel methodology to the problem of multiple criteria group decision making. Firstly, some new notions and properties of IF β -covering approximation spaces are proposed. Secondly, we study the characterizations of Huang et al.’s IF covering rough set model and present a new IF covering rough set model for crisp sets in an IF environment. The relationships between these two IF covering rough set models and some other rough set models are investigated. Finally, based on the IF covering rough set model, Huang et al. also defined an optimistic multi-granulation IF rough set model. We present a novel method to multiple criteria group decision making problems under the optimistic multi-granulation IF rough set model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
13 pages, 786 KiB  
Article
A Novel Similarity Measure for Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets and Its Applications
by Minxia Luo and Jingjing Liang
Symmetry 2018, 10(10), 441; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10100441 - 27 Sep 2018
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2415
Abstract
In this paper, a novel similarity measure for interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets is introduced, which is based on the transformed interval-valued intuitionistic triangle fuzzy numbers. Its superiority is shown by comparing the proposed similarity measure with some existing similarity measures by some numerical [...] Read more.
In this paper, a novel similarity measure for interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets is introduced, which is based on the transformed interval-valued intuitionistic triangle fuzzy numbers. Its superiority is shown by comparing the proposed similarity measure with some existing similarity measures by some numerical examples. Furthermore, the proposed similarity measure is applied to deal with pattern recognition and medical diagnosis problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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22 pages, 588 KiB  
Article
A New Method to Decision-Making with Fuzzy Competition Hypergraphs
by Musavarah Sarwar, Muhammad Akram and Noura Omair Alshehri
Symmetry 2018, 10(9), 404; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10090404 - 16 Sep 2018
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3238
Abstract
Hypergraph theory is the most developed tool for demonstrating various practical problems in different domains of science and technology. Sometimes, information in a network model is uncertain and vague in nature. In this paper, our main focus is to apply the powerful methodology [...] Read more.
Hypergraph theory is the most developed tool for demonstrating various practical problems in different domains of science and technology. Sometimes, information in a network model is uncertain and vague in nature. In this paper, our main focus is to apply the powerful methodology of fuzziness to generalize the notion of competition hypergraphs and fuzzy competition graphs. We introduce various new concepts, including fuzzy column hypergraphs, fuzzy row hypergraphs, fuzzy competition hypergraphs, fuzzy k-competition hypergraphs and fuzzy neighbourhood hypergraphs, strong hyperedges, kth strength of competition and symmetric properties. We design certain algorithms for constructing different types of fuzzy competition hypergraphs. We also present applications of fuzzy competition hypergraphs in decision support systems, including predator–prey relations in ecological niche, social networks and business marketing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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27 pages, 420 KiB  
Article
Symmetric Triangular Interval Type-2 Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets with Their Applications in Multi Criteria Decision Making
by Sukhveer Singh and Harish Garg
Symmetry 2018, 10(9), 401; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10090401 - 14 Sep 2018
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 3848
Abstract
Type-2 intuitionistic fuzzy set (T2IFS) is a powerful and important extension of the classical fuzzy set, intuitionistic fuzzy set to measure the vagueness and uncertainty. In a practical decision-making process, there always occurs an inter-relationship among the multi-input arguments. To deal with this [...] Read more.
Type-2 intuitionistic fuzzy set (T2IFS) is a powerful and important extension of the classical fuzzy set, intuitionistic fuzzy set to measure the vagueness and uncertainty. In a practical decision-making process, there always occurs an inter-relationship among the multi-input arguments. To deal with this point, the motivation of the present paper is to develop some new interval type-2 (IT2) intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators which can consider the multi interaction between the input argument. To achieve it, we define a symmetric triangular interval T2IFS (TIT2IFS), its operations, Hamy mean (HM) operator to aggregate the preference of the symmetric TIT2IFS and then shows its applicability through a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). Several enviable properties and particular cases together with following different parameter values of this operator are calculated in detail. At last a numerical illustration is to given to exemplify the practicability of the proposed technique and a comparative analysis is analyzed in detail. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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28 pages, 380 KiB  
Article
Probabilistic Hesitant Intuitionistic Linguistic Term Sets in Multi-Attribute Group Decision Making
by M. G. Abbas Malik, Zia Bashir, Tabasam Rashid and Jawad Ali
Symmetry 2018, 10(9), 392; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10090392 - 10 Sep 2018
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 3828
Abstract
Decision making is the key component of people’s daily life, from choosing a mobile phone to engaging in a war. To model the real world more accurately, probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTSs) were proposed to manage a situation in which several possible linguistic [...] Read more.
Decision making is the key component of people’s daily life, from choosing a mobile phone to engaging in a war. To model the real world more accurately, probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTSs) were proposed to manage a situation in which several possible linguistic terms along their corresponding probabilities are considered at the same time. Previously, in linguistic term sets, the probabilities of all linguistic term sets are considered to be equal which is unrealistic. In the process of decision making, due to the vagueness and complexity of real life, an expert usually hesitates and unable to express its opinion in a single term, thus making it difficult to reach a final agreement. To handle real life scenarios of a more complex nature, only membership linguistic decision making is unfruitful; thus, some mechanism is needed to express non-membership linguistic term set to deal with imprecise and uncertain information in more efficient manner. In this article, a novel notion called probabilistic hesitant intuitionistic linguistic term set (PHILTS) is designed, which is composed of membership PLTSs and non-membership PLTSs describing the opinions of decision makers (DMs). In the theme of PHILTS, the probabilities of membership linguistic terms and non-membership linguistic terms are considered to be independent. Then, basic operations, some governing operational laws, the aggregation operators, normalization process and comparison method are studied for PHILTSs. Thereafter, two practical decision making models: aggregation based model and the extended TOPSIS model for PHILTS are designed to classify the alternatives from the best to worst, as an application of PHILTS to multi-attribute group decision making. In the end, a practical problem of real life about the selection of the best alternative is solved to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of our proposed set and models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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18 pages, 923 KiB  
Article
Intertemporal Choice of Fuzzy Soft Sets
by José Carlos R. Alcantud and María José Muñoz Torrecillas
Symmetry 2018, 10(9), 371; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10090371 - 01 Sep 2018
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3043
Abstract
This paper first merges two noteworthy aspects of choice. On the one hand, soft sets and fuzzy soft sets are popular models that have been largely applied to decision making problems, such as real estate valuation, medical diagnosis (glaucoma, prostate cancer, etc.), data [...] Read more.
This paper first merges two noteworthy aspects of choice. On the one hand, soft sets and fuzzy soft sets are popular models that have been largely applied to decision making problems, such as real estate valuation, medical diagnosis (glaucoma, prostate cancer, etc.), data mining, or international trade. They provide crisp or fuzzy parameterized descriptions of the universe of alternatives. On the other hand, in many decisions, costs and benefits occur at different points in time. This brings about intertemporal choices, which may involve an indefinitely large number of periods. However, the literature does not provide a model, let alone a solution, to the intertemporal problem when the alternatives are described by (fuzzy) parameterizations. In this paper, we propose a novel soft set inspired model that applies to the intertemporal framework, hence it fills an important gap in the development of fuzzy soft set theory. An algorithm allows the selection of the optimal option in intertemporal choice problems with an infinite time horizon. We illustrate its application with a numerical example involving alternative portfolios of projects that a public administration may undertake. This allows us to establish a pioneering intertemporal model of choice in the framework of extended fuzzy set theories. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
18 pages, 1103 KiB  
Article
The New Similarity Measure and Distance Measure of a Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Term Set Based on a Linguistic Scale Function
by Donghai Liu, Yuanyuan Liu and Xiaohong Chen
Symmetry 2018, 10(9), 367; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10090367 - 29 Aug 2018
Cited by 54 | Viewed by 2776
Abstract
The existing cosine similarity measure for hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets (HFLTSs) has an impediment as it does not satisfy the axiom of similarity measure. Due to this disadvantage, a new similarity measure combining the existing cosine similarity measure and the Euclidean distance [...] Read more.
The existing cosine similarity measure for hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets (HFLTSs) has an impediment as it does not satisfy the axiom of similarity measure. Due to this disadvantage, a new similarity measure combining the existing cosine similarity measure and the Euclidean distance measure of HFLTSs is proposed, which is constructed based on a linguistic scale function; the related properties are also given. According to the relationship between the distance measure and the similarity measure, a corresponding distance measure between HFLTSs is obtained. Furthermore, we generalize the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) method to the obtained distance measure of the HFLTSs. The principal advantages of the proposed method are that it cannot only effectively transform linguistic information in different semantic environments, but it can also avoid the shortcomings of existing the cosine similarity measure. Finally, a case study is conducted to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method, which is compared to the existing methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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15 pages, 300 KiB  
Article
A Three-Dimensional Constrained Ordered Weighted Averaging Aggregation Problem with Lower Bounded Variables
by Yi-Fang Chen and Hui-Chin Tang
Symmetry 2018, 10(8), 339; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10080339 - 13 Aug 2018
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2292
Abstract
We consider the constrained ordered weighted averaging (OWA) aggregation problem with a single constraint and lower bounded variables. For the three-dimensional constrained OWA aggregation problem with lower bounded variables, we present four types of solution depending on the number of zero elements. According [...] Read more.
We consider the constrained ordered weighted averaging (OWA) aggregation problem with a single constraint and lower bounded variables. For the three-dimensional constrained OWA aggregation problem with lower bounded variables, we present four types of solution depending on the number of zero elements. According to the computerized experiment we perform, the lower bounds can affect the solution types, thereby affecting the optimal solution of the three-dimensional constrained OWA aggregation problem with lower bounded variables. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
14 pages, 1451 KiB  
Article
A Multi-Level Privacy-Preserving Approach to Hierarchical Data Based on Fuzzy Set Theory
by Jinyan Wang, Guoqing Cai, Chen Liu, Jingli Wu and Xianxian Li
Symmetry 2018, 10(8), 333; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10080333 - 10 Aug 2018
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3023
Abstract
Nowadays, more and more applications are dependent on storage and management of semi-structured information. For scientific research and knowledge-based decision-making, such data often needs to be published, e.g., medical data is released to implement a computer-assisted clinical decision support system. Since this data [...] Read more.
Nowadays, more and more applications are dependent on storage and management of semi-structured information. For scientific research and knowledge-based decision-making, such data often needs to be published, e.g., medical data is released to implement a computer-assisted clinical decision support system. Since this data contains individuals’ privacy, they must be appropriately anonymized before to be released. However, the existing anonymization method based on l-diversity for hierarchical data may cause serious similarity attacks, and cannot protect data privacy very well. In this paper, we utilize fuzzy sets to divide levels for sensitive numerical and categorical attribute values uniformly (a categorical attribute value can be converted into a numerical attribute value according to its frequency of occurrences), and then transform the value levels to sensitivity levels. The privacy model ( α l e v h , k)-anonymity for hierarchical data with multi-level sensitivity is proposed. Furthermore, we design a privacy-preserving approach to achieve this privacy model. Experiment results demonstrate that our approach is obviously superior to existing anonymous approach in hierarchical data in terms of utility and security. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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12 pages, 749 KiB  
Article
Multiple-Attribute Decision-Making Method Using Similarity Measures of Hesitant Linguistic Neutrosophic Numbers Regarding Least Common Multiple Cardinality
by Wenhua Cui and Jun Ye
Symmetry 2018, 10(8), 330; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10080330 - 09 Aug 2018
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2819
Abstract
Linguistic neutrosophic numbers (LNNs) are a powerful tool for describing fuzzy information with three independent linguistic variables (LVs), which express the degrees of truth, uncertainty, and falsity, respectively. However, existing LNNs cannot depict the hesitancy of the decision-maker (DM). To solve this issue, [...] Read more.
Linguistic neutrosophic numbers (LNNs) are a powerful tool for describing fuzzy information with three independent linguistic variables (LVs), which express the degrees of truth, uncertainty, and falsity, respectively. However, existing LNNs cannot depict the hesitancy of the decision-maker (DM). To solve this issue, this paper first defines a hesitant linguistic neutrosophic number (HLNN), which consists of a few LNNs regarding an evaluated object due to DMs’ hesitancy to represent their hesitant and uncertain information in the decision-making process. Then, based on the least common multiple cardinality (LCMC), we present generalized distance and similarity measures of HLNNs, and then develop a similarity measure-based multiple-attribute decision-making (MADM) method to handle the MADM problem in the HLNN setting. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed approach is verified by an investment decision case. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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29 pages, 727 KiB  
Article
Picture Hesitant Fuzzy Set and Its Application to Multiple Criteria Decision-Making
by Rui Wang and Yanlai Li
Symmetry 2018, 10(7), 295; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10070295 - 20 Jul 2018
Cited by 55 | Viewed by 4144
Abstract
To address the complex multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems in practice, this article proposes the picture hesitant fuzzy set (PHFS) theory based on the picture fuzzy set and the hesitant fuzzy set. First, the concept of PHFS is put forward, and its operations [...] Read more.
To address the complex multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems in practice, this article proposes the picture hesitant fuzzy set (PHFS) theory based on the picture fuzzy set and the hesitant fuzzy set. First, the concept of PHFS is put forward, and its operations are presented, simultaneously. Second, the generalized picture hesitant fuzzy weighted aggregation operators are developed, and some theorems and reduced operators of them are discussed. Third, the generalized picture hesitant fuzzy prioritized weighted aggregation operators are put forward to solve the MCDM problems that the related criteria are at different priorities. Fourth, two novel MCDM methods combined with the proposed operators are constructed to determine the best alternative in real life. Finally, two numerical examples and an application of web service selection are investigated to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods. The sensitivity analysis shows that the different values of the parameter λ affect the ranking of alternatives, and the proposed operators are compared with several existing MCDM methods to illustrate their advantages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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18 pages, 345 KiB  
Article
Selecting the Optimal Mine Ventilation System via a Decision Making Framework under Hesitant Linguistic Environment
by Weizhang Liang, Guoyan Zhao and Suizhi Luo
Symmetry 2018, 10(7), 283; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10070283 - 13 Jul 2018
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2660
Abstract
Ventilation systems are amongst the most essential components of a mine. As the indicators of ventilation systems are in general of ambiguity or uncertainty, the selection of ventilation systems can therefore be regarded as a complex fuzzy decision making problem. In order to [...] Read more.
Ventilation systems are amongst the most essential components of a mine. As the indicators of ventilation systems are in general of ambiguity or uncertainty, the selection of ventilation systems can therefore be regarded as a complex fuzzy decision making problem. In order to solve such problems, a decision making framework based on a new concept, the hesitant linguistic preference relation (HLPR), is constructed. The basic elements in the HLPR are hesitant fuzzy linguistic numbers (HFLNs). At first, new operational laws and aggregation operators of HFLNs are defined to overcome the limitations in existing literature. Subsequently, a novel comparison method based on likelihood is proposed to obtain the order relationship of two HFLNs. Then, a likelihood-based consistency index is introduced to represent the difference between two hesitant linguistic preference relations (HLPRs). It is a new way to express the consistency degree for the reason that the traditional consistency indices are almost exclusively based on distance measures. Meanwhile, a consistency-improving model is suggested to attain acceptable consistent HLPRs. In addition, a method to receive reasonable ranking results from HLPRs with acceptable consistency is presented. At last, this method is used to pick out the best mine ventilation system under uncertain linguistic decision conditions. A comparison and a discussion are conducted to demonstrate the validity of the presented approach. The results show that the proposed method is effective for selecting the optimal mine ventilation system, and provides references for the construction and management of mines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
14 pages, 262 KiB  
Article
Intuitionistic Fuzzy Multiple Attribute Decision-Making Model Based on Weighted Induced Distance Measure and Its Application to Investment Selection
by Zhengmao Li, Dechao Sun and Shouzhen Zeng
Symmetry 2018, 10(7), 261; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10070261 - 04 Jul 2018
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2352
Abstract
This paper investigates an intuitionistic fuzzy multiple attribute decision-making method based on weighted induced distance and its application to investment selection. Specifically, an intuitionistic fuzzy weighted induced ordered weighted averaging operator is proposed to eliminate the drawbacks of existing methods by extending the [...] Read more.
This paper investigates an intuitionistic fuzzy multiple attribute decision-making method based on weighted induced distance and its application to investment selection. Specifically, an intuitionistic fuzzy weighted induced ordered weighted averaging operator is proposed to eliminate the drawbacks of existing methods by extending the functions of the order-induced variables. The main advantage of the proposed operator is its dual roles of the order-inducing variables that can simultaneously induce arguments and moderate associated weights. A further extension of the proposed operator is its adaptation towards measuring intuitionistic fuzzy information more effectively. In addition, a multiple attribute decision-making model based on the proposed distance operators is proposed. Finally, the practicability and validity of the proposed model are illustrated by using a numerical example related to investment selection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
14 pages, 826 KiB  
Article
Complex Fuzzy Geometric Aggregation Operators
by Lvqing Bi, Songsong Dai and Bo Hu
Symmetry 2018, 10(7), 251; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10070251 - 02 Jul 2018
Cited by 68 | Viewed by 2969
Abstract
A complex fuzzy set is an extension of the traditional fuzzy set, where traditional [0,1]-valued membership grade is extended to the complex unit disk. The aggregation operator plays an important role in many fields, and this paper presents several complex fuzzy geometric aggregation [...] Read more.
A complex fuzzy set is an extension of the traditional fuzzy set, where traditional [0,1]-valued membership grade is extended to the complex unit disk. The aggregation operator plays an important role in many fields, and this paper presents several complex fuzzy geometric aggregation operators. We show that these operators possess the properties of rotational invariance and reflectional invariance. These operators are also closed on the upper-right quadrant of the complex unit disk. Based on the relationship between Pythagorean membership grades and complex numbers, these operators can be applied to the Pythagorean fuzzy environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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35 pages, 2025 KiB  
Article
A Hybrid Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (FANP) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Approach for Supplier Evaluation and Selection in the Rice Supply Chain
by Chia–Nan Wang, Van Thanh Nguyen, Duy Hung Duong and Hanh Tuong Do
Symmetry 2018, 10(6), 221; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10060221 - 14 Jun 2018
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5182
Abstract
In the market economy, competition is typically due to the difficulty in selecting the most suitable supplier, one that is capable to help a business to develop a profit to the highest value threshold and capable to meet sustainable development features. In addition, [...] Read more.
In the market economy, competition is typically due to the difficulty in selecting the most suitable supplier, one that is capable to help a business to develop a profit to the highest value threshold and capable to meet sustainable development features. In addition, this research discusses a wide range of consequences from choosing an effective supplier, including reducing production cost, improving product quality, delivering the product on time, and responding flexibly to customer requirements. Therefore, the activities noted above are able to increase an enterprise’s competitiveness. It can be seen that selecting a supplier is complex in that decision-makers must have an understanding of the qualitative and quantitative features for assessing the symmetrical impact of the criteria to reach the most accurate result. In this research, the multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) approach was proposed to solve supplier selection problems. The authors collected data from 25 potential suppliers, and the four main criteria within contain 15 sub-criteria to define the most effective supplier, which has viewed factors, including financial efficiency guarantee, quality of materials, ability to deliver on time, and the conditioned response to the environment to improve the efficiency of the industry supply chain. Initially, fuzzy analytic network process (ANP) is used to evaluate and rank these criteria, which are able to be utilized to clarify important criteria that directly affect the profitability of the business. Subsequently, data envelopment analysis (DEA) models, including the Charnes Cooper Rhodes model (CCR model), Banker Charnes Cooper model (BCC model), and slacks-based measure model (SBM model), were proposed to rank suppliers. The result of the model has proposed 7/25 suppliers, which have a condition response to the enterprises’ supply requirements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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30 pages, 1240 KiB  
Article
Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Aggregation Operators Based on the Hamacher t-norm and t-conorm
by Jianghong Zhu and Yanlai Li
Symmetry 2018, 10(6), 189; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10060189 - 31 May 2018
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3152
Abstract
Hesitant fuzzy linguistic (HFL) term set, as a very flexible tool to represent the judgments of decision makers, has attracted the attention of many researchers. In recent years, some HFL aggregation operators have been developed to aggregate the HFL information. However, most of [...] Read more.
Hesitant fuzzy linguistic (HFL) term set, as a very flexible tool to represent the judgments of decision makers, has attracted the attention of many researchers. In recent years, some HFL aggregation operators have been developed to aggregate the HFL information. However, most of these operators are proposed based on the Algebraic product and Algebraic sum. In this paper, we presented some HFL aggregation operators to handle HFL information based on Hamacher triangle norms. We first define new operational laws on the HFL element according to Hamacher triangle norms. Then we present a family of HFL Hamacher aggregation operators, including the HFL Hamacher weighted averaging, HFL Hamacher weighted geometric, HFL Hamacher power weighted averaging and HFL Hamacher power weighted geometric operators and their generalized forms. We also investigate some special cases and properties of these operators in detail. Furthermore, we develop two approaches based on the proposed operators to deal with the multi-criteria decision-making problem with HFL information. Finally, a numerical example with regard to choosing a suitable city to release sharing car is provided to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed method, and the advantages of the proposed methods are shown by conducting a sensitivity and comparative analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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24 pages, 1006 KiB  
Article
A Novel Approach to Multi-Attribute Group Decision-Making with q-Rung Picture Linguistic Information
by Li Li, Runtong Zhang, Jun Wang, Xiaopu Shang and Kaiyuan Bai
Symmetry 2018, 10(5), 172; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10050172 - 18 May 2018
Cited by 93 | Viewed by 3972
Abstract
The proposed q-rung orthopair fuzzy set (q-ROFS) and picture fuzzy set (PIFS) are two powerful tools for depicting fuzziness and uncertainty. This paper proposes a new tool, called q-rung picture linguistic set (q-RPLS) to deal with vagueness [...] Read more.
The proposed q-rung orthopair fuzzy set (q-ROFS) and picture fuzzy set (PIFS) are two powerful tools for depicting fuzziness and uncertainty. This paper proposes a new tool, called q-rung picture linguistic set (q-RPLS) to deal with vagueness and impreciseness in multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM). The proposed q-RPLS takes full advantages of q-ROFS and PIFS and reflects decision-makers’ quantitative and qualitative assessments. To effectively aggregate q-rung picture linguistic information, we extend the classic Heronian mean (HM) to q-RPLSs and propose a family of q-rung picture linguistic Heronian mean operators, such as the q-rung picture linguistic Heronian mean (q-RPLHM) operator, the q-rung picture linguistic weighted Heronian mean (q-RPLWHM) operator, the q-rung picture linguistic geometric Heronian mean (q-RPLGHM) operator, and the q-rung picture linguistic weighted geometric Heronian mean (q-RPLWGHM) operator. The prominent advantage of the proposed operators is that the interrelationship between q-rung picture linguistic numbers (q-RPLNs) can be considered. Further, we put forward a novel approach to MAGDM based on the proposed operators. We also provide a numerical example to demonstrate the validity and superiorities of the proposed method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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Article
Some Interval Neutrosophic Linguistic Maclaurin Symmetric Mean Operators and Their Application in Multiple Attribute Decision Making
by Yushui Geng, Xingang Wang, Xuemei Li, Kun Yu and Peide Liu
Symmetry 2018, 10(4), 127; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym10040127 - 22 Apr 2018
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3068
Abstract
There are many practical decision-making problems in people’s lives, but the information given by decision makers (DMs) is often unclear and how to describe this information is of critical importance. Therefore, we introduce interval neutrosophic linguistic numbers (INLNs) to represent the less clear [...] Read more.
There are many practical decision-making problems in people’s lives, but the information given by decision makers (DMs) is often unclear and how to describe this information is of critical importance. Therefore, we introduce interval neutrosophic linguistic numbers (INLNs) to represent the less clear and uncertain information and give their operational rules and comparison methods. In addition, since the Maclaurin symmetric mean (MSM) operator has the special characteristic of capturing the interrelationships among multi-input arguments, we further propose an MSM operator for INLNs (INLMSM). Furthermore, considering the weights of attributes are the important parameters and they can influence the decision results, we also propose a weighted INLMSM (WINLMSM) operator. Based on the WINLMSM operator, we develop a multiple attribute decision making (MADM) method with INLNs and some examples are used to show the procedure and effectiveness of the proposed method. Compared with the existing methods, the proposed method is more convenient to express the complex and unclear information. At the same time, it is more scientific and flexible in solving the MADM problems by considering the interrelationships among multi-attributes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuzzy Techniques for Decision Making 2018)
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