Manish Aggarwal

Abstract: A general entropy framework is proposed, which could lead to intuitive, interpretable and comparable entropy functions in both probabilistic or fuzzy domain, alike. Based on the proposed general entropy framework, the existing fuzzy entropy functions are redefined. The proposed entropy functions are also extended to the probabilistic-fuzzy domain. The usefulness of the work is shown in a real world case-study.

Abstract: Group decision-making (GDM) is a complex process. The diversity, discrimination, and inevitable uncertainty due to human intervention characterize such problems that add to this complexity. To circumvent this challenge, there is an urge for an appropriate knowledge representation and decision-making approaches. The present paper is concerned with a prescriptive approach to GDM that can aid a group of decision-makers (DMs) to arrive at a decision. To this end, the recent concept of probabilistic linguistic term set is utilized. The discrimination among the alternatives, as in the real world, are mimicked using an integrated framework that adopts CRITIC and variance methods for attribute weight calculation, Gini index for calculating the weights of DMs, Maclaurin symmetric mean for aggregating preferences, and weighted distance-based approximation for prioritization of alternatives. A real-world problem on electric bike selection illustrates the usefulness of the proposed work. Finally, comparative analysis with extant methods demonstrates the technical results, and it is inferred that the proposed work is (i) highly consistent (from Spearman correlation) and (ii) produces broad rank values (from standard deviation) that could be efficiently discriminated for rational decision-making and backup management during critical situations.

Abstract: A novel uncertainty representation framework is introduced based on the inter-linkage between the inherent fuzziness and the agent’s confusion in its representation. The measure of fuzziness and this confusion is considered to be directly related to the lack of distinction between membership and non-membership grades. We term the proposed structure as confidence fuzzy set (CFS). It is further generalized as generalized CFS, quasi CFS and interval-valued CFS to take into consideration the DM’s individualistic bias in the representation of the underlying fuzziness. The operations on CFSs are investigated. The usefulness of CFS in multi-criteria decision making is discussed, and a real application in supplier selection is included.

Abstract: The popular entropy functions are rigorously analysed in the context of uncertainty in the real world decision making. Based on the findings, a new entropy function is introduced specifically for the human decision making. The proposed function considers an agent’s degree of sensitivity towards uncertainty, i.e., the tendency to exaggerate or downplay the inherent uncertainty. The proposed entropy function is equipped to deal with both the subjective and probabilistic uncertainties alike, which are often interlinked in a decision-making context. The properties of the proposed entropy function are rigorously studied. A real case-study in portfolio diversification highlights the usefulness of the entropy function. It was found that the attitude plays a profound role, when there are a large number of uncertain systems (portfolios) to compare and choose from, or when the portfolios are more diversified.

Abstract: In this paper, new entropy functions are formulated based on an agent’s perceived uncertainty that inevitably affects the agent’s choice. The role of the decision-maker’s (DM’s) attitude is emphasized as one of the key determinants of such an entropy function. More specifically, new attitude-based variants of Shannon’s, Pal & Pal, and Aggarwal’s probabilistic entropies are introduced. The extant fuzzy entropies are also extended to consider the agent’s specific attitude. The proposed entropy functions provide a wide range of entropy values with the conventional entropy functions as their special cases. The special cases of the proposed entropies are examined. The wide applicability of the proposed entropy functions in multi criteria decision making is highlighted. A case-study is included to showcase the usefulness of the proposed entropy functions in the real world.

Abstract: Abstract The weights of decision makers play an important role in group decision-making problems. Entropy is a very important measure in information science. This work models an approach to determine the weights of decision makers by using an entropy measure. A new normalized projection as a separation measure, along with TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution) technique, is used for current decision model. The attribute values in current model are characterized by exact values and intervals. A comparison and experimental analysis show the applicability, feasibility, effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method.

Abstract: Proper management and treatment of food waste have become a key concern due to its significant environmental, social, and economic ramifications. The selection of the most appropriate food waste treatment method among a set of alternative methods can be regarded as a multi-criteria decision-making problem because of the association of numerous qualitative and quantitative attributes. In this paper, we offer a novel integrated framework by combining criteria interaction through inter-criteria correlation (CRITIC) and multi-objective optimization based on ratio analysis with the full multiplicative form (MULTIMOORA) methods with single-valued neutrosophic sets (SVNSs) for assessing the multi-criteria food waste treatment methods selection. In this methodology, the CRITIC technique is applied for computing the attribute weights, and the MULTIMOORA model is employed for estimating the ranking of the options within SVNSs context. To examine the introduced methodology’s efficiency and achievability, a case study of food waste treatment method (FWTM) assessment is discussed in the SVNSs setting. Further, comparative study and sensitivity investigation are offered to certify the presented framework for prioritizing FWTMs. The final results indicate that the proposed approach achieves better solutions than the extant models.

Abstract: Road haulage solutions are incredibly adaptable, having the capacity to link domestically and internationally. Road transportation offers a greener, more efficient, and safer future through sophisticated technology. Symmetry and asymmetry exist widely in industrial applications, and logistics and supply chains are no exception. The multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model is considered as a complexity tool to balance the symmetry between goals and conflicting criteria. This study can assist stakeholders in understanding the current state of transportation networks and planning future sustainability measures through the MCDM approach. The main purpose of this paper is to evaluate and compare the sustainable development of existing road transportation systems to determine whether any of them can be effectively developed in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. The integrated entropy–CoCoSo approach for evaluating the sustainability of road transportation systems is introduced, and the framework process is proposed. The entropy method defines the weight of the decision criteria based on the real data. The advantage of the entropy method is that it reduces the subjective impact of decision-makers and increases objectivity. The CoCoSo method is applied for ranking the road transportation sustainability performance of OECD countries. Our findings revealed the top three countries’ sustainability performance: Japan, Germany, and France. These are countries with developed infrastructure and transportation services. Iceland, the United States, and Latvia were in the last rank among countries. This approach helps governments, decision-makers, or policyholders review current operation, benchmark the performance of other countries and devise new strategies for road transportation development to achieves better results.

Abstract: Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) is a methodology that has been classically used to rank alternatives according to a set of decision criteria. The MCDA techniques have been shown to be an efficient tool in a number of real-life engineering problems. Nevertheless, most of the proposed approaches in the field do not consider the temporal characteristic of the criteria values, which can be an interesting information to be explored in order to predict future rankings. The present work proposes a novel MCDA methodology in which the past data of the criteria are considered to predict their future values. Our approach is based on a tensorial formulation, together with the use of the recursive least mean squares method in the prediction step. In addition, we consider a probabilistic prediction and use the Stochastic Multi-criteria Acceptability Analysis, which allows the decision maker to observe the degree of uncertainty in the ranking. Numerical experiments with synthetic and actual data attest to the proposal’s relevance in scenarios in which the criteria values change over time.

Abstract: We formulate a bi-objective distribution model for urban trips constrained by origins and destinations while maximizing entropy. We develop a flexible and consistent approach in which the estimatio...