A multidimensional decision with nested probabilistic linguistic term sets and its application in corporate investment

With the rapid development of information, decision making problems in various fields have presented multidimensional, complex and uncertain characteristics. Nested probabilistic-numerical linguistic term set (NPNLTS) is an effective tool to describe complex information due to the nested structure and diverse variables. This paper extends the concept of NPNLTS, and defines an improved form, i.e., nested probabilistic linguistic term set (NPLTS), and then proposes a novel VIKOR method with nested probabilistic linguistic information to solve the model. Within the context of empirical corporate finance, a case study related to corporate investment decision is presented and handled by the novel VIKOR method. After that, comparative analysis is carried out considering other decision-making methods, decision coefficient in VIKOR, and weights of attributes. As a result, the proposed method not only provides a rational and effective solution, but also reveals the rule in the case when decision coefficient and weights of attributes change, respectively. Finally, we discuss the proposed method from the theoretical and application aspects with a view to guiding future research. To a certain extent, this study provides a new decision environment to deal with multidimensional problems

Development of an integrated decision support system for supporting offshore oil spill response in harsh environments

Offshore oil spills can lead to significantly negative impacts on socio-economy and constitute a direct hazard to the marine environment and human health. The response to an oil spill usually consists of a series of dynamic, time-sensitive, multi-faceted and complex processes subject to various constraints and challenges. In the past decades, many models have been developed mainly focusing on individual processes including oil weathering simulation, impact assessment, and clean-up optimization. However, to date, research on integration of offshore oil spill vulnerability analysis, process simulation and operation optimization is still lacking. Such deficiency could be more influential in harsh environments. It becomes noticeably critical and urgent to develop new methodologies and improve technical capacities of offshore oil spill responses. Therefore, this proposed research aims at developing an integrated decision support system for supporting offshore oil spill responses especially in harsh environments (DSS-OSRH). Such a DSS consists of offshore oil spill vulnerability analysis, response technologies screening, and simulation-optimization coupling. The uncertainties and/or dynamics have been quantitatively reflected throughout the modeling processes. First, a Monte Carlo simulation based two-stage adaptive resonance theory mapping (MC-TSAM) approach has been developed. A real-world case study was applied for offshore oil spill vulnerability index (OSVI) classification in the south coast of Newfoundland to demonstrate this approach. Furthermore, a Monte Carlo simulation based integrated rule-based fuzzy adaptive resonance theory mapping (MC-IRFAM) approach has been developed for screening and ranking for spill response and clean-up technologies. The feasibility of the MC-IRFAM was tested with a case of screening and ranking response technologies in an offshore oil spill event. A novel Monte Carlo simulation based dynamic mixed integer nonlinear programming (MC-DMINP) approach has also been developed for the simulation-optimization coupling in offshore oil spill responses. To demonstrate this approach, a case study was conducted in device allocation and oil recovery in an offshore oil spill event. Finally, the DSS-OSRH has been developed based on the integration of MC-TSAM, MC-IRFAM, AND MC-DSINP. To demonstrate its feasibility, a case study was conducted in the decision support during offshore oil spill response in the south coast of Newfoundland. The developed approaches and DSS are the first of their kinds to date targeting offshore oil spill responses. The novelty can be reflected from the following aspects: 1) an innovative MC-TSAM approach for offshore OSVI classification under complexity and uncertainty; 2) a new MC-IRFAM approach for oil spill response technologies classification and ranking with uncertain information; 3) a novel MC-DMINP simulation-optimization coupling approach for offshore oil spill response operation and resource allocation under uncertainty; and 4) an innovational DSS-OSRH which consists of the MC-TSAM, MC-IRFAM, MC-DMINP, supporting decision making throughout the offshore oil spill response processes. These methods are particularly suitable for offshore oil spill responses in harsh environments such as the offshore areas of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). The research will also promote the understanding of the processes of oil transport and fate and the impacts to the affected offshore and shoreline area. The methodologies will be capable of providing modeling tools for other related areas that require timely and effective decisions under complexity and uncertainty

A vision-based optical character recognition system for real-time identification of tractors in a port container terminal

Automation has been seen as a promising solution to increase the productivity of modern sea port container terminals. The potential of increase in throughput, work efficiency and reduction of labor cost have lured stick holders to strive for the introduction of automation in the overall terminal operation. A specific container handling process that is readily amenable to automation is the deployment and control of gantry cranes in the container yard of a container terminal where typical operations of truck identification, loading and unloading containers, and job management are primarily performed manually in a typical terminal. To facilitate the overall automation of the gantry crane operation, we devised an approach for the real-time identification of tractors through the recognition of the corresponding number plates that are located on top of the tractor cabin. With this crucial piece of information, remote or automated yard operations can then be performed. A machine vision-based system is introduced whereby these number plates are read and identified in real-time while the tractors are operating in the terminal. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of the system and highlight the major difficulties encountered including the recognition of character information printed on the number plates due to poor image integrity. Working solutions are proposed to address these problems which are incorporated in the overall identification system.postprin

Operations Management

Global competition has caused fundamental changes in the competitive environment of the manufacturing and service industries. Firms should develop strategic objectives that, upon achievement, result in a competitive advantage in the market place. The forces of globalization on one hand and rapidly growing marketing opportunities overseas, especially in emerging economies on the other, have led to the expansion of operations on a global scale. The book aims to cover the main topics characterizing operations management including both strategic issues and practical applications. A global environmental business including both manufacturing and services is analyzed. The book contains original research and application chapters from different perspectives. It is enriched through the analyses of case studies

Safety and Reliability - Safe Societies in a Changing World

The contributions cover a wide range of methodologies and application areas for safety and reliability that contribute to safe societies in a changing world. These methodologies and applications include: - foundations of risk and reliability assessment and management - mathematical methods in reliability and safety - risk assessment - risk management - system reliability - uncertainty analysis - digitalization and big data - prognostics and system health management - occupational safety - accident and incident modeling - maintenance modeling and applications - simulation for safety and reliability analysis - dynamic risk and barrier management - organizational factors and safety culture - human factors and human reliability - resilience engineering - structural reliability - natural hazards - security - economic analysis in risk managemen

User-Oriented Methodology and Techniques of Decision Analysis and Support

This volume contains 26 papers selected from Workshop presentations. The book is divided into two sections; the first is devoted to the methodology of decision analysis and support and related theoretical developments, and the second reports on the development of tools -- algorithms, software packages -- for decision support as well as on their applications. Several major contributions on constructing user interfaces, on organizing intelligent DSS, on modifying theory and tools in response to user needs -- are included in this volume

Social work with airports passengers

Social work at the airport is in to offer to passengers social services. The main methodological position is that people are under stress, which characterized by a particular set of characteristics in appearance and behavior. In such circumstances passenger attracts in his actions some attention. Only person whom he trusts can help him with the documents or psychologically

The Sustainability of Agro-Food and Natural Resource Systems in the Mediterranean Basin

Agriculture; Food Science; Environmental Science and Engineerin