A Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework for Evaluating Non-Destructive Testing Techniques in Oil and Gas Facility Maintenance Operations

Due to inequality, millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to reliable and affordable energy. Attempts to address this challenge have led to the application of different approaches to energy management, such as non-linear modeling techniques. While these approaches have been used to generate information about technical requirements for solving energy inequality, limited information existscresocio-economic information about energy inequality. This research, therefore, uses a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework to address energy inequality in sub-Saharan Africa. The framework contains a fuzzy analytical hierarchical process (FAHP) for determining criteria importance and VIKOR (VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija i Kompromisno Resenje) for emerging socio-economic criteria and mitigation strategies for energy inequality. Also, the framework contains nine socio-economic criteria and ten mitigation strategies. A sub-urban community was used to evaluate the framework performance. This study compared the VIKOR method performance with a fuzzy PROMETHEE (reference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluation) and a fuzzy TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method. The results from the FAHP method showed that environmental sustainability was the fundamental criterion for evaluating mitigation strategies for energy inequality. On the other hand, the results from the VIKOR method indicated that decentralized renewable energy solutions were the most suitable strategy for addressing energy inequality. According to the TOPSIS method results, cross-subsidization models was the best strategy for addressing energy inequality. Based on Spareman's correlation results for VIKOR and TOPSIS methods, it was observed that a significant association between these methods. On the other hand, there was no significant correlation between the VIKOR and PROMETHEEE results. The aggregation of the VIKOR, PROMETHEE, and TOPSIS results show that decentralized renewable energy solution was the best strategy for addressing energy inequality for the case study. The research findings will guide stakeholders, especially investors, on the best action for investment initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa.

In the city of Makassar, there were initially around 1000 waste banks, but this number has decreased significantly, and by 2023 only 381 waste banks remain active. The decline in the number of waste banks is primarily due to the society's lack of knowledge regarding the utilization of waste banks. This research aims to rank active waste banks in Makassar using the MCDM (Multi-Criteria Decision Making) technique. Two MCDM methods will be utilized in this study: the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method and the VIKOR (VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) method. Both methods share a common goal of finding the closest value to the ideal solution, but they differ in their normalization and aggregation functions. TOPSIS calculates the criteria weight values first, followed by the criteria values, whereas VIKOR starts with the highest criteria values and then calculates the criteria weights. The results of this research indicate that some alternatives received the same ranking using TOPSIS and VIKOR methods. The criteria used to calculate data for Waste Banks are Operational Hours, Operational Schedule, Total Customers, Total Employees, and Amount of Collected Waste. These criteria are determined based on Regulation Minister of Environment and Forestry Republic of Indonesia Number 14 of 2021 concerning Waste Management at Waste Banks.

Watershed prioritization using morphometric analysis by MCDM approaches

This study is designed to provide paediatric surgeons' perspectives on the relative importance of the criteria for choosing a surgical mode for undescended testicle treatment between open surgery (orchiopexy) or laparoscopic surgery and determine the suitable surgical mode by using the multicriteria decision‐making method. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), and Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) methods are utilized. A decision hierarchy is set with a goal, criteria, and alternatives. Our model is developed on the basis of four main criteria (time‐related, patient‐related, recovery‐related, and complication‐related factors) and 11 subcriteria (operation duration, length of stay in hospital, preoperative preparation time, recovery period after surgery, age of patient, weight of patient, aesthetic appearance, quality of life satisfaction, recurrence, possibility of infection, and vital function) as well as two alternatives, laparoscopy and open surgery. An online questionnaire was sent to the paediatric surgeons; responses from the 31 experts (i.e., paediatric surgeons) indicate that the most important criteria are found to be the time‐related factors, especially preoperative preparation time. On the other hand, the least important criteria are found to be complication‐related factors. Moreover, laparoscopy is chosen as the most suitable method for the undescended testicle using the AHP, TOPSIS, and VIKOR methods. This study helps paediatric surgeons' decision making by elucidating their priority criteria and representing their decision‐making process in terms of quantity with the help of AHP, TOPSIS, and VIKOR methodologies.

The combination of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) and morphometric parameters for prioritizing the erodibility of sub-watersheds in the Ouljet Es Soltane basin (North of Morocco)

A fuzzy based hybrid multi criteria decision making methodology for phase change material selection in electronics cooling system

Multi-criteria decision-making techniques for groundwater potentiality mapping in arid regions: A case study of Wadi Yiba, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The selection for the fabrication of transtibial prosthesis in developing countries is favoring what materials can be readily available. Given numerous options, a multi-criteria decision-making process can be effectively implemented to choose the optimal materials based on design requirement without compromising the target mechanical properties and comfort for the patient. In this study, analytic hierarchy process (AHP), technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE) methods were used as a decision-making tool for materials selection of prosthetic socket and pylon tube. The criteria for the candidate materials such as flexural strength, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, yield strength and impact strength were evaluated and each criterion was given a weight using AHP, while the materials selection calculation was done using TOPSIS and PROMETHEE. For the prosthetic socket, same ranking was observed for both TOPSIS and PROMETHEE. The carbon fiber reinforced composite (CFRC) was ranked first and closely followed by pineapple fiber reinforced composite (PFRC). TOPSIS ranked PFRC highest for the pylon tube material, followed by titanium alloy while this ranking was interchanged in PROMETHEE, putting first preference for the use of pineapple fiber reinforced composite then followed by titanium alloy. Therefore, the pineapple fiber reinforced composite can be an ideal alternative for the standard carbon fiber socket and titanium pylon tubes in fabricating a transtibial prosthesis.

In the Sub-Himalayan foothills region of eastern India, floods are considered the most powerful annually occurring natural disaster, which cause severe losses to the socio-economic life of the inhabitants. Therefore, the present study integrated geographic information system (GIS) and three comprehensive and systematic multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques such as Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacijaik Ompromisno Resenje (VIKOR), and Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) in Koch Bihar district for comparative assessment of the flood-susceptible zones. The multi-dimensional 21 indicators were considered, and multicollinearity statistics were employed to erase the issues regarding highly correlated parameters (i.e., MFI and long-term annual rainfall). Results of MCDM models depicted that the riparian areas and riverine "chars" (islands) are the most susceptible sectors, accounting for around 40% of the total area. The microlevel assessment revealed that flooding was most susceptible in the Tufanganj-I, Tufanganj-II, and Mathabhanga-I blocks, while Haldibari, Sitalkuchi, and Sitai blocks were less susceptible. Spearman's rank (rs) tests among the three MCDM models revealed that TOPSIS-EDAS persisted in a high correlation (rs = 0.714) in contrast to the relationships between VIKOR-EDAS (rs = 0.651) and TOPSIS-VIKOR (rs = 0.639). The model's efficiency was statistically judged by applying the receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve (ROC-AUC), mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE), and root mean square error (RMSE) techniques to recognize the better-suited models for mapping the flood susceptibility. The performance of all techniques is found good enough (ROC-AUC = > 0.700 and MAE, MSE and RMSE = < 0.300). However, TOPSIS and VIKOR have manifested an excellent outcome and are highly recommended for identifying flood susceptibility in such active flood-prone areas. Thus, this kind of study addresses the role of GIS in the construction of the flood susceptibility of the region and the performance of the respective models in a very lucid manner.

Statistical and analytical comparison of multi-criteria decision-making techniques under fuzzy environment

The main objectives of applying NDT techniques are to ensure the quality of an assembly or a part according to a given specification including known acceptance criteria. It generally enables not only to detect an indication, but also to classify it (size, position, nature…). Many non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques are effective in testing welded components. Radiography, ultrasonic testing, penetrant testing and magnetic particle testing are widely used and standardised. Phased arrays, TOFD and multi-elements eddy current are more and more extensively applied. Tomography, acoustic emission, ultrasonic guided waves, laser ultrasonic and optical techniques continue to be a strong topic of interest. Each of these techniques is based on different physical principles to detect defects on the surface of the part or over its whole volume. However, the geometry, physical and material properties of the part being tested are key factors in the applicability and performance of a given NDT technique. To date, the development of reliable NDT methods for additive manufacturing (AM) parts is still a major challenge. The process may generate various defects such as cracks, voids, inclusions and porosities. NDT techniques need to be optimised or developed to address singular features of the AM processes: complex geometry, special internal structures, anisotropic material properties, typical defects. Knowledge of the potential occurring imperfections produced by the various AM process needs to be improved in order to be able to select the best suited NDT techniques.

This paper mainly dealt with the evaluation of the structural stability of four storied building using non-destructive on-destructive testing methods. During the construction stage, there are many tests available to assess the excellence of concrete. The quality of concrete mainly depends on the quality of materials, concrete grade, and water-cement ratio. In the case of existing structures, to check the quality of concrete destructive tests are not possible, meanwhile, concrete quality will be assessed by using non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques such as rebound hammer, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) etc. In this present study, an attempt has been made to check the quality of concrete in an existing four-storied building using non-destructive testing methods such as rebound hammer test and ultrasonic pulse velocity test. Moreover, the stability of the structure was also assessed. Non-destructive testing method was chosen since existing information of the structure was unavailable. Test results showed that the basement (B1) was susceptible to corrosion, and the compressive strength was not in the recommended range. Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) results also proved that the average quality of the concrete was poor. Hence, significant suggestions were given for necessary retrofitting measures to improve the stability of the structure.

The growth of Internet of Things (IoT) systems is driven by their potential to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and create new business opportunities across various domains. In this paper, the main selection problems in IoT-type systems, criteria used in multi-criteria evaluation, and multi-criteria methods used for solving IoT selection problems are identified. Then, a Hybrid Group Multi-Criteria Approach for solving selection problems in IoT-type systems is proposed. The approach contains the Best Worst Method (BWM) weighting method, multi-criteria Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR), and Complex Proportional Assessment Method (COPRAS), and a method that combines the solutions obtained using the four considered multi-criteria methods to obtain a single solution. The SAW, TOPSIS, VIKOR, and COPRAS methods were analyzed in relation to their advantages, disadvantages, inputs, outputs, measurement scale, type of normalization, aggregation method, parameters, complexity of implementation, and interactivity. An application of the Hybrid Group Multi-Criteria Approach for IoT platform selection and a comparison between the SAW, TOPSIS, VIKOR, and COPRAS solutions and the solution of the proposed approach is realized. A Spearman correlation analysis is presented.

PurposeThe work on bridge resilience assessment includes quantitative and qualitative approaches to compare the multiple bridges based on their resilience. But still, the bridge resilience obtained by these assessment approaches is inefficient when prioritising multiple bridges to improve their resilience. Therefore, this study aims to develop a methodology for prioritising the bridges to improve their resilience.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology follows three sequential phases. In the first phase, criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) technique is used to compute the criteria weights. The criteria considered are age, area, design high flood level, finish road level FRL and resilience index of bridges. While 12 river-crossing bridges maintained by one bridge owner are considered as alternatives. Then, in the second phase, the prioritisation of each bridge is evaluated using five techniques, including technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution, VIKOR (in Serbian, Visekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje), additive ratio assessment, complex proportional assessment and multi-objective optimisation method by ratio analysis. Finally, in the third phase, the results of all five techniques are integrated using CRITIC and the weighted sum method.FindingsThe result of the study enables bridge owners to deal with the particular bridge that requires resilience improvement. The study concluded that it is not enough to consider only the bridge resilience index to improve its resilience. The prioritisation exercise should consider various other criteria that are not preferred during the bridge resilience assessment process.Originality/valueThe proposed methodology is a novel framework based on the existing multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques for contributing knowledge in the domain of bridge resilience management. It can efficiently overcome the pitfall of decision-making when two bridges have the same resilience index score.

The depletion in non-renewable energy sources and a fast-growing population in Bangladesh are exacerbating the already existing energy scarcity, highlighting the need for an efficient and robust renewable-energy supply chain. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the most optimized renewable-energy supply chain based on natural resource availability and government policies of Bangladesh. In the present study, four renewable energy resources, including solar, biomass, wind and hydropower, are studied and nine subcriteria are defined under four primary criteria for each supply chain. Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) are multicriteria decision-making approaches used in this study to compare and choose the best renewable-energy supply chain. The relative significance of four supply-chain criteria for primary renewable energy in this study, namely energy procurement, production, operations and maintenance costs, and social and environmental impact, is gathered via a survey. The results of this research, supported by a comprehensive sensitivity analysis, indicate that hydropower is the best renewable-energy supply chain, followed by wind as a compromise solution, biomass and solar. The study also demonstrates that no energy source can satisfy all supply-chain criteria alone; each resource is better for a specific criterion—solar is better for procurement, hydropower is significant for production and wind is remarkable for operations and social impact. Therefore, to maximize output, renewable energy sources must be integrated. From Bangladesh’s perspective, for the first time, by using TOPSIS and VIKOR together, this study offers significant insights to establish an efficient and sustainable renewable-energy supply chain for practitioners, academics and policymakers.