Fuzzy-set Analysis Research Articles

An analysis of intuitionistic fuzzy sets in risk-based inspection: A case study of hydrogen crack damage in steel tanks under gas pressure

An analysis of intuitionistic fuzzy sets in risk-based inspection: A case study of hydrogen crack damage in steel tanks under gas pressure

Multiple Paths to Green Building Popularization Under the TOE Framework—A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of Fuzzy Sets Based on 26 Chinese Cities

Green buildings are a crucial element in achieving sustainable development. The use of green buildings can save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Promoting the widespread adoption of green buildings has become a significant concern in many countries or regions. Although previous studies have identified a range of key factors influencing the promotion of green buildings, further analysis of the combination of these critical factors needs to be conducted. Therefore, based on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, this study utilizes the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method to analyze survey data from 26 cities in China, resulting in four high-level configuration paths for the widespread adoption of green buildings. The results indicate that (1) achieving high levels of widespread adoption of green buildings does not depend on any single factor; instead, it relies on the collaborative interaction of multiple elements across technological, organizational, and environmental dimensions; (2) the potential substitution relationships between conditional variables among different configurations within the TOE framework indicate that science and technology expenditure and gross domestic product play more significant roles in the path combinations for the promotion of green buildings; (3) through the study of the substitutive relationships of four configuration paths, it was found that when a city faces challenges in the widespread adoption of green buildings, such as an insufficient number of green building technology patents or underdeveloped green finance incentive systems, it can still achieve efficient green building adoption by formulating corresponding policies and enhancing cultural value guidance for groups like developers, contractors, and consumers. Conversely, the same is true. This paper explores the combination of critical factors in green building adoption, providing insights into addressing the differing foundational conditions of cities in the process.

Measurement and distribution characteristics of urban green productivity: based on fuzzy rough set and spatial autocorrelation analysis

Measurement and distribution characteristics of urban green productivity: based on fuzzy rough set and spatial autocorrelation analysis

On entrepreneurial and ambidextrous universities. Comparative study in Ibero-American Higher Education Institutions

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) currently face new challenges that break traditional schemes which focus solely on teaching. HEIs have become organizations that explore and exploit existing knowledge through technology transfer and commercialization. This study analyzes the effect of Performance Measurement Systems (PMSs) on the outcome of knowledge ambidexterity (i.e., the simultaneous pursuit of exploration and exploitation). A Qualitative Comparative Fuzzy Set Analysis was performed, which identified the combination of the antecedent conditions that generate exploration and exploitation outcomes in Ibero-American HEIs. These results show that knowledge ambidexterity performance in Ibero-American universities is conditioned by the design of the PMSs in every particular university context that considers the combination of these factors: Absorptive Capacity, Indicator System, Reward System and Organizational Structures. Overall, this study demonstrates that PMSs have a positive effect on achieving success in the exploration (research performance and academic reputation) and exploitation (technology transfer and employability) of knowledge in Ibero-American HEIs.

Development Level of Digital Government: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of Fuzzy Sets Based on 31 Provincial Capital Cities in China

The onset of the information era has accelerated the transformation of digital governance, establishing it as a critical component in the modernization of governance frameworks and capabilities worldwide. Despite considerable advancements in the field of digital government, regional disparities in development remain pronounced, emphasizing the necessity for a coordinated and effective approach. This study employs a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) of fuzzy sets to assess 31 provincial capitals in China, aiming to discern the digital governance ecosystems that promote the development of digital governments. It is grounded in the TOE framework, which examines the dynamics among technological, organizational, and environmental factors. The results provide empirical insights into the architecture of digital governance, offering a detailed comprehension of performance levels and recommending specific policy directions to enhance digital government progression.

A coal bursting liability evaluation model based on fuzzy set theory and analysis of three influencing factors

A coal bursting liability evaluation model based on fuzzy set theory and analysis of three influencing factors

Utilization of maternal health facilities and rural women’s well-being: towards the attainment of sustainable development goals

BackgroundThe sustenance of any household is tied to the well-being of the mother's health before, during, and after pregnancy. Maternal health care has continued a downward slope, increasing maternal mortality in rural communities in Nigeria. Presently, few empirical findings connect maternal healthcare facilities' use to mothers' well-being in Nigeria. Using maternal health facilities and the well-being of rural women is crucial in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, and 3 (No poverty, zero hunger, good health, and well-being).ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to examine the level of maternal healthcare utilization and its effect on mothers’ well-being status among mothers in rural Nigeria.MethodsIn this study, secondary data extracted from the Nigeria’s 2018 National Demographic Health Survey was used. Data was analyzed with Multiple correspondence analysis, Fuzzy set analysis, and Extended ordered logit model.ResultsWomen in rural Nigeria were moderate users of maternal health care services and had moderate well-being indices (0.54 ± 0.2, 0.424 ± 0.2, respectively). Mothers' moderate well-being status was increased by using maternal health care facilities, having a larger household, and having mothers who worked exclusively in agriculture.ConclusionWe concluded that mothers in rural Nigeria use maternal healthcare facilities moderately, and their well-being level was improved using maternal healthcare facilities. Therefore, Nigeria’s Ministry of Health should raise awareness about the vitality of mothers using health care services before, during, and after pregnancy. In order to promote greater female participation in full-scale agricultural production, it is imperative for the Nigerian government to allocate substantial resources in the form of subsidies and incentives. The Nigerian government should source these resources from various channels, including expanded development cooperation. Additionally, policymakers should focus on designing developmental programmes specifically tailored for rural households and the health sector.

Methodological issues of the fuzzy set theory (generalizing article)

The theory of fuzziness is an important area of modern theoretical and applied mathematics. The methodology of the theory of fuzziness is a doctrine of organizing activities in the field of development and application of the scientific results of this theory. We discuss some methodological issues of the theory of fuzziness, i.e., individual components of the methodology in the area under consideration. The theory of fuzziness is a science of pragmatic (fuzzy) numbers and sets. The ancient Greek philosopher Eubulides showed that the concepts «Heap» and «Bald» cannot be described using natural numbers. E. Borel proposed to define a fuzzy set using a membership function. A fundamentally important step was taken by L. A. Zadeh in 1965. He gave the basic definitions of the algebra of fuzzy sets and introduced the operations of intersection, product, union, sum, negation of fuzzy sets. The main thing he did was demonstration of the possibilities of expanding («doubling») mathematics: by replacing the numbers and sets used in mathematics with their fuzzy counterparts, we obtain new mathematical formulations. In the statistics of non-numerical data, methods of statistical analysis of fuzzy sets have been developed. Interval and triangular fuzzy numbers are often used specific types of membership functions. The theory of fuzzy sets in a certain sense is reduced to the theory of random sets. We think fuzzy and that is the only reason we understand each other. The paradox of the fuzzy theory is that it is impossible to consistently implement the thesis «Everything in the world is fuzzy». For ordinary fuzzy sets, the argument and values of the membership function are crisp. If they are replaced by fuzzy analogues, then their description will require their own clear arguments and membership functions, and so on ad infinitum. System fuzzy interval mathematics proceeds from the need to take into account the fuzziness of the initial data and the prerequisites of the mathematical model. One of the options for its practical implementation is an automated system-cognitive analysis and the intellectual system «Eidos».

Understanding Travelers’ Motivations and Preferences Relating to Sustainable Behavior: Configural Analysis of Traveler Mindfulness

To complement industry-wide sustainability initiatives, this study aims to improve the understanding of traveler mindfulness. A holistic, case-based approach explores how traveler motivations and situational factors relate to mindfulness in a sustainability context. A sample of 510 recent travelers informs this study. Fuzzy set statistics test complexity theory tenants to examine the relationship between mindfulness and travelers’ motivations and preferences. Results support complexity theory tenants and show multiple paths relate to high mindfulness. Study results advance the understanding of traveler behavior by introducing a sustainability-focused mindfulness scale, advancing mindfulness studies with complexity theory and fuzzy set analysis, and offering insights to destination managers who target travelers with a sustainability mindset.

An Empirical Study on the Educational Application of ChatGPT

At present, the digital transformation of education has become a national strategy, and ChatGPT is of great significance to the in-depth promotion of the digital transformation of education.Chatgpt has become a hot spot at home and abroad. The application of ChatGPT in daily education and study need to be deepened, but there is still a lack of attention to the current situation and effect of ChatGPT at home and abroad. Based on expectation confirmation theory, information system success theory and TAM model, this study constructs a model of the influencing factors of ChatGPT learners' use satisfaction. The results of structural equation analysis show that perceived usefulness, expectation confirmation and information quality have significant positive direct effects on learners' satisfaction; perceived ease of use, system quality and social influence have significant positive direct effects on learners' perceived usefulness; system quality and information quality have significant positive direct effects on learners' expectation confirmation; perceived usefulness has significant positive direct effects on behavior intention; system quality has significant positive direct effects on perceived ease of use. The results of qualitative comparative analysis of fuzzy sets show that there are six schemes to promote learners' satisfaction. The overall coverage of the six configurations is 0.974215, and the consistency is 0.71898. On the basis of the above research, some countermeasures and suggestions are put forward finally.

Sports ambassadors and destination image: a fuzzy set analysis

PurposeThis paper aims to identify different combinations of causal conditions (celebrity attributes) that explain our outcome: destination image. More specifically, three main research questions guide our work: (1) Which attributes should an outstanding sportsperson have to enhance the image of his/her country as a destination image? (2) Are these the same for different product categories? (3) Do tourists and residents differ?Design/methodology/approachTo this end, the fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) was used with a sample of 187 participants (105 tourists and 82 residents).FindingsResults show that some attributes of a sports celebrity are more critical than others in enhancing destination image. Those attributes of sports celebrities appearing in the intermediate and parsimonious analysis should be prioritized. This is the case of trustworthiness. Second, experience is a peripheral requirement (only appeared in the intermediate analysis). Third, attractiveness is unnecessary and an even and undesired attribute in many solutions. Fourth, when comparing tourists and residents, both groups value the role of football players, while residents also appreciate the role of marathon runners. Tennis players are the less relevant sports celebrities to build Spain’s destination image.Originality/valueFirst, a new statistical analysis in the marketing discipline, QCA, has been used. The use of qualitative approaches to investigate destination images has been scarce. Second, the study of the role of sports celebrity endorsement on brand–place attachment has yet to be investigated. Third, studies about the role of residents in the image of a tourism destination/city are scarce. Tourists and residents must be investigated because they can benefit from sports celebrities' activities.

Gender Differences in the use of Social Capital for Entrepreneurial Activity Within Contexts of Poverty

Abstract Previous research has pointed to differences in the use of social capital between male and female entrepreneurs that may explain, in part, the different outcomes they obtain. Adopting a gender perspective, this study analyses whether these differences depend on the contextual configurations in which their businesses operate, specifically the degree of hostility of the context and their household structure. Thirty male and female entrepreneurs who set up their businesses in poor neighbourhoods in and around the city of Guayaquil (Ecuador) were interviewed. Data was analysed using content analysis and comparative qualitative fuzzy set analysis. The results show that women rely on bridging and bonding social capital for favourable entrepreneurial outcomes, while men rely mainly on bonding social capital, with the structure of the household being one of the influences that condition whether or not they go outside their immediate environment to mobilise resources. This work contributes to a better understanding of how the relational behaviour of male and female entrepreneurs is conditioned by gender and context. These results differ from those obtained in previous research focusing more on developed countries and suggest that gender differences in social capital are at least partly explained by the contextual configurations in which entrepreneurs find themselves, and especially by the needs and agency space available to them, rather than by the faithful reproduction of gender roles and the behavioural patterns derived from them.

The impact of corporate governance on the total factor productivity of pharmaceutical enterprises: a study based on the fsQCA method

The pharmaceutical industry is an important industry for the national economy and the people's livelihood, which is not only beneficial to the people's livelihood, but also has huge commercial value. How to promote the development of Chinese pharmaceutical industry is an urgent problem to be solved. In this study, 47 listed pharmaceutical companies are taken as cases, and Qualitative Comparative Analysis of Fuzzy Sets (fsQCA) is used to analyze the influence of five antecedent conditions on the total factor productivity of pharmaceutical enterprises from the perspective of corporate governance, and to explore the composition to Total Factor Productivity (TFP) improvement. The results are as follows. First, single corporate governance factor does not constitute the necessary condition to improve the TFP of pharmaceutical enterprises. Second, there are three configurations of high TFP of pharmaceutical enterprises, among these, two configurations belong to regulatory constraints type and one configuration belongs to the active board type. There is only one configurations to low TFP of pharmaceutical enterprises: the passive board. Based on the perspective of configuration, this paper discusses how corporate governance drives TFP improvement in pharmaceutical enterprises, which can provide systematic thinking and practical guidance for each company to promote its TFP improvement according to its own corporate structure.

Research on Antecedent Configuration of Smart City Governance Path: Qualitative Comparative Analysis of Fuzzy Sets Based on 30 Cities in China

This study focuses on 30 typical cases of smart cities in China, constructing an analytical framework that includes seven explanatory factors: information infrastructure, administrative pressure, government attention, public service level, financial support, technical talent, and government-enterprise cooperation. Utilizing the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method, the study conducts configuration analysis of the influencing factors for the efficient construction of smart cities. The research reveals that government-enterprise cooperation and the public service level are crucial factors for achieving high construction efficiency in smart cities. These are collectively categorized into three construction models: "service innovation type driven by pressure," "multi-factor-induced type driven by technology," and "proactive follow-up type under fiscal incentives." The results of the study provide reference points for the construction of smart cities in different regions of China. Urban governments should undertake strategic and combinational construction actions based on their unique characteristics and resource endowments.

A Decision‐Making Approach Incorporating TODIM Method and Sine Entropy in q‐Rung Picture Fuzzy Set Setting

In this study, we propose a new approach based on fuzzy TODIM (Portuguese acronym for interactive and multicriteria decision‐making) for decision‐making problems in uncertain environments. Our method incorporates group utility and individual regret, which are often ignored in traditional multicriteria decision‐making (MCDM) methods. To enhance the analysis and application of fuzzy sets in decision‐making processes, we introduce novel entropy and distance measures for q‐rung picture fuzzy sets. These measures include an entropy measure based on the sine function and a distance measure derived from the Jensen‐Shannon divergence. In our methodology, incorporating the sine function into the entropy measure stands out as a distinctive decision, grounded in a profound understanding of the inherent characteristics of fuzzy sets. Utilizing the sine function proves especially advantageous when handling fuzzy sets that exhibit cyclical variations or fluctuations in their membership degrees. We effectively weight the criteria for an improved evaluation by using this new entropy measure. The introduced distance measure finds application in the TODIM approach, allowing the execution of TODIM method steps within a fuzzy environment until the determination of one alternative’s dominance over another—an advancement beyond traditional approaches. We apply our enhanced fuzzy TODIM method to a real‐life construction project management problem from the literature and compare the results with those in the literature and obtained from other MCDM methods. Our proposed measures are robust, as demonstrated by the sensitivity analysis that varied the weights of group utility and individual regret, with the results visualized in a 3D sensitivity plot. The findings demonstrate the superiority of our method in providing a more comprehensive evaluation of alternatives, making it a useful tool for decision‐makers facing complex and uncertain decision‐making problems.

Research on technology innovation path of Intelligent Manufacturing enterprises-Based on qualitative comparative analysis of fuzzy sets under TOE framework.

Intelligent manufacturing enterprises play a crucial role in the modern industrial system and are key to high-quality economic development. However, most current research on intelligent manufacturing technology innovation focuses on single variables, lacking a comprehensive analysis from a linkage grouping perspective. This paper constructs an analytical framework for the technology innovation path of intelligent manufacturing enterprises from three dimensions: technology level, organization level, and environment level. Six antecedent variables are selected: R&D investment, digital transformation, human capital structure, profitability, government support, and competitive position. Using the fuzzy sets of qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) methodology, the paper examines the technological innovation paths of intelligent manufacturing enterprises in China. The research indicates that no single antecedent variable is necessary for high technological innovation; instead, the innovation path results from the synergistic effect of multiple conditions. The study identifies three paths leading to high technological innovation in intelligent manufacturing:"Government and Human Resource driven types," "Environmental-Organizational linkage types,"and"Organizational Resilience dominant types." This analysis provides reference suggestions for enterprises to adopt suitable development strategies based on their competitive positions.

A configurational approach to SMEs’ export activity determinants

With a perspective rooted in the resource-based view (RBV), this study focuses on analysing the configurational interaction of various strategic determinants that influence the export activity intensity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Spanish agricultural sector. Five key determinants are examined –innovation, collaboration, export promotional instruments, internal resources, and export destination– adopting a qualitative comparative analysis of fuzzy sets (fsQCA) to identify combinations of conditions that lead to higher SME export activity. Based on data from 68 agricultural SMEs in Spain, results show the importance of combined strategic adoptions vis-à-vis improving SMEs’ export activity. The study contributes to the literature by providing new insights into the impact of multiple resources on the export performance of SMEs

사회안전망이 혁신저항에 미치는 영향에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study is to analyze whether the social security system can alleviate the resistance of workers in existing industries in a situation where resistance is increasing as technological innovation occurs in all industries. In particular, we will focus on looking at labor market policies such as retirement income security systems such as ‘pensions’ and ‘unemployment benefits and vocational training’ that are directly related to the lives of workers in existing industries that have declined due to technological innovation and new growth industries. For the analysis, 17 major industrially advanced OECD countries were set as the analysis target, and the analysis period was set from 2000 to 2021, when globalization, digitalization, and resistance to technological innovation resulting from the Fourth Industrial Revolution began in earnest, and panel data was constructed. did. As an analysis method, in addition to the existing panel regression analysis, fuzzy set analysis was performed to complement the limitations of regression analysis. As a result of the regression analysis, it was found that passive labor market policies centered on unemployment benefits alleviated resistance. As a result of the fuzzy set combined factor analysis, it was revealed that a high level of active labor market policy is still needed, and that a passive labor market policy with a short period but strong guarantees and a flexible labor market environment are needed.

Fuzzy sets in modeling patient’s disease states in medical diagnostics support algorithms

The article presents the concept of using fuzzy sets methodology in modelling patientʼs disease states for preliminary medical diagnosis. The preliminary medical diagnosis is based on the identified disease symptoms. The basis of the algorithm are descriptions of the patientʼs disease status and patterns of disease entities. These patterns were defined as fuzzy sets. The paper presents simple classifiers that allow he a preliminary diagnosis based on the analysis of fuzzy sets for the use of the general practitioner.

Does enabling control systems and relational capabilities foster conflict management in innovation ecosystems?

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the effects of enabling management control systems (MCSs) and relational capabilities (interorganizational learning and coordination) on conflict management in innovation ecosystems.Design/methodology/approachShedding light on relational governance, structural equation modeling (symmetric analysis) and qualitative comparative fuzzy-set analysis (asymmetric analysis) were applied to a sample of 164 Brazilian firms associated with science and technology parks (STPs), a specific type of innovation ecosystem.FindingsThe results of the symmetric analysis showed that enabling MCSs have a direct and positive effect on conflict management, as well indirect effects through interorganizational learning and coordination. The results of the asymmetric analysis indicated four solutions to promote high levels of conflict management, with enabling MCS solutions standing out, as they are present in the majority of cases in the sample.Originality/valueInterorganizational conflict in innovation ecosystems are inevitable, but the previous literature is inconclusive about how the interrelation between MCS and relational capabilities can foster the management of these conflicts. By providing evidence on the predictors and solutions that lead to high levels of conflict management, this study presents valuable insights into how firms and STPs can mutually promote organizational and relational benefits throughout the innovation activities developed among those involved in innovation ecosystems.