Dempster-Shafer Research Articles

A Room-Level Indoor Localization Using an Energy-Harvesting BLE Tag

Energy-efficient and cost-effective localization systems are attractive for large-scale tracking and localization of goods. In this paper, we propose a room-level localization system using energy-harvesting BLE tags to track the targets. We introduce the Dempster–Shafer (D–S) evidence theory combined with fingerprinting technology for location estimation. To reduce the estimation complexity, we divide the indoor environment into clear areas and fuzzy areas. The D–S algorithm is employed to locate the target in the clear areas when the targets are only detected by the anchor nodes within a single room. Conversely, fuzzy areas are characterized by RSSI signals detected by anchor nodes across multiple rooms. Then, the system integrates fingerprint matching to ensure superior positioning accuracy across the deployment. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed system maintains a room-level positioning accuracy above 99% under standard test conditions within an area of approximately 2000 m2 with lots of rooms.

Conditioning w.r.t. random sets. Part 1: basic notions and results

The most controversial and basic construction in Dempster–Shafer theory is Dempster's combination rule. We analyze this concept through the conditioning with respect to a random set introduced in the paper. The paper has two parts. In Part 1, we describe the basic constructions in Dempster–Shafer theory considering multivalued mappings (random sets), the axiomatic approach proposed by G. Shafer, and the transferable belief model (TBM). We also introduce generalized credal sets as an extension of TBM and the theory of imprecise probabilities. After that, we introduce the conditioning w.r.t. a random set with various kinds of prior information and successive conditioning, and analyze, when this conditioning coincides with Dempster's rule. We show that the successive conditioning can be described by the intersection of generalized credal sets in the case of vacuous prior information and unknown interaction among random sets. Part 2 is devoted to the description of a new class of combination rules constructed by conditioning w.r.t. random sets, and by linear combinations of such rules.

Conditioning w.r.t. random sets – Part 2: combination rules

Part 2 of this article is devoted to the analysis of a new class of combination rules on belief functions generated by conditioning w.r.t. random sets and their linear convex combinations. Each such rule obeys two requirements: the consensus requirement with the conjunction rule means that this rule coincides with Dempster's rule on non-conflicting sources of information, and the consensus requirement with a mixture rule means that the result must be a specialization of their mixture combination. We show that this new class of combination rules is closed under convex combinations of such rules and their compositions. This allows us to implement the conflict management using the introduced functionals for measuring the specialization relation on belief functions. We also introduce similar rules for idempotent combination rules on credal sets obeying the similar consensus requirements and study the results obtained using various examples.

Capturing uncertainty intuition in road maintenance decision‐making using an evidential neural network

AbstractDecision‐making of project‐level road maintenance is the process of mapping road information into a maintenance plan. Even though benefitting from deep learning, the decision‐making still faces the problem of maintenance data uncertainty. The data uncertainty derives from imperfect road information collection and arbitrary selection of maintenance plans. Such uncertainty always leads to unreasonable maintenance decision‐making. This study proposes an evidential approach using information entropy (IE) and Dempster–Shafer theory (DST) to capture and handle uncertainty in the decision‐making of project‐level road maintenance. The approach first uses an IE‐based judgment method (IE‐based method) to capture and observe quantitative data uncertainty. The DST‐based method is then developed to handle maintenance data uncertainty through utilizing evidential neural network and set‐valued decision‐making. A numerical experiment is performed on the maintenance data with 280 km of semi‐rigid base highways in China. The results indicate that the IE‐based method can measure the data uncertainty in the information of road sections. The DST‐based method captures the cautious intuition on the selection of maintenance plans, thereby reducing the decision error rate by over 14% under specific conditions when facing data uncertainty.

Who Am I? Exploring the Role of Religious Beliefs in Shaping the Ethnic Identity of Tibetan Muslims: A Case Study in Hebalin, Lhasa, Tibet

Tibetan Muslims, as a unique ethnic group, hold significant religious, anthropological, and sociological value. This article examines the social functions of Islamic beliefs through questionnaires and structured interviews, focusing on the Tibetan Muslim community in Hebalin, Lhasa, Tibet. We analyze how Islamic beliefs influence the evolution of Tibetan Muslim ethnic identity and explore the relationship between nationality and religion. The key factors discussed include the developmental history of local Tibetan Muslims, the status of their Islamic culture, their community interactions, and changes in their ethnic identity. Despite these changes, their Islamic beliefs have remained consistent, playing a crucial role in shaping their ethnic identity, which mirrors the developmental history of their beliefs.

MvWECM: Multi-view Weighted Evidential [formula omitted]-Means clustering

Traditional multi-view clustering algorithms, designed to produce hard or fuzzy partitions, often neglect the inherent ambiguity and uncertainty in the cluster assignment of objects. This oversight may lead to performance degradation. To address these issues, this paper introduces a novel multi-view clustering method, termed MvWECM, capable of generating credal partitions within the framework of belief functions. The objective function of MvWECM is introduced considering the uncertainty in the cluster structure included in the multi-view dataset. We take into account inter-view conflict to effectively leverage coherent information across different views. Moreover, the effectiveness is heightened through the incorporation of adaptive view weights, which are customized to modulate their smoothness in accordance with their entropy. The optimization method to get the optimal credal membership and class prototypes is derived. The view wights can be also provided as a by-product. Experimental results on several real-word datasets demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of MvWECM by comparing with some state-of-the-art methods.

Non-Linear Saturated Multi-Objective Pseudo-Screening Using Support Vector Machine Learning, Pareto Front, and Belief Functions: Improving Wastewater Recycling Quality

Increasing wastewater treatment efficiency is a primary aim in the circular economy. Wastewater physicochemical and biochemical processes are quite complex, often requiring a combination of statistical and machine learning tools to empirically model them. Since wastewater treatment plants are large-scale operations, the limited opportunities for extensive experimentation may be offset by miniaturizing experimental schemes through the use of fractional factorial designs (FFDs). A recycling quality improvement study that relies on non-linear multi-objective multi-parameter FFD (NMMFFD) datasets was reanalyzed. A published NMMFFD ultrafiltration screening/optimization case study was re-examined regarding how four controlling factors affected three paper mill recycling characteristic responses using a combination of statistical and machine learning methods. Comparative machine learning screening predictions were provided by (1) quadratic support vector regression and (2) optimizable support vector regression, in contrast to quadratic linear regression. NMMFFD optimization was performed by employing Pareto fronts. Pseudo-screening was applied by decomposing the replicated NMMFFD dataset to single replicates and then testing their replicate repeatability by introducing belief functions that sought to maximize credibility and plausibility estimates. Various versions of belief functions were considered, since the novel role of the three process characteristics, as independent sources, created a high level of conflict during the information fusion phase, due to the inherent divergent belief structures. Correlations between two characteristics, but with opposite goals, may also have contributed to the source conflict. The active effects for the NMMFFD dataset were found to be the transmembrane pressure and the molecular weight cut-off. The modified adjustment was pinpointed to the molecular weight cut-off at 50 kDa, while the optimal transmembrane pressure setting persisted at 2.0 bar. This mixed-methods approach may provide additional confidence in determining improved recycling process adjustments. It would be interesting to implement this approach in polyfactorial wastewater screenings with a greater number of process characteristics.

Information fusion for large-scale multi-source data based on the Dempster-Shafer evidence theory

There exists many large-scale multi-source data, ranging from genetic information to medical records, and military intelligence. The inherent intricacies and uncertainties embedded within these data sources pose significant challenges to the process of information fusion. Owing to its exceptional capacity to represent data uncertainty, Dempster-Shafer (D-S) evidence theory has emerged as a widely utilized approach in information fusion. However, the evidence theory encounters three significant issues when applied to multi-source data information fusion: (1) the conversion of sample information into evidence and the construction of the basic probability assignment (BPA) function; (2) the resolution of conflicting evidence; and (3) the mitigation of exponential explosion in computation. Addressing the aforementioned challenges, this paper delves into the information fusion strategies for large-scale multi-source data based on Dempster-Shafer evidence theory. Initially, the concept of support matrix is introduced and the data matrix is transformed into a support matrix to address the construction challenges associated with BPA. Next, a method for addressing evidence conflicts is introduced by incorporating an additional data source composed of average values. Furthermore, a solution for mitigating high computational complexity is presented through the utilization of a hierarchical fusion approach. Finally, experimental results show that compared with other five advanced information fusion methods, our information method has improved the classification accuracy by 4.66% on average and reduced the time by 66.35% on average. Hence, our method is both efficient and effective, demonstrating exceptional performance in information fusion.

Identification of cold rolling chatter statesbased on multi-source data fusion and Dempster-Shafer theory

Identification of cold rolling chatter statesbased on multi-source data fusion and Dempster-Shafer theory

Neighborhood entropy guided by a decision attribute and its applications in multi-source information fusion and attribute selection

The existing methods for information fusion and attribute selection typically require a computationally intensive grid search to determine the optimal parameter. This grid search can significantly impact the efficiency of these processes. To tackle this issue, this paper introduces the concept of neighborhood entropy, which incorporates both the neighborhood and decision classes, and delves into its applications in multi-source information fusion and attribute selection. First, the concept of a δ-neighborhood based on a predefined distance is introduced. Then the neighborhood entropy based on the δ-neighborhood is defined. The optimal parameters for information fusion and attribute selection are determined by minimizing the neighborhood entropy. Furthermore, an information fusion method and an attribute selection algorithm based on the neighborhood entropy, conditional information entropy (CIE), and belief functions are developed. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach through experiments and Wilcoxon tests on 12 datasets, including a large-scale gene dataset. The experimental results show that the optimal parameter determined by the neighborhood entropy aligns with that obtained through grid search and the neighborhood entropy reduces the computational burden of information fusion and attribute selection compared to grid search. When compared to other state-of-the-art algorithms, our approach based on the neighborhood entropy and CIE demonstrates superior classification performance and time efficiency. These findings demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of neighborhood entropy and pave the way for applying granular-computing-based information fusion methods to large-scale datasets.

A comparison of imprecise Bayesianism and Dempster–Shafer theory for automated decisions under ambiguity

Abstract Ambiguity occurs insofar as a reasoner lacks information about the relevant physical probabilities. There are objections to the application of standard Bayesian inductive logic and decision theory in contexts of significant ambiguity. A variety of alternative frameworks for reasoning under ambiguity have been proposed. Two of the most prominent are Imprecise Bayesianism and Dempster–Shafer theory. We compare these inductive logics with respect to the Ambiguity Dilemma, which is a problem that has been raised for Imprecise Bayesianism. We develop an agent-based model comparison that isolates the difference between the two inductive logics in their updating methods. We find that Dempster–Shafer theory does not avoid the Ambiguity Dilemma. We discuss the implications of this result.

A comprehensive framework for evaluating and predicting investment risks in renewable energy projects: a case study of Maynak hydropower station

ABSTRACT This study introduces a holistic analysis framework designed to evaluate and predict the investment risks associated with foreign renewable energy initiatives. This framework aims to reduce the uncertainties inherent in renewable energy projects. To achieve this, we utilize the variable weight matter-element extension model to establish the project’s fundamental reliability function. We then refine this model by incorporating evidence theory to assess the project’s risk level and derive precise risk index measurements. We utilize the GM model to forecast potential future risks associated with the project. In addition, a case study is presented on the risk assessment and prediction for the Maynak Hydropower Station. Our findings reveals that the project encountered significant investment risks in 2008, 2014, 2020, and 2022. Key risk indicators include political turmoil，policy change，imperfect legislation，cultural risk，exchange rate changes，technical risks and management risks. Furthermore, the investment risk level declined from 2023 to 2027, with our risk measurement outcomes closely aligning with actual conditions, thereby validating the effectiveness and applicability of our model.

A compressor blade crack detection method based on the multilevel information fusion of acoustic and vibration signals

Single-signal crack detection methods perform unsatisfactorily in the presence of noise, prompting the need for alternative approaches. Leveraging multisource signals, which contain rich and complementary information, is a promising direction. In light of this, a compressor blade crack detection method based on the multilevel information fusion of acoustic and vibration signals is proposed. First, a multiscale data-level fusion convolutional neural network is designed, which fuses multisource homogeneous signals for crack detection. Second, multiple networks are trained with acoustic and vibration signals as inputs, respectively. Softmax layer of each network provides preliminary probabilities for each category, while the precision for each category in the validation set is calculated. Finally, an improved Dempster–Shafer theory approach is proposed to derive the final probability for each category according to the preliminary probabilities and precision, after which crack detection is realized. The proposed method is validated with experimental data from five categories of blades.

Small sample composite fault diagnosis of hydraulic bearings based on improved VME algorithm and mRVM

The working environment of rolling bearings is complex. Once a fault occurs, various parts will affect each other and produce a compound fault. Traditional methods often use signal separation algorithms to separate different types of signals for fault diagnosis, but it is difficult to analyze specific faults efficiently and accurately. To solve this problem, this paper combines variational mode decomposition (VMD), Laplace energy index (LE) and variational mode extraction (VME) for signal extraction. Multi-class relevance vector machine (mRVM) and DS evidence theory are used for intelligent fault diagnosis, focusing on the context of small sample data. First, the VMD-LE-VME method is used to extract effective fault information from the fault signal and obtain multi-domain features. Then, the multi-domain features are input into mRVM for fault identification. Finally, the classification results are fused through DS evidence theory to obtain the final classification results. The effectiveness and superiority of this method in processing small sample data are verified by experiments.

Knowledge-based and Expert Systems in Prognostics and Health Management: a Survey

Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) has become increasingly popular in recent years, and data-driven methods and artificial intelligence have emerged as dominant tools within the PHM field. This trend is mainly due to the increasing use of sensors and the ability of machine learning techniques to leverage condition monitoring data. However, despite their utility and effectiveness, these techniques are not without drawbacks. One major issue is that data-driven methods often lack transparency in their reasoning, which is crucial for understanding fault occurrences and diagnostics. Additionally, the availability of data can be a challenge. In some cases, data are scarce or hard to obtain, either due to the cost of installing necessary sensors or the rarity of the required information. Lastly, the insights derived from data can sometimes diverge from those obtained through expert analysis and established norms. This contrasts with knowledge-based approaches such as expert systems, which formally organize the knowledge acquired from norms and experts, and then deduce the desired conclusion. While research is increasingly exploring data-driven techniques, industry tends to still frequently employ knowledge-based methods. To fill this gap, this paper offers a detailed survey of knowledge-based and expert systems in PHM, examining methodologies such as propositional logic, fuzzy logic, Dempster-Shafer theory and Bayesian networks. It assesses the integration and impact of these techniques in PHM for fault detection, diagnosis and prognosis, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and potential future developments. The study provides a thorough evaluation of current developments and contributes significant insights into the current capabilities and future directions of knowledge-based techniques in enhancing decision-making processes in PHM.

A study of multi-model identification and fusion control algorithms for rotary limit devices

In order to improve the control performance of rotating limit device on the motion range of rotating parts of mechanical equipment, the multi model identification and fusion control algorithm of rotating limit device is studied. The angle sensor and speed sensor are used to collect the rotation angle and speed of rotating machinery equipment. Taking the collected data as the input of multiple support vector machines, the D-S evidence theory is selected to fuse the status of rotating machinery equipment identified by multiple models and determine the final status of rotating machinery equipment. Set the deviation between the target angle and the actual angle of the rotating mechanical equipment as the input of the PID controller. The PID controller determines the limit control quantity of the rotating limit device to the rotating machinery equipment, and realizes the rotating limit control of the rotating machinery equipment. The rotary table is selected as the mechanical equipment controlled by the rotary limit device. The experimental results show that the rotary limit device can control the rotation of the rotary table in the ideal angle range, achieve smooth tracking of the rotation angular velocity, and has excellent control performance.

A fault diagnosis method for bearings and gears in rotating machinery based on data fusion and transfer learning

Abstract Rotating machinery is a crucial component of industrial equipment, and the fault diagnosis of bearings and gears, as vital elements of rotating machinery, is essential since they often fail under harsh working conditions, leading to significant property losses and serious personal safety problems. However, fault data for gears and bearings are often sparse in actual condition, and it is a challenge to ensure the reliability and stability of fault diagnosis results by extracting the features of a single data. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes a fault diagnosis method that combines Transfer Learning and data fusion techniques. Firstly, in this method, two kinds of fault signals are transformed into Gramian Angular Difference Fields and Recurrence Plot. Next, a U-shaped feature fusion dual discriminator generative adversarial network is used to fuse two-dimensional images from multiple sensor data. Its feature fusion module deeply integrates the features of the two images, thereby solving the impact of single data on the reliability and stability of fault diagnosis. Moreover, open-source datasets are used for Transfer Learning training to tackle the small sample problem. Finally, a decision-level information fusion classifier, the Dual-Branch Dempster-Shafer Classifier (DB-DSC), classifies the fused images. This classifier incorporates an improved soft threshold function and D-S evidence theory to achieve adaptive gradient changes and improve the robustness and accuracy of classification results. The experimental results show the effectiveness and stability of the proposed method, and the generated images get high score in several metrics. The average classification accuracy of the classification network reaches 93% and 92.5% on the two datasets, Therefore, the proposed method exhibits strong fault diagnosis capabilities under the small sample conditions of bearings and gears.

Research on the Structural Design of a Pressurized Cabin for Civil High-Speed Rotorcraft and the Multi-Dimensional Comprehensive Evaluation Method

For civil high-speed rotorcraft designed to operate at specific cruising altitudes, this study proposes nine structural design schemes for pressurized cabins. These schemes integrate commonly used materials and processing technologies in the aviation industry with advanced PRSEUS (Pultruded Rod Stitched Efficient Unitized Structure) technology. An analysis of the structural composition reveals that frames constitute 8–19% of the total structural weight, while stringers and beams make up 15–50%, and skins account for 11–25%, with thicknesses ranging from 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm. The separating interface of the pressurized cabin contributes 4–29% of the total structural weight. The weight distribution of each component in the pressurized cabin structure varies significantly depending on the chosen materials and processing technologies. Utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), along with Gray Relational Analysis (GRA) and Dempster–Shafer (D-S) evidence theory, this study compares the simulation results of the nine schemes across multiple dimensions. The findings indicate that the configuration combining 7075 aluminum alloy and T300 composite material has the greatest advantages in terms of the high structural reliability of the configuration, light weight, mature processing technology, and low production cost. This comprehensive evaluation method quantitatively analyzes the factors influencing the structural configuration design of the pressurized cabin for civil high-speed rotorcraft, offering a valuable reference for the design of similar structures in related fields.

The use of electronic evidence in the criminal process of foreign countries

It is emphasized that electronic evidence has become indispensable for criminal investigations and trials around the world. The importance of legal regulation of the criminal procedural form of digital technologies is emphasized. The improper nature of such regulation entails certain legal consequences, including the recognition of electronic evidence as improper or inadmissible. The experience of some foreign countries in the field of recognition and use of electronic evidence (the USA, Great Britain, the People’s Republic of China and the countries of the European Union) is analyzed. It has been proven that each state builds its own way and approach to incorporating such evidence into its legal systems depending on legal traditions, technological infrastructure and privacy considerations. From the analysis of procedural codes, it was noted that procedural science develops a theory of electronic evidence according to the industry principle. It is emphasized that they are based on common digital technologies, therefore this provides an opportunity to develop uniform cross­industry rules for the use of electronic evidence in any process. It was determined that in the Anglo-Saxon legal system there is no clear division of evidence into types. Evidence law is based on typical problem situations. The US legislation, which regulates the use of electronic evidence in the criminal process, is analyzed. It is noted that the condition for their acceptance is its authenticity and relevance to the case. It is noted that in the UK, all electronic evidence is subject to the same rules and laws that apply to documentary evidence. The legislation of the European Union, which regulates electronic evidence and allows to strengthen cooperation between member states in the field of using electronic evidence, is analyzed. It is emphasized that as states continue to adapt to the age of digital technologies, the development of a reliable legal framework and international cooperation will be essential to ensure the effective and fair use of electronic evidence in the pursuit of justice.

Coal-Mine Water-Hazard Risk Evaluation Based on the Combination of Extension Theory, Game Theory, and Dempster–Shafer Evidence Theory

Due to the complex hydrogeological conditions and water hazards in coal mines, there are multiple indexes, complexities, incompatibilities, and uncertainty issues in the risk evaluation process of coal-mine water hazards. To accurately evaluate the risk of coal-mine water hazards, a comprehensive evaluation method based on extension theory, game theory, and Dempster–Shafer (DS) evidence theory is proposed. Firstly, a hierarchical water-hazard risk-evaluation index system is established, and then matter-element theory in extension theory is used to establish a matter-element model for coal-mine water-hazard risk. The membership relationship between various evaluation indexes and risk grades of coal-mine water-hazard risk is quantified using correlation functions of extension set theory, and the quantitative results are normalized to obtain basic belief assignments (BBAs) of risk grades for each index. Then, the subjective weights of evaluation indexes are calculated using the order relation analysis (G1) method, and the objective weights of evaluation indexes are calculated using the entropy weight (EW) method. The improved combination weighting method of game theory (ICWMGT) is introduced to determine the combination weight of each evaluation index, which is used to correct the BBAs of risk grades for each index. Finally, the fusion of DS evidence theory based on matrix analysis is used to fuse BBAs, and the rating with the highest belief fusion result is taken as the final evaluation result. The evaluation model was applied to the water-hazard risk evaluation of Sangbei Coal Mine, the evaluation result was of II grade water-hazard risk, and it was in line with the actual engineering situation. The evaluation result was compared with the evaluation results of three methods, namely the expert scoring method, the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, and the extension method. The scientificity and reliability of the method adopted in this paper were verified through this method. At the same time, based on the evaluation results, in-depth data mining was conducted on the risk indexes of coal-mine water hazards, and it was mainly found that 11 secondary indexes are the focus of coal-mine water-hazard risk prevention and control, among which seven indexes are the primary starting point for coal-mine water-hazard risk prevention and control. The groundwater index in particular has the most prominent impact. These results can provide a theoretical basis and scientific guidance for the specific water-hazard prevention and control work of coal mines.