Hierarchy Of Criteria Research Articles

A multi-label text classifier: application on an Italian public tender procedure, project ISCOL@

The main means of communication during the pre-design phase is natural language. Effective communication during the pre-design phase through text documents and reports is essential to the success of a design and construction project. The study develops and evaluates a Natural Language Processing (NLP) tool called ArchiBERTo to process textual data related to design tender documents in the Italian public procurement process. Documenti di Indirizzo alla Progettazione (DIPs) are key documents, as they outline the demands, needs, and objectives of the public appointing party. ArchiBERTo is developed to process and convert DIP quality objective sentences into a hierarchy of objectives and criteria. The performances are evaluated by comparing the tool’s rankings with those provided by a group of domain experts. The results demonstrate ArchiBERTo's capability to reflect the collective ability of a panel of experts and to properly reflect the different contents of the DIP in the objectives hierarchy. The proposed system aims to address the issue of information asymmetry and potential misunderstandings, or varying interpretations, among the key actors of the Italian tendering procedure, namely the public appointing party, the design teams, and the external committee, regarding the relative importance of quality objectives and evaluation criteria. The utilization of the NLP systems ArchiBERTo to establish a shared hierarchy of objectives is expected to enhance communication and promote consensus during the pre-design phase. The minimization of the consensus issue among the actors can have a positive impact on the overall quality of the design proposals and facilitate the evaluation process conducted by the external committee, bridging the gap between expected and actual quality, ensuring that design proposals align with the quality objectives and demands of the public actor.

Perancangan Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Pemilihan Supplier dengan Metode Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Pada CV. Safina Abadi

The contractor industry, including CV Safina Abadi, has a significant need for selecting the right suppliers to ensure smooth project execution. Optimal supplier selection can affect various critical aspects of a construction project, such as product quality, availability, competitive pricing, service, and reputation. However, due to the numerous supplier options available, companies often face difficulties in evaluating and choosing the most suitable supplier based on their needs and criteria. Therefore, utilizing a Decision Support System (DSS) with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method presents an effective solution to assist companies in the supplier selection process. By employing AHP, companies can model a hierarchy of selection criteria, from main criteria down to more detailed sub-criteria. AHP further enables companies to measure and compare the relative weights of each criterion and sub-criterion, providing recommendations for the most optimal supplier based on the company's preferences and requirements. This research aims to design and implement a Decision Support System using the AHP method to assist in supplier selection for CV Safina Abadi. It is hoped that this study will contribute to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of supplier selection, thereby enhancing overall project performance in the construction industry.

An AHP-based evaluation framework for automotive stamping suppliers

PurposeThis study aims to establish a robust evaluation framework for suppliers within the automotive supply chain, specifically in the stamping sector. The primary objectives are to elucidate the performance criteria of suppliers, identify indicators and scales for measuring these criteria and find the importance of the criteria.Design/methodology/approachThe evaluation framework comprises a criteria hierarchy and indicators developed based on the evaluation criteria of major automotive manufacturers. Specific indicators and measurement scales are recommended for assessing suppliers. Importance weights for the criteria are assigned based on the input of nine experts using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Finally, four sheet metal stamping tooling (SMST) suppliers are evaluated by four specialists using the proposed evaluation framework.FindingsThe study introduces a novel classification of criteria, encompassing financial and commercial perspectives, delivery capability, supplier facility and cultural approaches and business process necessities. The findings underscore the significance of financial and commercial stability in the selection of SMST suppliers, emphasizing their role in mitigating risks associated with disruptions, bankruptcies and unforeseen events. Additionally, several SMST evaluation factors identified in this study contribute to the development of resilience capabilities, highlighting the crucial importance of their inclusion and assessment in the proposed evaluation framework.Originality/valueThis research presents a comprehensive model for evaluating SMST suppliers, which tackles the multidisciplinary challenges within the automotive supply chain. Given the inadequacy or nonexistence of current SMTS selection models, this study bridges the gap by exploring potential and necessary criteria, alongside 116 specific indicators and measurement scales.

How effective is score-based data quality assessment? An illustration with fish BCF data

Increasingly rigorous data quality (DQ) evaluations and/or screening practices are being applied to environmental and ecotoxicological datasets. DQ is predominantly evaluated by scoring given data against preselected criteria. This study provides the first examination on the effectiveness of score-based DQ evaluation in providing statistically meaningful differentiation of measurements using fish bioconcentration factor (BCF) dataset as an illustration. This is achieved by inspecting how log BCF differs with the built-in overall-DQ and specific-DQ evaluations, and how it is influenced by interactive effects and hierarchy of DQ criteria. Approximately 80–90% of analyzable chemicals show no statistical difference in log BCF between low-quality (LQ) and high-quality (HQ) measurements in overall evaluation (n = 183) or in individual evaluation of 6 DQ criteria (n = 53 to 101). Further examination shows that log BCF may/may not change with different combinations or total number of criteria violations. Tree analysis and nodal structures of deviation in log BCF also reveal the absence of common structural dependence on the criteria violated. Finally, simple averaging of all measurements without DQ differentiation yields comparable log BCFs as those derived using strictly HQ data with ≤0.5 log unit difference in over 93% of the chemicals (n = 158) and no dependence on number of measurements, fraction of LQ measurements, or bioaccumulation potential of the chemicals. For accurate log BCF, DQ appears no more important than having more independent measurements irrespective of their individual DQ statuses. This work concludes by calling for: (i) re-documentation of experimental details in legacy environmental and ecotoxicological datasets, (ii) examination of other DQ-categorized datasets using the tests and tools applied here, and (ii) a thorough and systematic reflection on how DQ should be assessed for modeling, benchmarking, and other data-based analyses or applications.

A multicriteria decision analysis for selecting rainwater harvesting systems in rural areas: a tool for developing countries

Global water provision challenges have promoted decentralized water supply alternatives such as rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS). RWHS sustainability demands involve social, technical, and economic criteria in planning. Generally, in rural areas, water provision is more complex due to multiple uses of water, scattering of households, and low economies of scale. This research proposes a multicriteria tool for selecting RWHS in rural areas, considering social, technical, and economic criteria. The tool was developed by systematically identifying subcriteria and their hierarchization through the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), and a case study validation. Seven subcriteria were identified. The hierarchy of criteria was social (49.7%), technical (26.4%), and economic (23.9%). The tool involved: (i) users’ consultation about the perceived ease of use and availability of water sources other than rainwater; (ii) system dimensioning to establish supply size, maintenance requirements, and required water quality; and (iii) costs and benefits estimation. Tool validation in a rural area included the evaluation of the alternatives proposed: (a) alternative 1: potable domestic uses (PD) and non-potable (NPD); (b) alternative 2: PD and NPD, irrigation of crops and chicken farming for self-consumption; and alternative 3: PD and NPD and chicken farming for profit sale. The sensitivity analysis showed the tool’s consistency and robustness. Tool validation highlights the importance of integrating the three dimensions in selecting RWHS. The study provides a systematic methodology to assess and prioritize RWHS, appealing to policymakers, engineers, and practitioners facilitating water management and supply processes in rural areas.

Control system of the radio-reflective surface shape of a large-size space reflector using its current-conducting structural parts

A comprehensive approach to creating a control system for the shape of the radio-reflecting surface of a large-size space reflector is considered. Large-aperture space antennas are used for satellite communications and space exploration. The design of these structures is one of the most promising areas. Ensuring the specified characteristics of the reflector is directly related to maintaining the specified shape of the radio-reflective netting. Developing a control system for the shape of the active antenna surface is an urgent task. Optimizing this process makes it possible to accomplish the mission during the operational period effectively. The paper evaluates the effects of perturbations on a large-scale structure operating in outer space. A method for adjusting the geometry of the frontal network is proposed. This allows for improved communication between spacecraft and ground stations, which is very important for the safety of space flights. The conductive parts of the reflector are considered to transmit energy and control signals to the actuators. The application results of various control algorithms of the executive device making it possible to correct the netting considering the minimization of energy costs and oscillations of the structure are shown. According to the simulation results, the optimal algorithm of the target criteria hierarchy showed greater stability in terms of convergence in the presence of measurement noise and disturbances, which allows it to be applied in real time. This algorithm is supposed to be used in the future when creating a prototype of the system for controlling the shape of the radio-reflective surface of a large-size space reflector using its current-conducting structural parts.

Blockchain service platform evaluation with probabilistic linguistic preference information based on Choquet integral and ExpTODIM

The application of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) can improve the treatment efficiency of medical institutions, but it still has hidden dangers in security and privacy. The introduction of blockchain technology into IoMT is expected to prevent these hidden dangers. This study proposes a multiple criteria decision aiding model to select a suitable blockchain service platform for IoMT to enhance its safety and reliability. The proposed model combines the probabilistic linguistic term set (PLTS), multiple criteria hierarchy process (MCHP), 2-additive Choquet integral and ExpTODIM method to assist decision-makers (DMs) to obtain a reliable and low-risk decision result. The MCHP is employed to analyze decision-making problems by hierarchical criteria. The 2-additive Choquet integral is adopted to reflect interactions between criteria, and parameter values in the 2-additive Choquet integral are indirectly determined based on the preference information of DMs. PLTSs are used to represent the evaluation information of experts and the preference information of DMs. The ExpTODIM (Exponential TODIM) method is adopted to rank alternatives considering the psychological characteristics of DMs. An illustrative example demonstrates the applicability and merits of the proposed model with comparative analysis.

Evaluation of disassembly line layouts using an integrated fermatean fuzzy decision-making methodology: An application for refrigerator disassembly line

The layout focusing on the physical arrangement of workstations is an important consideration when designing a disassembly line. The layout of a line has a significant impact on its efficiency. The new problem addressed within this study is evaluating the main disassembly line layout types with respect to a thorough hierarchy of evaluation criteria classifying quantitative and qualitative. The addressed problem is modeled as multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). To this end, a novel methodology that combines Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) and Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) methods under the Fermatean fuzzy environment is proposed for sustainable waste management. Fermatean fuzzy SWARA (FF-SWARA) is used to find out the weight of criteria consisting of disassembly line balancing characteristics, reconfigurability, working conditions, and end-of-life product characteristics. Fermatean fuzzy WASPAS (FF-WASPAS) is used to rank the alternative disassembly line layouts consisting of straight, U-shaped, two-sided, and parallel lines considering the weight of criteria. The multi-objective mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model for the disassembly line balancing problem (DLBP) of each line layout type is integrated into the proposed methodology. This integration reflects the effect of balancing performance measurements such as the number of stations, removing hazardous parts early, removing high demand parts early, and line lead time. Reconfigurability principles, working conditions, and product characteristics that rely on expert opinions are considered under the qualitative criteria. The developed methodology was applied to a refrigerator disassembly line and verified by sensitivity analysis and comparative studies. The results show that the two-sided disassembly line layout is the best option.

Assessment Criteria of Innovations Risks: Analysis of Research Results

AbstractIn the times marked by sustainable economic development, innovations form the basis for operations aimed at economic development. In order to secure their implementation and achieve the projected goals, an adequate risk assessment is necessary. The evaluation criteria utilized in practice include a wide range of analytical aspects, from legal regulations and requirements related to environmental impact assessment to technical and economic issues. The paper reports outcomes of research aimed at defining the priority criteria for assessing the risk of innovation and their updating in relation to the new conditions for the performance of enterprises related to, among others, with the COVID-19 pandemic. As a consequence of this, it will be possible to establish a new hierarchy of evaluation criteria that could significantly affect the decision-making processes regarding implementing or rejecting specific innovative projects. The paper presents the results of questionnaire responses that involved Polish innovators: experts, constructors/designers, entrepreneurs, and scientists. The study involved experts from various industries (among others: energy, production, and the food or wood industry).

Evaluation and choice of an anti-aircraft missile system under uncertain conditions based on fuzzy-integral calculus and hierarchical cluster analysis

Evaluation and choice of anti-aircraft missile weapon systems (AAMWSs) are a relevant problem in many countries. Estimates are often reduced to one top-level criterion. This is questionable since subordinated criteria are usually difficult to compare and decision-makers excluded from the final decision. The solution to the problem should also take into account non-statistical uncertainty. We propose to use a combination of two algorithms. The first algorithm calculates the estimates of AAMWSs in the criteria hierarchy using fuzzy-integral calculus. The hierarchy relates the characteristics of the AAMWSs to the three top-level criteria. In the space of these criteria, the second algorithm based on hierarchical clustering forms a class of the best AAMWSs equivalent to each other. The decision-maker makes the final choice from the obtained class, taking into account non-formalized factors. These algorithms are tested using the example of medium-range AAMWSs.

Models and methods of controlled transgression of media in crisis conditions

The creation and transgression of mediaobjects is a complicated process that involves making difficult decisions. Under such conditions, the risk of media crises inevitably increases, for example, inadequate perception by the reader of information released by the media, etc. To avoid such crises, it is necessary to take into account all possible factors, both quantitative and qualitative, characterizing mediaobjects and media in general, as well as precise evaluation methods. The focus of the study is on developing a new approach to decision-making that will aid in the controlled transgression of mediaobjects during crisis situations. The method for making decisions based on a hierarchy of cross-disciplinary criteria that takes into account the concept of crisisology is proposed. Additionally, the authors suggest the use of a decision support software service that utilizes an ontology-based mechanism to adopt the user interface dynamically. The proposed method is universal and can be applied to assess different types of medical objects, reducing the likelihood of crisis situations (caused, among other things, by incorrect assessment of the reliability of information).

Certification of non-Gaussian Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen steering

Non-Gaussian quantum states are a known necessary resource for reaching a quantum advantage and for violating Bell inequalities in continuous variable systems. As one kind of manifestation of quantum correlations, Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen steering enables verification of shared entanglement even when one of the subsystems is not characterized. However, how to detect and classify such an effect for non-Gaussian states is far from being well understood. Here, we present an efficient non-Gaussian steering criterion based on the high-order observables and conduct a systematic investigation into the hierarchy of non-Gaussian steering criteria. Moreover, we apply our criterion to three experimentally-relevant non-Gaussian states under realistic conditions and, in particular, propose a feasible scheme to create multi-component cat states with tunable size by performing a suitable high-order quadrature measurement on the steering party. Our work reveals the fundamental characteristics of non-Gaussianity and quantum correlations, and offers new insights to explore their applications in quantum information processing.

Causal Criteria in Medical and Biological Disciplines: History, Essence, and Radiation Aspect. Report 4, Part 2: Hierarchy of Criteria, Criticism of Them, and Other Methods for Establishing Causation

Causal Criteria in Medical and Biological Disciplines: History, Essence, and Radiation Aspect. Report 4, Part 2: Hierarchy of Criteria, Criticism of Them, and Other Methods for Establishing Causation

EVALUATION OF ROAD SURFACE OPTIONS BASED ON THE ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY METHOD

Purpose. The purpose of this work is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of various types of road surfaces, including asphalt concrete, cement concrete, and pavement, with the aim of determining the most optimal option for a specific project based on criteria of productivity, durability, cost, and environmental impact. Methodology. The methodology involves the selection of construction materials and rational construction methods, taking into account weather conditions, climatic factors, and economic factors that influence the quality and durability of road surfaces. To evaluate road surface options while considering the importance of various criteria, the Analytical Hierarchy Method (AHP) is utilized. The process includes creating a hierarchy of criteria, assessing their significance, pairwise comparative analysis, calculating weight coefficients, and evaluating alternatives. Based on this analysis, the optimal road surface option is determined for a specific project or task. Findings. At this stage of the decision-making process involving the comparison of road constructions, we considered ten primary requirements and three widely used types of road surfaces: asphalt concrete, cement concrete, and pavement. Through a comprehensive analysis of various road surface options, the most optimal choice for a specific project was determined based on criteria of productivity, durability, cost, and environmental impact. Originality. A scientific approach was employed, which involved the selection of road surface construction and rational construction methods, taking into account weather conditions, climatic factors, and economic factors influencing the quality and durability of the road surface. This approach also considered the significance of various criteria to determine the optimal road surface option for a specific project or task. Practical value. The business model encompasses the stages of project design, implementation of construction work, and outlines a sequence of steps for creating, developing, and ensuring the efficient operation of industrial enterprises. The selection of the optimal road surface construction allows industrial enterprises to generate profits in the shortest possible time with minimal investments.

Kebijakan Pengembangan Perikanan Tangkap Melalui Analisis SWOT Dan Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) Di Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali

Buleleng Regency has large fisheries and marine potential, including the capture fisheries sector. Optimal capture fisheries management will be able to provide welfare for community groups that depend on fishing for their lives. This research aims to formulate a policy strategy for the development of capture fisheries in Buleleng Regency. This research was conducted on 15 May - 31 October 2020. The locations for collecting data for respondents were 7 (seven) Districts and 2 (two) Villages in each District in Buleleng Regency. A quantitative descriptive research approach combines SWOT analysis and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The results of the analysis obtained Progressive Strategy (SO) with a value of x: 0.2 and y: 0.6. This strategy includes the quality of catches, fishing industry areas, coaching and mentoring of fishermen, utilization of fishing ports, fishing business capital, fishing units, and fisherman insurance. The results of the Consistency Ratio (CR) value calculation show a figure of 0.03, which means that the assessment of the strategy criteria is acceptable. The results of the analysis of the policy criteria hierarchy of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) obtained 5 (five) priority strategies that need to be implemented in collaboration at each level of authority from the Provincial Government of Bali or the Bueleleng Regency Government, namely modernizing fishing units, ensuring the safety and health of fishermen's families through equal distribution of fishermen's insurance receipts, facilitating fishermen's business capital through capital institutions, increasing fishermen's skills and knowledge regarding modernization of technology-based fishing techniques, and utilizing the Sangsit Fish Landing Base (PPI) as the leading center for capture fisheries activities in Buleleng.

Optimality Theory Paradigm in the Formation of Active Participles Arabic Quadrilateral Verbs

This article aims to investigate the implementation of the Optimality Theory (OT) paradigm in the formation of Active Participle (AP) in quadrilateral verbs in the Arabic language. This approach involves morphological and contrastive linguistic analyses to understand the patterns of PA formation from quadrilateral verbs, with a focus on the hierarchy of criteria and candidate evaluation based on OT principles. The research methodology includes an in-depth study of various forms of PA produced by quadrilateral verbs, identifying rules and preferences that lead to changes in the word forms. The research findings indicate that OT provides profound insights into the complexity of the morphology of quadrilateral verbs, illustrating consistent patterns of change as well as variations depending on grammatical and semantic contexts. The implications of these research findings significantly contribute to the understanding of Arabic linguistic structure, morphological theory, and contrastive analysis methods. By paving the way for further research, this article suggests that paradigm serves as an effective conceptual framework to explain morphological phenomena in the Arabic language, enriching Arabic linguistic literature and supporting the development of advanced morphological analysis methods. This study opens avenues for deeper exploration of linguistic intricacies, fostering academic insights into the Arabic language's structural nuances.

Project Cost Estimation Using a Stepwise Approach: a Case Study of an Infrastructure Project in Gresik Regency, East Java

There are many studies related to cost estimation applied in a project, but only a few employ using “stepwise” method. This approach is expected to assist in solving complex problems by establishing a criteria hierarchy, subjectively assessed by interested parties, and incorporating various considerations to develop weights or priorities. The foundation of the stepwise approach relies on well-documented findings, which assert that 80% of the total project cost corresponds to the 20% most expensive components of the work. The research systematically collected data for project development estimates based on the bill of quantities from each year, as well as the HSPK (activity main unit price) in Gresik Regency from 2016 to 2018. This research aims to develop a conceptualized estimation model that provides clear, rapid, and relatively accurate initial project cost information. The results of this research include analysis of stepwise approach on cost realization, analysis of accuracy of the cost estimation model for buildings using the stepwise method, and an analysis of the cost of road and bridge infrastructure projects to facilitate completion in Gresik Regency. The research concludes that the analysis of the Cost Significant Model's impact on cost realization in the Public Works and Spatial Office's Highways Division in Gresik Regency has resulted in a cost estimation model for road development with an accuracy range from -12.7% to 16.0%, with an average accuracy rate of 0.59%. Additionally, there is a very strong correlation (R) of the independent variable (work in Division 2) and the total development cost, indicating that fluctuations in the cost of significant components are closely linked to changes in the overall development cost. The analysis of infrastructure project costs related to roads and bridges for project completion revealed that the highest value among independent variables is associated with Division 7, at Rp. 4,403,054 per m2. This suggests that the cost of Division 7 work is the most influential, while Division 1 (X1) has the lowest cost, at Rp. 35,589 per m2. Furthermore, there is a work component with zero cost, namely, Division 4 works.

Key elements in the quality assessment of a type 3 medication review.

Background: Medication reviews are a structured evaluation of a patient's pharmacotherapy with the aim of optimizing medicines use and improving health outcomes. This entails detecting drug related problems and recommending interventions. A high level of quality is essential for the successful implementation of this service in community pharmacies but currently there is no instrument or tool to assess that overall quality. Aim: This study investigated the development of quality criteria of type 3 medication reviews (MR3s). Methods: After surveying the literature, an electronic questionnaire was developed to gather information about quality criteria for MR3. This survey, in Dutch, was distributed electronically. Four groups were queried: 1) pharmacists, mainly working in the Netherlands, involved in practice research and contacted through the PRISMA (Practice Research In Collaboration With Pharmacists) foundation, 2) Belgian pharmacy academics and pharmacists active in professional associations (APA), 3) Belgian pharmacists trained in medication review (MR) by the Royal Pharmacists Association of Antwerp (KAVA) and 4) Belgian pharmacy students. The survey included 57 criteria, divided into eight domains, which were ranked according to their importance by the participants. The results were analyzed statistically using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The survey was completed by 95 participants, including 42 PRISMA pharmacists, 19 APA pharmacists, 18 KAVA pharmacists and 16 pharmacy students. Opinions from participants from the different groups overlapped significantly. The use of simple and understandable language in the conversation with the patient was considered essential by the majority. Discussing the usefulness and purpose of a MR3 with the patient was also rated highly by all groups. Differences of opinion were present in aspects about laboratory values, the use of specific tools, and reporting to and consultation with the treating physician. The participants themselves formulated a limited number of additional assessment criteria. Conclusion: There was widespread agreement on the hierarchy of the quality assessment criteria for MR3s. Minor differences were related to the experience of the participants. With these results and a small number of suggested extra criteria, a quality assessment instrument for MR3 can be created.

New Family of Interstitial Oxygen Ion Conductor Discovered By High-Throughput Computational Screening

Discovery and design of highly efficient oxygen-active materials which react with, absorb, and transport oxygen is essential for fuel cells and related applications. Currently, the predominant families of oxygen-active materials used in commercial devices are perovskites and fluorites, which diffuse oxygen via a vacancy mechanism and only have adequate oxygen diffusivity and surface exchange at high temperatures (e.g., ~800 ˚C), impeding their use at lower temperatures desirable for more cost-effective and long-lasting device operation. The development of alternative electrolyte/electrode materials with high oxygen ionic conductivity at low temperatures (e.g., room temperature to 400 °C) is of great interest. Interstitial oxygen ion conductors typically have significantly lower migration barriers than even state-of-the-art vacancy-mediated oxygen conductors, which can provide orders of magnitude kinetic enhancement at low temperatures. In addition, the interstitial oxygen defects typically become more thermodynamically favorable as the temperature is lowered, potentially providing an additional boost to the oxygen conductivity at low temperatures from a higher mediating defect concentration. The synergistic combination of low migration barriers and thermodynamically favorable interstitial oxygen content at low temperatures provides the tantalizing possibility that interstitial oxygen conductors may lead to transformative performance improvements in oxygen-active materials.In this work, we developed an approach to discover new interstitial-mediated oxygen conductors by performing high-throughput computational screening of the 34k oxide materials from the Materials Project database and discovered a new structural family of interstitial oxygen diffusers, perrierite-type oxide La4Mn5Si4O22+ 𝜹 (LMS). We used a hierarchy of screening criteria including the geometric free space, thermodynamic stability, synthesizability, redox-active elements, and presence of short diffusion pathways. This approach, based largely on simple, physically intuitive properties, quickly winnowed the field of 34k oxides down to just 345 oxides, an approximate 99% reduction in the search space considered, with essentially no significant computational cost. From this reduced set of promising materials, ab initio simulations were performed to calculate the interstitial oxygen formation energy and migration energy. Our screening has yielded several material families to date, among which the A4B5C4O22+ 𝜹, with La4Mn5Si4O22+ 𝜹 (LMS) as a representative material, was selected for investigation with higher-fidelity DFT hybrid functional calculations and experimental validations. The calculated formation energy of interstitial oxygen is -0.11 eV at a concentration of 2.3% under air condition, indicating that LMS is predicted to be oxygen hyperstoichiometric with an expected composition of La4Mn5Si4O22+0.5 in air. Two separate interstitial and interstitialcy (“kick-out”) diffusion mechanisms are revealed by ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulation. For the interstitial diffusion pathway, the moves through the channel in between the zigzag-arranged sorosilicate Si2O7 groups, with a barrier of 0.69 eV. For the interstitialcy diffusion pathway, the moves along the corner-sharing Si2O7-MnO2-Si2O7 framework by kicking out the lattice oxygen, with a barrier of 0.74 eV. These results align well with the experimental findings of stable interstitial oxygen content and high oxygen mobility in LMS (Please see a separate poster from Md Sariful Sheikhfor experimental results). This work provides a systematic approach to screening a large number of prospective materials and opens a new avenue of finding promising interstitial oxide ion conducting materials for potential applications in a range of fast oxygen ion conduction-based technologies.

Non-additive robust ordinal regression: A multicriteria decision model based on hierarchical-level-bidirectional Choquet integral

In contrast to the stable development of the traditional face to face teaching, distance education has become a considerable portion in higher education today and it is still rapidly growing. The mixed modes in education promote a great challenge for the professors and administrators to accurately and fairly evaluate the performance of students. Indeed, students’ performance evaluation is a multicriteria decision problem. To obtain a robust auxiliary decision support scheme compatible with the preferences of decision maker (DM), challenges often confronted in multicriteria decision analysis include dealing with complex structure of criteria, handling interaction between criteria and reducing the cognitive efforts of the DM. Based on the disaggregation–aggregation principle, complex preference is refined into smaller, manageable modules from two dimensions of alternative evaluation and criteria hierarchy. Then, a hierarchical-level-bidirectional Choquet integral preference method is developed to reproduce the refined preference and obtain the comprehensive evaluation of the alternatives. Further, a class of non-additive robust ordinal regression is performed by utilizing the characteristic indicators of the new Choquet integral and the preference relations given by the DM. Moreover, a representative preference method is put forward to rule out some preconceived possible relations, which enriches the necessary relations among alternatives. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to verify the practicability of the above multicriteria decision support methods.