Input Arguments Research Articles

Integrated MADM approach based on extended MABAC method with Aczel–Alsina generalized weighted Bonferroni mean operator

Currently, q-rung orthopair (q-ROF) set theory is one of the most effective set theories in dealing uncertainty associated with imprecise information. In complex decision-making problems, input variables can be described by q-ROF numbers to cope ambiguity. While, generalized weighted Bonferroni mean (GWBM) operator can reflect correlation among input arguments. Aczel–Alsina operations underline fair and accurate evaluation of decision-makers. Harnessing these benefits, a pioneering extension of the GWBM operator based on Aczel–Alsina operations is introduced. Simultaneously, a novel generalized distance measure is crafted, drawing inspiration from Dice and Jaccard similarities. Beside these, using stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) and multi-attribute border approximation area comparison (MABAC) methods, this study pioneers an integrated method, q-ROF-SWARA-MABAC for assessing and prioritizing factors and alternatives on q-ROF environment. Later, with the suggested model, a case study on high-speed rail corridor (HSRC) for India is solved, revealing Varanasi-Howrah HSRC as the most preferable choice.. Moving forward, detailed sensitive analysis of suggested model is performed to explore the pertinence and supremacy. Eventually, the outcomes manifest that novel framework is flexible, reliable, accurate and could be viable option to consider for future use.

Navigating ambiguity: A novel neutrosophic cubic shapley normalized weighted Bonferroni Mean aggregation operator with application in the investment environment

The Neutrosophic Cubic Shapley Normalized Bonferroni (NC-SNWBM) method represents a cutting-edge approach to decision making theory, combining three distinct mathematical frameworks the neutrosophic cubic sets (NCS), Shapley values, and the Bonferroni aggregation operator. This innovative method addresses the challenges posed by uncertainty, vagueness, and imprecision in decision-making (DM) processes, offering a comprehensive and versatile tool for handling complex and dynamic scenarios. Neutrosophic cubic sets offers a strong platform to handle ambiguous and vague data due to three components Membership Grade (MG), Non-Membership Grade (NMG) and Indeterminancy Grade (IG) in data. By adding Shapley Fuzzy Measures (SFM), which come from cooperative game theory, distribute values among cooperative agents equally and to account for each agent's contributions to all potential coalitions. The Bonferroni aggregation operator—a statistical aggregative tool that regulates the likelihood of many types in error in statistical tests and the interdependence of the input arguments by allowing different values to parameters involved. These values are further improved by normalization in the framework of the NC-SNWBM approach in order to consider the various degrees of impact that agents exert in various circumstances. This operator is smoothly combined with normalized Shapley values and neutrosophic cubic sets in the NC-SNWBM approach to enable the aggregation of data with different levels of imprecision and uncertainty from various sources using NCS. The MG, NMG and IG connected to NCS are important elements of the NC-SNWBM approach. To evaluate each element's contribution to the overall value distribution SFM are used, and the Bonferroni aggregation operator maintains a careful balance between conservatism and significance. Together, these components provide a thorough framework that successfully tackles the problems caused by ambiguity, imprecision, and uncertainty in scenarios involving decision-making. The NC-SNWBM operator is applied to a numerical problem as an application in investment environment and sensitive and comparative analysis are conducted. The recommendation based on sensitive and comparative analysis proposed.

Decision support system based on bipolar complex fuzzy Hamy mean operators

The important feature of the multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) technique is to identify an ideal solution and aggregate collective cognitive fuzzy information of human opinion. To serve this purpose, we explore the concepts of the bipolar complex fuzzy set with positive and negative support terms. A few applications of the Hamy mean (HM) and Dual Hamy mean (DHM) models are also discussed to find out the relationship among input arguments or different preferences. For this, we derive a family of mathematical approaches by incorporating the theory of bipolar complex fuzzy information such as bipolar complex fuzzy Hamy mean (BCFHM), bipolar complex fuzzy weighted Hamy mean (BCFWHM), bipolar complex fuzzy Dual Hamy mean (BCFDHM), and bipolar complex fuzzy weighted Dual Hamy mean (BCFWDHM) operators. Derived mathematical approaches are more applicable and can express the influence of uncertain information due to the involvement of additional parameter values. Based on diagnosed research work and mathematical methodologies, we establish a decision algorithm for the MADM problem to resolve real-life dilemmas. An experimental case study demonstrates the compatibility of derived approaches and evaluates the investment policy's sustainability based on certain parameters. The advantages and consistency of the proposed research work are verified in the comparative study with various existing aggregation operators.

Bipolar Neutrosophic Dombi-Based Heronian Mean Operators and Their Application in Multi-criteria Decision-Making Problems

Dombi operations based on the Dombi t-norm (TN) and t-conorm (TCN) have the advantage in terms of operational parameter flexibility in dealing with varying degrees of uncertainty and aggregation requirements. Meanwhile, Heronian mean (HM) operator is an effective technique for capturing the interrelationship between any number of inputs. Bipolar neutrosophic set (BNS) offers the ability to represent both positive and negative information as well as indeterminate information. It is beneficial in cases where there is uncertainty or insufficient information. However, the existing Dombi operator under BNS do not take into account the interrelationship between input arguments. To overcome this limitation, this study incorporates Dombi operator into HM and propose the bipolar neutrosophic Dombi Heronian mean aggregation operator. This paper introduces two type of aggregation operators namely bipolar neutrosophic Dombi-based generalized weighted Heronian mean (BND-GWHM), and bipolar neutrosophic Dombi-based improved generalized weighted Heronian mean (BND-IGWHM). The proposed operators are integrated into MCDM procedure. The influence of different parameter values on decision-making results is discussed. Finally, a comparison analysis with existing methods is also provided.

Group Decision-Making Method with Incomplete Intuitionistic Fuzzy Soft Information for Medical Diagnosis Model

The medical diagnosis of many critical diseases is difficult as it usually requires the combined effort of several doctors. At this time, the process of medical diagnosis is actually a group decision-making (GDM) problem. In group medical diagnosis, considering doctors’ weight information and fusing the interaction relation of symptoms remain open issues. To address this problem, a group decision-making method for intuitionistic fuzzy soft environments is proposed for medical diagnosis because the intuitionistic fuzzy soft set (IFSS) integrates the advantages of the soft set and intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS). Intuitionistic fuzzy soft weighted Muirhead mean operators are constructed by combining Einstein operations with the Muirhead mean (MM) operator, and some properties and results are revealed. A group medical diagnosis model with unknown doctor weight information and incomplete intuitionistic fuzzy soft information is proposed. Similarity measures of the intuitionistic fuzzy soft matrix (IFSM) given by the doctors are used to estimate the incomplete information. To take into account the advantages of objective weight and subjective weight, the combined weights of doctors are calculated based on the IFSMs’ similarity measure and doctors’ grades. The developed operators are then used to combine the evaluation information and handle the correlation of input arguments in the group medical diagnosis process. Finally, a numerical problem is selected to illustrate the superiority of the proposed approach compared to related methods. The combined weights are determined to overcome the shortcomings of the single-weight method to some extent. Meanwhile, the proposed method is more comprehensive, and can provide more flexible and reasonable choices for group medical diagnosis problems.

Decision algorithm for educational institute selection with spherical fuzzy heronian mean operators and Aczel-Alsina triangular norm

This article presents a novel study of spherical fuzzy sets (SFSs), a more comprehensive framework of intuitionistic fuzzy sets and picture fuzzy sets. The SFS allows the decision-makers (DMs) to cope with complicated and insufficient information during the aggregation process. The Heronian mean (HrM) model theory is also utilized to express correlation among different input arguments or characteristics. Recently, the theory of Aczel Alsina triangular norms gained a lot of attention from various research scholars and has many capabilities to provide smooth approximations during decision analysis. In this article, we developed some appropriate operations of Aczel Alsina t-norms and t-conorms in light of spherical fuzzy (SF) information. We develop new mathematical ways to look at SF data to keep clarity and sufficient information. These are the SF Aczel Alsina Heronian mean (SFAAHrM) and SF Aczel Alsina weighted Heronian mean (SFAAWHrM) operators. Furthermore, we also present a list of new strategies based on Aczel Alsina operations, such as SF Aczel Alsina geometric Heronian mean (SFAAGHrM) and SF Aczel Alsina weighted geometric Heronian mean (SFAAWGHrM) operators. Some notable properties are also characterized to show the validity and effectiveness of our derived mathematical approaches. Considering our derived strategies, an algorithm for the multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) problem is established to resolve complicated real-life applications. A numerical example presents the compatibility of derived approaches and provides a solid mechanism to improve the performance of educational institutes. A comparison technique is also demonstrated to show the applicability and consistency of diagnosed approaches by contrasting the findings of pioneered approaches with existing methodologies.

Decision Support System for Single-Valued Neutrosophic Aczel–Alsina Aggregation Operators Based on Known Weights

Multiattribute decision making (MADM) approach is a well-known decision-making process utilized in a variety of fields such as solid waste management, renewable energy resources, air quality assurance, hotel location decision, sustainable supplier selection, partner recognition, green supplier enterprises, game theory, construction development authority, and weapon group target estimation. The aggregation operators (AOs) are essential components of the decision-making process and have a great capability to deal with ambiguous and unpredictable information in the different fields of fuzzy environments. In this article, we expressed the theory concepts of single-valued neutrosophic (SVN) sets (SVNS) and also characterized their basic operations. The power aggregation tools are allowed to input arguments to support each other among different arguments. Recently, Aczel–Alisna aggregation tools conquered great attention from several research scholars. We also exposed some reliable operations of Aczel–Alsina aggregation models under the consideration of SVN information. We established a series of new approaches, including the “single-valued neutrosophic Aczel–Alsina power weighted average” (SVNAAPWA) operator and “single-valued neutrosophic Aczel–Alsina power weighted geometric” (SVNAAPWG) operators. To show the effectiveness and compatibility of derived approaches, some prominent characteristics are also established. We constructed a MADM technique to solve an application of engineering and construction materials under consideration of our derived methodologies. An experimental case study is also presented to determine a suitable optimal option from a group of options. To find the flexibility of our proposed work, we provided a comparative study that compares the results of existing AOs with our proposed work. A comprehensive overview is also presented here.

Pythagorean fuzzy Aczel Alsina Hamy mean aggregation operators and its applications to multi-attribute decision-making process

Multiple-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) technique is often used to make decisions when several optimal options are under consideration. It can be difficult to select a reasonable optimal option for the decision maker under consideration of insufficient information. The theory of Hamy mean (HM) operators are used to express correlation among different input arguments and provide a smooth approximation during the decision-making process. Recently, Aczel Alsina aggregating expressions gained a lot of attention from numerous mathematicians under different fuzzy circumstances. This article aims to illustrate the notion of a Pythagorean fuzzy (PyF) set (PyFS) with some restricted constraints, such as a sum of the square of truth membership value and falsity membership value. We developed a series of new approaches under consideration of the HM tools, including PyF Aczel Alsina Hamy mean (PyFAAHM), and PyF Aczel Alsina weighted Hamy mean (PyFAAWHM) operators. Further, we also extend the theory of Dual Hamy mean (DHM) operators and derived a series of new methodologies such as PyF Aczel Alsina Dual Hamy mean (PyFAADHM) and PyF Aczel Alsina weighted Dual Hamy mean (PyFAAWDHM) operators. To demonstrate the flexibility of our derived approaches, we illustrate an application of a multinational company considering the MAGDM technique. An experimental case study is also illustrated to evaluate a reasonable option from a group of options. We see the advantages and compatibility of our findings by comparing the results of existing approaches with the results of currently discussed methodologies.

A novel CODAS approach based on Heronian Minkowski distance operator for T-spherical fuzzy multiple attribute group decision-making

T-spherical fuzzy sets (TSFSs) are more flexible and efficient tools to deal with ambiguous, uncertain and vague information in complex real-world decision-making problems than various extended intuitionistic fuzzy sets. This paper aims to develop a novel T-spherical fuzzy (TSF) Combinative Distance-Based ASsessment (CODAS) based on the Heronian Minkowski distance aggregation operator, this new method can capture interrelationship between input arguments. Some TSF weighted Heronian Minkowski distance (TSFWHMD) aggregation operators with generalization are developed based on Heronian mean and Minkowski-type distance, their properties are discussed as well as their families are analyzed. Furthermore, the TSF MAGDM methodology based on the improved CODAS is designed, where the Minkowski-type distance is used to define the TSF similarity for computing the expert weights and to construct the maximizing deviation method (MDM) for determining the attribute weights, respectively. The TSF ordered weighted Heronian Hamming distance (TSFOWHHD) and TSF ordered weighted Heronian Euclidean distance (TSFOWHED) operators derived from the TSFOWHMD operator are integrated into the CODAS method, which is an improved method for both measuring the deviation of the negative ideal solution from each alternative and capturing the correlation between attributes. Finally, the feasibility and practicality of developed methodology are illustrated with an example of CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) software selection for lithium-ion power battery (LiPB) design, sensitivity analysis and method comparisons are performed to elucidate the reliability and validity of the developed methodology.

Selection of best enterprise resource planning system by using Hamy mean operator with complex spherical fuzzy information

Numerous fuzzy structures have been created and studied up to this point in order to investigate objects under ambiguity. Among them, the structure of complex spherical fuzzy set is significant because it can define the four prospective aspects of an expert's viewpoint using the membership degree, non membership degree, abstinence, and rejection in a two-dimensional space. It is never easy to aggregate information, particularly when the input arguments are connected. In order to handle such situations, the goal of this study is to create the idea of the Hamy mean operator because it integrates data in ambiguous environments and takes into account the relationships between the input arguments. In this manuscript, we investigated the notion of Hamy mean and dual Hamy mean operators in the setup of complex spherical fuzzy sets and described their applications for engineering activities. We created the complex spherical fuzzy Hamy mean (CSFHM) and complex spherical fuzzy Dual Hamy mean (CSFDHM) operators and looked into the validity of each. To assess the effectiveness of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems using complex spherical fuzzy data, we created the multi attribute decision making technique based on the CSFHM and CSFDHM operators. The impacts of the related parameters are examined using a numerical example to assess the effectiveness of ERP systems. In comparison to conventional aggregation operators, the recommended aggregated results utilizing CSFHM and CSFDHM operators are observed to be reliable because they consider the interdependence of the input data. The suggested operators are compared in this study as well.

Z-mixture three-sided stable matching in seaborne coal exchange with cooperative partners and heterogeneous relationships among attributes

Three-sided matching decision-making (TSMDM) problems are widespread in the real world. In practical TSMDM scenarios, two of the three sides collaborate, and matching objects on each side give their assessments about matching objects on another side according to multi-attributes with heterogeneous relationships. Given its advantages in describing uncertain information and its credibility, Z-mixture number is utilized to represent assessment from matching object, which offers continuous variable or discrete variable leaves matching objects free to choose. Based on this, this paper constructs a multiple attribute TSMDM model with Z-mixture numbers to deal with such situations. First, the prioritized interactive aggregation operator is proposed to aggregate Z-mixture numbers, which takes the prioritization and various interrelationships among the input arguments into account. Second, a weight determination model based on maximal deviation and fuzzy measure is proposed to determine the importance of attribute coalitions. Furthermore, a three-sided stable matching model with cooperation which pursues the maximization of overall satisfaction of matching objects by considering the stable matching conditions is constructed to obtain the stable matching among matching objects. Lastly, a case for the matching of supply, transportation and demand in seaborne coal exchange is presented to validate the rationality and practicability of the proposed method. Compared with the existing studies, the advantages and effectiveness of the proposed method are demonstrated.

A novel fuzzy TOPSIS method based on T-spherical fuzzy Aczel–Alsina power Heronian mean operators with applications in pharmaceutical enterprises’ selection

One of the most significant and complete approaches to accommodate greater uncertainty than current fuzzy structures is the T-Spherical Fuzzy Set (TSPFS). The primary benefit of TSPFS is that current fuzzy structures are special cases of it. Firstly, some novel TSPF power Heronian mean (TSPFPHM) operators are initiated based on Aczel–Alsina operational laws. These aggregation operators (AOs) have the capacity to eliminate the impact of uncomfortable data and can simultaneously consider the relationships between any two input arguments. Secondly, some elementary properties and core cases with respect to parameters are investigated and found that some of the existing AOs are special cases of the newly initiated aggregation operators. Thirdly, based on these AOs and Aczel–Alsina operational laws a newly advanced technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS)-based method for dealing with multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problems in a T-Spherical fuzzy framework is established, where the weights of both the decision makers (DMs) and the criteria are completely unknowable. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to evaluate and choose the pharmaceutical firms with the capacity for high-quality, sustainable development in the TSPF environment to demonstrate the usefulness and efficacy. After that, the comparison analysis with other techniques is utilized to demonstrate the coherence and superiority of the recommended approach.

Multiscale formulation for saturated porous media preserving the representative volume element size objectivity

SummaryA multiscale model for saturated porous media is proposed, based on the concept of representative volume element (RVE). The physics between macro and micro‐scales is linked in terms of virtual power measures given by the general theory of poromechanics. Then, applying the so‐called Principle of Multiscale Virtual Power, together with suitable admissible constraints on micro‐scale displacement and pore pressure fields, a well‐established variational framework is obtained. This setting allows deriving the weak form of micro‐scale balance equations as well as the homogenization rules for the macro‐scale stress‐like variables and body forces. Whenever the micro‐scale mechanical constitutive functionals admit, as input arguments, the full‐order expansion of the micro‐scale pore pressure field, a size effect is inherited on the macro‐scale material response. The current literature attributes this issue to the so‐called “dynamical” or “second‐order” term of the homogenized flux velocity. It has been commonly suggested that the influence of this term is negligible by assuming infinitely small micro‐scale dimensions. However, such an idea compromises the fundamental notion of the existence of RVE for highly heterogeneous media. In this work, we show that the micro‐scale size dependence can be consistently eliminated by a simple constitutive‐like assumption. Accordingly, slight and selective redefinitions in the input arguments of micro‐scale material laws are proposed, leading to a constitutive formulation that allows the combination of micro‐scale variables with different orders of expansion. Just at this specific (constitutive) level, a reduced‐order expansion is selectively adopted for the micro‐scale pore pressure field. Thus, the RVE notion is restored while still retaining the major effects of the “dynamical” component of the homogenized flux velocity. The proposed formulation is implemented within a finite element squared (FE) environment. Some numerical experiments are presented showing the viability of the methodology, including comparisons against analytical, mono‐scale and DNS solutions.

Time-energy-jerk optimal trajectory planning for high-speed parallel manipulator based on quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization algorithm and quintic B-spline

This paper presents a technique for multi-node trajectory planning for high-speed parallel manipulators that optimizes the execution time, energy consumption and jerk (the time derivative of the acceleration of the manipulator joints) to improve working efficiency, decrease energy consumption, dampen vibration and ensure mechanism protection. Initially, an improved quintic B-spline interpolation model is proposed, incorporating additional jerk boundary constraints to dampen residual vibrations at the start and end of the trajectory. Subsequently, the time-energy-jerk optimization model is formulated, with the maximum angular velocity, acceleration, and jerk serving as constraints. The normalized parameter of the B-spline curve is considered to divide the whole model into two submodels. In the first submodel, the satisfaction function is proposed to convert energy and jerk indices into one comprehensive objective for optimization with the quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (QPSO) algorithm. Time parameters are to be decided as decision variables, regardless of kinematic constraints and execution time. In the second submodel, the optimal time parameters obtained in the first submodel are used as input arguments, and the optimal execution time is determined with respect to the kinematic constraints. The simulation results on a planar parallel manipulator show that the proposed method achieves an efficient trajectory, which is energy-saving and possesses reduced vibration. Application of the comprehensive trajectory generated by the proposed method, rather than the classical method, enhances the maximum productivity of the fast pick-and-place operation to 155 picks per minute from 97 picks/min. This improvement is accomplished by using less energy and reducing vibration.

Intelligent upgrade of waste-activated sludge dewatering process based on artificial neural network model: Core influential factor identification and non-experimental prediction of sludge dewatering performance

Owing to the extremely complex compositions and origins of waste-activated sludge (WAS), the multiple physiochemical properties of WAS have impacts on its dewaterability, and there is a complex interaction relationship among the multiple physiochemical properties, which makes it difficult to identify the controlling factors on WAS dewaterability. Accordingly, there is still no unified certainty in the appropriate ranges of physiochemical properties for the optimal dewaterability of sludge from different sources, resulting in a lack of clear theoretical basis for technical selection and optimization of sludge dewatering processes. The large consumption of conditioning chemicals and low process efficiency stand for the major deficiency of existing sludge conditioning technologies. This study proposed to use a non-linear, adaptive and self-organizing artificial neural network (ANN) model to integrate the multiple physiochemical properties of WAS affecting its dewaterability, and WAS dewatering performance under certain conditioning schemes could be predicated by ANN model with the multiple physiochemical properties and conditioning operation parameters as the input arguments. Thus, the laborious filtration experiments for screening conditioning chemicals could be replaced by the input adjustment of ANN model. Rooted mean squared error (RMSE) of 6.51 and coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.73 confirmed the satisfied stability and accuracy of established ANN model. Furthermore, the predictor-exclusive method revealed that the exclusion of polar interface free energy decreased most, which reflected the importance of surface hydrophilicity reduction in sludge dewaterability improvement. All the contributions presented here were believed to provide an intelligent insight to improve the experience operation status of WAS dewatering process.

Novel intuitionistic fuzzy Aczel Alsina Hamy mean operators and their applications in the assessment of construction material

Aggregation operators (AOs) are utilized to overcome the effects of attributes under some specific degree of weight in the decision-making (DM) process. The AOs have a large capacity to deal with uncertain and unpredictable information in multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) problems. The Hamy mean (HM) aggregation tools are well-known aggregation models, which are utilized to define correlation among different input arguments adequately. The intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) sets (IFS) can express unpredictable and vague information. The Aczel Alsina aggregation expressions are extensions of triangular norms. Recently, Aczel Alsina aggregation tools attained a lot of attentions from numerous research scholars. By inspiring the robustness and reliability of Aczel Alsina aggregation tools, we expose some appropriate operations of Aczel Alsina expressions under consideration of IF information. In this manuscript, we developed an intuitionistic fuzzy Aczel Alsina HM (IFAAHM) and an intuitionistic fuzzy Aczel Alsina weighted HM (IFAAWHM) operator. We also expressed the theory of Dual HM (DHM) tools and established a series of new approaches including intuitionistic fuzzy Aczel Alsina Dual HM (IFAADHM) and intuitionistic fuzzy Aczel Alsina weighted Dual HM (IFAAWDHM) operators. Some reliable characteristics and special cases of our derived approaches are also presented. The authors solved an application of a MADM technique under consideration of our derived approaches. To check the reliability and dependency of our derived mythologies, we gave an experimental case study to evaluate a desirable construction material based on some specific criteria of different Alternatives. To see the advantages and compatibility of our derived approaches, by comparing the results of existing approaches with the results of currently discussed AOs.

Global sensitivity analysis of complex moduli of carbon fiber reinforced polymer

AbstractGlobal sensitivity analysis of complex moduli of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is performed by using variance‐based sensitivity analysis. Twelve material properties of matrix and fiber are selected as input arguments, including fiber volume fraction, three matrix properties, and eight carbon fiber properties. Ten thousand samples are generated with Sobol sequence. Based on the correspondence principle, six complex moduli of unidirectional CFRP, and two complex moduli of quasi‐isotropic laminate, orthogonal laminate, and symmetric laminate with different fiber angles are predicted using the generalized method of cells and classical laminate theory. The sensitivity indexes of all input arguments are calculated. The results show that the loss factors of CFRP are mainly affected by the matrix loss factor and fiber axial loss factor, and slightly affected by the fiber transverse loss factor.Highlights Sensitivity analysis reveals key factors influencing CFRP complex moduli. Impact of fiber and matrix properties on CFRP damping revealed. Insights for high‐damping and high‐stiffness CFRP development. Enhanced understanding of energy absorption mechanisms. Uncovering the dominant role of matrix and fiber axial properties in damping.

Artificial intelligence-based prediction of strengths of slag-ash-based geopolymer concrete using deep neural networks

The construction and building industry, one of the greatest emitters of greenhouse gases, is under tremendous pressure because of the growing concern about global climate change and its detrimental effects on societies. Given the environmental problems connected to cement production, geopolymer concrete has become a viable alternative. In addition, if the concrete strength results failed to meet the specified strength after being cast, modifications are impossible. Thus, it is particularly desirable to predict strength prior to casting concrete. This study presents the first effort in applying deep neural networks (DNN) of AI techniques to predict the mechanical strengths (GGBFS) of geopolymer concrete (GPC) produced from corncob ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag. The mixes were activated with 12–16 M of alkali solutions at ambiently cured conditions for 7–90 days. Following that, back propagation learning algorithms were created for forecasting the concrete strengths based on concrete mix proportions. The mechanical strengths estimated by the DNN were verified by laboratory testing results. Results revealed that GGBFS, mix grade, curing days, and alkali precursor are variables that govern the mechanical strengths of the GGBFS-CCA-GPC. Forecasting the mechanical properties of GPC produced using DNN shows that the relationship between the input and output arguments could be most accurately predicted by a 10–20–20–20-1 network topology, evident by approximately 99% correlation coefficient between the actual and predictive values for compressive and flexural strengths. However, the 10–17–17–17-1 network architecture showed the best DNN for predicting split tensile strength, with a 97% correlation coefficient between the actual and projected values. This study demonstrated that the DNN techniques are efficient in predicting the mechanical strengths of GPC based on the mix proportions. Application of these techniques will greatly advance concrete quality assurance.

A novel decision-making method based on complex cubic q-rung orthopair fuzzy information

To improve the accuracy of decision results in complex fuzzy environments, complex cubic fuzzy sets are studied, which can not only measure the periodicity of decision-making data, but also use interval values and single values to act together on the data. However, the fuzzy sets do not provide a reasonable explanation for some special cases of input arguments. Thus, the power average operator is used to eliminate the influence of extreme input arguments on decision results, and the Maclaurin symmetric mean operator considers the correlation between inputs in this paper. Firstly, we define the operation rules, distance measures, evaluation index function, and evaluation criteria in a complex cubic q-rung orthopair fuzzy environment. Then, some aggregation operators are proposed to aggregate complex cubic q-rung orthopair fuzzy numbers, and their desirable properties and some special cases are discussed. Next, we use the subjective and objective fusion method to determine the weight of attributes. Further, a multi-attribute decision-making method is established by combining aggregation operator, evaluation function, and weight determination method. Finally, the proposed method is applied to a specific quality evaluation problem, and the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method are illustrated by other methods and parameter analysis.

Identification of taxon through classification with partial reject options

Abstract Identification of taxa can significantly be assisted by statistical classification based on trait measurements either individually or by phylogenetic (clustering) methods. In this article, we present a general Bayesian approach for classifying species individually based on measurements of a mixture of continuous and ordinal traits, and any type of covariates. The trait vector is derived from a latent variable with a multivariate Gaussian distribution. Decision rules based on supervised learning are presented that estimate model parameters through blocked Gibbs sampling. These decision regions allow for uncertainty (partial rejection), so that not necessarily one specific category (taxon) is output when new subjects are classified, but rather a set of categories including the most probable taxa. This type of discriminant analysis employs reward functions with a set-valued input argument, so that an optimal Bayes classifier can be defined. We also present a way of safeguarding against outlying new observations, using an analogue of a p-value within our Bayesian setting. We refer to our Bayesian set-valued classifier as the Karlsson–Hössjer method, and it is illustrated on an original ornithological data set of birds. We also incorporate model selection through cross-validation, exemplified on another original data set of birds.