Linguistic Evaluation Research Articles

A new DEMATEL method based on interval type-2 fuzzy sets for developing causal relationship of knowledge management criteria

The fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (fuzzy DEMATEL) has been used to solve various multi-criteria group decision-making problems where triangular type-1 fuzzy sets are utilized in defining decision makers’ linguistic evaluation. Most of the fuzzy DEMATEL modifications are built from linguistic variables based on type-1 fuzzy sets (T1FS). Previous literature suggests that interval type-2 fuzzy sets (IT2FS) can offer an alternative that can handle vagueness and uncertainty. This paper proposes a modification fuzzy DEMATEL characterized by IT2FS for linguistic variables. Differently from the typical fuzzy DEMATEL which directly utilizes triangular type-1 fuzzy numbers, this modification introduces trapezoidal IT2 fuzzy numbers to enhance evaluation in the group decision-making environment. This new modification includes linguistic variables expressed by IT2FS and an expected value method for normalizing upper and lower memberships of IT2FS to crisp numbers. The proposed modification is applied to a case of knowledge management (KM) where eleven criteria are considered. Three experts in KM were invited to provide linguistic judgments with respect to the criteria, and the eight-step computational procedure of the proposed modification was implemented without losing the originality of the DEMATEL method. The results unveiled that ‘trust’ is the most influential criteria in KM. Therefore, trust is a phenomenon that impacts on the success of KM. Comparable results are also presented to check the feasibility of the proposed method. It is shown that the criteria weight and the causal relationship of criteria using the proposed method are consistent with the other two methods.

Scientific, educational, linguistic and formative (SELF) evaluation strategy of a sample of multiple choice questions from introductory research course

Background: The purpose of this study was to apply the scientific, educational, linguistic& formative (SELF) evaluation strategy on a sample of multiple choice questions (MCQs) administered at introduction to research course Purpose: The aim of this study was to apply the SELF evaluation strategy on a sample of multiple choice questions (MCQs) administered at introduction to research course Method and Materials: A number of MCQs were carefully chosen from a pool of administered MCQs. All questions were discussed along with the justification of choosing one answer and excluding the other options. The justification was built of running the SELF evaluation strategy on all questions. Results: Discrimination and difficulty indices were calculated for all questions included. The indices were settled in a template for convenience. Conclusion: It is concluded that SELF evaluation strategy is feasible and practical, even among inexperienced academics, to assess the validity of MCQs within the field of research. It is recommended to use SELF evaluation strategy to have quality MCQs that lead to developing competency in research methodology.

A risk-based emergency group decision method for haze disaster weather based on cumulative prospect theory

The frequent occurrence of extreme haze episodes currently in China has caused widespread public concern. The Chinese Government has developed and implemented a series of long-term measures to mitigate the serious situation. Nevertheless, some emergency response measures are also needed in the short-term. Hence, a risk-based emergency group decision method for haze disaster weather based on cumulative prospect theory (CPT) with linguistic evaluation information is proposed. This method obtains and expresses group decision-makers' (DMs') evaluation information based on additional linguistic evaluation scale and its extended scale, calculates the comprehensive prospect value matrix of each haze emergency response alternative based on CPT, after that, calculates the final decision results with DMs' weights. On these bases, the best haze disaster emergency response alternative can be selected. Finally, an application case of HD city in North China is presented to illustrate the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed method.

A risk-based emergency group decision method for haze disaster weather based on cumulative prospect theory

The frequent occurrence of extreme haze episodes currently in China has caused widespread public concern. The Chinese Government has developed and implemented a series of long-term measures to mitigate the serious situation. Nevertheless, some emergency response measures are also needed in the short-term. Hence, a risk-based emergency group decision method for haze disaster weather based on cumulative prospect theory (CPT) with linguistic evaluation information is proposed. This method obtains and expresses group decision-makers' (DMs') evaluation information based on additional linguistic evaluation scale and its extended scale, calculates the comprehensive prospect value matrix of each haze emergency response alternative based on CPT, after that, calculates the final decision results with DMs' weights. On these bases, the best haze disaster emergency response alternative can be selected. Finally, an application case of HD city in North China is presented to illustrate the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed method.

Scientific, educational, linguistic and formative (SELF) evaluation strategy of a sample of multiple choice questions from integumentary and cardiac rehabilitation course

Scientific, educational, linguistic and formative (SELF) evaluation strategy of a sample of multiple choice questions from integumentary and cardiac rehabilitation course

Polishing exam designing skills among academics using Scientific, Educational, Linguistic, and Formative (SELF) evaluation strategy

Polishing exam designing skills among academics using Scientific, Educational, Linguistic, and Formative (SELF) evaluation strategy

Interdisciplinary Evaluations Performed by Forensic Science Organizations of the Russian Ministry of Justice: Current Trends in Forensic Linguistics and Forensic Psychology

The paper looks at the increasingly pertinent issue of interdisciplinary analysis in forensic casework. Integrated psychological and linguistic evaluations in cases relating to extremism and terrorism prevention are used as an example to compare the possibilities of mono- and multidisciplinary analysis. A comprehensive (integrated) approach is demonstrated to have clearadvantages in application to the analysis of information materials. This approach helps to identify the special (linguistic, psychological, etc.) features of those language and psychological phenomenathat constitute the various aspects of the objective element of so-called «crimes of speech». The priority status of such evaluations has been highlighted by the Interdepartmental Commission forthe Prevention of Extremism in the Russian Federation. A integrated approach to the evaluation of information materials is actively implemented by forensic science organizations in other countries(Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus and Uzbekistan)

How does a bilingual environment affect the results in children with cochlear implants compared to monolingual-matched children? An Italian follow-up study

ObjectivesTo compare the results after cochlear implantation achieved by monolingual and bilingual deaf children implanted at our Institution, with the aim of understanding if there are any differences between the two groups and if there is a correlation between the outcomes and some patients' variables. MethodsThe study group was composed by 14 bilingual deaf children and the control group by the same number of monolingual children implanted at our Institution. The control group was obtained by matching to each bilingual child a monolingual one with a similar clinical history regarding age at hearing loss diagnosis, age at first hearing-aids fitting and age at CI procedure. Children received a speech perception and linguistic development evaluation through specific structured tests. The linguistic competence of the patients both in mainstream and native language was determined by the Student Oral Language Observation Matrix (SOLOM). ResultsWe did not find any statistically significant differences between bilingual and monolingual children in speech perception outcomes. Nevertheless, we obtained different results concerning language skills: bilingual implanted children scored lower at structured language tests, even if the difference was not statistically relevant. Bilingual children scored significantly lower than monolingual ones at the SOLOM scale for linguistic competence. ConclusionThe results reported in the present study show better language skills after cochlear implant in Italian monolingual cases than in bilingual ones. This seems to be related to the condition of bilingualism in Italy, mainly related to immigration, and frequently associated with low socio-economic levels, poor competence in the mainstream language and poor social integration, with a suboptimal exposure to the mainstream language and difficulties in following the rehabilitative program.

Three-way decisions approach to multiple attribute group decision making with linguistic information-based decision-theoretic rough fuzzy set

This paper investigates the decision-theoretic rough sets involved multiple decision-makers with linguistic evaluation information for the uncertainty and risk under the framework of three-way decisions theory. We first discuss the probabilistic rough fuzzy set model with linguistic information for the value of objects on the universe about the attribute set. Subsequently, we present the decision-theoretic rough fuzzy set with linguistic information for the loss functions. Then, we establish the three-way decisions based on linguistic information-based decision-theoretic rough fuzzy set as well as the corresponded decision rules that satisfy minimum risk are given. Furthermore, we consider a kind of multiple attribute group decision making problem with linguistic information and then present a new decision model using the decision-theoretic rough fuzzy set with linguistic information-based three-way decisions. Finally, the proposed decision model and method is applied to an emergency decision making problem of unconventional emergency events, the steps and the principle of the proposed method are illustrated by a numerical example with the background of emergency decision-making.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule - WHODAS 2.0

ABSTRACT The World Health Organization (WHO) planned a new functioning assessment tool - the WHODAS 2.0 (World Health Assessment Disability Schedule 2.0) - a user-friendly application instrument based on the theoretical framework of the ICF. The aim of this article is to introduce the Brazilian version of WHODAS to clinical and academic users interested in the assessment of functioning. The process was conducted according to the Translation Package offered by WHO, in addition to the permission for translating the tool. Three translators worked in this research to produce the definitive version of the manual and a set of linguistic evaluation forms. Finally, the Brazilian version was approved by WHO. All documents about WHODAS were translated and are free to download on the internet. WHODAS 2.0 addresses functioning according to the ICF domains and keeps the multifactorial and biopsychosocial perspective of the phenomenon. As it has an ICF differentiate presentation, the data collection is faster (20 minutes, on average) and more objective. Besides, it was planned to be a generic and transcultural tool. WHODAS was translated and is available on Internet to use. It is expected that the use of WHODAS will be widespread in Brazil, in clinical and research settings, aiming at the biopsychosocial approach of the functioning, as endorsed by WHO.

A Novel Decision Support Framework for Computing Expected Utilities from Linguistic Evaluations

The increase in the amount and variety of evaluations provided by the users of different websites regarding the products displayed is becoming an increasingly familiar scenario. That is, decision makers (DMs) constantly receive linguistic evaluations (LEs) from unknown evaluators when considering different choice alternatives. The imprecision of the LEs and the fact that the evaluators may have biased interests when describing a product must be considered by the DMs when computing their expected utilities. We define a Bayesian-updated probability (BUP) function that accounts for the fuzziness inherent in the LEs and the reputation of the evaluator to represent the beliefs of DMs. The proposed BUP process allows the DMs to subjectively adjust the probability mass that is shifted across evaluation intervals when updating their beliefs and computing their corresponding expected utilities. We illustrate the behavior of the BUP function numerically and describe potential decision support applications.

A fuzzy multi-criteria spatial decision support system for solar farm location planning

In recent years, investment in solar energy has increased substantially across countries. Thus, selecting convenient locations for solar farms has become a fundamental problem when determining the investment required due to differences in climatic factors, the type and availability of land, transportation infrastructures, and the quality of power lines. Multi-Criteria Evaluation approaches based on crisp data are generally used in the selection process of optimal locations. However, despite being crisp, the data available when considering the evaluation criteria of the different alternatives constitute a discrete approximation performed on a spatial grid of potential locations. Thus, we introduce a three-stage fuzzy evaluation framework designed to account for the imprecision inherent to the evaluations when identifying the most convenient location for constructing solar power farms. First, we implement ANFIS (Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System) on the set of grid intersection crisp data points and derive a coherent set of approximations per each potential discrete location and evaluation criterion. Then, the fuzzy AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) method is used to determine the weights of the different criteria considered from the linguistic evaluations provided by different experts. Finally, we define a set of if-then rules combining the different ANFIS evaluation criteria and their weights within a FIS (Fuzzy Inference System) whose output is used to determine the most convenient location for constructing a solar power farm. The efficacy of the proposed evaluation framework is demonstrated through its application to the Iranian regions of Kerman and Yazd.

A fuzzy hybrid integrated framework for portfolio optimization in private banking

Decision-making processes in private banking must comply with standards for risk management and transparency enforced by banking regulations. Therefore, investors must be supported throughout a risk-informed decision process. This paper contributes to the literature by presenting a hybrid integrated framework that considers personal features of the investor and additional characteristics imposed by regulations, for which linguistic evaluations are used with regard to risk exposure. The proposed approach for personal investment portfolios considers legal aspects and investor’s preferences as an input to the novel fuzzy multiple-attribute decision making approach for sorting problems proposed in this paper, called FTOPSIS-Class. Then, the next step of the proposed framework uses the sorting results for a fuzzy multi-objective optimization model that considers the risk and return associated with the investor’s profile over three objectives. The contributions of this paper are illustrated and validated by using a numerical application in line with a new trend for modern portfolio theory which enables a real world investor’s characteristics to be considered throughout the decision-making process.

Manufacturing Process Innovation-Oriented Knowledge Evaluation Using MCDM and Fuzzy Linguistic Computing in an Open Innovation Environment

In today’s complex, constantly evolving and innovation-supporting manufacturing systems, knowledge plays a vital role in sustainable manufacturing process planning and problem-solving, especially in the case of Computer-Aided Process Innovation (CAPI). To obtain formalized and promising process innovation knowledge under the open innovation paradigm, it is necessary to evaluate candidate knowledge and encourage improvement suggestions based on actual innovation situations. This paper proposes a process innovation-oriented knowledge evaluation approach using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) and fuzzy linguistic computing. Firstly, a comprehensive hierarchy evaluation index system for process innovation knowledge is designed. Secondly, by combining an analytic hierarchy process with fuzzy linguistic computing, a comprehensive criteria weighting determination method is applied to effectively aggregate the evaluation of criteria weights for each criterion and corresponding sub-criteria. Furthermore, fuzzy linguistic evaluations of performance ratings for each criterion and corresponding sub-criteria are calculated. Thus, a process innovation knowledge comprehensive value can be determined. Finally, an illustrative example of knowledge capture, evaluation and knowledge-inspired process problem solving for micro-turbine machining is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach. It is expected that our model would lay the foundation for knowledge-driven CAPI in sustainable manufacturing.

Ob-Ugric database

In this paper we describe the data processing procedures and the preliminary results of the project Ob-Ugric database (OUDB), a web-based framework which aims at developing corpus-based descriptive resources of Khanty and Mansi dialects. Using established language documentation and annotation tools, OUDB provides interlinked corpus and lexicon data from digitized texts as well as recent fieldwork studies in an uniform IPA-transcription together with the corresponding audio recordings thus making these less described languages of the Ob-Ugric branch of the Finno-Ugric language family accessible for researchers as well as the language community and archiving the raw data for documentation, linguistic evaluation and possible future use in building resources for language technology applications.

Linguistic evaluation of translation errors in Chinese–English machine translations of patent titles

Abstract The title of an invention allows the reader to understand the significance of a patent claim, and the wording of the title recurs throughout the subsequent patent documentation. If the translation of the title is erroneous, the quality of the translation in other parts of the patent documentation also suffers. This research involved using linguistic evaluation to identify common translation errors in Chinese–English machine translations of patent titles and examine the quality of machine-translated patent titles. Special focus was placed on orthographic, morphological, lexical, semantic, and syntactic errors found in patent titles. We sought to answer the following questions: (1) What are the trends in the application of machine translation in the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO)? (2) How is the quality of machine translation controlled at TIPO? (3) What are common errors in machine-translated patent titles? Through analysis of our findings, it is possible to estimate the level of effort required from a posteditor following translation, and to suggest methods of improving machine translations of patent titles. This study also generates information applicable to the training of patent translators and posteditors.

RFID service provider selection: An integrated fuzzy MCDM approach

The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology supports companies to optimize business processes and reduce operational costs by knowing an item’s condition and location in the inventory. RFID applications expand on the basis of speed, security and correct information flow; however, selecting the most suitable RFID service provider presents a challenge. This article offers an integrated multi-criteria evaluation framework for selecting the most suitable RFID service provider by applying Fuzzy Axiomatic Design (Fuzzy AD) and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP) techniques with Group Decision Making (GDM) approach. A case study is conducted and the results are discussed through a sensitivity analysis and a comparative evaluation with fuzzy TOPSIS. It is observed that an alternative RFID service provider that does not meet the defined Functional Requirements (FRs) is directly eliminated by Fuzzy AD, whereas fuzzy TOPSIS ranks it as an eligible one. The sensitivity analysis demonstrates that if FRs are low enough, the outcome of Fuzzy AD and fuzzy TOPSIS do converge, underlining the goal-oriented advantage of Fuzzy AD. The paper contributes to literature by presenting a novel approach for incorporating subjective and often conflicting linguistic evaluations of a decision committee into a solid decision support model approach for selecting the most suitable RFID service provider.

An extended 2-tuple linguistic DEA for solving MAGDM problems considering the influence relationships among attributes

The main purpose of this paper is to propose an extended data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach for solving multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems with unknown decision maker (DM) weights and attribute weights. The 2-tuple linguistic representation model is more suitable to deal with linguistic evaluations than the extension principle and the symbolic method. So we propose a 2-tuple linguistic DEA model and objective DM weights determination method in 2-tuple MAGDM problems. The DMs’ objective weights are dynamic with respect to each attribute over different alternatives, which are determined according to the grey relational degree of the decision information DM given with the ideal decision information obtained by solving a weighted least square optimization model. The optimized attribute weights based on the DEA model only reflect the beneficial side to each alternative and ignore the objective side like influence relationships among attributes. Therefore, a 2-tuple linguistic DEMATEL technique is presented and applied to adjust the attribute weights obtained by DEA, and then the comprehensive attribute weights are derived. Finally, the evaluation values of alternatives are obtained based on the comprehensive attribute weights according to the efficiency evaluation method of DEA. A case study is put forward to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process for Sustainable Energy Sources Selection

Selecting sustainable energy sources is one of the efforts to ensuring optimum energy consumption. However, the selection process is not straight forward as it requires multi-criteria that inherited uncertainty and qualitative evaluation. Multi-criteria evaluation that based on fuzzy set theory is one of the well-known methods to handle uncertainty in decision making and vagueness of information. This paper develops a preference for sustainable energy using the linguistic evaluation of interval type-2 fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (IT2 FAHP). Seven alternatives of sustainable energy sources that closely related to nine criteria were identified as the hierarchical structure of the decision making problem. Two academicians and an engineer attached to government agencies were invited to provide linguistic evaluation. The linguistic evaluations were analyzed using the newly developed IT2 FAHP. The seven-step computational method was implemented and the results suggest that solar energy is the best alternative in selecting the viable sustainable energy.

Measuring web service security in the era of Internet of Things

Technologies such as Internet of Things allow small devices to offer web-based services in an open and dynamic networking environments on a massive scale. End users or service consumers face a hard decision over which service to choose among the available ones, as security holds a key in the decision making process. In this paper a base linguistic evaluation set is designed, based on which all the other fuzzy term sets that used for describing security attributes are uniformed and integrated for calculating an overall security value of the services. This work, to the best of our knowledge, is the first practical solution to offer direct comparisons and rankings of network services based on multiple security attributes such as confidentiality, availability, privacy and accountability. We analysed four major cloud service platforms to illustrate the proposed approach.