Method Of Paired Comparisons Research Articles

Evaluating the capacity of paired comparison methods to aggregate rankings of separate groups.

Ranking and rating methods have outstanding significance in sports, mainly due to their capacity to predict results. In this paper we turn to their capacity to aggregate separate groups' rankings based on a small piece of information. We investigate under which conditions two or more separate groups can be trustworthily interwoven applying Thurstone motivated methods and an AHP based method. A theorem is proved which guarantees adequate unified ranking based on some links between the groups. We also analyse the robustness of the results.

Word and color impressions measured with normal and simulated deutan color stimulus sets in color vision normal and deuteranopic observers.

Impressions of nine semantic words expressing abstract meanings were measured by a color selection process using twelve hues from vivid tone in the Practical Color Coordinate System (PCCS) as well as White, Grey and Black (as a normal color stimulus set) in a paired comparison method (Experiment 1). Color impressions were rated using 35 paired words in a semantic differential (SD) method (Experiment 2). The data of ten color vision normal (CVN) and four deuteranopic observers were analyzed separately by principal component analysis (PCA). Our previous study [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A37, A181 (2020)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.382518] using these methods indicated that deuteranopes could understand the impression of all colors if the color names can be recognized, even if deuteranopes cannot perceive redness and greenness. In this study, we also used a simulated deutan color stimulus set in which colors were modified to simulate the color appearance in deuteranopes by using Brettel-Viénot-Mollon's model to investigate how these simulated deutan colors would be treated by the deutan observers. In the CVN and deutan observers, color distributions of the principal component (PC) loading values in Experiment 1 were close to the PCCS hue circle in the normal colors, and those of the simulated deutan colors could be fitted by ellipses, but there were wide gaps of 73.7° (CVNs) and 89.5° (deutan) where only "White" existed. The word distributions as the PC score values could also be fitted by ellipses and are moderately similar between stimulus sets, but the fitting ellipses were considerably compressed in the minor axis directions in the deutan observers, although categories of words were similar between observer groups. The word distributions in Experiment 2 were not statistically different between the observer groups and the stimulus sets. The color distribution of the PC score values were statistically different, but tendencies of the color distributions were similar between observers. The color distributions of the normal colors could be fitted by ellipses, similar to the hue circle, and those of the simulated deutan colors could be fitted by cubic function curves. These results suggest that both of the stimulus sets were perceived as one dimensional and as a monotonic series of colors by a deuteranope, but the deuteranope can recognize the difference of the stimulus sets and recall the color distributions of each set, similar to those in the CVN observers.

Development and evaluation of a sensory panel for collecting reliable player perceptions of third-generation synthetic turf football surfaces

Perceptions of synthetic surfaces used in football can vary considerably between players, and obtaining reliable feedback is challenging. The aim of this study was to develop a suitable process and evaluate the merits of establishing a sensory panel to assess the subjective attributes of third generation synthetic turf surfaces (3G turf) used in football. Focus groups with 12 male and 13 female footballers were conducted on an outdoor 3G turf pitch to develop a common language to describe sensory feedback related to player–surface interactions. Post-session analysis revealed two main themes related to player–surface interactions: hardness and grip. These themes were broken down further into five sensory attributes (Movement Speed, Slip, Movement Confidence, Leg Shock and Give) which were investigated further in an indoor test area containing ten 3G turf surfaces with controlled surface properties. A panel consisting of 18 University footballers (11 male and 7 female) undertook a screening and training session to refine the language associated with the sensory attributes and become familiar with the testing protocol. During a final evaluation session, players were asked to discriminate between surfaces using the paired comparison method for each of the sensory attributes. Player consistency remained similar between the screening and evaluation sessions whilst the panel’s ability to discriminate between surfaces improved during the evaluation session. Sensory training can therefore be a useful approach to aid players in differentiating between surfaces and lead to a greater understanding of athlete perceptions of surface attributes.

Cognitive approach to the formation of a robotic system in education

The article deals with the features of modeling systems for managing educational processes using robot assistants based on a cognitive approach. The main objective of the study is the use of hybrid human-machine intelligence in the education system. The authors propose a new version of the use of fuzzy cognitive maps and the capabilities of the corresponding software systems to solve a number of practical problems using examples of automated learning. Within the framework of the cognitive approach, which allows to take into account the various linguistic features of people, it is possible to use appropriate fuzzy cognitive maps that allow you to determine cause-and-effect networks that reflect the subjective view of researchers about the system in the form of a set of semantic categories called factors or concepts.The study shows that taking into account the NON-factors that take place in the educational process, as well as the possibilities of their application for the formation of individual learning trajectories in the context of the use of human-machine intelligence, it is possible to obtain fundamentally new opportunities for training personnel.The authors propose a fuzzy cognitive model of strategic management with the participation of a robotic system, identify the main concepts for its construction and analysis. The parameters of the cognitive map are identified using the principles of intelligent generation of the best alternatives based on the modified method of pair comparisons. The study is aimed at employees of educational institutions responsible for the digitalization of education and teachers.

Image demosaicing: Subjective analysis and evaluation of image quality metrics

Most cameras use a single-sensor arrangement with Color Filter Array (CFA). Color interpolation techniques performed during image demosaicing are normally the reason behind visual artifacts generated in a captured image. While the severity of the artifacts depends on the demosaicing methods used, the artifacts themselves are mainly zipper artifacts (block artifacts across the edges) and false-color distortions. In this study and to evaluate the performance of demosaicing methods, a subjective pair-comparison method with 15 observers was performed on six different methods (namely Nearest Neighbours, Bilinear interpolation, Laplacian, Adaptive Laplacian, Smooth hue transition, and Gradient-Based image interpolation) and nine different scenes. The subjective scores and scene images are then collected as a dataset and used to evaluate a set of no-reference image quality metrics. Assessment of the performance of these image quality metrics in terms of correlation with the subjective scores show that many of the evaluated no-reference metrics cannot predict perceived image quality.

Assessing the relative preference of mango varieties through Paired Comparison Method in Murshidabad district of West Bengal

Assessing the relative preference of mango varieties through Paired Comparison Method in Murshidabad district of West Bengal

A method of estimation of the emotional granularity by using the paired comparison method

A method of estimation of the emotional granularity by using the paired comparison method

Paper] Effects of Directions of Lateral Motion on Perceived Strength in Fingertip

Touch interfaces utilize mechanical vibration to give haptic feedback during operation. Lateral motion, that is, a vibration of the touch surface in the in-plane direction, is one of the methods used in haptic displays. Regarding lateral motion, we investigated the relationships between the displacement direction of the touch surface and the strength of the perceived stimulus. The targets for evaluation were perceived strength of stimuli in which the first-displacement directions of vibration were 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° against the proximal direction of the right index finger. A subjective evaluation was conducted and analyzed by using Scheffe's paired comparison method. It was shown that there was a statistically significant difference between the vibration group displaced in the long axis direction of the finger (0°, 180°) and that displaced in the short axis direction (90°, 270°). The result showed that the former was perceived to be stronger than the latter.

Analysis of research strategies to determine individual color preference: N‐alternative forced choice, rank‐order, rating and paired comparison

AbstractExploring an efficient research method for understanding color preference is important to researchers and designers. This work compares four experimental methods for individual color preference research (N‐alternative forced choice, rank‐order, rating and paired comparison). Three psychophysical experiments were carried out with 338 participants. Participants were presented with six color patches (red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple) arranged in a random order. This work suggested orange is the strongest preferred color and green is the weakest preferred using three individual color preference experimental methods with six hues. The Monte Carlo Analysis method further compares the result performance for four methods, which suggests the rating, paired comparison and rank‐order methods are more stable than the N‐alternative forced choice method when only a small number of participants take part in the experiment. For studies involving small numbers of participants (even less than 6), the rating, rank‐order and pair comparison methods should be preferred.

Payment Features and Incentives as Drivers for Non-Cash Payments Usage – the Evidence from Poland

Theoretical background: There is evidence that sustainable economic growth is strictly connected with non-cash payments development. Nevertheless, in many countries, cash still remains the dominant means of payment. Cash can be treated as a store of value and a means of payment. The paper focuses on its transactional function and addresses the need to recognise drivers that can shift consumers away from cash. Purpose of the article: The paper aims to analyse what features of payment instruments and what kind of incentives could convince consumers to switch from cash to non-cash payments. Research methods: The data analysed were collected during the first survey on this topic conducted in 2018 on a representative sample of Polish consumers. The selected statistical methods were applied to analyse research data. Among them are correlation analysis and Thurstone’s method of paired comparisons to analyse preferences and association (co-occurrence) for exploring consumers’ preferences related to their payment choices. Main findings: The results show that in Poland consumers’ payment choices are driven rather by the cost than other payment instrument features such as speed, convenience or security. These results are consistent with the greater sensitivity of Polish consumers to financial incentives than material bonuses or tax benefits. The analysis has also shown a statistically significant correlation between the kind of incentive and the consumer’s characteristics.

Psychological responses to low-level transient sounds in background sounds generated by an air conditioner

Although air conditioners are installed extensively in buildings to achieve thermal amenities over extended periods, they are considered as one of the primary noise sources in buildings. Air conditioners mostly generate sounds that remain constant over time, and the sound quality of these steady sounds has been evaluated in several studies. However, these appliances occasionally generate low-level transient sounds that disturb the users during sleep or at other times when they require silence. This study aimed to determine how users respond to low-level transient background noises generated by air conditioners and correlate their responses with existing physical factors. Subjective loudness, pitch, and annoyance were appraised using a paired comparison method. The A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (LAeq) and the factors evaluated using the autocorrelation function (ACF) were utilised to characterise low-level transient noises among several background sounds. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed using the statistical values of LAeq and ACF factors. The results revealed the following significant predictive variables used to assess subjective responses to low-level transient background sounds: the 10th percentile values of the delay time of the first maximum peak, width of the initial decay of the ACF, and the difference between the 10th percentile and 90th percentile values of LAeq and the amplitude of the first maximum peak. This suggests that pitch salience, spectral centroid, and the amount of level change can have significant effects on the user’s psychological response to low-level transient sounds among background sounds.

Evaluating Decision-making Factors Used in Adopting New Farming Technologies—Recomputing Weighting Factors by Incomplete Paired Comparison Method in the Analytical Hierarchy Process

Evaluating Decision-making Factors Used in Adopting New Farming Technologies—Recomputing Weighting Factors by Incomplete Paired Comparison Method in the Analytical Hierarchy Process

Preference of harmonic loudness degree on piano timbre.

This study exploratively conducted two investigations of timbre influenced by harmonic loudness. Investigation 1 examined piano timbre preference between non-processed melodies and two kinds of adjustments created via an equalizer–a basic tool used for sound engineering and for producing audio materials. Using the paired comparison method, 98 respondents were surveyed. The results show that in the bass range of the piano sound, the preferred audio material was that produced via an equalizer by reducing the loudness of the 7th and 9th harmonics by 15 dB, while enhancing the loudness of the 8th harmonic by 15 dB. Investigation 2 examined three degrees of the processed melodies—adjusting the harmonics by 15, 10, and 5 dB. The results show that the 15 dB change was the best, while the 10 dB change was the worst. These results provide a new approach to improving the sound timbre for sound engineering and artificial intelligence music production.

On ranking climate factors affecting the living organisms based on paired comparison model, a Bayesian approach

The method of paired comparisons (PC) endeavors to rank treatments presented in pairs to panelists (or respondents, judges, jurists, etc.) and they have to select the better one based on sensory evaluations. Sometimes the situations may occur when the panelists cannot discriminate between the treatments and declare a tie. In this study, an effort is made to extend the Weibull PC model to accommodate ties. The extended Weibull PC model is analyzed using Bayesian paradigm. Four different loss functions are used under noninformative (Uniform and Jeffreys) priors. The posterior and marginal posterior distributions are derived. The posterior estimates, posterior risks, preference probabilities, posterior probabilities and predictive probabilities are evaluated to know the ranking of ecological factor. The goodness of the proposed model is assessed. The entire analysis is carried out using a real data set based on the preference for the ecological factors.

Mental Maps of Strategic Alliances

The relevance of the tasks of building partnerships between organizations participating in the value chain, on the one hand, is determined by the desire to reduce transaction costs, and on the other hand, by the need to gain competitive advantages in the market of goods and services. The strategic intentions of interacting organizations are coordinated when formingalliances through agreements on mutual obligations. Such forms of association of organizations as meta-organizations, clusters and business ecosystems have their advantages and disadvantages. The purpose of this study is to determine the main content of these forms of association of participants in joint activities, which opens up the possibility of identifying distinctive features for adjusting the definitions of each of the forms. Among the research methods, models for constructing mental maps, the method of paired comparisons and the formation of blocks of characteristics, logical analysis and synthesis of information within the subject area of research were used. This paper defines the main content of these forms of association of organizations, as well as their advantages and disadvantages as initial categories. As a result, new definitions of these categories are given, as well as their interrelations, general and special characteristics.

The intelligent system for assessing the technical condition a transformer substation of 35/6(10) Kv

THE PURPOSE. The purpose of this work is to create an intelligent system for assessing the technical condition of a 35/6 (10) kV transformer substation, which will monitor the state of parameters in real time and evaluate the technical condition of the transformer substation equipment.METHODS. The method of online assessment of the technical condition of a transformer substation is based on the determination of an integral indicator of the technical condition of the equipment, and the method of paired comparisons is also used. When making decisions in system analysis, the decomposition method is used.RESULTS. The structure of the intellectual system is considered. The software part of this system has been created, which calculates the coefficients of express analysis of transformer substation equipment in real time.CONCLUSION. The developed intelligent system allows for remote monitoring, reducing the likelihood of emergencies, monitoring the condition of existing equipment, predicting changes in the technical condition and proceeding to the organization of maintenance and repair of the main power equipment according to the actual condition.

Healthcare provider selection for elderly patients suffering from NCD's: an analysis with the combined approach of DEMATEL and AHP

PurposeElderly patients suffering from non-communicable disease face a dilemma in the selection of healthcare providers. This study attempts to identify the key variables playing a crucial role and identify the appropriate healthcare destination with the help of a combination of Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) techniques. The primary objective is to introduce the DEMATEL and AHP as efficient decision-making methods to choose the right healthcare provider for elderly patients suffering from non-communicable diseases.Design/methodology/approachAn integrative approach utilizing DEMATEL and AHP is used to reach the ideal solution for healthcare provider selection decisions. The DEMATEL approach is used to segregate the cause and effect variables. Similarly, the AHP is used to identify the weights of the top five cause-inducing variables, and the paired comparison method is used to select the healthcare provider.FindingsThe variables such as dependency on family members, easily accessible services, and patient autonomy play a vital role in the selection decision of healthcare providers in elderly patients suffering from non-communicable diseases.Practical implicationsIn terms of priority, home healthcare should be considered the preferred provider for elderly patients suffering from non-communicable diseases followed by neighbourhood registered medical practitioners and hospitals.Originality/valueThis is the first of its kind study which has attempted to solve the healthcare provider selection decision with the combined approach of DEMATEL and AHP.

Effect of Bacterial Wilt on Fungal Community Composition in Rhizosphere Soil of Tobaccos in Tropical Yunnan.

Bacterial wilt, which is a major soil-borne disease with widespread occurrence, poses a severe danger in the field of tobacco production. However, there is very limited knowledge on bacterial wilt-induced microecological changes in the tobacco root system and on the interaction between Ralstonia solanacearum and fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil. Thus, in this study, changes in fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil of tobaccos with bacterial wilt were studied by 18S rRNA gene sequencing. The community composition of fungi in bacterial wilt-infected soil and healthy soil in two tobacco areas (Gengma and Boshang, Lincang City, Yunnan Province, China) was studied through the paired comparison method in July 2019. The results showed that there were significant differences in fungal community composition between the rhizosphere soil of diseased plants and healthy plants. The changes in the composition and diversity of fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil of tobaccos are vital characteristics of tobaccos with bacterial wilt, and the imbalance in the rhizosphere microecosystem of tobacco plants may further aggravate the disease.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Potato Growing Decisions of Farmers: The Case of Ödemiş District of İzmir Province

The aim of this study is to determine the factors affecting the potato growing decisions of the farmers in Ödemiş district of İzmir province. In the study, data were collected from 90 farmers by proportional sampling method and face-to-face survey method. The production period of 2019 was included in the scope of the study. In the analysis of th,e data, first the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers were examined, then the criteria that the farmers gave importance to in their potato production decisions and the economic aspects of potato production were analyzed. Five-point Likert scale and Fuzzy Paired Comparison method were used in the analysis of farmers decisions. According to the results of the study, the average age of the farmers is 52.49 years and the average education period is 8.29 years. The most important criterion in potato production is price. Average potato production area is 4.19 hectares. The average yield obtained from potato production per hectare was determined as 38,758 kg. Average potato price received by the farmer was 1.43 TL kg. The average net profit from potatoes per hectare was calculated as 22,720 TL. Farmers want to sustain potato production. For this, effective potato policies should be prepared, farmers should be supported and Turkey should be self-sufficient in potato production.

Self-education culture of future music teachers: diagnostic and formative methods

The article highlights the results of an experimental study on the formation of a culture of self-education of future music teachers in vocal and choral training. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the developed methodology for the formation of a culture of self-education of future teachers of musical art in the process of studying vocal and choral disciplines. The study was carried out by the method of paired comparisons, based on the results of which a scale of comparative assessments was built in the control and experimental groups. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is confirmed by the results of statistical processing of experimental data. Criteria for monitoring the formation of a culture of self-education of future teachers of musical art in vocal and choral training are indicated. The effectiveness of the applied technique was assessed by a series of tests comparing the results at the ascertaining and formative stages of the study. The authors argue that the data of the formative experiment showed significant positive changes in the levels of formation of the culture of self-education of future teachers of musical art according to all the established criteria.