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Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding
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Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2019) | Viewed by 91930

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas

grade E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research Institute of Sustainable Construction, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, LT-10223 Vilnius, Lithuania
Interests: operations research; optimization and decision analysis; multicriteria decision making; multiattribute decision making (MADM); decision support systems; civil engineering; energy; sustainable development; fuzzy sets theory; fuzzy multicriteria decision making; sustainability; management; game theory and economical computing knowledge management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Jurgita Antuchevičienė

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Construction Management and Real Estate, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, LT-10223 Vilnius, Lithuania
Interests: multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM); multiattribute decision making (MADM); operations research; decision support systems; multiple-criteria optimization in construction technology and management; decision making under uncertainty; fuzzy sets theory; civil engineering; sustainable development; sustainable construction; investments; knowledge management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Samarjit Kar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mathematics, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur 713209, India
Interests: operations research; optimization; soft computing; uncertainty theory; financial modelling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Optimization may be considered as a decision-making process to get the most out of available resources for the best attainable results. Many real-world problems are multi-objective (MOP) or multi-attribute problems (MAP) that naturally involve several competing objectives that are required to be optimized simultaneously, while respecting some constraints or selecting among feasible discrete alternatives. In contrast to single-objective optimization, the solutions of MOP and MAP correspond to a set of solutions with trade-offs, each expressing a particular compromise between the different objectives or attributes.

Moreover, decisions must often be taken in the face of the unknown. Actions decided upon in the present will have consequences that cannot fully be determined until a later stage. However, there may be openings for corrective actions later, or even multiple opportunities for recourse, as more and more becomes known. There is no surprise that with the ever increasing complexity of problems, optimization comes with an inherent facet of uncertainty conveyed in different formal ways and calls for innovative approaches to produce optimal and interpretable solutions.

In this Special Issue, researchers from academia and industries are invited to submit papers that explore aspects of multi-objective or multi-attribute modelling and optimization in crisp or uncertain environment, and will elaborate on the state-of-the-art case studies in selected areas of application related to sustainable development decision aiding.

The submitted papers should include the potential topics with crisp, uncertain or fuzzy data, but are not limited to:

  • Multi-Stage Multi-Objective or Multi-Attribute Problem
  • Multi-Objective or Multi-Attribute Time-Dependent Problem
  • Granular Computing-Based Multi-Objective or Multi-Attribute Optimization
  • Neural Networks-Based Multi-Objective or Multi-Attribute Optimization
  • Multi-Objective or Multi-Attribute Network Optimization Problem
  • Multi-Objective or Multi-Attribute Supply Chain Problem
  • Multi-Objective or Multi-Attribute Business Intelligence Problem
  • Multi-Objective or Multi-Attribute Financial Modelling
  • Multi-Objective or Multi-Attribute Healthcare Modelling
  • Multi-Objective or Multi-Attribute Intelligent Transport Modelling

Prof. Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas
Prof. Jurgita Antucheviciene
Assoc. Prof. Samarjit Kar
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

6 pages, 446 KiB  
Editorial
Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimization for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding
by Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas, Jurgita Antucheviciene and Samarjit Kar
Sustainability 2019, 11(11), 3069; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11113069 - 31 May 2019
Cited by 38 | Viewed by 3178
Abstract
Optimization is considered as a decision-making process to get the most out of available resources for the best attainable results. Many real-world problems are multi-objective or multi-attribute problems that naturally involve several competing objectives that are required to be optimized simultaneously, while respecting [...] Read more.
Optimization is considered as a decision-making process to get the most out of available resources for the best attainable results. Many real-world problems are multi-objective or multi-attribute problems that naturally involve several competing objectives that are required to be optimized simultaneously, while respecting some constraints or selecting among feasible discrete alternatives. In this Special Issue, 19 research papers co-authored by 88 researchers from 14 different countries explore aspects of multi-objective or multi-attribute modelling and optimization in crisp or uncertain environments by suggesting multiple-attribute decision-making (MADM) and multi-objective decision-making (MODM) approaches. The papers elaborate the approaches on the state-of-the-art case studies in selected areas of applications related to sustainable development decision aiding in engineering and management, including construction, transportation, infrastructure development, production, and organization management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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Research

Jump to: Editorial

18 pages, 4975 KiB  
Article
The Evaluation of the Contractor’s Risk in Implementing the Investment Projects in Construction by Using the Verbal Analysis Methods
by Galina Shevchenko, Leonas Ustinovichius and Dariusz Walasek
Sustainability 2019, 11(9), 2660; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11092660 - 09 May 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3267
Abstract
The growth of the company’s investment potential is closely associated with the evaluation of the attendant risks of the process, various influencing factors, and the expected results. Therefore, the analysis of a number of qualitative and quantitative criteria of the projects and risks, [...] Read more.
The growth of the company’s investment potential is closely associated with the evaluation of the attendant risks of the process, various influencing factors, and the expected results. Therefore, the analysis of a number of qualitative and quantitative criteria of the projects and risks, as well as the potential profit-making opportunities in the investment decision making is required. This paper analyzes a decision-making strategy based on qualitative estimates obtained by investigating the risks posed, the management methods used, and the application of the proposed methods for assessing the contractor’s risk in construction companies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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19 pages, 855 KiB  
Article
A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model to Choose the Best Option for Sustainable Construction Management
by Seyit Ali Erdogan, Jonas Šaparauskas and Zenonas Turskis
Sustainability 2019, 11(8), 2239; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11082239 - 14 Apr 2019
Cited by 71 | Viewed by 10143
Abstract
The article briefly discusses the content and terms of construction project management. It identifies the main problems of construction management and discusses ways to solve those using multi-criteria methods. Well-performed management is one of the critical factors which leads to the success of [...] Read more.
The article briefly discusses the content and terms of construction project management. It identifies the main problems of construction management and discusses ways to solve those using multi-criteria methods. Well-performed management is one of the critical factors which leads to the success of any significant sustainable project. Construction project management consists of setting goals and defining user requirements, project constraints, and resources needed. This paper aims to create a practically useful model. The paper presents a comprehensive set of criteria, which led to the creation of a decision-making model for construction management, which was applied to a Turkish case study. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method and the Expert Choice computer program were used for calculations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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28 pages, 4335 KiB  
Article
A Novel Hybrid Evolutionary Data-Intelligence Algorithm for Irrigation and Power Production Management: Application to Multi-Purpose Reservoir Systems
by Zaher Mundher Yaseen, Mohammad Ehteram, Md. Shabbir Hossain, Chow Ming Fai, Suhana Binti Koting, Nuruol Syuhadaa Mohd, Wan Zurina Binti Jaafar, Haitham Abdulmohsin Afan, Lai Sai Hin, Nuratiah Zaini, Ali Najah Ahmed and Ahmed El-Shafie
Sustainability 2019, 11(7), 1953; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11071953 - 02 Apr 2019
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4264
Abstract
Multi-purpose advanced systems are considered a complex problem in water resource management, and the use of data-intelligence methodologies in operating such systems provides major advantages for decision-makers. The current research is devoted to the implementation of hybrid novel meta-heuristic algorithms (e.g., the bat [...] Read more.
Multi-purpose advanced systems are considered a complex problem in water resource management, and the use of data-intelligence methodologies in operating such systems provides major advantages for decision-makers. The current research is devoted to the implementation of hybrid novel meta-heuristic algorithms (e.g., the bat algorithm (BA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm) to formulate multi-purpose systems for power production and irrigation supply. The proposed hybrid modelling method was applied for the multi-purpose reservoir system of Bhadra Dam, which is located in the state of Karnataka, India. The average monthly demand for irrigation is 142.14 (106 m3), and the amount of released water based on the new hybrid algorithm (NHA) is 141.25 (106 m3). Compared with the shark algorithm (SA), BA, weed algorithm (WA), PSO algorithm, and genetic algorithm (GA), the NHA decreased the computation time by 28%, 36%, 39%, 82%, and 88%, respectively, which represents an excellent enhancement result. The amount of released water based on the proposed hybrid method attains a more reliable index for the volumetric percentage and provides a more effective operation rule for supplying the irrigation demand. Additionally, the average demand for power production is 18.90 (106 kwh), whereas the NHA produces 18.09 (106 kwh) of power. Power production utilizing the NHA’s operation rule achieved a sufficient magnitude relative to that of stand-alone models, such as the BA, PSO, WA, SA, and GA. The excellent proficiency of the developed intelligence expert system is the result of the hybrid structure of the BA and PSO algorithm and the substitution of weaker solutions in each algorithm with better solutions from other algorithms. The main advantage of the proposed NHA is its ability to increase the diversity of solutions and hence avoid the worst possible solutions obtained using BA, that is, preventing a decrease in local optima. In addition, the NHA enhances the convergence rate obtained using the PSO algorithm. Hence, the proposed NHA as an intelligence model could contribute to providing reliable solutions for complex multi-purpose reservoir systems to optimize the operation rule for similar reservoir systems worldwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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23 pages, 4687 KiB  
Article
The Application of the Multiple Criteria Decision Aid to Assess Transport Policy Measures Focusing on Innovation
by Katarzyna Nosal Hoy, Katarzyna Solecka and Andrzej Szarata
Sustainability 2019, 11(5), 1472; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11051472 - 10 Mar 2019
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3247
Abstract
The sustainable development of transport is fostered by innovations. To implement innovations, the European Commission issues different regulations, programs and initiatives and the European Transport Policy has a significant impact on transport policy in the member states. At the same time, transport policy [...] Read more.
The sustainable development of transport is fostered by innovations. To implement innovations, the European Commission issues different regulations, programs and initiatives and the European Transport Policy has a significant impact on transport policy in the member states. At the same time, transport policy is dynamic and requires new solutions that will allow the planned goals to be achieved. In this context, it is important to analyze the effectiveness of the current innovation policies, and to create recommendations for future actions that bring innovations to the market. This article concerns the subject of innovation policy in the transport sector. It illustrates the possibility of applying one of the methods of the multiple criteria decision aid, i.e., the simple additive weighting (SAW) method to assess the European Union (EU) and national policy measures in surface transport in terms of their influence on the market take-up of innovations. The use of this method allows for the analyzed policy measures to be contemplated in terms of various criteria and to identify those that best meet the adopted criteria, and thus those that could contribute the most to the stimulation of innovation. The article focuses on the method itself, indicating its flexibility and ease of use, while the analyzed collection of policy measures constitutes only the background of the deliberations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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29 pages, 14113 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Criteria for Selecting Proposed Variants of Utility Functions in the Adaptation of Historic Regional Architecture
by Małgorzata Fedorczak-Cisak, Alicja Kowalska-Koczwara, Krzysztof Nering, Filip Pachla, Elżbieta Radziszewska-Zielina, Grzegorz Śladowski, Tadeusz Tatara and Bartłomiej Ziarko
Sustainability 2019, 11(4), 1094; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11041094 - 19 Feb 2019
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3424
Abstract
In this article, the authors propose ways to evaluate the criteria for the considered variants of utility functions in the adaptation of historic regional architecture. The proposed set of assessment criteria (thermo-modernisation criteria, comfort of use, financial considerations, criteria of social benefits, and [...] Read more.
In this article, the authors propose ways to evaluate the criteria for the considered variants of utility functions in the adaptation of historic regional architecture. The proposed set of assessment criteria (thermo-modernisation criteria, comfort of use, financial considerations, criteria of social benefits, and protection of cultural heritage) emphasises the multidimensional character of the problem of choosing a new function for a historic building. Some of the criteria are measurable while others are difficult to measure, which requires an expert approach to their assessment. The evaluation of the criteria was performed on the example of the historic building ‘Stara Polana’ located in Zakopane. The benchmark for the analysis was the existing condition of the ‘Stara Polana’ building, which is used as a hostel. The authors conducted a series of interdisciplinary studies specifying the potential of the new utility functions considered for the object in the context of the proposed criteria. The evaluation of individual criteria developed in this article is based on the multi-criteria analysis to be performed in the future and support the selection of a new function for the building in question. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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16 pages, 1218 KiB  
Article
A New Hybrid MCDM Model with Grey Numbers for the Construction Delay Change Response Problem
by Alireza Chalekaee, Zenonas Turskis, Mostafa Khanzadi, Gholamreza Ghodrati Amiri and Violeta Keršulienė
Sustainability 2019, 11(3), 776; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11030776 - 01 Feb 2019
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3957
Abstract
Stakeholders carry out construction projects under fast-changing conditions. The conditions can undermine the concept of a stable and prosperous construction plan without an appropriate permit and an active and targeted plan for environmental management. Therefore, the decision maker often faces many challenges of [...] Read more.
Stakeholders carry out construction projects under fast-changing conditions. The conditions can undermine the concept of a stable and prosperous construction plan without an appropriate permit and an active and targeted plan for environmental management. Therefore, the decision maker often faces many challenges of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) when it comes to solving the construction management proper response selection problem for planning delay changes when sustainable environment requirements are essential. Any addition, reduction, or modification of the original project plan is a change to the project and impacts the environment. Change occurrence is a probable issue while projects are implemented. One of the most complex tasks for the project manager is to work correctly and to find the most suitable decisions for the not precisely predetermined future expectations of a change. Therefore, the relevant criteria of values must reflect the uncertain properties of the problem model. Similar problems require fuzzy or grey MCDM methods. The paper introduces a new MCDM approach, which combines four different MCDM methods with grey numbers: the SWARA, TOPSIS-GM, Additive Ratio ASsessment with Grey Numbers (ARAS-G) techniques and Geometric Mean to cover uncertainty and improve the problem-solving model. An analysis of a case study has examined and highlighted four possible alternatives described by eight performance criteria (cost, duration, and some linguistic criteria). Stakeholders determined the best alternative, calculated the efficiency of choice, and practically implemented the best option. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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25 pages, 1387 KiB  
Article
A Fuzzy WASPAS-Based Approach to Determine Critical Information Infrastructures of EU Sustainable Development
by Zenonas Turskis, Nikolaj Goranin, Assel Nurusheva and Seilkhan Boranbayev
Sustainability 2019, 11(2), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11020424 - 15 Jan 2019
Cited by 82 | Viewed by 5853
Abstract
Critical information infrastructure exists in different sectors of each country. Its loss or sustainability violation will lead to a negative impact on the supply of essential services, as well as on the social or economic well-being of the population. It also may even [...] Read more.
Critical information infrastructure exists in different sectors of each country. Its loss or sustainability violation will lead to a negative impact on the supply of essential services, as well as on the social or economic well-being of the population. It also may even pose a threat to people’s health and lives. In the modern world, such infrastructure is more vulnerable and unstable than ever, due to rapid technological changes, and the emergence of a new type of threat—information threats. It is necessary to determine which infrastructure are of crucial importance when decision-makers aim to achieve the reliability of essential infrastructure. This article aims to solve the problem of ensuring the sustainable development of EU countries in terms of identifying critical information infrastructures. Integrated multi-criteria decision-making techniques based on fuzzy WASPAS and AHP methods are used to identify essential information infrastructures, which are related to a new type of potential threat to national security. The paper proposes a model for identifying critical information infrastructures, taking into account the sustainable development of countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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18 pages, 5578 KiB  
Article
Rzeszow as a City Taking Steps Towards Developing Sustainable Public Transport
by Miroslaw Smieszek, Magdalena Dobrzanska and Pawel Dobrzanski
Sustainability 2019, 11(2), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11020402 - 15 Jan 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3364
Abstract
The paper discusses problems related to the functioning of passenger transport in Rzeszow. The dynamic development of the city and the increase in the income of its inhabitants have led to significantly increased traffic within the city, which is detrimental both to the [...] Read more.
The paper discusses problems related to the functioning of passenger transport in Rzeszow. The dynamic development of the city and the increase in the income of its inhabitants have led to significantly increased traffic within the city, which is detrimental both to the environment and the city’s inhabitants. It limits the quality of life in the city and in the end generates additional costs for businesses and people in urban areas due to the congestion. In compliance with the policies of the European Union, this harmful tendency needs to be limited. Developing sustainable transportation should largely contribute to this objective. With the city of Rzeszow as example, this article discusses selected actions and measures taken as part of the development of sustainable transportation and demonstrates changes in the functioning of public transport based on the author’s own research as well as data provided by the city’s authorities. The analyses show that the actions taken so far have had a positive impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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16 pages, 3348 KiB  
Article
Stakeholder Role for Developing a Conceptual Framework of Sustainability in Organization
by Aarti Singh, Sushil, Samarjit Kar and Dragan Pamucar
Sustainability 2019, 11(1), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11010208 - 03 Jan 2019
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6930
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to frame the hierarchical pathway treading the sustainability factors from driving to dependent elements. Hence, this study starts with a brief literature review of the sustainable organization which enables the expansion of sustainability into essential factors. Experts [...] Read more.
The purpose of this research is to frame the hierarchical pathway treading the sustainability factors from driving to dependent elements. Hence, this study starts with a brief literature review of the sustainable organization which enables the expansion of sustainability into essential factors. Experts further verified these identified factors and used for framing the hierarchical framework of sustainability in organizations. Total Interpretive Structural Modeling (TISM) has been applied for identifying the driving factor of sustainability and delivering the crucial links among the sustainability factors in organizations. While most of the organizations focus on sustainability by considering the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework, this paper has presented the fourth dimension of sustainability which drives sustainability in organizations. The hierarchical relationship is vital to identify the vitality and significance of factors. This in turn provides an efficient approach to achieve sustainability in organizations. The expert’s review has been calculated statistically to validate the factors and conceptual hierarchical framework. Hence, the policymakers make use of sustainability hierarchy to frame a correct and efficient policy for maintaining sustainable practices that help managers to shift their priorities of an organization at the managerial level from economic growth to sustainable development. Finally, the future research direction and the limitation of the study are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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20 pages, 907 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Cleaner Production for Gold Mines Employing a Hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach
by Weizhang Liang, Suizhi Luo and Guoyan Zhao
Sustainability 2019, 11(1), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11010146 - 28 Dec 2018
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4104
Abstract
Implementing cleaner production (CP) is effective to resolve the contradiction between economic growth and environmental crisis. To avoid destroying the ecological environment in the exploitation process of mineral resources, CP has been developed in many gold mines to achieve the goal of sustainable [...] Read more.
Implementing cleaner production (CP) is effective to resolve the contradiction between economic growth and environmental crisis. To avoid destroying the ecological environment in the exploitation process of mineral resources, CP has been developed in many gold mines to achieve the goal of sustainable development. Thus, this paper aims to propose a favorable approach to assess CP for gold mines. First, according to the specific characteristics of gold mines, an evaluation criteria system of CP is established. Meanwhile, considering the diversity of evaluation information, crisp numbers and probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTSs) are adopted to indicate the quantitative and qualitative information, respectively. Subsequently, a modified experts grading method based on PLTSs is proposed to calculate the sub-criteria weights’ values. Following this, an extended Tomada de Decisão Interativa Multicritério (TODIM) method with hybrid evaluation values is presented to obtain the ranking order. Finally, the hybrid multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approach is applied to a case of assessing CP for gold mines to demonstrate its feasibility. Furthermore, the robustness and advantages of this approach are justified by sensitivity and comparison analyses. The results show that the proposed approach is feasible to solve such kinds of evaluation problems with hybrid decision making information and can provide some managerial suggestions for government and enterprises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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22 pages, 4200 KiB  
Article
Healthcare Facility Location-Allocation Optimization for China’s Developing Cities Utilizing a Multi-Objective Decision Support Approach
by Li Wang, Huan Shi and Lu Gan
Sustainability 2018, 10(12), 4580; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10124580 - 04 Dec 2018
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6301
Abstract
With rapid development of the healthcare network, the location-allocation problems of public facilities under increased integration and aggregation needs have been widely researched in China’s developing cites. Since strategic formulation involves multiple conflicting objectives and stakeholders, this paper presents a practicable hierarchical location-allocation [...] Read more.
With rapid development of the healthcare network, the location-allocation problems of public facilities under increased integration and aggregation needs have been widely researched in China’s developing cites. Since strategic formulation involves multiple conflicting objectives and stakeholders, this paper presents a practicable hierarchical location-allocation model from the perspective of supply and demand to characterize the trade-off between social, economical and environmental factors. Due to the difficulties of rationally describing and the efficient calculation of location-allocation problems as a typical Non-deterministic Polynomial-Hard (NP-hard) problem with uncertainty, there are three crucial challenges for this study: (1) combining continuous location model with discrete potential positions; (2) introducing reasonable multiple conflicting objectives; (3) adapting and modifying appropriate meta-heuristic algorithms. First, we set up a hierarchical programming model, which incorporates four objective functions based on the actual backgrounds. Second, a bi-level multi-objective particle swarm optimization (BLMOPSO) algorithm is designed to deal with the binary location decision and capacity adjustment simultaneously. Finally, a realistic case study contains sixteen patient points with maximum of six open treatment units is tested to validate the availability and applicability of the whole approach. The results demonstrate that the proposed model is suitable to be applied as an extensive planning tool for decision makers (DMs) to generate policies and strategies in healthcare and design other facility projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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18 pages, 1606 KiB  
Article
Renewable Energy Technology Selection Problem Using Integrated H-SWARA-MULTIMOORA Approach
by Abteen Ijadi Maghsoodi, Arta Ijadi Maghsoodi, Amir Mosavi, Timon Rabczuk and Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas
Sustainability 2018, 10(12), 4481; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10124481 - 28 Nov 2018
Cited by 51 | Viewed by 6148
Abstract
Due to the adaptation of recent pollution mitigation and justification policies there has been a growing trend for electricity generation from various renewable resources. The selection of the optimal renewable energy technology could be measured as a complex problem due to the complication [...] Read more.
Due to the adaptation of recent pollution mitigation and justification policies there has been a growing trend for electricity generation from various renewable resources. The selection of the optimal renewable energy technology could be measured as a complex problem due to the complication of forthcoming circumstances in any country. Consequently, the proposed similar complex assessment problem can be tackled with the support of Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) methods. The current research study investigates a technology selection problem by proposing a hybrid MADM approach based on the Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) approach with a hierarchical arrangement combined with the Multi-Objective Optimization on the basis of Ratio Analysis plus the full MULTIplicative form (MULTIMOORA). Ultimately, a conceptual case study regarding the selection of the optimal renewable energy technology based on a conceptual development project in Iran has been examined by the proposed combinative MADM methodology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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12 pages, 1567 KiB  
Article
Apple Cubes Drying and Rehydration. Multiobjective Optimization of the Processes
by Radosław Winiczenko, Krzysztof Górnicki, Agnieszka Kaleta, Monika Janaszek-Mańkowska, Aneta Choińska and Jędrzej Trajer
Sustainability 2018, 10(11), 4126; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10114126 - 09 Nov 2018
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3137
Abstract
The effect of convective drying temperature (Td), air velocity (v), rehydration temperature (Tr), and kind of rehydrating medium (pH) was studied on the following apple quality parameters: water absorption capacity (WAC), volume ratio (VR) color [...] Read more.
The effect of convective drying temperature (Td), air velocity (v), rehydration temperature (Tr), and kind of rehydrating medium (pH) was studied on the following apple quality parameters: water absorption capacity (WAC), volume ratio (VR) color difference (CD). To model, simulate, and optimize parameters of the drying and rehydration processes hybrid methods artificial neural network and multiobjective genetic algorithm (MOGA) were developed. MOGA was adapted to the apple tissue, where the simultaneous minimization of CD and VR and the maximization of WAC were considered. The following parameters range were applied, 50 ≤ Td ≤ 70 °C and 0.01 ≤ v ≤ 6 m/s for drying and 20 ≤ Tr ≤ 95 °C for rehydration. Distilled water (pH = 5.45), 0.5% solution of citric acid (pH = 2.12), and apple juice (pH = 3.20) were used as rehydrating media. For determining the rehydrated apple quality parameters the mathematical formulas were developed. The following best result was found. Td = 50.1 °C, v = 4.0 m/s, Tr = 20.1 °C, and pH = 2.1. The values of WAC, VR, and CD were determined as 4.93, 0.44, and 0.46, respectively. Experimental verification was done, the maximum error of modeling was lower than 5.6%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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27 pages, 2875 KiB  
Article
The Location Selection for Roundabout Construction Using Rough BWM-Rough WASPAS Approach Based on a New Rough Hamy Aggregator
by Željko Stević, Dragan Pamučar, Marko Subotić, Jurgita Antuchevičiene and Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas
Sustainability 2018, 10(8), 2817; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10082817 - 08 Aug 2018
Cited by 59 | Viewed by 4464
Abstract
An adequately functionally located traffic infrastructure is an important factor in the mobility of people because it affects the quality of traffic, safety and efficiency of carrying out transportation activities. Locating a roundabout on an urban network is an imperative for road engineering [...] Read more.
An adequately functionally located traffic infrastructure is an important factor in the mobility of people because it affects the quality of traffic, safety and efficiency of carrying out transportation activities. Locating a roundabout on an urban network is an imperative for road engineering to address traffic problems such as reduction of traffic congestion, enhancement of security and sustainability, etc. Therefore, this paper evaluates potential locations for roundabout construction using Rough BWM (Best Worst Method) and Rough WASPAS (Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment) models. Determination of relative criterion weights on the basis of which the potential locations were evaluated was carried out using the Rough BWM method. In this paper, in order to enable the most precise consensus for group decision-making, a Rough Hamy aggregator has been developed. The main advantage of the Hamy mean (HM) operator is that it can capture the interrelationships among multi-input arguments and can provide DMs more options. Until now, there is no research based on HM operator for aggregating imprecise and uncertain information. The obtained indicators are described through eight alternatives. The results show that the fifth and sixth alternatives are the locations that should have a priority in the construction of roundabouts from the perspective of sustainable development, which is confirmed throughout changes of parameter k and with comparing to other methods in the sensitivity analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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15 pages, 1081 KiB  
Article
Bi-Objective Scheduling Optimization for Discrete Time/Cost Trade-Off in Projects
by Hongbo Li, Zhe Xu and Wenchao Wei
Sustainability 2018, 10(8), 2802; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10082802 - 07 Aug 2018
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3119
Abstract
In sustainable project management, time and cost are two critical factors affecting the success of a project. Time/cost trade-offs in projects accelerate the execution of some activities by increasing the amount of non-renewable resources committed to them and therefore shorten the project duration. [...] Read more.
In sustainable project management, time and cost are two critical factors affecting the success of a project. Time/cost trade-offs in projects accelerate the execution of some activities by increasing the amount of non-renewable resources committed to them and therefore shorten the project duration. The discrete time/cost trade-off problem (DTCTP) has been extensively studied during the past 20 years. However, due to its complexity, the DTCTP—especially the DTCTP curve problem (DTCTP-C)—has only been solved for relatively small instances. To the best of our knowledge, there is no computational performance analysis for solving the DTCTP-C on large project instances with up to 500 activities. This paper aims to fill this gap. We present two bi-objective heuristic algorithms for the DTCTP-C where both project duration and cost are minimized. The objective is to obtain a good appropriate efficient set for the large-scale instances. The first algorithm is based on the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) and uses a specially designed critical path-based crossover operator. The second algorithm is a steepest descent heuristic which generates efficient solutions by iteratively solving the DTCTP with different deadlines. Computational experiments are conducted to validate the proposed algorithms on a large set of randomly generated problem instances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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21 pages, 3502 KiB  
Article
A Decision Framework under a Linguistic Hesitant Fuzzy Set for Solving Multi-Criteria Group Decision Making Problems
by R. Krishankumar, K. S. Ravichandran, J. Premaladha, Samarjit Kar, Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas and Jurgita Antucheviciene
Sustainability 2018, 10(8), 2608; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10082608 - 25 Jul 2018
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3117
Abstract
With fast-growing interest in sustainable healthcare management, proper selection and evaluation of hospitals become highly essential. Generally, experts/decision-makers (DMs) prefer qualitative information for rating objects. Motivated by this idea, in this paper, a linguistic hesitant fuzzy set (LHFS) is adopted for elicitation of [...] Read more.
With fast-growing interest in sustainable healthcare management, proper selection and evaluation of hospitals become highly essential. Generally, experts/decision-makers (DMs) prefer qualitative information for rating objects. Motivated by this idea, in this paper, a linguistic hesitant fuzzy set (LHFS) is adopted for elicitation of preference information. The LHFS provides qualitative preferences of DMs as well as reflects their hesitancy, inconsistency, and vagueness. Motivated by the power of LHFS, in this paper we present a new decision framework that initially presents some operational laws and properties. Further, a new aggregation operator called simple linguistic hesitant fuzzy weighted geometry (SLHFWG) is proposed under the LHFS context that uses the strength of power operators. Some properties of SLHFWG are also investigated. Criteria weights are estimated using a newly proposed linguistic hesitant fuzzy statistical variance (LHFSV) method, and objects are ranked using the newly proposed linguistic hesitant fuzzy VIKOR (visekriterijumska optimizacijai kompromisno resenje) (LHFVIKOR) method, which is an extension of VIKOR under the LHFS context. The practicality and usefulness of the proposal are demonstrated by using a hospital evaluation example for sustainable healthcare management. Finally, the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal are realized by comparison with other methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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15 pages, 1384 KiB  
Article
Ecological Wall Systems as an Element of Sustainable Development—Cost Issues
by Wojciech Drozd and Agnieszka Leśniak
Sustainability 2018, 10(7), 2234; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10072234 - 28 Jun 2018
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5018
Abstract
Building construction based on ecological, locally available, and slightly processed materials have a positive effect on the environment and local economy. Due to its simplicity, and thus possibility to erect a building on one’s own and using inexpensive materials, it may potentially become [...] Read more.
Building construction based on ecological, locally available, and slightly processed materials have a positive effect on the environment and local economy. Due to its simplicity, and thus possibility to erect a building on one’s own and using inexpensive materials, it may potentially become a solution to satisfy the continuously growing demand for residential buildings. In the paper, three variants of ecological external walls were proposed: a wall made of clay blocks insulated with mineral wool boards; a wall made of clay compacted in formwork insulated with mineral wool boards; and a wooden frame structure filled with straw bales and cladded with fiberboards. The layers of the walls were chosen in such a manner that the heat transfer coefficient values for the studied variants are as equal as possible (0.2 W/m2K), thus allowing for a reliable comparative study. The cost calculation of each variant of walls construction was made. The obtained results allow selection of a more advantageous solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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19 pages, 8167 KiB  
Article
Vibration Suppression of a Single-Cylinder Engine by Means of Multi-objective Evolutionary Optimisation
by Suwin Sleesongsom and Sujin Bureerat
Sustainability 2018, 10(6), 2067; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10062067 - 18 Jun 2018
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4177
Abstract
This paper presents a new design strategy for the passive vibration suppression of a single-cylindrical engine (SCE) through multi-objective evolutionary optimisation. The vibration causes machine damages and human pain, which are unsustainable problemsthat need to be alleviated. Mathematical forced vibration analyses of a [...] Read more.
This paper presents a new design strategy for the passive vibration suppression of a single-cylindrical engine (SCE) through multi-objective evolutionary optimisation. The vibration causes machine damages and human pain, which are unsustainable problemsthat need to be alleviated. Mathematical forced vibration analyses of a single-cylinder engine, including dynamic pressure force due to ignition combustion, are presented. A multi-objective design problem is set to find the shape and size variables of the crank and connecting rod of the engine. The objective functions consist of the minimisation of the crank and connecting rod mass, and the minimisation of vibration response while the SCE is subject to inertial force and pressure force. Moreover, design constraints include crank and rod safety. The design problem is tackled by using an adaptation of a hybrid of multi-objective population-based incremental learning and differential evolution (RPBIL-DE). The optimum results found that the proposed design strategy is a powerful tool for the vibration suppression of SCE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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15 pages, 2225 KiB  
Article
Using a Hybrid Model on Joint Scheduling of Berths and Quay Cranes—From a Sustainable Perspective
by Aijun Liu, Haiyang Liu, Sang-Bing Tsai, Hui Lu, Xiao Zhang and Jiangtao Wang
Sustainability 2018, 10(6), 1959; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10061959 - 11 Jun 2018
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3367
Abstract
In response to the problem of the unfair distribution of berths and quay cranes, as well as the optimization of the traffic path in port scheduling, a berth-crane joint scheduling model is proposed. Firstly, a ship is coded according to its geographical location [...] Read more.
In response to the problem of the unfair distribution of berths and quay cranes, as well as the optimization of the traffic path in port scheduling, a berth-crane joint scheduling model is proposed. Firstly, a ship is coded according to its geographical location and its arrival time in the form 0, 1. Then, the shortest port time, the minimum system cost, and the minimum unfairness are taken into account with the status quo of the port. Thus, a multi-objective joint scheduling model is established and solved by an improved NSGA-II algorithm. Finally, a practical example is given to verify the validity of the proposed method, the stable and the convergent of the proposed method are proved by many times computer simulations. The novelty of this paper is that we have taken psychological factors of fairness as well as social factors of sustainable development into consideration, and proposed an improved NSGA-II algorithm with random repair operator and self-adaptive operator to solve the multi-objective decision problem on joint scheduling of berths and quay crane. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective and Multi-Attribute Optimisation for Sustainable Development Decision Aiding)
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