A genetic design of linguistic terms for fuzzy rule based classifiers

The determination of fuzzy information granules including the estimation of their membership functions play a significant role in fuzzy system design as well as in the design of fuzzy rule based classifiers (FRBCSs). However, although linguistic terms are fundamental elements in the process of elucidating expert’s knowledge, the problem of linguistic term design along with their fuzzy-set-based semantics has not been fully addressed, since term-sets of attributes have not been interpreted as a formalized structure. Thus, the essential relationship between linguistic terms, as syntax, and the constructed fuzzy sets, as their quantitative semantics, or in other words, the problem of the natural semantics of terms behind the linguistic literal has not been addressed. In this paper, we introduce the problem of the design of optimal linguistic terms and propose a method of the design of FRBCSs which may incorporate with the design of linguistic terms to ensure that the presence of linguistic literals are supported not only by data but also by their natural semantics. It is shown that this problem plays a primordial role in enhancing the performance and the interpretability of the designed FRBCSs and helps striking a better balance between the generality and the specificity of the desired fuzzy rule bases for fuzzy classification problems. A series of experiments concerning 17 Machine Learning datasets is reported.     

基于证据推理的混合型多指标群组决策方法

针对决策方案的属性值为语言评价等级和区间灰数的灰色多指标群组决策问题,提出一种基于证据推理的灰色多指标群组决策方法.首先,根据语言评价信息的概率分布和效用值等价原理确定定性指标和定量指标的信用结构,进而得到群体等级信用结构决策矩阵,然后,依据证据推理方法,对群组评价信息进行合成,求出各方案在各等级的信任度,最后,利用期望方差排序方法确定整个方案集的排序.具体算例表明方法合理有效.     

A Direct Approach to Group Decision Making with Uncertain Additive Linguistic Preference Relations

In this paper, we study the group decision-making problem in which the preference information given by experts takes the form of uncertain additive linguistic preference relations. We define the concept of uncertain additive linguistic preference relation, and introduce a formula based on possibility measure for comparing two uncertain linguistic preference values. We introduce some aggregation operators such as the uncertain linguistic averaging (ULA) operator and uncertain linguistic weighted averaging (ULWA) operator, etc. Based on the ULA and ULWA operators, we develop a direct approach to group decision making with uncertain additive linguistic preference relations without loss of information. Finally, an illustrative numerical example is given to verify the developed approach.     

Linguistic modelling and information coarsening based on prototype theory and label semantics

The theory of prototypes provides a new semantic interpretation of vague concepts. In particular, the calculus derived from this interpretation results in the same calculus as label semantics proposed by Lawry. In the theory of prototypes, each basic linguistic label L has the form ‘about P’, where P is a set of prototypes of L and the neighborhood size of the underlying concept is described by the word ‘about’ which represents a probability density function δ on [0,+∞). In this paper we propose an approach to vague information coarsening based on the theory of prototypes. Moreover, we propose a framework for linguistic modelling within the theory of prototypes, in which the rules are concise and transparent. We then present a linguistic rule induction method from training data based on information coarsening and data clustering. Finally, we apply this linguistic modelling method to some benchmark time series prediction problems, which show that our linguistic modelling and information coarsening methods are potentially powerful tools for linguistic modelling and uncertain reasoning.     

A consensus-based probabilistic linguistic gained and lost dominance score method

This paper proposes a comprehensive Multiple Criteria Group Decision Making (MCGDM) method with probabilistic linguistic information based on a new consensus measure and a novel outranking method, Gained and Lost Dominance Score (GLDS). Firstly, new operations of the probabilistic linguistic term sets are introduced based on the adjusted rules of probabilistic linguistic term sets and the linguistic scale functions for semantics of linguistic terms. After defining a new consensus measure based on the correlation degree between probabilistic linguistic term sets, we develop a consensus reaching method to improve the consensus degree of a group. To rank alternatives reasonably, we further propose the GLDS method which considers both the “group utility” and the “individual regret” values. The core of the GLDS is to calculate the gained and lost dominance scores that the optimal solution dominates all other alternatives in terms of the net gained dominance flow and the net lost dominance flow. Then, we integrate the GLDS ranking method with the consensus reaching process and develop a consensus-based PL-GLDS method to solve the MCGDM problems with probabilistic linguistic information. Finally, the proposed method is validated by a case study of selecting optimal green enterprises. Some comparative analyses are given to show the efficiency of the proposed method.     

基于二元语义TAC积分算子的语言型多属性群决策方法

针对属性之间存在模糊关联的语言型多属性群决策问题,给出了二元语义TAC(Two-Additive Choquet)积分算子的定义,分析和证明了算子的有关性质,并提出了相应的决策方法。该方法首先将各专家提供的语言短语形式的属性权重信息、属性关联信息与属性评价信息转化为二元语义形式,然后利用二元语义TAC积分算子将转化后的属性相关信息集结为各专家的方案评价值,并进一步集结专家意见获得方案的综合评价值,从而确定其排序。最后,通过实例分析和方法比较说明了所给方法的有效性和优点。研究结果表明,该方法具有属性关联刻画细致、计算过程简单且无信息损失、决策结果可解释性强等优点,为求解属性之间存在模糊关联的语言型多属性群决策问题提供了一种新的途径。     

含语言评价信息的一种模糊多属性群决策方法

对于多属性群决策问题的处理,有时需要采用先决策、后综合的处理方法,而含有语言评价信息的多属性群决策问题,定性目标一般用语言评价信息描述,由决策人给出定性目标和权系数的语言变量评价,用梯形模糊数表示,对定量目标进行无量纲化处理;将决策人对于单一目标的评价指标聚合成多个目标的评价模糊数,采用Bass-Kw akernaak模糊数排序方法对方案进行排序;群体的评价通过Borda函数来集结方案集的群体排序.     

不确定多属性群决策中混合信息的集结

在不确定多属性群决策中,研究专家给出的评价信息为语言和三角模糊数混合型的决策问题.提出一种转化方法,先将模糊数转化为语言短语集上的模糊集,然后,再将此模糊集转化为二元语义.同时在信息集结过程中,也均以二元语义的形式,以防止信息的过分丢失.最后,给出一个算例来说明此种处理方法的有效性和实用性.     

基于概率测度的不确定语言多属性决策方法及应用

针对具有不确定语言信息的多属性决策问题,给出了一种基于语言概率测度的决策分析方法。阐述了不确定语言变量的概念,提出了一种用于处理不确定语言变量的语言概率有序加权平均（linguistic probabilistic ordered weighted averaging,LPOWA）算子。采用LPOWA算子将不确定语言转化为二元语义,再通过ETOWA算子得到每个方案的综合评价值,进而可得到所有方案的排序结果。利用LPOWA算子和ETOWA算子,对辽宁省风险投资企业进行评估和优选。理论分析和计算结果表明：该方法简洁可行,便于应用。     

Interpretability assessment of fuzzy knowledge bases: A cointension based approach

Computing with words (CWW) relies on linguistic representation of knowledge that is processed by operating at the semantical level defined through fuzzy sets. Linguistic representation of knowledge is a major issue when fuzzy rule based models are acquired from data by some form of empirical learning. Indeed, these models are often requested to exhibit interpretability, which is normally evaluated in terms of structural features, such as rule complexity, properties on fuzzy sets and partitions. In this paper we propose a different approach for evaluating interpretability that is based on the notion of cointension. The interpretability of a fuzzy rule-based model is measured in terms of cointension degree between the explicit semantics, defined by the formal parameter settings of the model, and the implicit semantics conveyed to the reader by the linguistic representation of knowledge. Implicit semantics calls for a representation of user’s knowledge which is difficult to externalise. Nevertheless, we identify a set of properties - which we call “logical view” - that is expected to hold in the implicit semantics and is used in our approach to evaluate the cointension between explicit and implicit semantics. In practice, a new fuzzy rule base is obtained by minimising the fuzzy rule base through logical properties. Semantic comparison is made by evaluating the performances of the two rule bases, which are supposed to be similar when the two semantics are almost equivalent. If this is the case, we deduce that the logical view is applicable to the model, which can be tagged as interpretable from the cointension viewpoint. These ideas are then used to define a strategy for assessing interpretability of fuzzy rule-based classifiers (FRBCs). The strategy has been evaluated on a set of pre-existent FRBCs, acquired by different learning processes from a well-known benchmark dataset. Our analysis highlighted that some of them are not cointensive with user’s knowledge, hence their linguistic representation is not appropriate, even though they can be tagged as interpretable from a structural point of view.     

基于语言值2元组的多属性决策方法

利用2元组方法建立了一个语言值决策模型和LOW A算子模型,这两个模型具有可操作性强和语义明确等优点,特别是充分利用了语言值所含的信息,提高了决策结果的精度.最后,利用这两个模型给出了基于语言值的多属性群决策方法,同时给出一个应用实例.     

A fuzzy linguistic computing approach to supplier evaluation

Harnessing the supply base is an important but complex task for enterprises. Supplier performance evaluation is increasingly seen as a strategic issue for companies to maintain and enhance the competitive edge. However, evaluating suppliers is complicated by the fact that various criteria must be considered in the decision-making process, and is inherently a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. It also concerns the evaluation by different experts of multiple attributes, both qualitative and quantitative. To perceive and to estimate effectively the capability of suppliers are real arduous tasks for executives. This paper takes advantage of the 2-tuple linguistic computing to coping with the heterogeneity and information loss problems while the evaluation processes of subjective integration. The proposed approach based on the group decision-making scenario assists executives in adroit manipulation of the heterogeneity during integration processes and averts the information loss effectively. Finally, we demonstrate the validity and feasibility by means of a high-technology company in Taiwan.     

二元不确定语言术语集成算子及在群决策中的应用

针对基于不确定语言评价信息的群决策问题,本文对不确定语言术语进行拓展,定义了包含语言术语权重信息的二元不确定语言术语,并给出能克服目前不确定语言术语集成运算不足的二元不确定语言术语集成运算法则。在此基础上,提出了基于二元不确定语言术语集成算子的群决策方法,并通过算例说明决策方法的可行性和有效性。     

A new method for multiple criteria group decision making with incomplete weight information under linguistic environment

A new method is proposed to solve multiple criteria group decision making (MCGDM) problems, in which both the criteria values and criteria weights take the form of linguistic information, and the information about linguistic criteria weights is partly known or completely unknown. Firstly, to get reasonable decision result, instead of assigning the same weight to the decision maker (DM) for all criteria, we propose a method to determine the weight of DM with respect to each criterion under linguistic environment by calculating the similarity degree between individual 2-tuple linguistic evaluation value and the mean given by all decision makers (DMs). Secondly, for the situations where the information about the criteria weights is partly known or completely unknown, we establish optimization models to determine the criteria weights by defining 2-tuple linguistic positive ideal solution (TL-PIS), 2-tuple linguistic right negative ideal solution (TL-RNIS) and 2-tuple linguistic left negative ideal solution (TL-LNIS) of the collective 2-tuple linguistic decision matrix. Thirdly, we propose a new method to solve MCGDM problems with partly known or completely unknown linguistic weight information. Finally, an illustrative example is given to demonstrate the calculation process of the proposed method.     

Ontological approach to development of computing with words based systems

Computing with words introduced by Zadeh becomes a very important concept in processing of knowledge represented in the form of propositions. Two aspects of this concept – approximation and personalization – are essential to the process of building intelligent systems for human-centric computing.For the last several years, Artificial Intelligence community has used ontology as a means for representing knowledge. Recently, the development of a new Internet paradigm – the Semantic Web – has led to introduction of another form of ontology. It allows for defining concepts, identifying relationships among these concepts, and representing concrete information. In other words, an ontology has become a very powerful way of representing not only information but also its semantics.The paper proposes an application of ontology, in the sense of the Semantic Web, for development of computing with words based systems capable of performing operations on propositions including their semantics. The ontology-based approach is very flexible and provides a rich environment for expressing different types of information including perceptions. It also provides a simple way of personalization of propositions. An architecture of computing with words based system is proposed. A prototype of such a system is described.     

PROMETHEE-MD-2T method for project selection

Project selection is a real problem of multicriteria group decision making (MCGDM) where each decision maker expresses his/her preferences depending on the nature of the alternatives and on his/her own knowledge over them. Thus, information, as much quantitative as qualitative, coexists. The traditional methods of MCGDM developed for project selection usually discriminates in favour of quantitative information at the expense of qualitative information, and this is due to the capability to integrate this first type of information inside their procedure. In this article, two new multicriteria 2-tuple group decision methods called “Preference Ranking Organisation Method for Enrichment Evaluation Multi Decision maker 2-Tuple-I and II” (PROMETHEE-MD-2T-I and II) are presented. They are able to integrate inside their procedure both quantitative and qualitative information in an uncertain context. This has been performed by integrating a 2-tuple linguistic representation model dealing with non-homogeneous and imprecise information data made up by valued intervals, numerical and linguistic values into the aggregation operators of Promethee methods. Although they have been developed for project selection problems, these proposed methods can be applied to all kinds of decision-making problems with heterogeneous and multigranular information.     

犹豫模糊语言Heronian平均算子在多属性决策中的应用

针对输入变量之间的相互影响以及评价值为犹豫模糊语言信息的多属性决策问题,提出一种基于犹豫模糊语言Heronian平均算子的多属性决策方法。由于Heronian平均(HM)算子具有能够反映输入变量之间相互关联的良好特性,在犹豫模糊语言信息环境下,提出了两种新的集成算子,即犹豫模糊语言Heronian平均(HFLHM)算子和犹豫模糊语言几何Heronian平均(HFLGHM)算子,同时研究了它们的一些特性。考虑到输入变量具有不同的重要程度,还定义了犹豫模糊语言加权Heronian平均(HFLWHM)算子和犹豫模糊语言加权几何Heronian平均(HFLWGHM)算子。最后提出了基于HFLWHM算子和HFLWGHM算子的犹豫模糊语言多属性决策方法,并通过实例验证了这些算子的合理性和可行性。     

A discrete method based on distance measure in linguistic space and its application for CMADM problem

ABSTRACT

Owing to the complexity of decision environment, not all the attributes in multiple attribute decision making are quantitative. There are also some qualitative attributes, which are related to the integration of multiple attribute decision making (MADM) and linguistic multiple attribute decision making (LMADM). The specific method for composite multiple attribute decision making (CMADM) problems is crucial for decision maker (DM) to make scientific decision. In this paper, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is extended to a Composite Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (CTOPSIS) method to solve the CMADM problems. As the basis of the CTOPSIS method, the distance measure model in linguistic space and in n-dimension linguistic space is generated based on the non-linear mapping. Based on the distance measure in linguistic space, a standard deviation method is taken to get the attribute weight. At the same time, the distance measure models are proposed based on the distance measure in n-dimension linguistic space, which are used to calculate the distance between the alternatives and the positive and negative idea points separately. Furthermore, a CTOPSIS method is generated to solve the CMADM problems. Finally, a numerical example is illustrated to explain the process. And the result shows that the CTOPSIS method is quite practical and more approximate to the real decision making situation.     

一种基于不同粒度且属性权重未知的群决策方法

针对具有不同粒度语言评价矩阵和属性未知的群决策问题,给出了一种基于二元语义和TOPSIS算法的群决策方法。在该方法中,首先给出了不同粒度语言评价矩阵一致化为由基本语言评价集表示的二元语义信息的方法;然后引入TOPSIS的方法,结合二元语义形式计算规则,确定未知的属性客观权重,利用二元语义集结算子,得到单个决策者对方案的评价值;再通过T-OWA算子对各决策者给出的评价信息进行集结和方案选优;最后给出了一个算例。