一种基于“垂面”距离和IFE的直觉模糊多属性决策方法

提出了一种属性权重未知情境下的基于“垂面”距离和直觉模糊熵(intuitionistic fuzzy entropy,IFE)的直觉模糊多属性决策方法。该方法针对基于相对欧氏距离的直觉模糊TOPSIS法中出现的逆排序问题,将“垂面”距离引入到直觉模糊决策理论中,通过将“垂面”距离对欧氏距离进行替换,提出了一种基于“垂面”距离的直觉模糊多属性决策规则;基于IFE最小原理和“垂面”距离最小思想,构建了融合主客观信息偏好的属性权重确定模型。最后给出了一个算例验证了该方法的有效性和实用性。     

A bi-objective generalized data envelopment analysis model and point-to-set mapping projection

This work introduces a bi-objective generalized data envelopment analysis (Bi-GDEA) model and defines its efficiency. We show the equivalence between the Bi-GDEA efficiency and the non-dominated solutions of the multi-objective programming problem defined on the production possibility set (PPS) and discuss the returns to scale under the Bi-GDEA model. The most essential contribution is that we further define a point-to-set mapping and the mapping projection of a decision making unit (DMU) on the frontier of the PPS under the Bi-GDEA model. We give an effective approach for the construction of the point-to-set-mapping projection which distinguishes our model from other non-radial models for simultaneously considering input and output. The Bi-GDEA model represents decision makers’ specific preference on input and output and the point-to-set mapping projection provides decision makers with more possibility to determine different input and output alternatives when considering efficiency improvement. Numerical examples are employed for the illustration of the procedure of point-to-set mapping.     

Deriving the DEA frontier for two-stage processes

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a method for measuring the efficiency of peer decision making units (DMUs). Recently DEA has been extended to examine the efficiency of two-stage processes, where all the outputs from the first stage are intermediate measures that make up the inputs to the second stage. The resulting two-stage DEA model provides not only an overall efficiency score for the entire process, but as well yields an efficiency score for each of the individual stages. Due to the existence of intermediate measures, the usual procedure of adjusting the inputs or outputs by the efficiency scores, as in the standard DEA approach, does not necessarily yield a frontier projection. The current paper develops an approach for determining the frontier points for inefficient DMUs within the framework of two-stage DEA.     

Meta-data envelopment analysis: Finding a direction towards marginal profit maximization

This paper discusses a new meta-DEA approach to solve the problem of choosing direction vectors when estimating the directional distance function. The proposed model emphasizes finding the “direction” for productivity improvement rather than estimating the “score” of efficiency; focusing on “planning” over “evaluation”. In fact, the direction towards marginal profit maximization implies a step-by-step improvement and “wait-and-see” decision process, which is more consistent with the practical decision-making process. An empirical study of U.S. coal-fired power plants operating in 2011 validates the proposed model. The results show that the efficiency measure using the proposed direction is consistent with all other indices with the exception of the direction towards the profit-maximized benchmark. We conclude that the marginal profit maximization is a useful guide for determining direction in the directional distance function.     

Analysis on the strip-based projection model for discrete tomography

Discrete tomography deals with image reconstruction of an object with finitely many gray levels (such as two). Different approaches are used to model the raw detector reading. The most popular models are line projection with a lattice of points and strip projection with a lattice of pixels/cells. The line-based projection model fits some applications but involves a major approximation since the x-ray beams of finite widths are simplified as line integrals. The strip-based projection model formulates projection equations according to the fractional areas of the intersection of each strip-shaped beam and the rectangular grid of an image to be reconstructed, so is more realistic in some applications. In this paper, we characterize the strip-based projection model and establish an equivalence between the system matrices generated by the strip-based and line-based projection models.     

Determining a sequence of targets in DEA

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) can be used for assessing the relative efficiency of a number of operating units, finding, for each inefficient unit, a target operating point lying on the efficient frontier. Most DEA models project an inefficient unit onto a most distant target, which makes its attainment more difficult. In this paper, we advocate determining a sequence of targets, each one within an appropriate, short distance of the preceding. The proposed Constant Returns to Scale approach has two interesting features: (a) the sequence of targets ends in the efficient frontier and (b) the final, efficient target is generally closer to the original unit than the one-step projection is.     

基于Shephard距离函数的DEA TOPSIS方法研究

本文通过对Shephard距离函数的引入,正式构建了DEA TOPSIS决策单元排序方法的框架。本文首先定义了正(负)理想决策制定单元(DMU)以及相应的(反)生产可能集,然后在考虑正(负)理想DMU的条件下分别给出DMU的(反)效率评价模型以及对应的Shephard距离函数,然后基于评价对象到理想DMU相对接近度这一综合评价值给出了DMU的一个完全排序。最后,本文通过算例分析说明了该方法的有效性和实用性。     

A conservative SPH scheme using exact projection with semi-analytical boundary method for free-surface flows

This paper presents a novel SPH scheme for modelling incompressible and divergence-free flow with a free surface (IDFSPH) associated with semi-analytical wall boundary conditions. In line with the projection method, the velocity field is decoupled from the pressure field in the momentum equation. A Poisson equation, serving as the pressure solver, is obtained by which pressure field is decoupled completely from the velocity field. In particular, an exact projection scheme is deployed to fulfil the requirement of the divergence-free velocity field. The condition of incompressibility is satisfied by iteratively updating the density field till the convergence. The two-equation k–ε model is employed to describe the turbulence effects in Newtonian flows. It is shown that the discretised SPH schemes have the feature of both linear and angular momentum conservations. The semi-analytical wall method implements the appropriate integrals to evaluate the boundary contributions to the mass and momentum equations. In comparison to the boundary particle methods, it can greatly enhance the feasibility and efficiency with the complex geometries. The algorithm presented within this paper is applied to several academic test cases for which either analytical results or simulations with other methods are available. The comparisons verify that this scheme is provided with convincing efficiency and extensive applicability.     

Forward search outlier detection in data envelopment analysis

In this paper we tackle the problem of outlier detection in data envelopment analysis (DEA). We propose a procedure where we merge the super-efficiency DEA and the forward search. Since DEA provides efficiency scores which are not parameters to fit the model to the data, we introduce a distance, to be monitored along the search. This distance is obtained through the integration of a regression model and the super-efficiency DEA. We simulate a Cobb-Douglas production function and we compare the super-efficiency DEA and the forward search analysis in both uncontaminated and contaminated settings. For inference about outliers, we exploit envelopes obtained through Monte Carlo simulations.     

A generalized infectious model induced by the contacting distance (CTD)

The aim of this paper is to theoretically study the effect of the contacting distance (CTD) between the susceptible and infectious individuals in controlling infectious diseases. This paper formulates a generalized SEIR model incorporating the effect of the contacting distance (CTD). The dynamical behaviors of the proposed model are investigated and the controlling measures of the infectious diseases are developed. The results show that the contacting distance (CTD) between the susceptible and infectious individuals plays an important role in controlling infectious diseases. Some diseases will be globally controlled when the contacting distance (CTD) is larger than the threshold value. That is to say, the long contacting distance (CTD) implies the corresponding diseases will be controlled. However, for other diseases, the long or short contacting distance (CTD) will induce them to spread and be endemic. The moderate contacting distance (CTD) may be beneficial to control these diseases. Therefore, the appropriate contacting distance (CTD) should be selected for the given diseases in order to control the corresponding infectious diseases. Finally, a special numerical experiment is given to test our results. These results give some theoretical and experimental guides for the disease control authorities.     

基于粒子群优化Kriging模型的边坡可靠度分析

采用传统极限平衡法进行边坡可靠度分析时,不可避免会遇到一个问题,即边坡功能函数形式的高度非线性以及隐含性.对于隐式功能函数,传统的求解方法是通过对功能函数进行多次迭代,从而得到安全系数值.但是由于功能函数的形式较为复杂,导致迭代计算的过程变得尤为繁琐且效率低下.鉴于传统边坡可靠度分析中存在的安全系数计算繁琐耗时的问题,...     

A projection-filter method for solving nonlinear complementarity problems

The Josephy-Newton method attacks nonlinear complementarity problems which consists of solving, possibly inexactly, a sequence of linear complementarity problems. Under appropriate regularity assumptions, this method is known to be locally (superlinearly) convergent. Utilizing the filter method, we presented a new globalization strategy for this Newton method applied to nonlinear complementarity problem without any merit function. The strategy is based on the projection-proximal point and filter methodology. Our linesearch procedure uses the regularized Newton direction to force global convergence by means of a projection step which reduces the distance to the solution of the problem. The resulting algorithm is globally convergent to a solution. Under natural assumptions, locally superlinear rate of convergence was established.     

A system dynamics model for determining the waste disposal charging fee in construction

The waste disposal charging fee (WDCF) has long been adopted for stimulating major project stakeholders’ (particularly project clients and contractors) incentives to minimize solid waste and increase the recovery of wasted materials in the construction industry. However, the present WDCFs applied in many regions of China are mostly determined based on a rule of thumb. Consequently the effectiveness of implementing these WDCFs is very limited. This study aims at addressing this research gap through developing a system dynamics based model to determine an appropriate WDCF in the construction sector. The data used to test and validate the model was collected from Shenzhen of south China. By using the model established, two types of simulations were carried out. One is the base run simulation to investigate the status quo of waste generation in Shenzhen; the other is policy analysis simulation, with which an appropriate WDCF could be determined to reduce waste generation and landfilling, maximize waste recycling, and minimize the waste dumped inappropriately. The model developed can function as a tool to effectively determine an appropriate WDCF in Shenzhen. Further, it can also be used by other regions intending to stimulate construction waste minimization and recycling through implementing an optimal WDCF.     

Achievement and benchmarking of countries at the Summer Olympics using cross efficiency evaluation method

In this paper, an extension tool of data envelopment analysis (DEA), namely cross efficiency evaluation method, is used to measure the performance of the nations participating in the last six Summer Olympic Games. The model in the paper considers two inputs (GDP per capita and population) and three outputs (number of gold, silver and bronze medals won), and the weight restrictions are included to guarantee that a unit of silver medal corresponds to a higher valuation than a unit of bronze medal, and the highest for gold medal. The results for the last six Summer Olympic Games are analyzed, and a unique ordering of the participants based on average cross efficiency is provided, also cluster analysis technique is used to select the more appropriate targets for poorly performing countries to use as benchmarks.     

在DEA中有关输出与输入的比值的模型的探讨

对以决策单元的输出与输入的比值为目标函数的多目标规划模型,证明了有关它与(弱)DEA有效(C2R)关系的三个定理.     

Judicial productivity,delay and efficiency: A Directional Distance Function (DDF) approach

The aim of this paper is twofold. On the one hand, it provides a contribution to the debate on judicial efficiency by conducting an applied research on the Italian tax judiciary thanks to a database covering the activities of the Italian tax courts over a 3-year period (2009–2011). On the other hand, it also contributes to the methodological debate, as it compares results obtained with Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Directional Distance Function (DDF), two related non-parametric techniques which allow evaluating the efficiency of each observation as the radial distance from the efficient frontier defined by the best observations. While DEA has already been used to assess the mere technical efficiency of judicial systems, the DDF offers a valuable additional contribution, since it makes it possible to minimize the social cost of production of adjudication in the measurement. This feature makes it particularly attractive in those sectors in which production externalities may arise, such as judicial delays in the case investigated here. Additionally, the paper first applies the bootstrap to the DDF procedure in order to provide more robust estimates and to compare them with the DEA results.     

A fixed-point algorithm for blind source separation with nonlinear autocorrelation

This paper addresses blind source separation (BSS) problem when source signals have the temporal structure with nonlinear autocorrelation. Using the temporal characteristics of sources, we develop an objective function based on the nonlinear autocorrelation of sources. Maximizing the objective function, we propose a fixed-point source separation algorithm. Furthermore, we give some mathematical properties of the algorithm. Computer simulations for sources with square temporal autocorrelation and the real-world applications in the analysis of the magnetoencephalographic recordings (MEG) illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approach. Thus, the presented BSS algorithm, which is based on the nonlinear measure of temporal autocorrelation, provides a novel statistical property to perform BSS.     

基于AHP和DEA联用的城市交通环境可持续发展评价方法研究

将层次分析法(AHP)和数据包络分析(DEA)相结合构建了两种方法的联用评价模式,对使用该方法评价城市交通环境可持续发展水平和后续决策指导方面进行了探讨.该方法对AHP法在多个决策单元定量对比分析和DEA体现决策者偏好方面进行了改善.从影响城市交通环境可持续发展水平的城市综合发展、道路设施水平、交通运输功能和交通环境质量等方面出发,建立了城市交通环境可持续发展评价体系,并应用于深圳市实证分析,通过AHP分析认为深圳市2000～2007年城市交通环境可持续发展水平在波动中缓慢上升,再通过27个城市2005年数据DEA有效性分析和投影分析,得到深圳市在城市交通环境可持续发展方面的总体效率为0.9729,并得到了其要达到DEA有效的调整方案和部分政策建议.     

A bargaining game model for measuring performance of two-stage network structures

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a method for measuring the efficiency of peer decision making units (DMUs), where the internal structures of DMUs are treated as a black-box. Recently DEA has been extended to examine the efficiency of DMUs that have two-stage network structures or processes, where all the outputs from the first stage are intermediate measures that make up the inputs to the second stage. The resulting two-stage DEA model not only provides an overall efficiency score for the entire process, but also yields an efficiency score for each of the individual stages. The current paper develops a Nash bargaining game model to measure the performance of DMUs that have a two-stage structure. Under Nash bargaining theory, the two stages are viewed as players and the DEA efficiency model is a cooperative game model. It is shown that when only one intermediate measure exists between the two stages, our newly developed Nash bargaining game approach yields the same results as applying the standard DEA approach to each stage separately. Two real world data sets are used to demonstrate our bargaining game model.     

一种基于GIS的选址问题及算法

本文考虑了选址区域内存在地理阻断情况下的一种基于GIS的选址问题.对单配送中心选址模型,以GIS返回的任意两点间的最短可行路径的长度作为修正距离函数,分析了目标函数在凸形选址区域上非凸非连续的性质.进一步,采用给出了一种近似搜索算法并通过一个实例计算与重心法进行了比较.