Using integrated fuzzy DEMATEL and fuzzy C: means algorithm for supplier evaluation and selection

Decision-making techniques are used to help evaluate the current suppliers’ aim at classifying performance of individual suppliers against desired levels of performance, so as to design suitable plans to increase the performance and capabilities of suppliers. In this study, an integrated model is introduced and proposed for increasing the supplier selection and evaluation quality. The methodology is composed of two steps. The first stage is fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method in which the interactions between the evaluation criteria and the criteria weight have been computed. At the second stage, performances of suppliers are assessed using both the criteria weights obtained at the first stage and fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm by classifying the vendors according to their performances. Obtained results show that the proposed model is very well suited as a decision-making tool for supplier selection decisions.     

OLED显示屏表面缺陷自动检测方法

目的 为了解决OLED显示屏表面周期性纹理背景和缺陷边界模糊、对比度低的特征导致其表面缺陷检测困难的问题,开展OLED显示屏表面缺陷自动检测方法研究.方法 对OLED显示屏图像进行奇异值分解,选择前2个较大的奇异值重构图像纹理背景,对原图像和重构图像进行差分运算,获得残差图像.将残差图像像素随机赋予初始隶属度值,采用模糊C均值聚类法获得像素最终隶属度值.根据隶属度大小,将残差图像像素聚成2类,并从残差图像中准确地分割缺陷.结果 选取较大的2个奇异值可以有效地重构OLED显示屏的周期性纹理背景;模糊C均值聚类法分割缺陷获得的区域灰度一致性(U)平均值为0.9846.结论 基于奇异值分解的背景重构方法可以有效地检测OLED显示屏表面缺陷;与分水岭法和Otsu方法相比,模糊C均值聚类可以准确地分割模糊边界的缺陷区域.     

用于彩色图像分割的改进遗传FCM算法

本文提出了一种适用于彩色图像分割的遗传模糊C均值聚类(GAFCM)算法.该算法使用Ohta等人提出的彩色特征集中的第一个分量作为图像像素的一维特征向量,并利用由像素空间到特征空间的映射来改进目标函数,从而大大降低了运算量;使用对特征空间结构没有特殊要求的特征距离代替欧氏距离,从而克服了特征空间结构对聚类结果的影响;使用引入FCM优化的遗传算法来搜索最优解,从而提高了搜索速度.实验表明,该算法不但能很好地分割彩色图像,而且具有运算量小、收敛速度快的优点.     

A diffusion-based compensation approach for intensity inhomogeneity correction in MRI

Intensity inhomogeneity is considered as an inherent artifact in magnetic resonance images and is prominent in high-field strength scanners. An effective and conceptually simple retrospective correction technique is introduced in this article that implements a compensation function based on spatially constrained fuzzy c-means clustering to reduce the effect of intensity inhomogeneity. Intensity compensation functions are estimated on each clustered region and are subsequently processed with an anisotropic diffusion strategy. The proposed approach does not require any parametric models or prior knowledge on the acquisition process for the intensity inhomogeneity correction. The proposed diffusion based technique was evaluated on simulated and real data sets and the results were compared with some of the prominent correction methods. The quantitative analyses in terms of coefficient of variation and coefficient of joint variation ensure the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The experimental analyses of the results show that the proposed methodology outperforms the state-of-the-art approaches.     

Performance enhanced PSO-based modified Kohonen neural network for retinal image classification

Image classification is one of the significant applications in the field of ophthalmology for abnormality detection in retinal images. Image classification is a pattern recognition technique in which abnormal retinal images are categorized into different groups based on similarity measures. Accuracy and convergence rate are the important parameters of this automated diagnostic system. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are widely used for automated image analysis systems. Kohonen neural networks (KNNs) are one of the prime unsupervised ANNs suitable for image processing applications. Besides the numerous advantages, KNNs suffer from two drawbacks: (a) lack of standard convergence conditions and (b) less accurate results. In this study, a novel approach is adopted to eliminate these disadvantages by performing suitable modifications in the conventional KNN. Initially, the fuzzy approach is an integrated one within KNN in the training algorithm to overcome the convergence difficulties. Second, a particle swarm optimization algorithm is used in feature selection for better accuracy. This proposed approach is tested on four different abnormal retinal image categories. The system is analyzed using several performance measures and the experimental results suggest promising results for the proposed system. Comparative analyses with other systems are also presented to show the superior nature of the proposed system.     

Fractional gravitational search-radial basis neural network for bone marrow white blood cell classification

Automotive image segmentation systems are becoming an important tool in the medical field for disease diagnosis. The white blood cell (WBC) segmentation is crucial, because it plays an important role in the determination of the diseases and helps experts to diagnose the blood disease disorders. The precise segmentation of the WBCs is quite challenging because of the complex contents in the bone marrow smears. In this paper, a novel neural network (NN) classifier is proposed for the classification of the bone marrow WBCs. The proposed NN classifier integrates the fractional gravitation search (FGS) algorithm for updating the weight in the radial basis function mapping for the classification of the WBC based on the cell nucleus feature. The experimentation of the proposed FGS-RBNN classifier is carried on the images collected from the publically available dataset. The performance of the proposed methodology is evaluated over the existing classifier approaches using the measures accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The results show that the classification using the nucleus features alone can be utilized to achieve the classification with the better accuracy. Moreover, the classification performance of the proposed FGS-RBNN is better than the existing classifiers, and it is proved to be the efficacious classifier with a classification accuracy of 95%.     

A possibilistic approach for designing hybrid cellular manufacturing systems

In this paper, a hybrid cellular manufacturing (HCM) system is presented in which the main sources of uncertainty, e.g. the demands of parts and unit costs are treated as fuzzy numbers in the form of possibilistic distributions. The basic concept of HCM is that high variation in demand might disturb cell efficiency, so forming cells with only those parts that have stable demand, will profit. Thus, to design stable and robust manufacturing cells, a two-phase method is proposed in which a fuzzy adaptive ranking method is first applied to identify those parts with low and non-repetitive demands (i.e. the special parts) which will then be assigned to a functional cell. Afterwards, an interactive possibilistic programming model is applied to cell formation of remaining regular parts while considering both part sequences and multiple routes. To show the capability and usefulness of the proposed method, an illustrative example is also provided. Finally, concluding remarks are reported.     

A rule-based multi-criteria approach to inventory classification

The traditional inventory classification method classifies stock keeping units (SKUs) to three classes based on their annual dollar usage, while in real world problems, other criteria are important as well. In this paper, considering multi-criteria situations, a simple, effective and practical rule-based method is designed and implemented in a real world case, using MATLAB software. The most important characteristic of the proposed method is taking into account the inherent ambiguities that exist in the reasoning process of the system of classification. The methodology and the method proposed here may be easily implemented by inventory managers. The results obtained from the case study in this paper are compared with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. Finally concluding remarks and suggestions for future work are provided.     

Unsupervised tissue classification of brain MR images for voxel‐based morphometry analysis

In this article, a fully unsupervised method for brain tissue segmentation of T1‐weighted MRI 3D volumes is proposed. The method uses the Fuzzy C‐Means (FCM) clustering algorithm and a Fully Connected Cascade Neural Network (FCCNN) classifier. Traditional manual segmentation methods require neuro‐radiological expertise and significant time while semiautomatic methods depend on parameter's setup and trial‐and‐error methodologies that may lead to high intraoperator/interoperator variability. The proposed method selects the most useful MRI data according to FCM fuzziness values and trains the FCCNN to learn to classify brain’ tissues into White Matter, Gray Matter, and Cerebro‐Spinal Fluid in an unsupervised way. The method has been tested on the IBSR dataset, on the BrainWeb Phantom, on the BrainWeb SBD dataset, and on the real dataset “University of Palermo Policlinico Hospital” (UPPH), Italy. Sensitivity, Specificity, Dice and F‐Factor scores have been calculated on the IBSR and BrainWeb datasets segmented using the proposed method, the FCM algorithm, and two state‐of‐the‐art brain segmentation software packages (FSL and SPM) to prove the effectiveness of the proposed approach. A qualitative evaluation involving a group of five expert radiologists has been performed segmenting the real dataset using the proposed approach and the comparison algorithms. Finally, a usability analysis on the proposed method and reference methods has been carried out from the same group of expert radiologists. The achieved results show that the segmentations of the proposed method are comparable or better than the reference methods with a better usability and degree of acceptance.     

A new hybrid MCDM approach for RPN evaluation for a medical device prototype

The Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is a useful instrument born in the aerospace industry and widely used to improve a process or product's efficiency. Over the years, this instrument has been adopted in increasingly different contexts, such as HealthCare. This paper proposes an approach aimed at improving the defects typical of the classic FMEA in the design phase, that is, in a scenario full of uncertainties and with little information available, using a new hybrid Multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method in order to obtain a priority index more performant than Risk Priority Number (RPN). In the proposed method, the three assessment criteria have a different weighting in the index's final computation, differently from the classical RPN. These weights are obtained with a scientific technique, thus avoiding that excessive subjectivity influences the final result. A more efficient priority index is obtained through a new hybrid approach that solves some classical RPN gaps. A case study concerning an endoscope Ear Nose Throat Entropy (ENT) prototype is examined to illustrate the proposed method. FMEA analysis in HealthCare is increasingly used for its flexibility and reliability. This study focuses on using new techniques to eliminate certain defects or exploit some qualities better. The use of a robust and elastic innovative MCDM method to calculate a new priority index and a scientific technique to obtain the weight of the selection are the interesting insights proposed in this paper.     

一种粗模糊神经分类器

介绍一种新的粗集编码模糊神经分类器。基于粗集理论的概念，讨论了知识编码、属性简化、分类系统简化的方法；并利用模糊隶属度函数将输入精确信息映射为模糊变量信息，解决分类中病态定义的数据问题和提高系统非线性映射的分类能力；提出了结合系统参数的重要性因子的网络的模糊推理方法和粗模糊神经分类器的网络结构以及有导师的最小平方误差学习训练算法。实现的粗集编码模糊神经分类器具有网络结构空间维数低、学习算法简单、网络训练时间短、非线性特性丰富等优点。     

Fuzzy programming for optimal product mix decisions based on expanded ABC approach

In sheet metal fabrication, bending is used in order to obtain rigidity and to obtain a part of desired shape and function. In analysing a sheet metal part, an important consideration is how to unfold the part after a bending operation or series of bending operations. The unfolding process is the first major step in process planning for generating NC paths for a sheet metal blank. This paper addresses the problem of determining whether or not a part can be unfolded. A graph-based approach using the face-edge of the sheet metal part is at the heart of the algorithm presented here. Using this algorithm one can determine which faces are unfoldable and which cannot be unfolded. This algorithm can be used to help facilitate the process of NC path generation. It also sheds some light on the kind of design practices that make a part easily unfoldable or otherwise.     

An integrated fuzzy multi-criteria group decision-making approach for green supplier evaluation

Purchasing is one of the most vital functions within a company and supplier performance evaluation is one of the most important business processes of the purchasing function. Traditionally, companies have considered factors such as price, quality, flexibility, etc. while evaluating suppliers. However, environmental pressures urge them to consider green issues. This study proposes a decision model for supplier performance evaluation by considering various environmental performance criteria. An integrated, fuzzy group decision-making approach is adopted to evaluate green supplier alternatives. More precisely, a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is applied to determine the relative weights of the evaluation criteria and an axiomatic design (AD)-based fuzzy group decision-making approach is applied to rank the green suppliers. Finally, a case study is given to demonstrate the potential of the methodology.     

A mathematical model and a heuristic approach for design of the hybrid manufacturing systems to facilitate one-piece flow

One-piece flow is a design rule that entails production in manufacturing cells on a ‘make one, check one, and move-on one’ basis (Black, J.T., 2007. Design rules for implementing Toyota Production System. International Journal of Production Research, 45 (16), 3639–3664), which reduces manufacturing lead time significantly. This paper proposes a sequential methodology comprised of a mathematical model and a heuristic approach (HA) for the design of a hybrid cellular manufacturing system (HMS), to facilitate one-piece flow practice. The mathematical model is employed in the cases of small- and medium-sized problems, and it attempts to minimise the total number of exceptional operations, while considering machine capacities and alternative machines. The machine-part matrix achieved by the mathematical model is input into the flow line design stage of the HA, where backflow within the cells is eliminated. However, for industrial problems, the proposed HA is utilised. After the formation of the cells by clustering, the HA attempts to eliminate exceptional operations of a given cellular configuration together with a functional structure by employing alternative machines, based on the decision rules developed. Later, unidirectional flow within the cells is achieved and the capacity and budget constraints are satisfied. A medium-sized problem is solved by using both of the approaches, namely, the model integrated with the flow-line design stage of the HA and the complete HA. The results are discussed and the limitations are explained.     

Fuzzy hybrid decision model for supplier evaluation and selection

This paper proposes a structured, integrated decision model for evaluating suppliers by combining the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) and grey relational analysis (GRA). The qualitative and partially-known information is incorporated in this decision model using the fuzzy set theory. In this proposed methodology, the weights of the evaluation criteria are calculated by using FAHP, then the ranking of the suppliers is determined by using GRA. Finally to show the robustness of the model, a sensitivity analysis is also performed. In this study, the supplier selection problem of an electroplating industry in the southern part of India was investigated, demonstrating the effectiveness of this developed integrated model. This model can help in solving the complex decision in supplier selection practice. The results generated from the model are properly validated and finally a systematic solution with decision support is provided for decision makers. This model can be integrated with other decision support systems of similar kinds of industries.     

Image segmentation using multiresolution wavelet analysis and expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm for digital mammography

This article presents a novel algorithm for image segmentation via the use of the multiresolution wavelet analysis and the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm. The development of a multiresolution wavelet feature extraction scheme is based on the Gaussian Markov random field (GMRF) assumption in mammographic image modeling. Mammographic images are hierarchically decomposed into different resolutions. In general, larger breast lesions are characterized by coarser resolutions, whereas higher resolutions show finer and more detailed anatomical structures. These hierarchical variations in the anatomical features displayed by multiresolution decomposition are further quantified through the application of the Gaussian Markov random field. Because of its uniqueness in locality, adaptive features based on the nonstationary assumption of GMRF are defined for each pixel of the mammogram. Fibroadenomas are then segmented via the fuzzy C-means algorithm using these localized features. Subsequently, the segmentation results are further enhanced via the introduction of a maximum a posteriori (MAP) segmentation estimation scheme based on the Bayesian learning paradigm. Gibbs priors or Gibbs random fields have also been incorporated into the learning scheme of the present research with very effective outcomes. In this article, the EM algorithm for MAP estimation is formulated. The EM algorithm provides an iterative and computationally simple algorithm based on the incomplete data concept. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 8, 491–504, 1997     

基于Dirichlet过程的无线视频码率变化识别算法

研究了通过对终端视频帧质量的聚类分析来识别无线视频传输中码率变化的方法,以便为无线视频传输过程中视频码率自适应调整提供参考依据.针对经典模糊C均值(FCM)算法和K均值(K-means)算法需要设定聚类数目的问题,提出一种基于荻利克雷过程(DP)的FCM算法——DP-FCM算法.该算法将Dirichlet过程和FCM算法相结合,由视频帧信息权重峰值信噪比(IWPSNR)值使用DP过程混合模型模拟估计出聚类数目,然后进行FCM模糊聚类,通过设定合理的阈值,合并聚类结果相似项,完成视频帧的聚类,从而实现视频传输码率变化的识别.以LIVE视频库为试验数据源,对该算法进行了性能测试.试验结果表明,DP-FCM算法能够在无需设定聚类数目的前提下实现视频传输码率变化的分类识别.     

A utility-driven approach to supplier evaluation and selection: empirical validation of an integrated solution framework

Supplier evaluation and selection (SES) problems have long been studied, leading to the development of a wide range of individual and hybrid models for solving them. However, the lack of widespread diffusion of existing SES models in the industry points to a need for simpler models that can systematically evaluate both qualitative and quantitative attributes of potential suppliers while enhancing the flexibility decision-makers need to account for relevant situational factors. Furthermore, empirical validations of existing models in SES have been few and far between. With a view to addressing these issues, this paper proposes an integrated solution framework that can be used to evaluate both tangible and intangible attributes of potential suppliers. The proposed framework combines three individual methods, namely the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, fuzzy complex proportional assessment and fuzzy linear programming. The framework is validated through application in a Turkish textile company. The results generated using the proposed framework is compared with the actual historical data collected from the company. Additionally, a feasibility assessment is conducted on the sample supplier selection criteria employed, as well as assessment of the results generated using the proposed model.     

A fully automated hybrid methodology using Cuckoo‐based fuzzy clustering technique for magnetic resonance brain image segmentation

This article aims at developing an automated hybrid algorithm using Cuckoo Based Search (CBS) and interval type‐2 fuzzy based clustering, so as to exhibit efficient magnetic resonance (MR) brain image segmentation. An automatic MR brain image segmentation facilitates and enables a radiologist to have a brief review and easy analysis of complicated tumor regions of imprecise gray level regions with minimal user interface. The tumor region having severe intensity variations and suffering from poor boundaries are to be detected by the proposed hybrid technique that could ease the process of clinical diagnosis and this tends to be the core subject of this article. The ability of the proposed technique is compared using standard comparison parameters such as mean squared error, peak signal to noise ratio, computational time, Dice Overlap Index, and Jaccard T animoto C oefficient Index. The proposed CBS combined with interval type‐2 fuzzy based clustering produces a sensitivity of 0.7143 and specificity of 0.9375, which are far better than the conventional techniques such as kernel based, entropy based, graph‐cut based, and self‐organizing maps based clustering. Appreciable segmentation results of tumor region that enhances clinical diagnosis is made available through this article and two of the radiologists who have hands on experience in the field of radiology have extended their support in validating the efficiency of the proposed methodology and have given their consent in utilizing the proposed methodology in the processes of clinical oncology.