Fuzzy Decision Analysis for Integrated Environmental Vulnerability Assessment of the Mid-Atlantic Region1

A fuzzy decision analysis method for integrating ecological indicators was developed. This was a combination of a fuzzy ranking method and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The method was capable of ranking ecosystems in terms of environmental conditions and suggesting cumulative impacts across a large region. Using data on land cover, population, roads, streams, air pollution, and topography of the Mid-Atlantic region, we were able to point out areas that were in relatively poor condition and/or vulnerable to future deterioration. The method offered an easy and comprehensive way to combine the strengths of fuzzy set theory and the AHP for ecological assessment. Furthermore, the suggested method can serve as a building block for the evaluation of environmental policies.     

巢湖流域生态环境质量定量分析

构建了3个层次23个指标的生态环境质量指标体系,通过模糊评判模型对巢湖流域生态环境质量进行了定量分析。结果表明,巢湖流域生态环境质量处于中等水平,各分流域生态环境质量不同,借鉴运动竞技学团体赛排名方法,可发现3个分流域的生态环境质量优劣依次为六安、合肥和巢湖。     

Decision making under uncertainty using PEES–fuzzy AHP–fuzzy TOPSIS methodology for landfill location selection

The location selection for landfill municipal solid waste is an important issue in waste management. Selection of the optimal location requires consideration of multiple alternative solutions and evaluation factors because of system complexity. Further, ranking of the alternative locations and selection of the most optimal and efficient locations for landfill waste are an important multi-criteria decision-making problem. In this study, the candidate locations for landfill are determined based on Political, Economical, Environmental and Social factors are assessed through decision-makers’ opinion and by the methodology that incorporates fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (fuzzy AHP) and fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (fuzzy TOPSIS). Specifically, the fuzzy AHP technique is applied to determine the weights of selected criteria impacting the location selection process, and the fuzzy AHP is adapted to model the linguistic vagueness and ambiguity, which can also be expressed as triangular fuzzy numbers. Furthermore, fuzzy TOPSIS technique is employed to rank the alternative locations. The applicability of this methodology is demonstrated by a case study of landfill waste location selection in the region of Casablanca, Morocco, and the results are compared with other techniques. Finally, to complete the treatment, a sensitivity analysis is performed to examine the impact of the preferences given by decision-makers to choose the best location.     

A method for assessing environmental risk: A case study of Green Bay,Lake Michigan,USA

The Science Advisory Board of the US Environmental Protection Agency has recommended that risk reduction strategies become the centerpiece of environmental protection. The goal in developing such strategies is to identify opportunities for greatest reduction of ecological risks. This is a perspective that is significantly more comprehensive than the traditional focus on human health risks arising from environmental degradation. The identification of ecological risks upon which environmental protection efforts should be focused requires an ecological risk assessment methodology that is based on anthropogenic stressors affecting an ecosystem and a set of impaired use criteria. A methodology based on this concept is developed and discussed in this article. The methodology requires that risk values be assigned to each ecosystem stressor-impaired use pair that reflect the degree to which the given stressor contributes to ecosystem risk as measured by the given impaired use criterion. Once these data are available, mathematical analyses based on concepts from fuzzy set theory are performed to obtain a ranking of ecosystem stressors. The methodology has been tested by applying it to a case study involving Green Bay of Lake Michigan. A workshop was held in which 11 persons with extensive knowledge of the Green Bay ecosystem determined risk values through a group-consensus process. The analytical portion of the methodology was then used to rank the ecosystem risks (stressors) from several perspectives, including prevention management and remediation management. The overall conclusion of the workshop participants was that the fuzzy set decision model is a useful and effective methodology for differentiating environmental risk.     

模糊集对分析在城市绿地景观生态综合评价中的应用

运用模糊集对分析法，建立了城市绿地景观生态综合评价数学模型。应用实例表明，该模型可以为城市绿地系统景观评价生态提供客观，合理的决策方法。     

Self-Organizing Maps for Integrated Environmental Assessment of the Mid-Atlantic Region

A new method has been developed to perform environmental assessment at regional scale. This involves a combination of a self-organizing map (SOM) neural network and principal component analysis (PCA). The method is capable of clustering ecosystems in terms of environmental conditions and suggesting relative cumulative environmental impacts of multiple factors across a large region. Using data on land-cover, population, roads, streams, air pollution, and topography of the Mid-Atlantic region, the method was able to indicate areas that are in relatively poor environmental condition or vulnerable to future deterioration. Combining the strengths of SOM with those of PCA, the method offers an easy and useful way to perform a regional environmental assessment. Compared with traditional clustering and ranking approaches, the described method has considerable advantages, such as providing a valuable means for visualizing complex multidimensional environmental data at multiple scales and offering a single assessment or ranking needed for a regional environmental assessment while still facilitating the opportunity for more detailed analyses.     

The optimal dam site selection using a group decision-making method through fuzzy TOPSIS model

The complex and controversial task of selecting a dam site in a river basin can be successfully achieved using science-informed multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. In this paper, we describe the application of the group fuzzy TOPSIS model for optimal ranking of the case study of Kandoleh dam sites in Kermanshah province, Iran, involving 18 input criteria. In this study, decision-making committee was made up of 20 involved decision makers. The comments of four non-biased, external experts in dam site selection were also used. The triangular fuzzy numbers were used to apply experts’ opinions on the selection criteria. In total, four alternative sites were assessed based on the technical, economic, social and environmental considerations and the data were analyzed using fuzzy TOPSIS MCDM model. Ranking results were compared with multi-criteria decision-making models, including the ELimination and Choice Expressing the REality and simple additive weighting. This logical, open and transparent framework provides a science-informed decision-making approach for complex problems such as optimal dam site selection. Finally, using sensitivity analysis, local studies and group discussions, we demonstrated the multiple benefits of the proposed novel method for a science-informed, open and transparent method for optimal ranking of the dam site candidates.     

Woodlot scale: A method for rapid assessment of woodlot values

A method is described for the rapid survey and determination of the ecological value of woodlots. The three dominant tree species in a stand are given a visual ranking that is converted to awoodlot index through the use of species adaptation values. The woodlot index is scaled by presettlement vegetation type to yield awoodlot scale. The ecologically most valuable woodlots in a region are identified by using the woodlot scale and data on woodlot area, human disturbance, and tree density. The woodlot index corresponds closely to results from conventional methods of woodlot surveys. This method should be valuable to land-use planners for environmental impact assessment and regional planning.     

A Comparative Approach for Ranking Contaminated Sites Based on the Risk Assessment Paradigm Using Fuzzy PROMETHEE

A ranking system for contaminated sites based on comparative risk methodology using fuzzy Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) was developed in this article. It combines the concepts of fuzzy sets to represent uncertain site information with the PROMETHEE, a subgroup of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods. Criteria are identified based on a combination of the attributes (toxicity, exposure, and receptors) associated with the potential human health and ecological risks posed by contaminated sites, chemical properties, site geology and hydrogeology and contaminant transport phenomena. Original site data are directly used avoiding the subjective assignment of scores to site attributes. When the input data are numeric and crisp the PROMETHEE method can be used. The Fuzzy PROMETHEE method is preferred when substantial uncertainties and subjectivities exist in site information. The PROMETHEE and fuzzy PROMETHEE methods are both used in this research to compare the sites. The case study shows that this methodology provides reasonable results.     

鸭子河湿地的生态健康评价与恢复研究

从湿地现状、服务功能和外环境影响3方面构建了城镇区域内湿地生态健康评价指标体系,采用层次分析法（AHP）和模糊综合评价法,对广汉鸭子河湿地这一城镇区域内河滩型湿地生态系统健康状况进行评价。结果表明,在广汉市城市化进程中,该湿地的生态系统受到了一定程度的影响,就总体而言,湿地生态系统结构完整,基本功能依然具备,但栖息地功能有一定的退化,在整体上属于亚健康状态。根据评价结果及退化成因分析,提出了相应的恢复措施,对广汉市城市化进程中鸭子河湿地的保护提供了重要的决策依据,对同类型的湿地保护具有指导意义和借鉴价值。     

基于GIS技术的生态环境脆弱性模糊综合评价

研究过程中摒弃了以往生态环境脆弱性分析中常有的以乡、镇为研究单元的传统模式,改用栅格单元为基本研究单元,切实反映了区域自然环境特征的非均衡性和连续性,使研究结果打破行政区界限从而具有＂空间性＂;并基于栅格单元首次提出了将＂地理信息系统技术＂和＂AHP-模糊综合评价模型＂互相融合的生态环境脆弱性研究的＂分解-合成＂新方法,使得原本数据信息有限的模糊矩阵扩展成包含大量网格信息的巨型空间矩阵,较好的解决了图层属性单一化与模糊隶属最大原则之间的矛盾。文章从＂模糊隶属度＂层面进行生态环境脆弱性综合分析评价。     

周至国家级自然保护区综合评价体系研究

根据周至国家级自然保护区的实际情况，从3个准则、24个基层指标因子出发，运用定性和定量相结合的德尔菲法、模糊数学法以及层次分析相结合的综合方法进行评价。其中，运用对称贴近度进行各个指标因子排序比较；运用非对称贴近度评价出生态质量、有效管理质量、社会经济价值分别处于较好、较差、较好水平，同时得出周至自然保护区综合水平较好。     

公路建设项目生态环境评价方法研究进展

本文阐述了目前国内研究和应用较广泛的公路建设项目生态环境评价方法。模糊综合法、层次分析法、生态足迹法等评价方法还处于学术理论探讨研究和应用尝试阶段;生态机理法、生产力法、生物多样性法等评价方法是目前公路建设项目生态环境评价工作中常采用的评价方法,但这些方法缺乏宏观性、综合性。定性和定量分析相结合,单项环境因子指标评价和综合评价相结合,点段相结合评价,生物个体、种群、群落、生态系统和景观相结合是今后评价公路建设项目生态环境影响的主要发展方向。     

Quality and sustainability in the production process: A study of bakeries using an integrated multi-criteria method based on fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS

The objective of the present study is to evaluate, determine, and apply alternatives for improving the quality of the process and the product, with an emphasis on sustainable practices, using an integrated multi-criteria method. For this purpose, an analysis was conducted at a chain of bakeries, aiming to highlight bottlenecks in the production process and in the product. With the support of a literature review, four criteria and seven alternatives were defined to overcome these bottlenecks and, at the same time, contribute to the sustainability of the organization. For data analysis, six decision makers were interviewed and, following their evaluations, an integrated method based on fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS was created. The fuzzy AHP was adopted to establish the importance of the criteria, while the fuzzy TOPSIS was used to evaluate and classify the alternatives developed to bypass the bottlenecks. The results revealed that of the criteria, Criterion “Cr1 – Quality” was prioritized. On the other hand, the alternative with the best performance was “A3 – Physical Layout Reorganization”. Applying this alternative, the study demonstrates the results achieved such as reduction of errors and accident risks, as well as greater fluidity in the productive space. the present study also makes theoretical and managerial contributions to the field, bringing the theory closer to the reality of companies that operate in the food sector.     

模糊数学在矿山环境影响评价中的应用

环境质量是一个涉及多因素多层级的模糊概念,用经典数学进行环境质量评价,评判环境质量的等级只能用一个绝对判据来划分,无法处理模糊因素边界不清晰、中间过渡不分明的问题。本文应用模糊数学方法,在单环境因素模糊综合评价的基础上,进行了总体环境质量模糊综合评价的探讨,结合某区域环境实例,对其总体环境质量进行了模糊综合评价,并将评价结果与用经典数学评价结果进行了比较,比较表明,环境质量模糊评价方法较经典数学评价方法更客观更准确。     

黄山市酒店服务业环境绩效评价模型研究

随着黄山市旅游业的快速发展,酒店、宾馆等服务业产生的环境污染已越来越不容忽视。如何评价酒店服务业产生的环境影响,并提出有意义的改善措施,是目前亟待解决的问题。很多酒店在进行环境绩效考核时往往从定性的角度去评价,在很大程度上不是很客观。针对酒店服务业的现状,建立了一套较为简单可行的环境绩效评价体系,构建了基于层次分析法(AHP)的模糊综合评判模型。实证研究表明,该模型评价结果能较客观地反映酒店的环境绩效现状。     

土地整理效益评价——以湛江市丰收农场土地整理项目为例

土地整理效益评价是科学评价土地整理效果的依据.以广东省湛江市丰收农场土地整理项目为例,从经济、社会、生态三方面选取10个评价指标,采取层次分析法确定指标权重,运用模糊综合评价法对项目整理前后的各种效益进行评价与分析.结果表明,项目的实施为项目区带来了显著的经济效益、社会效益、生态效益和综合效益.     

我国城市生态评价研究进展

城市建设带来了越来越多的生态环境问题,生态城市建设是解决这些问题的良好途径。生态城市的建设要有一定的评价体系作为支撑,本文综述了国内基于AHP方法建立的应用较为广泛的城市生态评价体系和方法,并对国内城市生态评价的现状做了分析。     

Incorporating community objectives in improved wetland management: the use of the analytic hierarchy process

Wetlands in Australia provide considerable ecological, economic, environmental and social benefits. However, the use of wetlands has been indiscriminate and significant damage to many Australian wetlands has occurred. During the last 150 years one third of the wetlands in Victoria have been lost. A conspicuous problem in wetland management is the paucity of involvement by stakeholders. This paper uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to incorporate stakeholder objectives in the 'Wonga Wetlands' on the Murray River. The study shows that the AHP can explicitly incorporate stakeholder preferences and multiple objectives to evaluate management options. The AHP also provides several approaches for policy makers to arrive at policy decisions.     

层次分析法在环境质量评价中的不足与改进

本文针对应用层次分析法进行环境质量评价中存在的不足作了必要的改进, 并应用于环境空气质量与土壤重金属污染的评价中。评价结果表明;改进层次分析比一般层次分析法更为合理。