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The privatisation of the Iran newsprint industry has caused an increase in production and decrease in importation. Recognition of effective criteria in newsprint privatisation will accelerate privatisation of the industry. The goal of the research is expediting privatisation in the Iran newsprint industry through benefits, costs, opportunities and risk merits. We applied analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to solve the problem plus questionnaires and pair wise comparisons of the matrices by the experts have also been done in the research. The results show a decrease of budget deficiency, national debts (economic and financial), limiting rules, heavy taxes (economic and executive), encouragement possibility, absorption of foreign, internal investment (economic and financial) and limiting regulative costs (economic and financial) which are the most important sub criteria regarding benefits, costs, opportunities and risks merits, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The pulp and paper industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its energy consumption and impact on the environment. The 'Cleaner Production' (CP) approach has been widely utilised as a tool to meet environmental concerns by industry. However, because of the high initial capital cost of CP implementation, it is important to develop a model for prioritisation. In this paper, using analytic hierarchy process methodology, a tree-level hierarchy model was structured to facilitate the prioritisation process in the Kaveh Papermaking Company located in Iran. Using a literature review and field study, the proposed model can provide a framework for CP implementation in a paper factory. The results show that process change gives higher priority between 5 criteria and that repair of all leaks in the paper-making process gives higher priority between 35 sub-criteria. Process change was further evaluated and discussed in which input material changes gained higher priority. The results of this research can be used to accelerate the implementation of CP in Iran's pulp and paper industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iran is an earthquake-prone country, and a considerable rural population lives in earthquake-prone areas. With many worn-out areas, incompetent houses, and relatively underdeveloped rural areas, it is necessary to pay special attention to risk reduction and subsequent measures in these areas. Materials and Methods: Among the current methods, HAZUS is one of the most common methods in estimating potential losses in an earthquake. We used it to calculate the buildings' estimated losses in the earthquake based on the instructions. Because one of the main issues in disaster management is to choose locations for emergency or temporary settlement of population affected by the distracter, this research tries to carry this out based on the derived results from the damage using fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). After reviewing the previous studies and the experts' opinions, the major and minor criteria affecting the selection of temporary settlement locations were identified. Results: Results suggested that using the damage rate of the studied buildings in the studied area and after choosing six priorities in the pilot village of Vaneshan, priority number 1 was chosen as the best option for temporary settlement in this village. Ultimately, the required items for the evacuees were determined by using the standards of supplying the essentials for the evacuees. Conclusion: Regarding the study area, the results of the damage analysis of the area show that the rate of damage with extensive and complete levels in the villages is very high, which leads to a large number of homeless people with the urgent need to provide adequate shelter. This endower requires a lot of money, and the relevant managers should already be thinking about finding financial resources for it. This issue is not only related to the study area and applies to the whole of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most significant concerns in urban development today is the organization of areas of cities that have become run-down over time. In order to complete previous constructability studies in other fields of construction, the current study evaluates constructability based on BIM, specifically in the context of the Tehran limited land renewal project. The motivation for this study is the current difficulties facing renewal designs for limited lands, and the lack of a quantitative constructability model for urban renewal projects in Iran. This paper aims (1) to discuss the design elements that should be considered in the design phase of urban renewal projects; (2) to identify the factors that may affect constructability; and (3) to propose a framework for assessing urban renewal designs by considering constructability factors using building information modeling (BIM). To meet these needs, this paper investigates constructability factors and their relative importance, considering the design elements that should be acknowledged in limited land renewal, using a multicriteria techniques. Some 28 constructability factors are identified through a literature review, and based on 52 responses received from a questionnaire survey, the factors are ranked using pairwise comparisons of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The final constructability factors that are identified through the technique for order preference using the similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method are standard dimensions, safety, simplification of structure, resource intelligence and alignment, and skilled labor availability. The contribution of this research to the body of knowledge is, firstly, the development of constructability factors for measuring the constructability of urban renewal designs, and secondly, the introduction of BIM as a most beneficial tool for assessing the constructability of the proposed designs. In using the constructability assessment framework and identifying the trade-offs between the constructability of renewal projects in the limited areas of urban spaces, design alternatives become more feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) factors influencing occupant satisfaction in commercial buildings in Iran, contrasting the views of building experts (architects and engineers) with those of building occupants. Employing the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP), this study focuses on the four primary IEQ factors: thermal comfort, indoor air quality, visual comfort, and acoustic comfort. The study aims to bridge the gap between expert evaluations and occupant perceptions of IEQ factors in commercial buildings in Iran. By examining the disparities in prioritising IEQ factors between these two groups, the study sheds light on the complexities of IEQ assessment and highlights the importance of considering diverse perspectives in optimising indoor environments. Our methodology includes a survey conducted among 30 building experts (15 architects and 15 building engineers) and 102 occupants, employing FAHP to derive the relative importance weights of each IEQ factor. The results highlight significant disparities between architects, engineers, and occupants in prioritising these factors. Architects emphasise visual comfort (42%), while engineers and occupants view thermal comfort (53% and 41%) as the most crucial factor for occupant satisfaction. The study underscores the complexity of IEQ in commercial buildings and the diverse perspectives influencing its assessment. It contributes to the broader discourse on optimising IEQ, emphasising the need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses both technical expertise and occupant experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper deals with the combined management and design of a sustainable pharmaceutical supply chain network with considering recycling. Design/methodology/approach: This paper first utilizes the analytical hierarchy process to select and rank green manufacturers. Second, the authors proposed a multi-objective nonlinear mathematical model to design a sustainable pharmaceutical supply chain network. The proposed model has been linearized and solved using the LP-metric method using GAMS software. Findings: A real case study has been conducted in Iran. The results show that environmental and social issues can be improved while minimizing total costs. Originality/value: Given the criticality and importance of drugs in human health and the importance of recycling in today's world, proper management and design of a sustainable drug supply chain are necessary. This study pays special attention to environmental issues by utilizing multi-criteria decision approaches and customer satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Critical risks are one of the most important problems in industries, which have high costs for the industry. This study aimed to assess critical safety and health risks through job safety analysis and analytic hierarchy process in industrial printing. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted as a descriptive and analytical in one of the printing industries in Iran, in 2020. Critical risks were collected by visiting and observing the job safety analysis checklist. Then, critical risk prioritization was performed by an analytic hierarchy process using Expert Choice software, version 11. Results: A total of 23 hazards were identified. Mechanical hazards (61%) and chemical hazards (9%) had the highest and lowest frequencies, respectively. The identified safety and health hazards included musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the upper and lower back, respiratory and skin exposure to chemicals, the risk of electric shock, and mechanical hazards (hand entrapment, hand amputation, and falling objects). Conclusion: The highest priority of critical risk was related to MSDs of the upper and lower back. The next priority of critical risk was related to chemical agents, respiratory exposure to organic solvents, and dermal exposure to organic solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is among the most widely used multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods that have been employed by researchers in various scientific areas all over the world to find the most appropriate solutions for complex and multivariable problems. Despite the popularity of this method, there is no scientometric study on AHP applications in the literature. To fill this gap, the present study aims to present a scientometric analysis on the use of AHP for various applications, in general, and particularly for making the best decisions when dealing with urban management. Current scientific trends in this area were also identified and presented through an in-depth analysis of the findings regarding contributing countries, journals and authors. In addition, the main keywords introduced to the field and the existing categories were explored and identified. Results demonstrated that out of the 37,000 scientific works (including journal articles, proceedings, books, etc.) published so far on the employment of AHP in various fields, only 7% contributed to the urban affair management issues, whilst China and Iran hold the highest share. Results also indicated that AHP has been efficiently combined with Geographic Information System (GIS) to address the scientific needs in this area. This paper also provides recommendations for relevant future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a realistic analysis of a region using Grounded Theory (GT) to provide a sustainable model for family farming systems based on the intercropping system in rural communities of Iran. Furthermore, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) was applied to assign weights to the criteria and sub-criteria of intercropping and monocropping systems. According to the model, the main phenomenon was "sustainability in the family farming system based on intercropping". In this model, the causal factors were found to include behavioral and attitudinal motivators. Micro- and macro-factors were identified as the interfering factors in family farming systems based on intercropping. Social factors, economic components, and environmental potentials were the contextual factors of this system. Finally, the consequences included the conceptual development and evolution of sustainability, socioeconomic transformation, and ecological-environmental transformation. The results of FAHP showed that the environmental criterion was ranked the first among all criteria underpinning the sustainability of the intercropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the use of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS) to find the best route for a pressurized water transmission line. When planning a water transfer project, it is essential to consider economic, environmental, social, and technical criteria. The decision-making process involves comparing various options based on different criteria. Different approaches can be employed to analyze project criteria, allowing for the integration of technical, environmental, social, and other elements. In this research, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was utilized as a strategic decision-making method to determine the optimal route for the water transmission pipeline in southern Iran, connecting the Persian Gulf to the central provinces. To identify the best route, a questionnaire was created to gather expert opinions on the key criteria influencing the water transmission route. The criteria were then weighted based on these opinions. Subsequently, the reclassified weighted layers of these criteria were overlaid within the GIS environment to identify the most cost-effective path among the available options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hazards in underground coal mines create an unsafe working environment for workers and equipment. This paper aims to analyze the safety risk in underground coal mining using an improved Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) method. To achieve this, the causes of the main events that threaten the safety of the working environment were identified and discussed in a case study; Parvadeh Tabas coal mine, Iran. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to calculate the importance degree of each hazard. Then, the FMEA approach under the fuzzy environment was used for the safety risk analysis. Regarding the results of this study, the outburst-related hazards, failure to provide sufficient compressed air, and the electrical locomotive-related hazards have the highest level of safety risk. In this concept, it is possible to identify the leading causes of accidents and propose practical solutions to improve the safety conditions of the mine working places. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to assess the extent to which the Sad-Kalan watershed in Iran participates in floods and rank the Sad-Kalan sub-watersheds in terms of flooding potential by utilizing multi-criteria decision-making approaches. We employed the entropy of a drainage network, stream power index (SPI), slope, topographic control index (TCI), and compactness coefficient (Cc) in this investigation. After forming a decision matrix with 25 possibilities (sub-watersheds) and 5 evaluation indices, we used four MCDM approaches, including the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), best–worst method (BWM), interval rough numbers AHP (IRNAHP), picture fuzzy with AHP (PF-AHP), and picture fuzzy with linear assignment model (PF-LAM, hereafter PICALAM) algorithms, to rank the sub-watersheds. The study results demonstrated that PICALAM exhibited superior performance compared to the other methods due to its consideration of both local and global weights for each criterion. Additionally, among the methods used (AHP, BWM, and IRNAHP) that showed similar performances in ranking the sub-watersheds, the BWM method proved to be more time-efficient in the ranking process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the numerical modeling of an indirect-expansion solar-assisted heat pump (IDX-SAHP) water heater system is proposed and the exergy-energy analyses and multiple-objective optimization (MOO) of the developed system are investigated. After the verification of the IDX-SAHP with the experimental results, the system performance is examined under the temperate climate of Iran throughout the year. Next, the sensitivity analysis (SA) of diverse variables comprising ambient temperature (T a) , solar intensity (I T) , water temperature at the condenser outlet (T W , o ) , compressor speed ( ω) , collector area (A cl) , thermal conductivity of the collector plate (k p) , number of the glass cover ( N gl) , tube diameter in the solar collector (D cl) , tube length in the condenser (L cond) , and absorber thickness of the collector plate (δ) is implemented via the one-parameter-at-a-time (OPAT) technique. Then, the influence of various factors such as T a , I T , A cl and ω on the exergy efficiency and exergy destruction of the IDX-SAHP system are studied. Besides, the single-objective optimizations (SOOs) and MOO processes are implemented through Elitist Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) to maximize the coefficient of performance (COP) and the collector efficiency (CE), individually and simultaneously. The results achieved by the SOOs depict that the design of IDX-SAHP as per the COP-based SOO offers a better system compared to the CE-based SOO. Furthermore, the optimal solutions obtained by the MOO are presented in the form of the Prato curve to depict the COP and CE interactions. Afterward, to achieve the final optimum layout of the system, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique as a robust multi-criteria decision analysis method (MCDM) is integrated with the MOO process through MATLAB programming language. The optimization results demonstrate that the MOO process gives better performance compared to the SOO process in such a way that although the CE of the maximized IDX-SAHP reduces a little from 52 to 47 % , its COP is enhanced greatly from 3 to 7 , resulting in reduction of the total working hour of the system up to 282 hours compared to the initial system, and consequently, the overall power use of the maximized system largely reduces. This investigation clarifies the importance of exergy-energy analyses, SA, MOO, and MCDM during the IDX-SAHP design to increase efficiency and decrease the power use of the system by opting the most appropriate design parameters of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to identify the effective managerial factors in renovating old building tissues in a city in Iran (Langrud). The present research is practical in terms of purpose, and it is descriptive and contextual in terms of data collection. Furthermore, since this is a mixed research study from both the perspective of its nature and purpose, we conducted the study with both qualitative (interviews) and quantitative (questionnaires) methods. As the statistical population in the qualitative section consists of experts on improving worn-out tissues, we used an available sampling method and took into account the individuals' characteristics in the sampling process. Seven managers, assistants, and engineers with more work experience than the rest of the managers and assistants were selected. During the quantitative phase, the population included all the municipality staff and the engineering system organization of Langrod city, which contains a total of 650 people. A total of 335 people were selected, and the questionnaire was distributed using Cochran's formula. A semi-structured interview and a questionnaire were used as research tools distributed among participants. The validity and reliability of the questionnaires were determined based on existing standards. Additionally, the data were analyzed using Factor Analysis (FA), the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), and Structural Equations Modeling. According to the results, the most effective managerial factors and indicators in the improvement and renovation of the city's old tissues were related to resources. Next, attention to training, commitment to environmental assessment, idea creation, planning, management, technical factors, experience, attention to legal requirements, and attention to external factors are placed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying landslide-prone areas is an essential step in assessing landslide risk and reducing landslide damage. In this paper, GIS-based spatial analysis has been used to prepare the landslide susceptibility (LS) map in the north of Lorestan province in western Iran. For this purpose, three main criteria and their sub-criteria were identified as causative factors including geology and topography (i.e., distance from the fault, lithology, slope, aspect, and elevation), climate (i.e., rainfall and distance from the river), and environmental parameters (i.e., distance from the road, land-cover, NDVI). One hundred thirty-six known landslides were randomly divided into training (≅ 70%) and validation (≅ 30%) datasets. This study is based on the integration of popular analytic hierarchy process (AHP), frequency ratio (FR), and the fuzzy gamma operator (FGO) techniques. AHP was utilized to prioritize causal factors and fuzzy technique was applied in two stages of factor map fuzzification and calculation of sub-criteria maps and then overlap of fuzzified map layers. The fuzzy membership (FM) values were determined based on the FR method, which was normalized between the ranges of 0 and 1. Finally, LS zoning maps were estimated in five susceptibility classes (very low, low, moderate, high, and very high). Validation processes by comparing the three output maps with the layer of validation landslides in the study area and area under receiver operating characteristic curve confirm that the gamma value of 0.9 (AUC = 0.88) offers a more accurate LS map compared to other gamma values. The results of this study will be reliable for landslide risk reduction strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel method for the development of an optimal water supply plan showcased using data from the Gamasiab basin, located in Kermanshah province, Iran, concerning new dams that are being constructed in this semi‐arid region. In this paper, a new group multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) plan is proposed by combining two MCDM methods based on the fuzzy Delphi and fuzzy ELECTRE III methods that convert the experts' opinions to triangular fuzzy numbers based on the level of uncertainty associated with various quantitative and qualitative criteria. Considering the opinions of four non‐stakeholder experts and data analysis using the fuzzy Delphi method, the criteria were evaluated. Then, by analysing the results using the fuzzy ELECTRE III method, the final ranking of scenarios is obtained. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the effect of uncertainty on the performance of the decision‐making system in scenarios ranking. The total expense, flood control, reservoir capacity and diversion and water transfer played a significant role in selecting the optimal scenario. Additionally, a hydrologic model was developed to evaluate the performance of the optimal scenario in terms of qualitative criteria. The data indicated that there was a good agreement between the results obtained from the hydrological model and the scenario ranking by the employed method. Altogether, a comparison of the proposed method with other MCDM methods, including fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy technique for order preference by simulation of ideal solution, indicated that the results of the employed method matched more closely to the local experts' opinion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognizing the vulnerable areas for contamination is a feasible way to protect groundwater resources. The main contribution of the paper is developing a hybrid statistical decision-making model for evaluating the vulnerability of Shiraz aquifer, southern Iran, with modified DRASTIC (depth to the water table, net recharge, aquifer media, soil media, topography, impact of the vadose zone, and hydraulic conductivity) by using the genetic algorithm (GA), the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method, and factorial analysis (FA). First, considering the variation of the uncertain parameters, 32 scenarios were defined to perform factorial analysis. Then using the AHP method and GA, DRASTIC parameters were rated and weighted in all scenarios. To achieve the optimal weights for parameters, the objective function in GA was maximizing the correlation coefficient between the vulnerability index and the nitrate concentration. The single and interactive effects of parameters on groundwater vulnerability were analyzed by factorial analysis. The results revealed that the net recharge had the highest single effect, and the resulted effect between net recharge and hydraulic conductivity was the most significant interactive effect on the objective function. Besides, the variation of aquifer media does not change the objective function. The application of the proposed method leads to a precise groundwater vulnerability map. This research provides valuable knowledge for assessing groundwater vulnerability and enables decision-makers to apply groundwater vulnerability information in future water resources management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many countries, including Iran, Provincial Departments of Physical Education try to develop the athletic sports and sports for all in their related areas (state), using the government resources. Their success rate has always been an important subject for the top sports managers of country. In this paper we use data envelopment analysis (DEA) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) techniques for analyzing the performance of physical education organizations in Iran. Some convex and nonconvex DEA models have been used. Afterwards, we have used the Shannon's entropy for aggregating the results obtained from different models and providing a final efficiency score (FES) and a unified ranking. It can be seen that, in the ranking approach provided in this paper the most productive scale size (MPSS) units have the best rank (see Proposition 1). Our findings reveal that the average of FESs of the states is 0.472635 and 50% of the states have an FES more than this average. Classifying the sates to five efficiency classes, "Excellent, Good, Middle, Weak and Very Weak", the percentage of the states belonging to these classes are 6.7, 30, 16.6, 36.7 and 10, respectively. Also, some correlation and difference studies have been carried out using the Pearson's correlation and student's t-tests. Finally, comparisons between the results of some relevant existing publications and those given in the present paper are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to investigate the factors affecting the claim negotiations in Iranian oil and gas construction projects. The findings of this paper give better understanding of claim negotiations in Iranian oil and gas projects. Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology for this study involved the use of Delphi technique, conducted with non-Iranian stakeholders being involved in Iranian oil and gas construction projects more than five years and determined the major factors, affecting claims negotiations. Subsequently, factors’ weightings were derived using analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Findings – In total, 13 affecting factors identified in three categories of: external, cultural and personal behavioral. Finally, the weights of factors were identified. Research limitations/implications – This research was conducted in the context of Iranian oil and gas projects. This industry has high standards and its employees are well chosen and have frequent in job training. All these affect the organization, working and people’s culture and behavior compared to other sectors of construction business. Therefore, the results of this research are specific to the oil and gas industry. Practical implications – The findings of this paper can be considered as a practical guide for dealing with Iranian counterparts during claims negotiations to ensure amicable settlement. Also, it is useful for Iranian stakeholders to have better understanding of concerns of non-Iranian stakeholders. Originality/value – The paper is the original work of the authors, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper has for the first time introduced the factors affecting claims negotiations. The findings of this paper provide useful insight into effective claims negotiations of Iranian oil and gas projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthquakes have caused considerable economic damage and loss of lives. The ability to determine earthquake-prone areas has utmost importance to crisis management. Given the gravity of the issue, this research proposes to incorporate geographic information system-based fuzzy-analytic network process (FAHP) and fuzzy-analytic hierarchy process (FANP) methods to determine earthquake-prone areas in the southwest of Iran. In addition, this paper is to utilize the feature selection algorithm (FSA) to select the most relevant parameters influencing earthquakes and prepare seismic activity maps. The final maps obtained using the relevant data were compared with maps obtained using the entire data. For this aim, a fuzzy membership function was initially employed to generate a fuzzy map for different layers, after which the analytic network process and analytic hierarchy process methods were utilized for assigning proper weights to each layer and eventually procuring earthquake maps. The input information for the mentioned methods consisted of landscape, slope, elevation, lithology, land use, soil, road, and fault maps. According to the FSA approach, the most relevant parameters include distance to fault (DTF), lithology, slope, and landscape. The results of FANP and FAHP methods utilizing the receiver-operating characteristic curve showed that the FANP method has a higher accuracy for determining earthquake-prone areas. As the areas located in the northern parts of the region are more at risk. In addition, Finally, the results of earthquake maps obtained using solely the relevant data from FSA were compared with the maps obtained using the entire data. The results of FSA showed that the Best first and Greedy-Stepwise models have high accuracy (R = 0.99) and the most important data for determining earthquake-prone areas using these models are DTF, lithology, slope, aspect. Therefore, by saving time and money, it is possible to prepare maps of earthquake-prone areas with high accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the large amount of information, including books, articles and pristine images of geotourism, there exists no comprehensive study on the collection and classification of them in Iran yet. In this research, for the modelling of geosite watersheds, 1000 articles were surveyed through library research and the models with the highest frequency of use were identified and analysed among a statistical sample of 451 local papers using the Meta-Analysis method, and then the most efficient ones were identified using Delphi and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods. The results of this study showed that while the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT), Pralong, Reynard, AHP and Pereira models are in the first to fifth-ranked models with the highest frequency, however, Pralong, SWOT, Reynard, Perira and Comanescu models were considered as the most efficient ones in geosite modelling in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an increasing number of different materials, choosing the best one has become an arduous task. The vast domain of alternatives and decision criteria has led to the complexity of decision making in the conceptual phase for designers. On the other hand, due to the importance of environmental and energy concerns, considering the sustainability principles through the decision process is significantly important. Although sustainable material selection as a strategy leads to some general and main assessment criteria, identification of sub-criteria not only depends on general criteria but also pertains to the specific type of elements in buildings. Interior walls are one of those elements in construction with a complex decision making process due to their great variety of types and features. This paper aims to provide a sustainable multi-criteria decision making framework for choosing the proper interior walls in buildings. A qualitative research method using literature review, unstructured interviews and questionnaires was adopted to achieve the aims of this research. The initial data, including the criteria and sub-criteria, were collected through literature review. A framework consisting of four main components related to environmental, financial, social and technical aspects was finally developed and validated through unstructured interviews held with 23 experts in the construction industry in Iran. By dividing the main criteria into sub-criteria, in total, 23 sub-criteria were identified; to calculate their weight, questionnaires were distributed among 143 experts in the construction industry in Tehran and the analytic hierarchy process method was applied. High-rise residential buildings in Tehran were selected as a case to apply the framework, and finally the results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first phase of any hydraulic fracturing (HF) operation is to select carefully the best layers and wells based on a specific set of criteria. Selecting HF candidates plays a pivotal role in achieving the desired objective such that any attempt to execute this treatment fails without performing comprehensive studies in this regard. In this paper, data from 3 wells in a fractured carbonate reservoir in one of the biggest oilfields of Iran are studied for selecting the best HF candidate. Of these wells, which are comprised of 45 evaluated layers, the best candidate wells/layers are selected from a geomechanical point of view. Initially, a new fracability index appropriate for carbonate reservoirs, namely total fracability index (TFI), is defined. This index integrates mechanical properties and horizontal stresses into an equation. In the next step, four main criteria, namely layer thickness, TFI, natural fractures state (including orientation and density), and fracture confinement, are employed to choose the candidate layers in the wells. Lastly, having used these criteria and analytic hierarchy process, candidate intervals are selected and a hydraulic fracturing simulation model (P3D) is used for evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green rooftop is a novel element in modern architecture, inspired by the sustainability concept developed for urban environment. It is used for increasing green space per capita, improving environmental quality, and sustainable urban development. Meanwhile, some factors hinder the development and utilization of these architectural elements in cities. In line with this research problem, the main objective was to identify and to prioritize the factors, limiting green rooftop development in Tabriz city, Iran, to recommend operational procedures and a method for sorting out the limitations and obstacles. According to the literature, reviews and experts' opinions through Delphi technique, first of all, five pivotal obstacles (factors), restricting green rooftop development, have been determined including "cost and investment" factor, "cultural and educational" factor, "scientific and technical" factor, "climatic and ecological" factor and, finally, "legislation and management" factor. Then, a sub-situated group of factors was prioritized within each of the major pivotal factors, using the analytical hierarchy process. Afterward, each factor has been investigated according to its effects and statistical significance for Tabriz city. Finally, the statistical significance (priority measures) was determined for the major factor sets. The final set of factors have been compared to the alternatives, considered around the world. This research attempted to spot out and identify major and serious bottlenecks facing green rooftop development generally in Iran and particularly in Tabriz. Some practical and concrete solutions were presented in this paper, especially offered for the developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineral exploration sequence contains field planning, data processing and assessment of results for further decision making. These need many decisions of critical importance for detecting new prospecting zones and the choice of the methodology to be applied in such areas. In this paper various exploration layers were synthesised by Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) and Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) models to generate an optimal Mineral Prospectivity Map (MPM) of Cu-Au mineralisation in the Sonajil area, NW of Iran. Here the knowledge-driven method was adopted using the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach for preparation of MPM. For this purpose, the Geographic Information System (GIS) was utilised by considering geochemical, alterations, tectonic, remote sensing and lithological evidential layers. Initially, the separation of populations for exploration layers was performed by fractal method, and the layers were classified using the results of the threshold limit. Then the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique is implemented to weigh the evidential layers. Accordingly, the decision matrix was formed using the values assigned to the pixels of these maps and the weights obtained by the AHP method, which was used in both the ARAS and WASPAS models to acquire the final MPM. The resulting map was cross-validated by the results of the petrography study of the samples taken from the mineralised zones indicated by MPM, thereby presenting the efficiency of the proposed approach as a well-established integrated model, sufficiently powerful to distinguish precise promising zones in centre and northeast of the area, with a successful extension of the mineralisation in the adjoining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Mining activities are liable to injuries and different types of diseases. The occurrence of an accident threatens safety in dimension stone mines. Therefore, the safety risk assessment in such mines is an important issue that needs special consideration. In this paper, the safety risk of incidents in dimension stone mines in Iran is evaluated using the fuzzy inference system. The fuzzy analytical hierarchy process is used to identify the importance degree of each incidence and then, the overall risk priority number is calculated based on the fuzzy inference process. The results of this study show that vehicle traffic and wire rupture are the most hazardous incidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water reuse allocation is one of the major challenges in water resource management which requires the assessment of water reuse alternatives, especially in regions with limitation in water resources, arid climates, population growth and increasing water demand. Considering the complexity of the problem, water reuse allocation by using conventional methods for maximizing benefits, minimizing cost and environmental risks, cannot guarantee optimal allocation. In this paper, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) which can be combined with Goal Programming (GP) by considering the Leopold matrix for carrying-out the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is used for sustainable water reuse allocation for multiple stakeholders in Najafabad as a case study. The results show that the developed mathematical model with combination of quantitative evaluation and optimization can be considered as an effective and flexible tool for creating better guidelines to adapt the requirements of various stakeholders for better allocation of recycled water. Finally, based on sensitivity analysis in AHP, a What-If analysis in GP is performed to the robustness of the final results of water reuse allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a service-oriented supply chain, blood supply chain management deals with a human-to-human network involved with a number of direct challenges such as irregularity in both blood supply and demand as well as multiplicity of blood products, their respective lifetimes and perishability. Besides, facing risks originating from natural disasters or man-made incidents such as labor strikes, economic problems, and so on, and from uncertainty embedded in the input data is also a real highlight in designing and managing a blood supply chain network. This paper addresses an enhanced perspective incorporating a two-phase preemptive policy by which the disruption risk is diminished through a hybrid technique using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and grey rational analysis for determining supplementary blood facilities, to cooperate in production process and decrease interruptions. Furthermore, a p-robust formulation is presented to control the network reliability under disruption scenarios at minimum cost. To protect the network against the uncertainty, a consolidated approach based on a recently developed fuzzy measure is extended. We also examine the validity and practicality of the proposed model and its solution perspective along with the reliability of the network by a real case of Iran. It is worth nothing that the problems in the case of disasters in which the impact of the two risk streams will be felt most keenly, could benefit from the proposed procedure advantages since it develops a proactive and controlling approach which can be extensively applicable in disastrous situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-criteria analysis (MCA) is a group of analytical approaches allowing us to compare criteria or alternatives when making complex decisions. It can be applied in Strategic Environmental Assessment for supporting the integration of environmental, social and economic aspects into the development of strategies, policies, plan and programme making. This paper reports on an application of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) as one of MCA approaches to assess Gilan Tourism Development Plan in Iran. Here, the Global Sustainable Tourism criteria were weighted by AHP on the basis of experts' opinions. The extent to which development options for Gilan Tourism Development Plan were likely to be sustainable was assessed using a list of weighted criteria. The evaluation of the findings suggests that the plan has not met all the sub-criteria of sustainable tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new model in evaluating local seismic amplification susceptibility by considering direct characteristics of influencing criteria and it deals with uncertainty of modelling through production of fuzzy membership functions for each criterion. For this purpose, relevant criteria were identified by reviewing previous literature. These criteria include alluvial thickness, stiffness and strength of alluvial deposits, type of soil and particle size distribution of alluvial deposits, depth of groundwater, type of rock, topographic irregularities, slope, and type of bedrock. Two methods, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy logic (FL), were applied in order to define priority rank of each criterion and sub-criteria of each criterion through interview data of 10 experts. The criteria and sub-criteria were combined using the weighted linear combination method in GIS to develop a model for assessing local seismic amplification susceptibility in the study area of Bam City, Iran. The model's output demonstrated high to very high seismic amplification levels in central, eastern, northeastern, and northern parts of the study area. The validation results based on overall accuracy and kappa statistics showed 73.6 % accuracy, with 0.74 kappa indicating a good fit to the model's output. This model assists planners and decision makers in determining local seismic amplification susceptibility to be incorporated in designing new development plans of urban and rural areas and in making informed decisions regarding safety measures of existing buildings and infrastructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to determine the optimum stock level in the forest. In this research, a goal programming method was used to estimate the optimal stock level of different tree species considering environmental, economic and social issues. We consider multiple objectives in the process of decision-making to maximize carbon sequestration, net present value and labour. We used regression analysis to make a forest growth model and allometric functions for the quantification of carbon budget. Expected mean price is estimated using wood price and variable harvesting costs to determine the net present value of forest harvesting. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process is applied to determine the weights of goals using questionnaires filled in by experts in order to generate the optimal stock level. According to the results of integrated goal programming approach and fuzzy analytic hierarchy processes, optimal volume for each species was calculated. The findings indicate that environmental, economic and social outcomes can be achieved in a multi-objective forestry program for the future forest management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floods are one of the most dangerous natural disasters that humanity has ever faced. In this study, a modified version of D number technique as a suitable form of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches was proposed to prioritize flooding in the Sad-Kalan watershed of Iran using some flood related criteria. The proposed method can overcome some shortcomings and uncertainties of the existing MCDM methods. In order to evaluate the performance of the method regarding flood prioritization, its results were compared with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique as mostly frequently used MCDM method. The findings demonstrate that the modified version of D number method provides better results than AHP method. In spite of inherent advantages of D number method, the advantages of the proposed method in relation to existing MCDM are as follows: 1- considering the local and global importance of used criteria, 2- reducing the uncertainty in decision makers' judgments using employing the concept of Picture fuzzy-AHP, 3- considering the degree of consistency in evaluation of decision makers into calculations. Furthermore, the method is flexible and can be used in any region of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banks as financial and service institutions have a specific place in each country's economy since their effective role in money and wealth circulation. Banks' constructive and efficient activities can positively effect the economic sections' growth and increase of production in each country. The aim of this study is to propose a fuzzy multi-criteria decision model to evaluate the performance of banks. Each performance evaluation model is a tool which encloses diverse information for decision makers after being performed. This specific application of these models contributes in responding the questions existing in decision makers' minds. In this paper, the affecting criteria in two financial and non-financial levels were selected and investigated after library studies and using experts' viewpoints. Standard questionnaires were designed and distributed among state-owned banks, partially private and private banks' experts and high rank managers. 10 branches of each above mentioned banks were selected as a case study. The data was extracted from questionnaires and the variables were weighted using fuzzy AHP and ultimately the banks were ranked applying TOPSIS technique. Based on the findings, profitability in financial level and service quality in non-financial level have gained the greatest importance according to experts' view points. In total ranking of management performance, private banks was placed at the first rank and partially private and private banks were ranked as the second and third, respectively. The results implied that having acceptable financial performance does not lead to having satisfactory non-financial performance spontaneously and in today's competitive environment, managers need to observe both financial and non-financial performance in order to succeed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of suitable sites for locating a large extractive industrial unit can be considered as a multi-criteria decision-making problem. Such a complicated process often requires considering the conflicting tangible and intangible criteria. This paper aims to propose a combination of a Delphi-analytical hierarchy process approach and geographical information system methodology in order to find the optimum sites for the large extractive industrial units in Iran. To this end, the most influential criteria and sub-criteria were firstly identified and weighted using Delphi method and analytical hierarchy process, respectively. Then, in order to specify the suitable sites for establishing a large extractive industrial unit in Iran, the results obtained from analytical hierarchy process were integrated into the weighted index overlay method in the geographical information system environment. The combination of Delphi and analytical hierarchy process with geographical information system revealed an acceptable performance for the identification and weighting of the effective criteria and the selection of the most suitable large extractive industrial unit sites in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, construction of underground caverns in salt domes using the solution mining technology is a priority among projects for the underground storage of natural gas in Iran. Solution mining in areas with hot and arid climates has not been widely accepted all over the world due the problems with supplying the water required for the salt solution process. Because of the arid and hot climate of the study area, supply of water required for the solution process was one of the most important challenges in this project. In this paper, different scenarios were considered based on the amount of water available for the construction of a cavern with a capacity of 500,000 m3 using the solution mining. All of the scenarios indicated that in order to construct the aforementioned cavern, the water shortage problem is a major challenge to which solutions shall be prepared before executing the project. In order to resolve this challenge establishment of a desalination plant for recycling the brine resulted from the solution mining process must be considered one of the effective ways returning water to the reuse cycle. Because of the advantages and disadvantages associated with each desalination technology, the selection of the optimum technique for any specific area is a complicated task due to the diversity of objectives and constraints that should be considered and satisfied simultaneously. In this situation where the decision maker confronts many criteria and constraints, multi attribute decision making (MADM) methods can offer a proper solution. The fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) is one of the MADM methods utilizing structured pair-wise comparisons. This paper presents an application of the FAHP method to select suitable solution mining brine recycling method. In the proposed FAHP model, fifteen main criteria and four alternatives (desalination technology) are considered. These studies show that such FAHP application can effectively assist engineers to evaluate solution mining brine recycling methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a method for monitoring the structural health of concrete bridges in Iran. In this method, the bridge condition index (BCI) of bridges is determined by the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). BCI constitutes eight indices that are scored based on the experts' views, including structural, hydrology and climate, safety, load impact, geotechnical and seismicity, strategic importance, facilities, and traffic and pavement. Experts' views were analyzed by Expert Choice software, and the relative importance (weight) of all eight indices were determined using AHP. Moreover, the scores of indices for various conditions were extracted from experts' standpoints. BCI defines as the sum of weighted scores of indices. Bridge inspectors can examine the bridge, determine the scores of indices, and compute BCI. Higher values of BCI indicate better conditions. Therefore, bridges with lower BCI take priority in maintenance activities. As the case studies, the authors selected five bridges in Iran. Successful implementation of the proposed method for these case studies verified that this method can be applied as an easy-to-use optimization tool in health monitoring and prioritizing programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dominance of conventional fuels in Iran and therefore increasing concerns about its side effects (both environmental issues and economical) has required the Government and policymakers to switch to the adoption of renewable technologies. However, facing some obstacles has lowered the adoption rate of these technologies. Therefore, by applying Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, this paper tends to identify and rank the main barriers to the development of the three alternatives in Iran, named solar PV, wind turbines, and biomass. From the literature review and experts' viewpoints, thirteen barriers have been identified and accordingly have been grouped into five dimensions, called 1. Economic & financial, 2. Social, cultural, & behavioural, 3. Political & regulatory, 4. Technical, and 5. Institutional. The sensitivity analysis has been conducted to check the stability of the priority ranking of the stated alternatives. The results showed that there are fewer limitations to the development of solar PV, followed by wind turbines and biomass. Therefore, to formulate and frame appropriate policies and strategies to foster the adoption of renewable energy technologies, at the first step, the Government and policymakers must pay more attention to overcome the hindrance to the expansion of solar PV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unsafe driving behavior and hazardous environmental conditions lead to traffic crashes and injuries. The annual rate of road crashes in Iran is twenty times higher than the world's average. Motorcycle crashes have higher fatality rates than other motor vehicle crashes, and they exert psychological pressure on the communities and have adverse economic consequences for the societies. This paper analyzes Tehran's motorcycle crash data and investigates the effective underlying factors. Seven strategies were presented and prioritized to reduce the number and severity of motorcycle crashes. The fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) combined with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to analyze and prioritize the recommended strategies. The combination of TOPSIS, AHP, and fuzzy theory improves the prioritization reliability and yields robust inferences. Based on the conducted analysis, it was concluded that the induction of social and cultural values, stimulating the sense of citizenship, and providing professional training programs have the highest priorities among the other strategies for reducing motorcycle-related fatalities and injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is aimed at comparing the performance of a proposed data-driven VIKOR method with its knowledge-driven version for porphyry copper prospectivity modeling in the Sardouyeh district, Kerman province, SE Iran. Sixteen exploratory layers from various sources were first nominated for this purpose. These layers were provided from the following sources: (1) multi-element geochemical signatures derived from principal component analysis (PCA); (2) distribution of geophysical footprints derived from aeromagnetic and potassium radioelement surveys; (3) proximity to ore host rocks and tectonic controls; and (4) proximity to hydrothermal alterations. For better comprehension of exploration layers, their values were transferred to the same range [0–1] using fuzzy logic. For predictive modeling of porphyry-type copper mineralization, an improved data-driven VIKOR model was introduced in this paper that its main foundation is based on the calculation of criteria and their relevant classes weights in a data-driven way using prediction-area (P-A) plots and normalized density index (N d), respectively. This methodology was applied twice: once on all exploratory layers and again only on efficient evidence layers. In order to compare and evaluate the performance of the novel methodology introduced for predicting high-favorable areas associated with Cu-porphyry deposits, on the basis of expert opinion and an Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach, the AHP-VIKOR procedure was implemented as a knowledge-driven method. A success-rate curve was employed to accurately compare the performance of three models, quantitatively. The findings reveal that the improved data-driven VIKOR approach using efficient evidence layers covered 80 % of Cu occurrences in only 6 % of the total area of the region, which led to much more precise and high-quality outcomes. Moreover, it provides more effective performance to be employed for more detailed exploration programs in this study area and similar studies in other regions. • Discovery of mineral reserves plays a major role in economy and industry. • Knowledge-based and data-based methods are used to explore mineral deposits. • Unlike knowledge-based methods, data-driven methods reduce uncertainty. • Developing a novel data-based VIKOR algorithm is useful in Cu prospectivity mapping. • Using data-based VIKOR is more accurate with involvement of only efficient criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the development of a spatial model for the allocation of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) operation by computing the priority index of damaged areas (PI-USAR model). The relevant prioritization criteria were identified through a literature review and interviews with 30 disaster managers. The relative importance of these criteria was computed as weights using an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method; the criteria were combined based on AHP rules and spatial multi-criteria decision-making analysis in geographic information system (GIS). The PI-USAR model was applied in the case study area of the Bam city in Iran and a priority map was produced indicating four highly prioritized areas. The model was validated by comparing the obtained priority map with the actual priority map (APM) using fuzzy inference system and relative operating characteristic methods. The result suggested a good fit between the APM and the model's output. Sensitivity analyses were performed using the map removal and the single parameter methods. With the uncertainties and complexities that are inherent to the spatial data, spatial modelling and the earthquake phenomenon itself, the PI-USAR model offers some utility to disaster managers in understanding the significance of each criterion in the decision-making process and in identifying the highly prioritized areas for the allocation of USAR operations. However, its utility is best exploited in conjunction with other complementary sources of field data based on the immediate post-disaster situation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Due to the explosion of data in recent years and the increase in its commercial application, big data and its analytics have attracted the attention of governments, academics, and practitioners, especially that of the startups. At the same time, regarding the recent nature of the phenomenon, entrepreneurship literature lacks a thorough understanding of the contextual challenges experienced by big data startups. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to the literature of big data entrepreneurship by identifying the environmental challenges of big data startups and exploring the priority of these challenges in the context of Iran, a developing IT market country. For this purpose, our research method is comprised of two phases: identifying the challenges of big data startups' using in-depth interviews and questionnaire, and prioritizing such challenges based on experts' assessments using a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. Our findings revealed that lack of particular laws and policies for big data, lack of transparency, data mismanagement, financial challenges, technological and educational weaknesses, unawareness of big data advantages, and lack of willingness for utilizing it are the most significant challenges of big data startups in a developing context. The paper concludes with some policy and managerial recommendations for creating a supportive environment for startups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest fires are a major environmental issue because they are increasing as a consequence of climate change and global warming. The present study was aimed to model forest fire hazard using the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) multi-criteria evaluation algorithm and to determine the role of human, climatic, and environmental factors in forest fire occurrence within the Golestan National Park (GNP), Iran. The database used for the present study was created according to daily classification of climate changes, environmental basic maps, and human-made influential forest fire factors. In the study area, the forest fires were registered using GPS. Expert opinions were applied through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to determine the importance of effective factors. Fuzzy membership functions were used to standardize the thematic layers. The fire risk maps were prepared using different OWA scenarios for man--made, climatic, and environment factors. The findings revealed that roads (weight = 0.288), rainfalls (weight = 0.288), and aspects (weight = 0.255) are the major factors that contribute to the occurrence of forest fire in the study area. The forest fire maps prepared from different scenarios were validated using the relative operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Values of forest fire maps acquired from scenarios of human, environment, climate factors and their combination were 0.87, 0.731, 0.773 and 0.819, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have proposed a data-driven method for spatio-temporal analysis of car crashes based on the Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) procedure in the Zanjan city, NW Iran which are recorded in the period 2019–2020. A combination of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is used in this paper to accurately identify the spatio-temporal interactions exist in car crashes. A data-driven AHP-TOPSIS procedure is arranged based on assigning proper weights to the time series related to the peak of accidents. On the other hand, for spatial analysis, the Kernel Density Estimation method was used to create the continuous-value maps of different traffic accidents and then classified using Natural Breaks Classifier. In fact, the proposed methodology can be used to identify car crash hotspots by considering spatio-temporal interactions as well as addressing exaggerated weightings arising from knowledge-driven modeling. By using the spatio-temporal interaction maps in which the location and time of crashes are considered, simultaneously, it is possible to provide a new scientific strategy for identifying car crash hotspots which can lead to better traffic management, improved allocation of resources, and enhanced prevention regulations. • Proposing a method for analyzing car crashes based on spatio-temporal interactions. • Based on MCDM, a data-driven method used for spatio-temporal analysis. • Developing an AHP-TOPSIS hybrid model for car crash spatio-temporal interaction. • Using Kernel Density Estimation to create the continuous-value maps of car crashes. • Providing a car crash hotspot map including both location and time simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major strengths of a GIS is the ability to integrate and combine multiple layers of geoscience data for producing mineral potential maps showing favorable areas for mineral exploration. Once the data is prepared properly, the GIS, jointly with other statistical and geostatistical software packages, can be used to manipulate and visualize the data in order to produce a mineral prospectivity map. Many spatial modeling techniques can be employed to produce mineral potential maps. This paper demonstrates a technique to define favorable areas for REE mineralization with AHP technique using geological, geochemical, geophysical, alteration and faults density spatial data in the Kerman-Kashmar Tectonic Zone of central Iran. The AHP is a powerful and flexible multi-criteria decision-making tool for dealing with complex problems where both qualitative and quantitative aspects need to be considered. This approach is knowledgedriven method and can be applied in other areas for conventional use in mineral exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PROMETHEE (Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment) is a family of outranking methods. In this paper, we explore its application to technology selection by first providing a generic comparison of PROMETHEE with other ranking methods. We start our investigation by comparing the strengths and weaknesses of PROMETHEE to prevalently used methods in technology selection, such as Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP), technology selection framework and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchical Process (FAHP with Fuzzy Delphi). We then explain how PROMETHEE can be applied to a particular technology selection application by detailing the steps for selecting among various nanotechnology application fields. Lastly, we compare PROMETHEE to other methods in this context and explain the advantages and constraints of its use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an approach to spatially representative depiction for assessing the vulnerability of central Iran's Zayandeh- Rood river basin to drought using multiple indicators. Drought conditions prevailed in the study basin from 2002 to 2007, with an annual rainfall deficiency of 45 to 55%. Multi-attribute decision making ( MADM) methods develop a framework to evaluate the relative priorities of drought assessment based on a set of preferences, criteria and indicators. The proposed MADM process uses well-known techniques for product weights analytic hierarchy process ( AHP) and order preference ( TOPSIS). These indicators include the Standard Precipitation Index ( SPI), water demand, the Palmer Drought Severity Index ( PDSI) and the Groundwater Balance and Surface Water Supply Index ( SWSI). Indicators' spatial information was categorised in layers prepared in the spatial domain using a geographic information system ( GIS). The alternatives were ranked and presented using TOPSIS. Results show that the proposed method was highly effective in representing assessments of drought vulnerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 25 sites were selected for construction of new towns in Iran between 1980 and 2000. Nevertheless it seems that a comprehensive assessment has not been performed on the new towns construction policy. The purpose of this study is to analyze the site selection methods for new towns in the recent three decades. The main question of this research is the conformity measure of the used methods in site selection of new towns in Iran with common scientific methods of site selection. In some cases, quality assessments (not relying on scientific methods) lead to involvement of personal taste and policies in site selection. The scientific and analytical process of site selection is not obvious in most of these studies and it seems that site selection is justified for pre-selected sites. For this purpose, a comparison was made between the different known decision-making methods in the site selection field with the methods used in site selection of new Iranian towns. The comparison includes the manner of determining appropriate sites ,selection criteria, weighting the criteria and the manner of determining the final score of each option. Eight towns in Iran including Sahand, Golbahar, Binalood New-Towns (in 1360's) Bakhtaran, Hasanlou, Eyvanaki New-Towns (in 1370's) Kelardasht and Parnian New-Town (in 1380's) were studied. The paper attempts to build a conceptual model of site-selection process based on the related used methods in Multi-Criteria Decision Making area. In this model, the central points and main steps are defined then the site-selection processes are readjusted by these steps and final results are concluded. The results indicate a relatively simplistic outlook in site selection of new towns in a way that the methods used did not have much conformity with common scientific methods of site selection. Although tendency towards application of scientific methods of site selection has increased since 1980, the achievement of urban development in this field, which is one of the complicated spatial decision making processes, is not significant. It seems that managerial and political factors have obvious roles in site selection for new towns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: By attention to this matter that the Caspian sea is very important area because of its economical, environmental, fishery parameters and by its high length it is always exposed to the negative effects of oil spills, so determination of its sensitive coastal areas to oil spills according to effective criteria and presentation of some methods to develop the models much necessary. In this paper, a structured GIS-based fuzzy multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) model is applied through combining the concepts of fuzzy set theory, hierarchical structure analysis, and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environment, then the model of protecting decision system is presented to make the preference for the sensitive coastal areas of Mazandaran province (North of Iran) to oil spills. For creating this model, at first the hazard line (affected coastal areas to oil spills) and effective criteria (physical parameters, biological and socio-economic resources) are recognized according literature and expert''s opinion and thematic maps are developed in GIS. Then, the processed layers are weighted, scored and combined in a fuzzy decision making environment and sensitivity maps are prepared, it helps the managers for determining and recognizing the priorities so by recognition of the resources which are exposed to the danger and protection of more sensitive areas is done as soon as possible. The paper shows that the applied fuzzy method is an effective method to evaluate shoreline sensitivity area to oil spills. Also the results of case study shows the most shoreline of Mazandaran province are medium and high sensitive and regions which are near Gorgan bay are very high sensitive to oil spills. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]