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BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION Tomatoes are a significant product of the Mediterranean region and a crucial component of the Mediterranean diet. The formulation of dried tomato products enriched with proteins and bioactive compounds could be a strategic approach to promote adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Six different novel tomato products were analyzed using different protein enrichment sources (pea proteins and leaf proteins) and drying technologies (hot‐air dryer, microwave vacuum dryer, and conventional dryer). The novelty of this approach lies in combining product‐specific criteria with global societal factors across their life cycles. Using 21 criteria and an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) survey of experts, the social sustainability score for each product was determined through a multi‐criteria assessment.The tomato product's life cycles have minimal regional impacts on unemployment, access to drinking water, sanitation, or excessive working hours. However, they affect discrimination, migrant labor, children's education, and access to hospital beds significantly. The study identified nutritional quality as the top criterion, with the most sustainable design being a tomato bar enriched with pea protein and processed using microwave vacuum drying.The study revealed that integrating sensory and nutrient compounds into social sustainability assessments improves food sustainability and provides a practical roadmap for social life cycle assessments of food products. It emphasized the importance of considering global social issues when reformulating Mediterranean products to ensure long‐term adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Incorporating social factors into sustainability scores can also enhance the effectiveness of product information for conscious customers. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of a hydrogen economy has received increasing attention worldwide. Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier that contributes to the development of a sustainable and reliable energy sector. Selection of the most sustainable hydrogen production technology (HPT) plays a significant role in promoting a hydrogen economy. However, it is regarded as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem with several incompatible evaluation criteria. In this study, we develop an MCDM approach based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) for prioritizing HPT alternatives, focusing on Egypt as a case study. Our contributions are twofold. First, to combat the issue of a small number of subject matter experts, a bootstrap method is employed to validate the main criteria weights in FAHP. Second, we conduct a comparative FAHP analysis from a broad perspective of the national experts from a developing country and the international experts from developed countries. Our results show that PV electrolysis is the most preferable technology option from the perspectives of both the national and international experts. Since the FAHP approach proposed is a flexible framework that can be applied to countries other than Egypt, it will support global policymakers and industry stakeholders in their decision making toward a sustainable and efficient hydrogen economy strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity occurs in the agriculturally dominated Upper catchment area of Narmada River, Central India because of the overexploitation of underground water for residential, industrial, and other uses. Delineating the Ground Water Potential Zone (GWPZ) is critical to meeting the area's water demand. Finding the Upper catchment Narmada River groundwater potential zone is the primary goal of this study. The study uses geographical methodologies based on the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP). To create a GWPZ map, ArcGIS 10.4 software compiles eight thematic layers, including elevation, slope, drainage density, geology, rainfall, soil texture, modified normalized difference water index, topographic wetness index, and land use/cover. There are five classifications for land use land cover map: Very low, low, moderate, high, and Very high. Each theme map in this study was given a weight based on its unique attributes and contribution to the GWP capacity. The AHP method, which takes into account each layer's relative relevance regarding the others, was used to establish the weights. Four groups were created from the resulting groundwater potential map: excellent, good, moderate, and poor. According to the study, 26.05% of the basin was categorized as excellent, 34.59% as good, 23.97% as moderate, and 15.4% as poor groundwater potential.The results of this study further indicate that a sizable section of the Narmada River Basin has well to moderate groundwater potential, pointing to encouraging prospects for the area's sustainable groundwater use. The study offers crucial insights for planners and policymakers to conscientiously harness groundwater resources, fostering sustainable development across diverse land uses in the fragile zone of the upper catchment of the Narmada, and it serves as a model for simulation in other sensitive river basins. The implications of the study are geared towards enhancing groundwater prospects, revitalizing fragile riverine ecosystems, and achieving the target outlined in Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural environment and infrastructure are severely damaged by floods, which are becoming frequent occurrences. It may not be able to stop floods given the impending climate change and variability of the weather. Yet mapping flood risk can help with both mitigation and prevention of flooding. The Shah Alam experiences flash floods yearly, which is why it was chosen. An interactive approach to decision-making under multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), is used. The flood risk zone is divided into five categories very low-risk (32.38%), low-risk (22.25%), moderate-risk (23.17%), high-risk (18.87%), and very high-risk (3.33%) respectively. Based on the data gathered for this study, the economic losses are identified, low-risk areas (RM 2091), moderate-risk areas (RM 2343), and high-risk areas (RM 2728). The historical flood events occur in the Seksyen 36, 18, 17, and most of the southern part of Shah Alam, Malaysia. Rainfall and the Klang River have the biggest effects on these regions, with water drainage systems being critical in the Shah Alam area to reduce the risk of floods. When analysing flood risks in the Shah Alam region and throughout the nation, important stakeholders both state and non-state actors can benefit greatly from the flood susceptibility map provided by this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traditionally, poverty assessment has relied on a single income criterion, which is inadequate in contexts where absolute poverty has been mitigated. This study developed a weighting scheme for the Multidimensional Health Poverty Index (MHPI) based on sustainable livelihood framework (SLF), aimed at enhancing the accuracy of poverty identification in China. Methods: A two-round Delphi process was used to determine the indicators of the index system. The weight of each indicator was calculated using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. The multidimensional poverty index incorporates SLF's five dimensions: financial, natural, physical, social, and human capital. Results: The initial 46 indicators formed an indicator pool for the Delphi questionnaire. Based on the final consensus of the expert panel, the Delphi consultation resulted in an index system comprising six first-level and 23 second-level indicators. The weight values of the first-level indicators (economic security, health status, education, social capital, healthcare utilisation, and living conditions) were 0.2715, 0.2593, 0.0855, 0.0657, 0.1812, and 0.1363, respectively. Conclusion: This study established a scientific and effective index to evaluate generate weight for estimating multidimensional health poverty in China. Economic security, health status, and healthcare utilisation are the most crucial aspects of multidimensional health poverty. Moreover, the results indicated that vocational training and social capital should be emphasised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the implementation of sustainable green development strategy, the study uses the competitive situation method and analytical hierarchy process of logistics enterprises to conduct structural analysis and weight calculation of factor indicators for their development strategies. Afterwards, the exponential smoothing prediction method was used to weight the logistics data. Moreover, through comparative analysis of the indicator evaluation system, the average weights of the advantageous factors of logistics enterprises were found to be 0.0232, 0.1102, 0.0522, and 0.0468, respectively. The energy consumption, transportation volume, and turnover of logistics transportation increased by 68.9% and 52.3% in 2022, respectively, which had a significant impact on the sustainable development of the logistics industry. It has been demonstrated that a sustainable logistics development strategy based on the enterprise competitive situation method and the analytic hierarchy process is both feasible and superior. Furthermore, this strategy has the potential to enhance the environmental benefits and green development of the economy and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Air quality health index (AQHI), as a developed air quality risk communication tool, has been proved to be more accurate in predicting air quality related health risks than air quality index (AQI) by previous studies. However, the standard method to construct AQHI is summing the excess risks of single-pollutant models directly, which may ignore the joint effect of air pollutant mixtures. Methods: In this study, a new method which could solve the aforementioned problem, Analytic hierarchy process (AHP), was introduced. Based on this method, we constructed the respiratory health related AQHI using years of life lost (YLL) as indicator of health outcome and compared its validity with AQI. Results: There was a correlation between daily AQI and AQHI in 2019 (R2 = 0.830, P < 0.01), and the chi-square test between the two excellent rates showed a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 4.156, P < 0.05). Both AQI and AQHI were correlated with the daily respiratory YLL (P < 0.01), however, the coefficient of AQHI was larger than those of AQI. Conclusions: This study indicated that compared with AQI, the constructed AQHI based on AHP may predict the health risk of air pollution more effectively. AHP may become a new method to construct AQHI which needs to be proved by taking into consideration by more studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Huanghe Estuary, which is characterized by dynamic hydrological and ecological processes, is highly susceptible to marine oil spills due to dense maritime traffic and extensive industrial activities. This study evaluated the vulnerability of estuarine wetlands in the Huanghe Estuary to oil spill stress using the Pressure-Situation-Sensitivity-Recovery (PSSR) framework. By employing the Geographic Information System (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), this study categorized the vulnerability index (0-1) into five classes: Very Low (0- 0.098), Low (0.098-0.125), Medium (0.125-0.192), High (0.192-0.224), and Very High (0.224-1). The results indicate that the ships indicator has the highest weight, followed by oil rigs. In contrast, the number of chemical splash-proof suits and tugboats have the lowest weights. Wetland vulnerability under oil spill stress exhibited significant spatial variation, with higher vulnerability observed in areas closer to the coastline, such as the eastern part of Kenli County, the northern part of Wudi County, and the northern part of Hekou District. This study underscores the need for targeted measures and enhanced monitoring to mitigate the risks of large oil spills and protect the ecological integrity of the Huanghe Estuary. The findings presented herein provide critical information that will help policymakers and environmental managers implement effective conservation strategies and risk mitigation efforts in this ecologically sensitive and economically important region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have shown the positive impact of perceived social support on cognitive function among older adults in rural areas. However, existing studies often overlook the impact of different support sources. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the diverse sources of perceived social support and cognitive function. Methods: Participants were drawn from the Guizhou Rural Older Adults' Health Study (HSRO) in China. We included 791 participants who participated in a baseline survey in 2019 and a 3-year follow-up survey. Perceived social support was investigated from the six main sources (friend, relative, children, spouse, sibling, and neighbor). Hierarchical linear regression models were used to observe the effects of diverse sources of perceived social support and their combinations on cognitive function. Results: Cognitive function was positively associated with perceived support from children, friends, and neighbors. A positive association was found between cognitive function and increases in each additional source [ß = 0.75 (95%CI: 0.51, 0.98), p < 0.001]. Older adults who perceived support from both children and friends showed better cognitive function [ß = 2.53 (95%CI: 1.35, 3.72), p < 0.001]. The perception of support from spouse, siblings, and relatives did not show a statistically significant association with cognitive function among older adults in rural areas. Conclusion: This study found that the association between different sources of perceived social support and cognitive function was varied. This study provides scientific evidence that personalized support strategies may benefit in promoting cognitive health in rural older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the main elements causing flooding in Pakistan's Swabi area and finds that elevation, slope, precipitation, and vicinity of rivers all play a major role in flooding occurrences. Low‐lying areas, steeper slopes, intense monsoon rainfall, and proximity to rivers increase vulnerability to floods. Additional factors such as curvature, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), topographic wetness index (TWI), land use and land cover (LULC), and soil type exhibit comparatively less impact on flooding. The evaluation of flood risk incorporates nine factors through the AHP procedure, assigning weights that emphasize the importance of rainfall, slope, elevation, and distance to rivers using GIS software. The resulting flood hazard map categorizes the region into high‐, moderate‐, low‐, and very low‐risk zones, with approximately 49.42% identified as high flood risk areas. Evacuation planning designates secure zones, moderate‐risk areas, and high‐risk zones, emphasizing the need for flexible and adaptable routes in response to evolving flood scenarios. The study's comprehensive approach, integrating GIS and AHP, provides valuable insights for effective flood management in the Swabi district, despite limitations related to data quality. The findings contribute to resolving flooding issues and offer a foundation for coordinated actions by authorities and communities in flood‐prone areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, Ghana, particularly the inhabitants of the Upper East Region, has experienced profound impact of flooding, largely attributable to the complex interplay of climatic factors. This research embarks on a comprehensive assessment of flood risk zones nestled within the White Volta Basin, situated in the Upper East Region. The study employs advanced cartographic methodologies and uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in conjunction with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to systematically categorize areas susceptible to inundation. Leveraging geospatial datasets acquired from satellites such as Landsat and Sentinel. Topographic, slope, and Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) maps have been constructed. The empirical findings underscore the susceptibility of specific regions, including the Talensi District, territories within Bawku West, and some segments of the Bolgatanga Municipal area, to escalated flood risk. Additionally, the research underscores the high vulnerability of communities such as Nunku, Tolla, Zaare, Pwalugu, Balungu, Winkongo, Biung, and Tongo to the negative impact of inundation. Significantly, the study unveils a pivotal factor in the perpetuation of flood devastation—namely, the role of water discharge. This intrinsic linkage between discharge rates and flood occurrences underscores the pressing need to address this critical component in mitigation strategies to reduce adverse impacts on the basin's resident communities. The insights derived from the study offer some level of hope for residents, providing essential knowledge concerning flood-prone areas and optimal timing for agricultural activities to safeguard their cherished livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floods are the most common and costly disasters worldwide, while spatial flood risk assessment is still challenging due to fewer observations and method limitations. In this study, the flood risk zonation in the Nile districts of the Damietta branch, Egypt, is delineated and assessed by integrating remote sensing with a geographic information system, and an analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Twelve thematic layers (elevation, slope, normalized difference vegetation index, topographic wetness index, modified normalized difference water index, topographic positioning index, stream power index, modified Fournier index, drainage density, distance to the river, sediment transport index, and lithology) are used for producing flood susceptibility zonation (FSZ) and six parameters (total population, distance to hospital, land use/land cover, population density, road density, and distance to road) are utilized for producing flood vulnerability zonation. Multicollinearity analysis is applied to identify highly correlated independent variables. Sensitivity studies have been used to assess the effectiveness of the AHP model. The results indicate that the high and very high flood risk classes cover 21.40% and 8.26% of the area, respectively. In 14.07%, 27.01%, and 29.26% of the research area, respectively, flood risk zones classified as very low, low, and moderate are found. Finally, FSZ is validated using the receiver operating characteristics curve and area under curve (AUC) analysis. A higher AUC value (0.741) in the validation findings demonstrated the validity of this AHP approach. The results of this study will help planners, hydrologists, and managers of water resources manage areas that are susceptible to flooding and reduce potential harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous growth of renewable energy and the load level has posed increasingly severe operational risks to distribution systems. In view of this, this paper combines state estimation with risk assessment, and uses the results of distribution system state estimation based on Unscented Kalman Filter as the input of risk assessment. With the combination, the sampling based on probability distributions in traditional risk assessment methods is no longer needed, thus avoiding the difficulty of updating probability distributions timely according to the latest information in real-time operation. By applying the proposed risk assessment method, the real-time assessment of operational risks in perspectives of bus voltage, branch power, and renewable energy utilization is achieved. Meanwhile, the weight of each risk index is properly determined according to both subjective and objective knowledge by using Analytic Hierarchy Process method and entropy weight method. Case studies show that the proposed method achieves effective assessment of comprehensive risks in the operation of distribution system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the water quality characteristics in the coal-antimony concentrated mining area of Qianxinan Prefecture, Guizhou Province, water samples were collected along two adjacent karst underground rivers, Longbaiwei and Shuiya. The hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater in the study area were analyzed using Piper trilinear diagrams, Gibbs models, and ion ratio diagrams. A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model based on the CRITIC method and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was applied to assess the water quality of the two karst underground rivers. The analysis results show that longbaiwei is mainly dominated by HCO3 -SO4 -Ca type water. In contrast, Shuiya is primarily dominated by HCO3 -Ca and SO4 -HCO3 -Ca type water, with the hydrogeochemical evolution mainly controlled by carbonate rock weathering. Nine factors, including Fe, Mn, SO 2- 4, and Sb, were selected as evaluation indicators. The water quality of the two adjacent karst underground rivers was assessed using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. The evaluation results show that 20% of the water samples from Longbaiwei are categorized as Class Ⅲ ~ Ⅴ, indicating unsuitability for drinking, while the water quality of the Shuiya underground river is better than that of the Longbaiwei underground river. Comparing the evaluation results, it is evident that the concentrated mining of coal-antimony has led to a large amount of mine drainage entering the karst underground river system, resulting in excessive concentrations of ions such as Fe, Mn, SO 2- 4, and Sb. However, the degree and extent of pollution vary significantly due to differences in hydrogeological conditions, karst development status, and the scale of surrounding mining areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research objective in the context of the study relates to the major concern of corrosion affecting the wind turbines in operation to find materials with high durability in relation to environmental conditions of operation, strength, and cost. A method is an integration of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and VIKOR Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques that will assess seven different material options on sixteen criteria that comprise corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, cost, and a negative environmental impact. From this result, the AHP method calculated the weights for the indicators and chose potential materials, and finally, the VIKOR method used these materials and compared and ranked them to obtain a compromise solution. The research novelty integrates the AHP and VIKOR MCDM methods to address corrosion in wind turbines. By evaluating seven materials against challenging sixteen criteria—including corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, cost, and toxicity, AHP ranks and weights the criteria, while VIKOR identifies the optimal material choice. This dual approach enhances the selection process, ensuring the chosen material improves turbine performance and durability, offering a significant advancement in the sustainable development of wind energy technology. In conclusion, by integrating AHP and VIKOR, it comprehensively evaluates multiple material options based on corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, cost, and environmental impact. This methodology effectively identifies materials that enhance wind turbine performance and extend their lifespan, addressing a critical industry challenge. The alternative exhibits a similarity to the positive ideal solution (Si) of 0.3704 and a relative closeness to the ideal solution (Ri) of 0.0750. Additionally, its priority ranking (Qi) is 0.001, placing it in the first rank for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) within the selection methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on an intelligent management framework for vocal music media resources, with use of deep neural networks and web crawlers. The web driver module is used to simulate the Google browser access mode to collect and preprocess the data of the China vocal music network webpage project, and the delay code is added to solve the problem of Internet Protocol (IP) restrictions on crawling webpages. After parsing, the content of the project description is obtained and temporarily stored in the local file through the panda’s module to realize the automatic collection of project data. Membership functions of four basic types of emotions are designed. By utilizing the analytic hierarchy process, the experience and wisdom of many music experts are gathered. The weights of activity and the evoking force in determining the music emotion membership value are discussed, trying to make the membership function closer to reality. Through the application of the music emotion analysis model, the music emotion analysis technology is combined with the recommendation algorithm, and the music recommendation algorithm combined with the emotion analysis is realized. The experimental test proves that the algorithm has higher accuracy than the traditional music recommendation algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Methods Results Conclusion A competency training index system was designed in public health emergencies for community nurses. The purpose of this approach is to provide community nurses with guidelines for standardized training programs on how to respond to public health emergencies.Through semi‐structured interviews, a literature review, and team discussion, the first draft of competency training index system in public health emergencies for community nurses was formed. The Delphi method was used for two rounds of expert consultation to screen, modify and determine indicators. Finally, the analytic hierarchy process was utilized to calculate the weights of indicators at all levels.A total of 15 expert consultants were included. The effective recovery rate of the two rounds of expert consultation questionnaire was 100%, the expert authority coefficient was 0.880, 0.887, and the Kendall coordination coefficient was 0.172 and 0.171 (p < 0.001). Expert opinions have determined that the final revised competency index system in public health emergencies for community nurses training consists of 2 primary indicators, 10 secondary indicators, and 46 tertiary indicators.The study has developed a competency training index system in public health emergencies for community nurses. This system can serve as a foundation for standardized training in community health service institutions. It is characterized by its high demand, scientific approach, reliability, and rationality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To establish an evaluation index system of medical service capacity in county hospitals, so as to provide a reference basis for further evaluating the overall medical service strength of county-level hospitals. Methods Experts were invited to evaluate the relative importance of indicators at all levels of medical service capacity, and the weights of the dimensions of the indicators system were determined using analytic hierarchy process. Results A total of 35 experts were invited to consult letter inquiries, and the recovery rate of the questionnaire was 94.43%. The CR of first-level indicators judgment matrix was 0.0223, and the CR of the second-level index judgment matrix under the three dimensions of structure, process and outcome were 0.0000,0.0741and 0.0052, all less than 0.1. Finally, the evaluation index system included 3 first-level indicators, 10 second-level indicators and 23 third-level indicators. The highest weight of the first-level indicators was the result(0.4570). Among the combined weights there were 11 indicators that exceeded the average weight of 0.0435 (1/23). Conclusion The evaluation index system of county hospitals based on analytic hierarchy process is objective and reliable, which can provide reference for health administrative departments at all levels and county hospitals to carry out medical service ability evaluation and ability improvement according to the actual situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to support the goals of Oman Vision 2040 by reducing the dependency on non-renewable energy resources and increasing the utilization of the national natural renewable energy resources. Selecting appropriate energy storage systems (ESSs) will play a key role in achieving this vision by enabling a greater integration of solar and other renewable energy. ESSs allow for solar power generated during daylight hours to be stored for use during peak demand periods. Additionally, the proposed framework provides guidance for large-scale ESS infrastructure planning and investments to support Oman's renewable energy goals. As the global renewable energy market grows rapidly and Oman implements economic reforms, the ESS market is expected to flourish in Oman. In the near future, ESS is expected to contribute to lower electricity costs and enhance stability compared to traditional energy systems. While ESS technologies have been studied broadly, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis for optimal ESS selection tailored to Oman's unique geographical, technical, and policy context. The main objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of ESS options and identify the type(s) most suitable for integration with Oman's national grid using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology. This study addresses this gap by applying the Hesitate Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (HF-AHP) and Hesitate Fuzzy VIKOR methods to assess alternative ESS technologies based on technical, economic, environmental, and social criteria specifically for Oman's context. The analysis reveals pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) and compressed air energy storage (CAES) as the most appropriate solutions. The tailored selection framework aims to guide policy and infrastructure planning to determine investments for large-scale ESSs and provide a model for comprehensive ESS assessment in energy transition planning for countries with similar challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to achieve the goals of carbon neutrality and reduced carbon emissions, China is increasingly focusing on the development and utilization of renewable energy sources. Among these, ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) has the advantages of small periodic fluctuations and large potential reserves, making it an important research field. With the development of the "Maritime Silk Road", the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea will see a growing demand for electricity, providing the potential for OTEC development in this region. Optimal site selection of OTEC power plants is a prerequisite for developing thermal energy provision, affecting both the construction costs and future benefits of the power plants. This study establishes a scientific evaluation model based on the decision-making frameworks of geographic information systems (GISs) and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods, specifically the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for assigning weights, the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to reclassify the factors, and weighted linear combination (WLC) to compute the suitability index. In addition to commonly considered factors such as temperature difference and marine usage status, this study innovatively incorporates geological conditions and maximum offshore distances of cold seawater based on cost control. The final evaluation identifies three suitable areas for OTEC development near the Xuande Atoll and the Yongle Atoll in the Xisha Sea Area, providing valuable insights for energy developers and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural and urban green areas are essential territories that support life and ecosystems. The significant reduction of these areas due to urbanization is a pressing issue. The process of land take consumes not only land resources but also the connected ecosystems and the benefits generated for human society. Reducing the quantity of land taken is imperative, but preserving high-quality territories is essential to achieving sustainable development. Evaluating the quality of non-urbanized areas can be done by assessing the ecosystem services (ESs) provided by these areas. In this paper, the authors present a further step: an evolution and deepening of the previous methodology (published in 2020) to evaluate the quality of rural and urban green areas through the assessment of the ESs provided. The methodology first allows the identification of the ESs provided by different typologies of rural and urban green areas according to the common international classification of ESs (provisioning, regulation and maintenance, and cultural). Then, it allows the calculation of several singular indexes and a final composite quality index through the use of geographical information systems. An analytic hierarchy process was performed with the creation of different scenarios to consider the different importance of the singular indexes assigned by planners and communities involved. The methodology was applied to the province of Monza Brianza (Italy), for testing and validation purposes. The application to the municipality of Sovico, which is presented in this report, allowed for the identification of areas with higher quality in the different scenarios that were created to consider the relative importance of the territorial characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) the efficient vectors for a pairwise comparison matrix (PC matrix) are based on the principle of Pareto optimal decisions. To infer the efficiency of a vector for a PC matrix we construct a directed Hamiltonian cycle of a certain digraph associated with the PC matrix and the vector. We describe advantages of using this process over using the strong connectivity of the digraph. As an application of our process we find efficient vectors for a PC matrix, A, obtained from a consistent one by perturbing three entries above the main diagonal and the corresponding reciprocal entries, in a way that there is a square submatrix of A of order 2 containing three of the perturbed entries and not containing a diagonal entry of A. For completeness, we include examples showing conditions under which, when deleting a certain entry of an efficient vector for the square matrix A of order n, we have a non-efficient vector for the corresponding square principal submatrix of order n-1 of A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: While there is a call for smart and sustainable housing in general and for older adults in particular, little attention is paid to identifying the determinants of such housing and their extent of influence on the quality of life (QoL) of older adults. This study addresses the above gap by re-defining the criteria for house quality assessment, taking into account new needs of older inhabitants, while concerning digital assistive technologies. Methods: This research uses various methods to identify and validate housing-related criteria and metrics, resulting in a transparent multi-criteria evaluation framework that accounts for the spatial needs of older adults. These include recommendations for multi-criteria decision-making method (MCDM/A), expert workshop to develop new metrics and validate sub-criteria, expert survey to prioritize criteria and sub-criteria and interviews with three employees in the construction-services sector in the Netherlands, to gain knowledge on smart and healthy environments. Results and Discussion: The results show that age-friendliness of housing function is the most significant criterion, while availability of housing modifications for seniors most important sub-criterion. Our findings can benefit architects in designing improved age- friendly spaces, older adults in evaluating their dwellings and researchers from the field of architecture in selecting most relevant method for their study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater depletion in Bangladesh's Barind tract poses significant challenges for sustainable water management. This study aims to delineate groundwater recharge potential zones in this region using an integrated geospatial and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach. The methodology combines remote-sensing data with GIS analysis, considering seven factors influencing groundwater recharge: rainfall, soil type, geology, slope, lineament density, land use/land cover, and drainage density. The AHP method was employed to assess the variability of groundwater recharge potential within the 7586 km2 study area. Thematic maps of relevant factors were processed using ArcGIS software. Results indicate that 9.23% (700.22 km2), 47.68% (3617.13 km2), 37.12% (2816.13 km2), and 5.97% (452.70 km2) of the study area exhibit poor, moderate, good, and very good recharge potential, respectively. The annual recharge volume is estimated at 2554 × 106 m3/year, constituting 22.7% of the total precipitation volume (11,227 × 106 m3/year). Analysis of individual factors revealed that geology has the highest influence (33.57%) on recharge potential, followed by land use/land cover (17.74%), soil type (17.25%), and rainfall (12.25%). The consistency ratio of the pairwise comparison matrix was 0.0904, indicating acceptable reliability of the AHP results. The spatial distribution of recharge zones shows a concentration of poor recharge potential in areas with low rainfall (1200–1400 mm/year) and high slope (6–40%). Conversely, very good recharge potential is associated with high rainfall zones (1800–2200 mm/year) and areas with favorable geology (sedimentary deposits). This study provides a quantitative framework for assessing groundwater recharge potential in the Barind tract. The resulting maps and data offer valuable insights for policymakers and water resource managers to develop targeted groundwater management strategies. These findings have significant implications for sustainable water resource management in the region, particularly in addressing challenges related to agricultural water demand and climate change adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater recharge zone identification is vital for managing water resources, particularly in semi-arid and dry climates. Accurate and quantifiable assessment is necessary for the sustainable management of groundwater resources, and it is possible to carry this method out using modern techniques and technical standards. To identify likely groundwater locations in the Diyala River Catchment, Iraq, which serves as an example study basin, the current research examines a new methodology that employs a geographic information system, and an Analytical Hierarchy Process connected with remote sensing data. The technique of ArcGIS was employed to generate spatially distributed thematic layers of rainfall, lithology, slope, drainage density, land use/land cover, relief and soil. The raster data from these layers were then converted and categorized. The weights assigned to thematic strata depended on their significance relative to groundwater occurrence. A pairwise judgement matrix for the Analytical Hierarchy Process was used, with the categorized ranking, to assess the standardized weights of the layers under consideration. The layers for the formation of groundwater zones have then been placed using the overlay-weighted summation approach. Three regions, which are classed as excellent, good and moderate, have been identified on the resulting groundwater potential zones map, representing roughly 29, 69 and 2% of the basin's total area, respectively. The study's conclusions indicate that, in such a climate, the adopted strategy would produce favourable results to promote the organizing of opinions and the sustainable use of groundwater resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) in recent years has provided many new opportunities and challenges for human social production. However, recent evaluation methods have some problems with regard to consistency, subjectivity and comprehensiveness. In order to solve the above problems, in this paper, we propose an Artificial General Intelligence Security Evaluation scheme (AGISE), which is based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technology with a genetic algorithm, to comprehensively evaluate the AGI security based on multiple security risk styles and complex indicators. Firstly, our AGISE combines AHP technology with a genetic algorithm to realize reliable, consistent and objective evaluation for AGI security. Secondly, in our AGISE, we propose implementing more effective AGI security evaluation classification and indicator settings. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our AGISE through experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction time of concrete structures in hydraulic tunnels is long, the construction environment is complex, and there are many influencing factors. The requirements for construction quality are high not only to meet the strength requirements but also to meet the design requirements of erosion resistance, crack resistance, and seepage resistance according to its specific operating environment. Therefore, evaluating the construction quality of concrete structures in hydraulic tunnels is of great significance. Considering the randomness and fuzziness of factors affecting the construction quality of concrete structures in hydraulic tunnels, this paper proposes a comprehensive evaluation model based on combined weighting (CWM) and uncertainty measurement theory (UM). The improved analytic hierarchy process (IAHP) and the CRITIC method are used to determine the subjective and objective weights of evaluation indicators. Combined weighting is based on the principle of minimum entropy, and the UM method is used to evaluate the construction quality level. Finally, taking a hydraulic tunnel as an example, its construction quality grade is calculated to be III, according to the evaluation model proposed in this paper, which matches the engineering reality, and a comparative study is made with the mixture element topology theory at the same time. It is verified that the evaluation model can scientifically and reasonably evaluate the construction quality level of concrete structures in hydraulic tunnels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important carrier of sports services and the main force participating in the "short board" project of urban development, the renovation and upgrading of old stadiums have become an important trend for the sustainable development of venues in the context of urban renewal, consumption upgrading, and national fitness. However, owing to the complexity of the transformation process, the probability of safety accidents continues to increase, posing a serious threat to national property security. In order to reasonably evaluate the safety of the stadium renovation construction process and reduce the incidence of accidents in the renovation project, this study proposed a safety evaluation model for the stadium renovation construction based on the combination weighting extension model. First, according to the 5M1E theory, 27 influencing factors were selected, a safety evaluation index system for stadium reconstruction construction was constructed, and the safety evaluation grade of the index was quantified. Second, based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and improved entropy weight method, the combination weight of the index was determined, and a safety evaluation model was constructed using the matter–element extension theory. Finally, the established evaluation model was applied to the example of stadium renovation, and the construction safety level of the renovation project was obtained. The research results showed that the model has strong operability, and the evaluation results are reasonable and reliable, providing a new concept for the safety control of stadium reconstruction construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of shield tunneling, the cutter will inevitably be worn and damaged and will need to be replaced frequently. The low efficiency and high safety risk of traditional manual cutter change have prompted robotic cutter change to become the mainstream trend of current research. However, it is difficult to realize mechanical automation disassembly due to the existence of many fragmented parts and complex disassembly steps in the traditional cutter system. Therefore, this paper proposes an eccentric integrated cutter system, which greatly simplifies the disassembly process while retaining the excellent fastening structure of the traditional cutter system. The evaluation system of the cutter system was established through the analytic hierarchy process, and it was verified that the eccentric integrated cutter system has obvious superiority in realizing automated disassembly and assembly and, at the same time, that it has good structural strength. Finally, vibration experiments were carried out based on shield construction conditions. The experimental results show that after 14 h of continuous vibration, the residual preload ratio of the integrated cutter sample stabilized at more than 90%, which indicates good anti-loosening performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important component of road traffic facilities, bridges play a crucial role in daily traffic operations, and changes in their status can have an impact on traffic operation. The existing research mainly focuses on monitoring the status of bridges themselves or analyzing the operation status of road traffic, and rarely considers the changes in traffic operation status caused by changes in bridge status. Therefore, in order to evaluate the impact relationship between the two, this article designs an algorithm that combines the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the Delphi method, and Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) based on the traditional evaluation of bridges and road traffic operation status, and establishes a bridge traffic operation status impact assessment model. Then, simulation analysis and actual data verification will be conducted based on the specific situation of Ma'anshi Bridge on the Chongqing Wuhan Expressway. The experimental results show that the evaluation model established in this paper conforms to the characteristics of traffic operation, can reflect the impact of bridge state changes on traffic operation status well, effectively promote the automation level of bridge traffic impact management, and has high reliability and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry plays a crucial role in contributing to the economy and developing sustainable infrastructures. However, it is known as one of the most dangerous industrial domains. Over the years, special attention has been paid to developing models for managing and planning construction safety. Many research studies have been carried out to analyze the root causes of fatal accidents in construction sites to develop models for preventing them and mitigating their consequences. Root cause identification and analysis are essential for effective risk mitigation. However, implementing mitigation activities is usually limited to the project's safety budget. The construction sector suffers from a lack of allocation of appropriate safety resources triggered by a dynamic and complex project environment. This study aims to address the gap in safety resource allocation through a comprehensive root cause analysis of construction work accidents. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of work accident-related research, categorized according to the 5M model into five root factors: medium, mission, man, management, and machinery. A novel methodology for construction safety resource allocation is proposed to mitigate risks analyzed by the 5M model with the aid of advanced technological solutions. Safety resource allocation alternatives are formulated, and their priorities are established based on an analysis of structured criteria that integrate both risk and cost considerations. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is employed to select the optimal alternative for safety resource allocation, with the objective of effective risk mitigation. The proposed model underwent validation through two different case studies. The findings indicate that risk aversion is a critical factor in the optimal allocation of safety resources. Furthermore, the results suggest that regulatory measures should prioritize the stimulation of risk motivation in the safety decision-making processes of construction firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban green spaces play a vital role in enhancing the well-being of communities and mitigating environmental challenges such as air pollution and global warming. Despite their importance, effective models to allocate these green spaces are often overlooked, particularly in developing countries. This study utilises GIS-based Multi-Criteria Analysis and the Analytical Hierarchy Process to recommend optimal locations for green space interventions in Lilongwe City, Malawi, based on nine factors: population density, proximity to roads, slope, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI), land cover, existing green space, proximity to water bodies, and nitrogen dioxide concentration. The results show that 0.57% (23,776 hectares) of Lilongwe city is highly suitable while 14.50% (604,596 hectares) is unsuitable for green space interventions, where population density was the most determining factor. The suitability varied across the city, with highly suitable areas predominantly located in the southern part. The study highlights the importance of informed decision-making in urban green space planning, setting a standard for equitable access to green spaces and sustainable urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is the most dynamic natural resource that is not uniformly distributed both in space and time. Identifying it for sustainable water resource development for domestic use, irrigation, and industrial purposes is the biggest challenge and key concern due to climate change, overexploitation, and a lack of proper management. Geographical information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) play a fundamental role in identifying suitable groundwater potential and recharge zones. In this study, groundwater potential and recharge zone map are delineated using GIS and RS techniques integrated with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for the Melka Kunture Watershed in Ethiopia. The thematic layers used were: Lithology, geomorphology, slope, lineament density, land use/cover, rainfall, drainage density and soil. GIS has been used to integrate and overlay thematic layers using a weighted overlay analysis tool, whereas the AHP method has been used to assign the weights, normalize, and rank thematic layers and their associated sub-themes based on their suitability, characteristics, or influence on groundwater potential and recharge zones. The output groundwater potential zone map is categorized into four suitable zones: high potential cover 1105.60 km2 (25.70%), moderate potential 2308.00 km2 (53.73%), low potential 880.0 km2 (20.49%), and very low potential 47.80 km2 (1.10%), whereas there are three suitable groundwater recharge potential zones: high potential cover 250.20 km2 (5.80%), moderate recharge 3647.90 km2 (84.00%), and low recharge 443.50 km2 (10.20%) of the study area. Hence, the study areas have been more suitable for groundwater potential and recharge zones as compared to the total area. The groundwater potential map was validated using the existing water source and well points, and it indicated a good prediction accuracy of 88%. Thus, the delineated groundwater potential and recharge zone maps are reliable, and the resultant potentiality mapping has played a vital role in the sustainable development and management of the water resources in the study area. Highlights: → The integration of GIS and RS techniques with the MCDA-AHP method is a powerful tool for delineating the groundwater potential and recharges zones in the Melka Kunture Watershed. → Utilizing both recent conventional data and high-resolution satellite imagery is crucial for creating accurate thematic layers and maps of groundwater potential and recharge zones. → To further validate and enhance these techniques, conducting well drilling or pump tests using geophysical investigations is recommended to gain a more detailed understanding of groundwater potential and recharge zones, as well as to estimate yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn today’s fast-paced and and high-stress society, trekking tourism is a leisure activity for stress relief and closer nature engagement. Given the adventurous nature inherent in trekking tourism, risk assessment is deemed both crucial and imperative. This study aims to develop a risk assessment framework for trekking tourism based on the Delphi method and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Initially, we conducted a literature review and expert interviews grounded in the Systems Theory of Accident Causation and the Human Factors Theory to establish the risk assessment paradigm specific to trekking tourism. Subsequently, we ascertained specific weights for each evaluation criterion and delineated explicit data sources for each operational indicator. The findings indicate that the formulated risk assessment system for trekking tourism is both scientifically grounded and practical, furnishing stakeholders in the tourism industry, organizational teams, and management authorities with an efficacious tool for evaluating the safety conditions of trekking tourism activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chefchaouen province, located in northern Morocco, is prone to landslides because of its geological features, climate change, and human activities. We investigated landslide dynamics in this mountainous province using a multi-criteria spatial approach and GIS, applying the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Our findings identified 1267.877 km2 as low-risk, 1695.334 km2 as moderate-risk, and 904.2071 km2 as high-risk, mainly in the northern and northwestern regions. Forests were the most susceptible at 13.83%, followed by agricultural and bare lands, with water bodies least affected. Contributing factors include deforestation, wildfires, and agricultural practices. Our results highlight the need for targeted risk mitigation and continuous land use monitoring. Strategies like slope stabilisation and reforestation can improve landslide prediction and prevention, enhancing community resilience in Chefchaouen. This study’s innovative approach and insights into landslide prediction and prevention provide valuable knowledge to the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neighbourhood Sustainability Assessment (NSA) is vital in navigating the complex dynamics of social, environmental, and economic factors in localised settings, especially amidst the challenges of urbanisation, resource scarcity, and climate change. NSA tools have emerged as pivotal instruments in integrating sustainability into urban development, recognising neighbourhood as fundamental units for systemic sustainability approaches. However, existing NSA methodologies tend to favour environmental aspects, prompting a call for more balanced approaches encompassing social and economic dimensions. The study underscores the need for NSA tools to evolve towards context-sensitive methodologies for broader applicability across diverse urban landscapes. Through a literature review, the study highlights the importance of integrating community perspectives, sustainability indicators, and context-specific approaches in NSA, advocating for holistic strategies to drive sustainable urban development agendas. This study presents a methodological framework for selecting neighbourhood sustainability indicators in Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram which is located in N-E India, by incorporating community perspectives and expert judgments. The methodology involves several steps: review of existing NSA frameworks to select comprehensive indicators, perception and public participation surveys to identify local indicators, engagement of experts through the Fuzzy-Delphi Method, and application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for indicator prioritisation. Through these steps, 47 essential indicators were selected, covering social, economic, environmental and governance aspects. The study emphasises the importance of combining bottom-up community input with top-down-expert knowledge for comprehensive and reliable sustainability assessments. Challenges such as energy and water resource deficiencies are highlighted, underscoring the need for balanced approaches to neighbourhood sustainability planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the issue of water scarcity in coal mining areas, this paper collected hydro-geological data from 18 typical coal mines from six major coal mining areas of Hebi, Jiaozuo, Yongcheng, Pingdingshan, Yima and Zhengzhou in Henan Province and evaluated the utilization of groundwater resources in coal mine goaf areas, by using the AHP-set pair analysis to construct an evaluation index system. with utilization of groundwater resources in typical coal mine goafs in Henan Province as the target layer; water quantity, water quality and current status of water resources utilization in mining areas were taken as the criterion layer; twelve evaluation indicators, including mine water inflow, average coal thickness, goaf area, maximum mining depth, roof lithology, complexity of geological structure, total hardness, total dissolved solids content, pH value, chloride ion content, mine water utilization rate and incentive policies were taken as the index layer. At the same time, it also evaluated the utilization of groundwater resources in coal goafs in Henan Province and compared the results with those obtained from analytic hierarchy process. The results show that the evaluation results of the two methods are basically consistent. The utilization feasibility of groundwater resources in typical goaf of six coal mining areas in Henan Province is the best in Jiaozuo mining area, the worst in Yongcheng mining area, and the other four mining areas are in the middle and the evaluation results are similar, indicating that the evaluation index system and evaluation results of typical goaf groundwater resources in Henan Province built by AHP-set analysis method are relatively reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of urban transport facilities via analysing indicators has become one of the new domains explored worldwide, as cities are growing with no control. The present state of sustainability testing practices feels that technical analysis is rather very complex collaboratively and comprehensively met with local statements. As a result, developing indicators assessment techniques has become inevitable to deal with these challenges. In this study, a comprehensive transport assessment index such as trustworthiness, Amenity, Receptivity, Assurance and Affinity for the cities through passenger response can be useful for the researchers in the city. A set of 5 indicators has been formulated among 500 respondents that might influence and shape urban public transport performance. For finding the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of the Urban transport system, the hybrid Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS)—Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is applied to measure the quantitative weight to analyze the complex process of perceived service quality. This model is validated by different Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) such as Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy-AHP by comparing performance measures for randomly selected elements, which is new to mixed traffic flow conditions. The performance obtained such as computational complexity and agility in decision making by the hybrid COPRAS-TOPSIS are 132 and 1245. Hence, the proposed approach was more accurate than conventional ones, thus used to support decision-makers for long-term designing and planning of transport networks based on priority. Based on these factors, the present study successfully develops and applies KPI analysis prediction of the general transport approach in the background of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to identify the factors causing environmental pollution caused by petroleum industries in Ahvaz County, Khuzestan province, regarding local concerns, the area of soil affected by the operational activity of crude oil desalting plantation (CODP) should be determined. In addition, in order to identify obvious environmental risks leading to soil pollution, it is necessary to identify hazardous activities ‎(HA). MCDM methods, or multi-criteria decision-making models, for ranking options, and choosing the best option for identifying environmental risks. Therefore, in this research, by examining models of multi-criteria decision-making, including the AHP Analytical Hierarchy Process and the TOPSIS Model (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), HAs for determining the possibilities of contamination have been discussed. HAs are considered to determine the possibility of contamination. According to the results, the transfer of saline oil from the exploitation unit to the CODP, with a specific ‎vector weight of 0.214 in the AHP method and a proximity coefficient of 0.445 in the ‎TOPSIS method, gain highest rank in terms of HAs in the study area. Regarding the risk assessment and assurance of the creation of salinity and sometimes petroleum pollutants in the region, and also the local obligations and regulations of the founders, industrial devices should preferably use biological methods to remediate and naturalize the environment. According to the results, and regarding the fact that halophyte can grow and develop well in the saline conditions; halophyte culture (haloculture technique) can be used as a method for soil bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the acceleration of urbanization, the sustainability of urban water infrastructure projects has become pivotal to social development. This research aims to construct a comprehensive sustainability assessment model for urban water public‐private partnership (PPP) projects based on the environmental, social, and governance criteria. First, a multi‐level assessment indicator system is established considering the economic, social, ecological, and governance sustainability dimensions. Then, the extended analytic hierarchy process is utilized to determine the weights of indicators based on expert scoring. To address the ambiguity of qualitative linguistic variables, the interval‐valued intuitionistic fuzzy set method is applied to aggregate expert assessments. An empirical case study of an urban water project verifies the feasibility of the proposed approach. Results demonstrate that experts emphasize economic sustainability, while social sustainability is an overlooked dimension that requires improvement. The research contributes to the field by developing an applied, industry‐specific sustainability evaluation model for urban water PPP projects using advanced decision‐making techniques. This model provides practical tools for stakeholders to enhance the sustainable performance of urban water infrastructure projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pra River Basin in Ghana is a major source of ecological, cultural, and economic benefits. However, it has been experiencing degradation, and logistical constraints have limited the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management. This study presents a GIS-based ecohydrological risk model that identifies ecohydrological units with the highest degradation risk. First, the PRB was divided into 25 eco-hydrological units. Second, seven drivers of degradation were identified and mapped. The drivers were reclassified into five categories with risk scores of 1–5, with 5 indicating higher risk scores. The variables were ranked using the Analytical Hierarchy Process, the degradation risk model was calculated using the weighted sum method, and the multi-criteria decision tool was used to identify the ecohydrological units with the highest degradation risk. Of the 25 ecohydrological units delineated, the Buama, Lower Offin, Ayensu, and Oda ecohydrological units were found to be at the highest risk of degradation due to high artisanal small-scale gold mining, high population density, low forest/vegetation cover, and high encroachment in waterways. The results can be used as a guide to prioritize management intervention, starting with the areas classified as high risk and moving down to those classified as moderate risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Constructing a demand-oriented Internet + community home care service indicator system, starting from the actual needs of the elderly, and quantifying the demand into specific service contents that can be provided, so as to realize the effective supply of services. It aims to provide a theoretical basis for the government to formulate relevant aging policies and provide a reference basis for promoting the innovation and development of the Internet + elderly care model. Methods: Based on existence needs, relationship needs and growth needs abbreviated as "Existence, Relatedness, Growth (ERG)" demand theory, through the discussion in the group meeting, form the expert consultation questionnaire of the demand-oriented Internet + community home care service indicator system, select experts in related fields to conduct two rounds of Delphi expert consultation, summarize the experts' opinions to determine the indicator system items, and use the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to construct the judgment matrix to derive the weighting coefficients of the indicators, and establish the ultimate demand-oriented Internet + community home care service indicator system. Results: The effective recovery rates for the two rounds of expert consoulation questionnaires were 100%, with expert authority coefficients of 0.852 and 0.868, respectively. The Kendall coefficients for the second round of expert views varied from 0.226 to 0.431, with coefficients of variation for all indexes less than 0.25.The finalized demand-oriented Internet + community home care service indicator system includes 3 first-level indicators, 10 s-level indicators, and 46 third-level indicators. The consistency ratios of indicator judgment matrices at all levels are less than 0.10, suggesting that the hierarchical analysis findings are consistent, implying that the weight coefficient distribution is appropriate. Conclusion: The demand-oriented Internet + community home care service Indicator System, which was created through expert consultation and AHP method, has reasonable content and is more dependable as an evaluation tool for reliably assessing demand for elderly servic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A methodology is presented for the objective and transparent screening of hydrocarbon reservoirs for underground hydrogen storage (UHS), with subsequent testing on a large confidential dataset provided by the energy company Eni. The procedure uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process and the Delphi technique to gather expert opinions and weight 27 screening parameters in terms of: health, safety, and environment; geotechnical performance; and economic performance. A set of scores is produced that characterizes each site in terms of these three categories, as well as a comprehensive site ranking based on their overall suitability for UHS. The results highlight the importance of geotechnical parameters, while the characterization of faults and hydrocarbon type, the onshore or offshore location, the number of wells, and the reservoir architecture yielded the highest individual weights. Potential scores are also estimated for sites with incomplete datasets. Two blind tests evaluated the method's effectiveness against preexisting industrial assessments. • Screening and ranking of porous-media depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs for UHS. • Utilization of the AHP multi-criteria decision-making method for parameter weighting. • Application of the screening method to a large industrial dataset with blind tests. • Scoring of the HSE, geotechnical and economic performances of sites. • Site performance scoring for UHS site-screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater resource management and development should be done sustainably, which calls for accurate assessment based on new methods and scientific principles. There is an increasing demand for potable water supplies, to meet the woefully inadequate domestic water needs in the Batcham municipality (west of Cameroun). The dearth of knowledge on sustainable management of water resources is to blame for this predicament. As integrated methodologies are not used in groundwater exploration programs, the current problem has gotten worse. Innovative scientific principles of groundwater resource exploration are required to effectively counteract the non-rationalization of water and the problem of unacceptable failure rates in drilled water borehole development. This will improve the appropriate and sustainable use of these resources. Therefore, the goal of this research is to map groundwater potential zones by utilizing readily available datasets and remote sensing (RS), GIS, Frequency Ratios (FR), and multi-criteria analysis (AHP) techniques. The database used is made up of geological data, hydroclimatic data, well data, and satellite images. Each of the methods used is based on the study of the relationships between the factors controlling the groundwater potential. Among these factors, ten (10) were retained based on previous work; these are slope, elevation, land use, land cover, lineament density, drainage density, topographic wetness index, curvature, geology, rainfall, and the static water level. The AHP allowed, according to the user's expertise, to assign weights to each factor controlling the water potential. The FR made it possible to study the relationships linking each variable with high flow rates. The thematic layers obtained were integrated into a GIS environment to generate the groundwater potential map. Four classes of groundwater potential have been identified: bad, moderate, good, and excellent. The bad classes represent 8.32% and 11.21%; moderate 36.57% and 28.70%; good 43.55% and 38.93%; and excellent 11.56% and 21.16%, for the AHP and FR models, respectively. The overlying of wells with high flow rates on areas of excellent groundwater potential shows perfect concordance, which validated the final map. Likewise, the resulting map was validated by sensitivity curve analysis, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve from which result accuracy was obtained is 70.63% and 80.28% for the AHP method and FR method, respectively. Finally, the FR model outperformed the AHP model in terms of performance and it is possible to use these dependable models to describe groundwater potential zones in the other regions of Cameroon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To construct a scientific and reasonable competency evaluation index system for pre-hospital emergency physicians, providing a reference for their training and management. Methods Based on literature research, a preliminary competency evaluation index system for pre -hospital emergency physicians was drafted. The Delphi method was used to consult 20 experts in two rounds to finalize the index system. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to construct the index model and calculate the weights of each level of indicators. Results The response rate for two rounds of expert questionnaires was 100%, with an expert authority coefficient of 0.893. The expert coordination coefficients for the first and second-level indicators in the second round were 0.371 and 0.326, respectively (both P < 0.05). The final competency evaluation index system for pre-hospital emergency physicians included 6 first-level indicators and 49 secondlevel indicators. The six first-level indicators (with weights) were: emergency operational skills (0.341 8), pre -hospital medical emergency services (0.271 1), medical knowledge and lifelong learning (0.141 2), interpersonal communication and teamwork (0.112 0), professional ethics (0.088 8), and information and management capabilities (0.045 1). The top four second -level indicators in terms of combined weight were all emergency operational techniques, with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (0.082 1) having the highest weight. Conclusions The competency evaluation index system for pre-hospital emergency physicians constructed based on the Delphi method is scientifically sound. Targeted training programs should be developed according to the constructed index system and its weight ranking to further enhance the job competency of prehospital emergency physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Housing adaptability and flexibility are constant themes in scientific literature. Technological advancements and shrinking urban spaces have led to new design proposals in architecture. However, evaluating housing solutions and contributing to projects can be challenging. The main objective of this study is to develop a framework for evaluating housing adaptability and flexibility. The framework is based on Adaptability and Flexibility Indexes and is performed using BIM and Dynamo plugin. The indexes are calculated using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Adaptability and flexibility are mainly related to dimensions, hierarchy, and circulation of housing design. Additionally, the use of multi-criteria methods in architecture can aid in understanding the subject. It is important to note adaptability and flexibility must be worked together to achieve the maximum potential of housing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human Resources (HR) professionals play a fundamental role in organizations, as they are responsible for managing and developing human capital, ensuring the recruitment and retention of talent, as well as promoting a favorable organizational culture and climate for growth and success. They are also responsible for promoting actions aimed at employee development, increasing productivity and employee engagement. This article aims to develop a panel of competencies necessary to evaluate the performance of HR professionals. The methodology used was qualitative-quantitative, using bibliographic research and the Fuzzy Delphi method, as well as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) multicriteria method to establish competency weights, which were grouped into three dimensions: Strategic Positioning, Collaboration and Cooperation, and Results Orientation. Through the application of the Fuzzy Delphi method, it was possible to validate 14 out of 15 competencies identified in the literature. The results show that the most relevant dimension is Strategic Positioning (weight = 44.6%). Regarding competencies, External Articulation (weight = 32.5%) is pointed out by experts as more relevant in the Strategic Positioning dimension, while Ethical Posture (weight = 40.2%) and Organizational and Execution Capacity (weight = 34.2%) stand out, respectively, in the Collaboration and Cooperation and Results Orientation dimensions. The analysis of the results allows an understanding of the labor market demands and the skills required to stand out in this profession, which can be useful to guide the development of training and qualification programs in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Willow wood furniture has become one of the most popular types of wood furniture in the Chinese furniture market. Research was undertaken to solve the pain points of product design and meet the requirements of green development. Firstly, the Kano model was used to classify user requirements. Secondly, the Analytic Hierarchy Process was used to calculate each design factors' comprehensive weights, ensuring consistency between the design objectives and user requirements. Thirdly, the TRIZ contradiction matrix was used to identify and solve engineering difficulties in the design process. During the design process, the Kano-AHP-TRIZ was combined to realize a scientific design strategy that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches. The results showed that the design scheme of willow furniture based on user requirements had consistency, matching, and effectiveness with the furniture market development trend, which makes the furniture design process more scientific and rigorous. It also provided a new research perspective and design strategy for the innovative development of the furniture industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children's physical and mental health development is highly related to furniture and integrating the emotional design concept into children's furniture design helps cultivate children's personalities and promote healthy growth. The model framework of children's furniture emotional design was constructed from the instinctive level, behavioral level, and reflective level. The comprehensive weight of the design factors was calculated using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and three schemes were designed according to the priority of the design factors. The evaluation matrix was constructed by combining the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and the distances of each scheme from the positive and negative ideal solutions were calculated, and the optimal scheme was selected according to the relative proximity ranking of the three schemes. The experimental results verified the importance of the reflective level in the three levels of the emotional design theory and emphasized the key role of emotional design in children's furniture. Therefore, the evaluation system based on AHP and TOPSIS is feasible, which can effectively reduce the influence of subjective factors, make the design decision more scientific, and provide a new reference approach for furniture design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to use the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to prioritize alternative marketing strategies for traditional weaving handicrafts in Ranggo Village, Dompu, West Nusa Tenggara. The data for this study came from the questionnaire that traditional weaving craft business owners received. AHP ranks five criteria according to their weight: product, price, promotion, market segmentation, and market position. The study's findings show that the product has the most weight (1.98), followed by the price (1.49), market segmentation (0.99), promotion (0.71), and market position (0.41). In general, the research indicates that the marketing strategy of Gedogan's traditional weaving craft products is characterized by the following priority orders and critical components: product quality, price, market segmentation, promotion, and market position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]