Fuzzy Measurement of Sustainability

Fuzzy Measurement of Sustainability PDF Author: Yannis A. Phillis
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781606920527
Category : Fuzzy systems
Languages : en
Pages : 183

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Book Description
People from many disciplines talk about sustainable development (SD) without having a concrete definition or idea of what it is. Politicians and decision-makers, biologists and environmentalists, engineers and scientists, philosophers and sociologists often mean different things when they mention SD. To take an extreme example, a neoclassical economist might define SD as continual economic growth without regard to the environmental situation, whereas at the other end of the spectrum, a deep ecologist might define it as the preservation and restoration of the ecosystem, ignoring the effect on the economy completely. It has become clear throughout the last few decades leading up to the time this book was written that our society is facing environmental problems of global magnitude such as species extinction, population explosion, global warming, water shortages, exhaustion of fisheries, and deforestation, among others, which have economic and social repercussions. Many people doubt that the world we shall bequeath to our descendants will be all healthy, supportive, and beautiful as the one we inherited from our parents. The fundamental questions then of the SD discussion are: Can we continue our present course without destroying part or most of our environment and society? And if we have to change course (which is currently the consensus opinion) how we do it? This book addresses one of the most fundamental questions of SD: How do we define and measure in the mathematical sense sustainability? In effect it summarises our research in this field for the last 15 years. The mathematical model which we use to evaluate sustainability serves both as a definition and as a measuring scheme. This is done with the help of fuzzy logic, which is well suited to perform reasoning in fields where concrete mathematical models do not exist and concepts such as sustainability are multifaceted and often subjective. Fuzzy reasoning, in some respects, emulates human thinking and relies on expert opinion and knowledge as well as subjective evaluations. This multistage model is developed step-by-step, in the end providing sustainability assessments of various aspects of a society on a scale from zero to one, such as the environmental or societal situation of a country. All nations of the world for which reliable data exist are then ranked according to their sustainability as measured by the model. A sensitivity analysis reveals the most important components of sustainability for each country. The book is intended for undergraduate students, graduate students, and practitioners working in the field of sustainability. It is based on a course Yannis Phillis has taught at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Technical University of Crete (TUC) at the senior/graduate level. The mathematical knowledge needed to follow the book is minimal and is all contained in the text. Computational guidance is provided for those who would like to write their own model.

Fuzzy Measurement of Sustainability

Fuzzy Measurement of Sustainability PDF Author: Yannis A. Phillis
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781606920527
Category : Fuzzy systems
Languages : en
Pages : 183

Get Book Here

Book Description
People from many disciplines talk about sustainable development (SD) without having a concrete definition or idea of what it is. Politicians and decision-makers, biologists and environmentalists, engineers and scientists, philosophers and sociologists often mean different things when they mention SD. To take an extreme example, a neoclassical economist might define SD as continual economic growth without regard to the environmental situation, whereas at the other end of the spectrum, a deep ecologist might define it as the preservation and restoration of the ecosystem, ignoring the effect on the economy completely. It has become clear throughout the last few decades leading up to the time this book was written that our society is facing environmental problems of global magnitude such as species extinction, population explosion, global warming, water shortages, exhaustion of fisheries, and deforestation, among others, which have economic and social repercussions. Many people doubt that the world we shall bequeath to our descendants will be all healthy, supportive, and beautiful as the one we inherited from our parents. The fundamental questions then of the SD discussion are: Can we continue our present course without destroying part or most of our environment and society? And if we have to change course (which is currently the consensus opinion) how we do it? This book addresses one of the most fundamental questions of SD: How do we define and measure in the mathematical sense sustainability? In effect it summarises our research in this field for the last 15 years. The mathematical model which we use to evaluate sustainability serves both as a definition and as a measuring scheme. This is done with the help of fuzzy logic, which is well suited to perform reasoning in fields where concrete mathematical models do not exist and concepts such as sustainability are multifaceted and often subjective. Fuzzy reasoning, in some respects, emulates human thinking and relies on expert opinion and knowledge as well as subjective evaluations. This multistage model is developed step-by-step, in the end providing sustainability assessments of various aspects of a society on a scale from zero to one, such as the environmental or societal situation of a country. All nations of the world for which reliable data exist are then ranked according to their sustainability as measured by the model. A sensitivity analysis reveals the most important components of sustainability for each country. The book is intended for undergraduate students, graduate students, and practitioners working in the field of sustainability. It is based on a course Yannis Phillis has taught at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Technical University of Crete (TUC) at the senior/graduate level. The mathematical knowledge needed to follow the book is minimal and is all contained in the text. Computational guidance is provided for those who would like to write their own model.

Multicriteria Evaluation in a Fuzzy Environment

Multicriteria Evaluation in a Fuzzy Environment PDF Author: Giuseppe Munda
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 364249997X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 263

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Book Description
This book is the result of some years of research carried out at the Vrije Universiteit of Amsterdam and at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. The awareness of actual and potential conflicts between economic progress in production, consumption, and technology and the environment has led to the concept of "sustainable development", implying that economic and ecological values are well balanced in evaluation and decision making. The linkages between ecosystems and economic systems are the focus of ecological economics. In ecological economics, a multidimensional approach to economic and policy-making is emphasised. In this book, the introduction of multicriteria decision aid techniques in the framework of ecological economics is widely discussed. Since such techniques are based on a "constructive" rationality and allow one to take into account conflictual, multidimensional, incommensurable and uncertain effects of decisions, they can be considered perfectly consistent with the methodological foundations of ecological economics. Since here the assumption is accepted that efficiency, equity and sustainability are the three conflictual values of economics, a mathematical procedure able to deal with these issues in an operational framework is developed, with a particular view on imprecise information in a practical environmental planning context. Given the problem of the differences in the measurement levels of the variables used for economic-ecological modelling, multicriteria methods able to deal with mixed information (both qualitative and quantitative measurements) can be considered particularly useful. Another problem related to the available information concerns the uncertainty (stochastic and/or fuzzy) contained in this information.

Sustainability Assessment

Sustainability Assessment PDF Author: Alan James Bond
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 0415598486
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 298

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Book Description
Currently the writing on the subject is limited and comprises, for the most part, guidance documents and completed assessments.

Computing, Communication and Signal Processing

Computing, Communication and Signal Processing PDF Author: Brijesh Iyer
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9789811315121
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1041

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Book Description
This book highlights cutting-edge research on various aspects of human–computer interaction (HCI). It includes selected research papers presented at the Third International Conference on Computing, Communication and Signal Processing (ICCASP 2018), organized by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University in Lonere-Raigad, India on January 26–27, 2018. It covers pioneering topics in the field of computer, electrical, and electronics engineering, e.g. signal and image processing, RF and microwave engineering, and emerging technologies such as IoT, cloud computing, HCI, and green computing. As such, the book offers a valuable guide for all scientists, engineers and research students in the areas of engineering and technology.

Leadership for a Better World

Leadership for a Better World PDF Author: NCLP (National Clearinghouse for Leadership Programs)
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119207592
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 336

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Book Description
The essential guide to the theory and application of the Social Change Model Leadership for a Better World provides an approachable introduction to the Social Change Model of Leadership Development (SCM), giving students a real-world context through which to explore the seven C's of leadership for social change as well as a approaches to socially responsible leadership. From individual, group, and community values through the mechanisms of societal change itself, this book provides fundamental coverage of this increasingly vital topic. Action items, reflection, and discussion questions throughout encourage students to think about how these concepts apply in their own lives. The Facilitator's Guide includes a wealth of activities, assignments, discussions, and supplementary resources to enrich the learning experience whether in class or in the co-curriculum. This new second edition includes student self-assessment rubrics for each element of the model and new discussion on the critical roles of leadership self-efficacy, social perspective, and social justice perspectives. Content is enriched with research on how this approach to leadership is developed, and two new chapters situate the model in a broader understanding of leadership and in applications of the model. The Social Change Model is the most widely-used leadership model for college students, and has shaped college leadership curricula at schools throughout the U.S. and other countries including a translation in Chinese and Japanese. This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the model, with a practical, relevant approach to real-world issues. Explore the many facets of social change and leadership Navigate group dynamics surrounding controversy, collaboration, and purpose Discover the meaning of citizenship and your commitment to the greater good Become an agent of change through one of the many routes to a common goal The SCM is backed by 15 years of research, and continues to be informed by ongoing investigation into the interventions and environments that create positive leadership development outcomes. Leadership for a Better World provides a thorough, well-rounded tour of the Social Change Model, with guidance on application to real-world issues. Please note that The Social Change Model: Facilitating Leadership Development (978-1-119-24243-7) is intended to be used as a Facilitator's Guide to Leadership for a Better World, 2nd Edition in seminars, workshops, and college classrooms. You'll find that, while each book can be used on its own, the content in both is also designed for use together. A link to the home page of The Social Change Model can be found below under Related Titles.

Handbook of Research on Novel Practices and Current Successes in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Handbook of Research on Novel Practices and Current Successes in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals PDF Author: Popescu, Cristina Raluca Gh.
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 1799884287
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 461

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Book Description
The realm of sustainable development focuses on the ability to meet the demands of the present, while not compromising the demands of the future. The knowledge of balancing sustainable development goals with high performance is essential. Even more essential is sharing the practices and accomplishments within sustainable development so that it may be spread throughout many organizations and societal functions. The Handbook of Research on Novel Practices and Current Successes in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals provides valuable insights, challenges, and practices to highlight the key determinants in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This book presents a complex and thorough theoretical infrastructure concerning the Sustainable Development Goals, challenges and practices, as well as an important set of empirical results that will make a tremendous contribution to the analysis of the key determinants specific to the Sustainable Development Goals. Covering topics such as alternative consumption models, non-profit organizations, and sustainable communities, this is an essential text for academicians, scientists, researchers, students, PhD scholars, post-doctoral students, specialists, practitioners, governmental institutions, and policymakers worldwide.

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Sustainable Supply Chain Management PDF Author: Balkan Cetinkaya
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642120237
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 291

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Book Description
This book focuses on the need to develop sustainable supply chains - economically, environmentally and socially. This book is not about a wish list of impractical choices, but the reality of decisions faced by all those involved in supply chain management today. Our definition of sustainable supply chains is not restricted to so-called "green" supply chains, but recognises that in order to be truly sustainable, supply chains must operate within a realistic financial structure, as well as contribute value to our society. Supply chains are not sustainable unless they are realistically funded and valued. Thus, a real definition of sustainable supply chain management must take account of all relevant economic, social and environmental issues. This book contains examples from a wide range of real-life case studies, and synthesizes the learnings from these many different situations to provide the fundamental building blocks at the centre of successful logistics and supply chain management.

Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Sciences of Electronics, Technologies of Information and Telecommunications (SETIT’18), Vol.1

Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Sciences of Electronics, Technologies of Information and Telecommunications (SETIT’18), Vol.1 PDF Author: Med Salim Bouhlel
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3030210057
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 513

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Book Description
This two-volume book presents an unusually diverse selection of research papers, covering all major topics in the fields of information and communication technologies and related sciences. It provides a wide-angle snapshot of current themes in information and power engineering, pursuing a cross-disciplinary approach to do so. The book gathers revised contributions that were presented at the 2018 International Conference: Sciences of Electronics, Technologies of Information and Telecommunication (SETIT'18), held on 20–22 December 2018 in Hammamet, Tunisia. This eighth installment of the event attracted a wealth of submissions, and the papers presented here were selected by a committee of experts and underwent additional, painstaking revision. Topics covered include: · Information Processing · Human-Machine Interaction · Computer Science · Telecommunications and Networks · Signal Processing · Electronics · Image and Video This broad-scoped approach is becoming increasingly popular in scientific publishing. Its aim is to encourage scholars and professionals to overcome disciplinary barriers, as demanded by current trends in the industry and in the consumer market, which are rapidly leading toward a convergence of data-driven applications, computation, telecommunication, and energy awareness. Given its coverage, the book will benefit graduate students, researchers and practitioners who need to keep up with the latest technological advances.

Sustainable Practices: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications

Sustainable Practices: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications PDF Author: Management Association, Information Resources
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 1466648538
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 1798

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Book Description
"This reference explores some of the most recent developments in sustainability, delving into topics beyond environmental science to cover issues of sustainable economic, political, and social development"--Provided by publisher.

Statistical Methods for Fuzzy Data

Statistical Methods for Fuzzy Data PDF Author: Reinhard Viertl
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470974567
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 199

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Book Description
Statistical data are not always precise numbers, or vectors, or categories. Real data are frequently what is called fuzzy. Examples where this fuzziness is obvious are quality of life data, environmental, biological, medical, sociological and economics data. Also the results of measurements can be best described by using fuzzy numbers and fuzzy vectors respectively. Statistical analysis methods have to be adapted for the analysis of fuzzy data. In this book, the foundations of the description of fuzzy data are explained, including methods on how to obtain the characterizing function of fuzzy measurement results. Furthermore, statistical methods are then generalized to the analysis of fuzzy data and fuzzy a-priori information. Key Features: Provides basic methods for the mathematical description of fuzzy data, as well as statistical methods that can be used to analyze fuzzy data. Describes methods of increasing importance with applications in areas such as environmental statistics and social science. Complements the theory with exercises and solutions and is illustrated throughout with diagrams and examples. Explores areas such quantitative description of data uncertainty and mathematical description of fuzzy data. This work is aimed at statisticians working with fuzzy logic, engineering statisticians, finance researchers, and environmental statisticians. It is written for readers who are familiar with elementary stochastic models and basic statistical methods.