Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a representative method to estimate efficient frontiers and derive efficiency. However, in a situation with weight restrictions on individual input–output pairs, its suitability has been questioned. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematical method, which we call the input-oriented ratio-based comparative efficiency model, DEA-R-I, ...

Because of the complexity of decision-making environment, the uncertainty of fuzziness and the uncertainty of grey maybe coexist in the problems of multi-attribute group decision making. In this paper, we study the problems of multi-attribute group decision making with hybrid grey attribute data (the precise values, interval numbers and linguistic fuzzy variables coexist, and each attribute val...

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a mathematical approach to measuring the relative efficiency of peer decision making units (DMUs). It is particularly useful where no a priori information on the tradeoffs or relations among various performance measures is available. However, it is very desirable if “evaluation standards,” when they can be established, be incorporated into DEA performance eval...

This paper advances the design of Rod Pre-strained Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (RP-DEAs) in their capability to generate comparatively large static actuation forces with increased lifetime via optimized electrode arrangements. RP-DEAs utilize thin stiff rods to constrain the expansion of the elastomer and maintain the in-plane pre-strain in the rod longitudinal direction. The aim is to study...

The concept of disjunct eddy sampling (DES) for use in measuring ecosystem-level micrometeorological fluxes is re-examined. The governing equations are discussed as well as other practical considerations and guidelines concerning this sampling method as it is applied to either the disjunct eddy covariance (DEC) or disjunct eddy accumulation (DEA) techniques. A disjunct eddy sampling system was ...

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) has been applied in many efficiency studies in the banking sector. Conventional DEA models consider the system as a single-process black box. There are however a number of so-called network DEA approach that consider the system as composed by distinct processes or stages, each one with its own inputs and outputs and with intermediate flows among the stages. In th...

Ligand binding to the thyroid hormone nuclear receptor beta1 (TRbeta(1)) is inhibited by desethylamiodarone (DEA), the major metabolite of the widely used anti-arrhythmic drug amiodarone. Gene expression of thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine, T(3))-regulated genes can therefore be affected by amiodarone due to less ligand binding to the receptor. Previous studies have indicated the possibility o...

The purpose of this paper is describes the use of grey pridiction in linear programming problems. Some definitions and concepts of grey system theory are introduced and then, we introduced GM(1,1) and fractional order accumulation into grey model. Due to the fluctuation of prices and the lack of certainty data in the market, optimal production was calculated to optimize the profit from sales us...

An improved Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) is used to quantitatively investigate the impact of Jiangxi Province regional economy on local logistics demand. The grey characteristics of data from regional economy and logistics is studied, which shows GRA is applicable; then a multi-sequence GRA is proposed, which generates total 4 groups of grey relational sequence from three indices of industria...

Article history: Received 24 June 2010 Received in revised form 29 January 2011 Accepted 9 February 2011 Available online 13 February 2011