In this chapter, Herrera-Martınez 2-tuple linguistic representation model is extended for combining imprecise qualitative information using fusion rules drawn from Dezert-Smarandache Theory (DSmT) or from Dempster-Shafer Theory (DST) frameworks.

In this paper, we present a new 2-tuple linguistic representation model, i.e. Distribution Function Model (DFM), for combining imprecise qualitativeinformation using fusion rules drawn from Dezert-Smarandache Theory (DSmT) framework.

This volume has about 760 pages, split into 25 chapters, from 41 contributors. First part of this book presents advances of Dezert-Smarandache Theory (DSmT) which is becoming one of the most comprehensive and flexible fusion theory based on belief functions. It can work in all fusion spaces: power set, hyper-power set, and super-power set, and has various fusion and conditioning rules that can be applied depending on each application. Some new generalized rules are introduced in this volume with codes for implementing some of them. For the qualitative fusion, the DSm Field and Linear Algebra of Refined Labels (FLARL) is proposed which can convert any numerical fusion rule to a qualitative fusion rule. When one needs to work on a refined frame of discernment, the refinement is done using Smarandache¿s algebraic codification. New interpretations and implementations of the fusion rules based on sampling techniques and referee functions are proposed, including the probabilistic proportional conflict redistribution rule. A new probabilistic transformation of mass of belief is also presented which outperforms the classical pignistic transformation in term of probabilistic information content. The second part of the book presents applications of DSmT in target tracking, in satellite image fusion, in snow-avalanche risk assessment, in multi-biometric match score fusion, in assessment of an attribute information retrieved based on the sensor data or human originated information, in sensor management, in automatic goal allocation for a planetary rover, in computer-aided medical diagnosis, in multiple camera fusion for tracking objects on ground plane, in object identification, in fusion of Electronic Support Measures allegiance report, in map regenerating forest stands, etc.

Modern systems for information retrieval, fusion and management need to deal more and more with information coming from human experts usually expressed qualitatively in natural language with linguistic labels.

The fourth volume on Advances and Applications of Dezert-Smarandache Theory (DSmT) for information fusion collects theoretical and applied contributions of researchers working in different fields of applications and in mathematics. The contributions (see List of Articles published in this book, at the end of the volume) have been published or presented after disseminating the third volume (2009, http://fs.gallup.unm.edu/DSmT-book3.pdf) ininternational conferences, seminars, workshops and journals.

The fourth volume on Advances and Applications of Dezert-Smarandache Theory (DSmT) for information fusion collects theoretical and applied contributions of researchers working in different fields of applications and in mathematics. The contributions have been published or presented after disseminating the third volume (2009, http://fs.gallup.unm.edu/DSmT-book3.pdf) in international conferences, seminars, workshops and journals.

This book mainly introduces a series of theory and approaches of group decision-making based on several types of uncertain linguistic expressions and addresses their applications. The book pursues three major objectives: (1) to introduce some techniques to model several types of natural linguistic expressions; (2) to handle these expressions in group decision-making; and (3) to clarify the involved approaches by practical applications. The book is especially valuable for readers to understand how linguistic expressions could be employed and operated to make decisions, and motivates researchers to consider more types of natural linguistic expressions in decision analysis under uncertainties.

This book examines one of the more common and wide-spread methodologies to deal with uncertainty in real-world decision making problems, the computing with words paradigm, and the fuzzy linguistic approach. The 2-tuple linguistic model is the most popular methodology for computing with words (CWW), because it improves the accuracy of the linguistic computations and keeps the interpretability of the results. The authors provide a thorough review of the specialized literature in CWW and highlight the rapid growth and applicability of the 2-tuple linguistic model. They explore the foundations and methodologies for CWW in complex frameworks and extensions. The book introduces the software FLINTSTONES that provides tools for solving linguistic decision problems based on the 2-tuple linguistic model. Professionals and researchers working in the field of classification or fuzzy sets and systems will find The 2-tuple Linguistic Model: Computing with Words in Decision Making a valuable resource. Undergraduate and postdoctoral students studying computer science and statistics will also find this book a useful study guide.

The volume delivers a wealth of effective methods to deal with various types of uncertainty inherently existing in human-centric decision problems. It elaborates on comprehensive decision frameworks to handle different decision scenarios, which help use effectively the explicit and tacit knowledge and intuition, model perceptions and preferences in a more human-oriented style. The book presents original approaches and delivers new results on fundamentals and applications related to human-centered decision making approaches to business, economics and social systems. Individual chapters cover multi-criteria (multiattribute) decision making, decision making with prospect theory, decision making with incomplete probabilistic information, granular models of decision making and decision making realized with the use of non-additive measures. New emerging decision theories being presented as along with a wide spectrum of ongoing research make the book valuable to all interested in the field of advanced decision-making. The volume, self-contained in its nature, offers a systematic exposure to the concepts, design methodologies, and detailed algorithms. A prudent balance between the theoretical studies and applications makes the material suitable for researchers and graduate students in information, computer sciences, psychology, cognitive science, economics, system engineering, operation research and management science, risk management, public and social policy.