Fusion of Centrality Measures with D-OWA in Neutrosophic Cognitive Maps to Develop a Composite Centrality Indicator

Byron J. Chulco Lema¹, Carlos Javier L. Chapeta¹, Rosa E. Chuga Quemac¹, Layal Kallach^2,*

¹ Regional Autonomous University of the Andes (UNIANDES), Ecuador

²College of Business Administration, American University of the Middle East, Kuwait

Emails: direccionderecho@uniandes.edu.ec; ui.carloslizcano@uniandes.edu.ec; ut.rosachuga@uniandes.edu.ec; Layal.kallach@aum.edu.kw 

Abstract

This study utilized Neutrosophic Cognitive Maps (NCMs) integrated with the D-OWA operator to analyze the nutritional rights of pregnant women in Ecuador, with a focus on the crucial role of nutrition education. The innovative application of the D-OWA operator enabled the computation of a composite centrality measure by merging key centrality indicators—degree, closeness, and betweenness—each appropriately weighted according to its relevance to the analysis. This methodology provided a sophisticated evaluation of the factors impacting maternal nutrition, demonstrating how combining various centrality measures offers a deeper and more comprehensive insight into the dynamics of complex systems. The calculated composite centrality measures revealed the system’s intricate structure, pinpointing critical nodes and pathways that could be targeted most effectively through interventions. The findings underscore the significant benefits of using composite centrality measures to enhance decision-making in public health and other sectors characterized by complexity and uncertainty. The potential for refining and expanding this approach in future research suggests that it could be further supported by technological advancements, enabling more efficient analysis and scalability across diverse complex systems.

Keywords: Neutrosophic Cognitive Maps; D-OWA Operator; Centrality Measures; Nutritional Rights