Relational visual cluster validity

The assessment of cluster validity plays a very important role in cluster analysis. Most commonly used cluster validity methods are based on statistical hypothesis testing or finding the best clustering scheme by computing a number of different cluster validity indices. A number of visual methods of cluster validity have been produced to display directly the validity of clusters by mapping data into two- or three-dimensional space. However, these methods may lose too much information to correctly estimate the results of clustering algorithms. Although the visual cluster validity (VCV) method of Hathaway and Bezdek can successfully solve this problem, it can only be applied for object data, i.e. feature measurements. There are very few validity methods that can be used to analyze the validity of data where only a similarity or dissimilarity relation exists – relational data. To tackle this problem, this paper presents a relational visual cluster validity (RVCV) method to assess the validity of clustering relational data. This is done by combining the results of the non-Euclidean relational fuzzy c-means (NERFCM) algorithm with a modification of the VCV method to produce a visual representation of cluster validity. RVCV can cluster complete and incomplete relational data and adds to the visual cluster validity theory. Numeric examples using synthetic and real data are presente

A Fuzzy Association Rule Mining Expert-Driven (FARME-D) approach to Knowledge Acquisition

Fuzzy Association Rule Mining Expert-Driven (FARME-D) approach to knowledge acquisition is proposed in this paper as a viable solution to the challenges of rule-based unwieldiness and sharp boundary problem in building a fuzzy rule-based expert system. The fuzzy models were based on domain experts’ opinion about the data description. The proposed approach is committed to modelling of a compact Fuzzy Rule-Based Expert Systems. It is also aimed at providing a platform for instant update of the knowledge-base in case new knowledge is discovered. The insight to the new approach strategies and underlining assumptions, the structure of FARME-D and its practical application in medical domain was discussed. Also, the modalities for the validation of the FARME-D approach were discussed

A novel approach for ANFIS modelling based on Grey system theory for thermal error compensation

The fast and accurate modelling of thermal errors in machining is an important aspect for the implementation of thermal error compensation. This paper presents a novel modelling approach for thermal error compensation on CNC machine tools. The method combines the Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and Grey system theory to predict thermal errors in machining. Instead of following a traditional approach, which utilises original data patterns to construct the ANFIS model, this paper proposes to exploit Accumulation Generation Operation (AGO) to simplify the modelling procedures. AGO, a basis of the Grey system theory, is used to uncover a development tendency so that the features and laws of integration hidden in the chaotic raw data can be sufficiently revealed. AGO properties make it easier for the proposed model to design and predict. According to the simulation results, the proposed model demonstrates stronger prediction power than standard ANFIS model only with minimum number of training samples

Motorized cart

Motorized cart is known as an effective tool and timeless that help people carry heavy loads. For farmers, it has an especially vital tool for moving goods. Oil palm farmers typically uses the wheelbarrow to move the oil palm fruit (Figure 10.1). However, there is a lack of equipment that should be further enhanced in capabilities. Motorized carts that seek to add automation to wheelbarrow as it is to help people save manpower while using it. At present, oil palm plantation industry is among the largest in Malaysia. However, in an effort to increase the prestige of the industry to a higher level there are challenges to be faced. Shortage of workers willing to work the farm for harvesting oil palm has given pain to manage oil palm plantations. Many have complained about the difficulty of hiring foreign workers and a high cost. Although there are tools that can be used to collect or transfer the proceeds of oil palm fruits such as carts available. However, these tools still have the disadvantage that requires high manpower to operate. Moreover, it is not suitable for all land surfaces and limited cargo space. Workload and manpower dependence has an impact on farmers' income

The cognitive bases for the design of a new class of fuzzy logic controllers: The clearness transformation fuzzy logic controller

This paper analyses the internal operation of fuzzy logic controllers as referenced to the human cognitive tasks of control and decision making. Two goals are targeted. The first goal focuses on the cognitive interpretation of the mechanisms employed in the current design of fuzzy logic controllers. This analysis helps to create a ground to explore the potential of enhancing the functional intelligence of fuzzy controllers. The second goal is to outline the features of a new class of fuzzy controllers, the Clearness Transformation Fuzzy Logic Controller (CT-FLC), whereby some new concepts are advanced to qualify fuzzy controllers as 'cognitive devices' rather than 'expert system devices'. The operation of the CT-FLC, as a fuzzy pattern processing controller, is explored, simulated, and evaluated

Neuro-fuzzy knowledge processing in intelligent learning environments for improved student diagnosis

In this paper, a neural network implementation for a fuzzy logic-based model of the diagnostic process is proposed as a means to achieve accurate student diagnosis and updates of the student model in Intelligent Learning Environments. The neuro-fuzzy synergy allows the diagnostic model to some extent "imitate" teachers in diagnosing students' characteristics, and equips the intelligent learning environment with reasoning capabilities that can be further used to drive pedagogical decisions depending on the student learning style. The neuro-fuzzy implementation helps to encode both structured and non-structured teachers' knowledge: when teachers' reasoning is available and well defined, it can be encoded in the form of fuzzy rules; when teachers' reasoning is not well defined but is available through practical examples illustrating their experience, then the networks can be trained to represent this experience. The proposed approach has been tested in diagnosing aspects of student's learning style in a discovery-learning environment that aims to help students to construct the concepts of vectors in physics and mathematics. The diagnosis outcomes of the model have been compared against the recommendations of a group of five experienced teachers, and the results produced by two alternative soft computing methods. The results of our pilot study show that the neuro-fuzzy model successfully manages the inherent uncertainty of the diagnostic process; especially for marginal cases, i.e. where it is very difficult, even for human tutors, to diagnose and accurately evaluate students by directly synthesizing subjective and, some times, conflicting judgments

Penguasaan kemahiran generik di kalangan graduan hospitaliti di politeknik : satu kajian berkenaan keperluan industri perhotelan, persepsi pensyarah dan pelajar

Kajian yang dijalankan ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti kepentingan kemahiran generik mengikut keperluan industri perhotelan di Malaysia dengan persepsi pensyarah dan persepsi pelajar Jabatan Hospitaliti. Oleh kerana matlamat kurikulum pendidikan kini adalah untuk melahirkan graduan yang dapat memenuhi keperluan pihak industri, maka kajian ini dijalankan untuk menilai hubungan di antara keperluan industri perhotelan di Malaysia dengan persepsi pensyarah dan pelajar Jabatan Hospitaliti di Politeknik. Terdapat 13 kemahiran generik yang diperolehi daripada Kementerian Pelajaran dan Latihan Ontario (1997) dijadikan sebagai skop kepada instrumen kajian. Responden kajian terdiri daripada tiga pihak utama iaitu industri perhotelan di Malaysia yang melibatkan 40 buah hotel yang diwakili oleh MAH Chapter dan jawatankuasa dalam Malaysian Associated of Hotel (MAH), pensyarah Unit Hotel dan Katering dan pelajar semester akhir Diploma Hotel dan Katering di Politeknik Johor Bahru, Johor dan Politeknik Merlimau, Melaka. Kajian rintis yang dijalankan menunjukkan nilai Alpha Cronbach pada 0.8781. Data yang diperolehi dianalisis secara deskriptif dan inferensi dengan menggunakan perisian Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) versi 11.5. Melalui dapatan kajian, satu senarai berkenaan kemahiran generik yang diperlukan oleh industri perhotelan telah dapat dihasilkan. Selain itu, senarai kemahiran generik menurut persepsi pensyarah dan juga persepsi pelajar turut dihasilkan. Hasil statistik dan graf garis yang diperolehi menunjukkan terdapat perbezaan di antara kemahiran generik yang diperlukan oleh industri perhotelan di Malaysia dengan kemahiran generik menurut persepsi pensyarah dan persepsi pelajar Politeknik. Dapatan analisis menggunakan korelasi Pearson mendapati bahawa tidak terdapat perhubungan yang signifikan di antara kemahiran generik yang diperlukan oleh industri perhotelan dengan persepsi pensyarah dan persepsi pelajar. Namun begitu, terdapat hubungan yang signifikan di antara persepsi pensyarah dengan persepsi pelajar berkenaan dengan amalan kemahiran generik di Politeknik