Data-Driven Induction of Shadowed Sets Based on Grade of Fuzziness

We propose a procedure devoted to the induction of a shadowed set through the post-processing of a fuzzy set, which in turn is learned from labeled data. More precisely, the fuzzy set is inferred using a modified support vector clustering algorithm, enriched in order to optimize the fuzziness grade. Finally, the fuzzy set is transformed into a shadowed set through application of an optimal alpha-cut. The procedure is tested on synthetic and real-world datasets

Data granulation by the principles of uncertainty

Researches in granular modeling produced a variety of mathematical models, such as intervals, (higher-order) fuzzy sets, rough sets, and shadowed sets, which are all suitable to characterize the so-called information granules. Modeling of the input data uncertainty is recognized as a crucial aspect in information granulation. Moreover, the uncertainty is a well-studied concept in many mathematical settings, such as those of probability theory, fuzzy set theory, and possibility theory. This fact suggests that an appropriate quantification of the uncertainty expressed by the information granule model could be used to define an invariant property, to be exploited in practical situations of information granulation. In this perspective, a procedure of information granulation is effective if the uncertainty conveyed by the synthesized information granule is in a monotonically increasing relation with the uncertainty of the input data. In this paper, we present a data granulation framework that elaborates over the principles of uncertainty introduced by Klir. Being the uncertainty a mesoscopic descriptor of systems and data, it is possible to apply such principles regardless of the input data type and the specific mathematical setting adopted for the information granules. The proposed framework is conceived (i) to offer a guideline for the synthesis of information granules and (ii) to build a groundwork to compare and quantitatively judge over different data granulation procedures. To provide a suitable case study, we introduce a new data granulation technique based on the minimum sum of distances, which is designed to generate type-2 fuzzy sets. We analyze the procedure by performing different experiments on two distinct data types: feature vectors and labeled graphs. Results show that the uncertainty of the input data is suitably conveyed by the generated type-2 fuzzy set models.Comment: 16 pages, 9 figures, 52 reference

EXPLOITING HIGHER ORDER UNCERTAINTY IN IMAGE ANALYSIS

Soft computing is a group of methodologies that works synergistically to provide flexible information processing capability for handling real-life ambiguous situations. Its aim is to exploit the tolerance for imprecision, uncertainty, approximate reasoning, and partial truth in order to achieve tractability, robustness, and low-cost solutions. Soft computing methodologies (involving fuzzy sets, neural networks, genetic algorithms, and rough sets) have been successfully employed in various image processing tasks including image segmentation, enhancement and classification, both individually or in combination with other soft computing techniques. The reason of such success has its motivation in the fact that soft computing techniques provide a powerful tools to describe uncertainty, naturally embedded in images, which can be exploited in various image processing tasks. The main contribution of this thesis is to present tools for handling uncertainty by means of a rough-fuzzy framework for exploiting feature level uncertainty. The first contribution is the definition of a general framework based on the hybridization of rough and fuzzy sets, along with a new operator called RF-product, as an effective solution to some problems in image analysis. The second and third contributions are devoted to prove the effectiveness of the proposed framework, by presenting a compression method based on vector quantization and its compression capabilities and an HSV color image segmentation technique

Fuzzy Systems

This book presents some recent specialized works of theoretical study in the domain of fuzzy systems. Over eight sections and fifteen chapters, the volume addresses fuzzy systems concepts and promotes them in practical applications in the following thematic areas: fuzzy mathematics, decision making, clustering, adaptive neural fuzzy inference systems, control systems, process monitoring, green infrastructure, and medicine. The studies published in the book develop new theoretical concepts that improve the properties and performances of fuzzy systems. This book is a useful resource for specialists, engineers, professors, and students

School placement in initial teacher education: final report

This study, commissioned by the Teaching Council in Ireland, focused on the reform in initial teacher education (ITE), specifically School Placement (SP). A main aim of the reform was to extend the duration of ITE programmes in the first instance, and enhance the professional experience of student teachers (STs) through increased collaboration between cooperating teachers (CTs), Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and schools. The study spanned four years, from 2014 to 2018, and employed a mixed-methods approach to investigate the implementation and impact of these reforms. Specifically, the study sought to document the implementation, bedding down and impact of the ITE reforms through focusing on the experiences and perspectives of major stakeholders, including student teachers, HEI tutors, CTs and school principals as they experienced changes to SP in ITE, such as the extended duration, broader professional experiences and collaborative learning between STs, CTs and HEI tutors. The new policy also sought to strengthen the integration of theory and practice, instil an inquiry orientation and emphasise evidence-based decision-making. In this context, the school was considered fundamental to acquiring the skills and competences needed by teachers in contemporary society. A comprehensive review of the literature emphasised the importance of SP for the professional learning of STs, highlighting the need for diverse opportunities, appropriate mentoring, feedback and constructive dialogue. Aligning with international evidence, good working partnerships between HEIs and schools were regarded as crucial. The study also underlined the pivotal role of both HEIs and schools in the professional development of student teachers, rejecting the outdated and dualistic notion of the study of theory being associated with HEIs with the experience of practice occurring in schools. Empirical findings from the study revealed that SP is a meaningful professional experience for the majority of STs and that it contributes strongly to the integration of theory and practice. As part of the reform, STs have extended SP, with opportunities to observe, co-plan and co-teach with their CTs. The study found that feedback that ST receive from HEI tutors was considered detailed and highly regarded by STs. However, variation in the experiences of STs in different schools was also found. Additionally, HEI tutors perceived their workload increasing in amount and intensity. The report suggests several recommendations for improving the consistency and coherence of the new ITE arrangements. These includ the need for a national mechanism to ensure access to SP for all STs, enhanced support and training for CTs, joint inquiries between HEIs and schools, revisiting the national framework, and aligning SP within the broader continuum of teacher education. In conclusion, while the reforms have been implemented, the authors noted that challenges persist, particularly in securing school placements and training CTs. The report recommends specific actions to address these challenges, emphasising the importance of collaboration among key stakeholders in teacher education

Silica Polypeptide-Based Colloids: Physical Properties and Novel Materials

The investigation of polypeptide composite particles, PCPs, is described. The production of mesoporous and polycolloid architectures is also addressed. PCPs were prepared by both growing form and grafting to method. They consist of a core made of silica, silica-coated magnetite or silica-coated cobalt. Some of the particles were covalently labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate. Several polypeptides were chosen for attachment on the core: poly(γ-stearyl-L-glutamate), PSLG, poly(Nε-carbobenzyloxy-L-lysine), PCBL and poly(o-benzyl-L-tyrosine), PBTY. Attachment of a well-characterized alkyne-end terminated PSLG and PCBL to an azide- functionalized particle yielded PCPs with a desired sparse coverage. A blend of techniques such as FTIR, XPS, TEM, HTEM, XRD, GPC, MALDI-TOF, DLS, and SQUID was used to confirm their production and to investigate their properties. The near superparamagnetic PCBL-CPs showed thinning behavior when subjected to stress. PSLG-CPs dispersed in different surfactant aqueous solutions and also enabled the immobilization by adsorption of a lipase from Candida rugosa. Dispersed in a liquid crystal PSLG matrix they rendered interesting morphologies. Mesoporous silica structures, some called geodesics, were obtained by prolonged storage in a slightly basic solution of ammonium hydroxide. Treatment with 3mM NaOH of fluorescent silica and PCPS yielded interesting mesoporous structures. Silica fluorescent particles were easily up-taken in the living cells of the Arabidopsis thaliana leaf. A concentrated NaOH solution (~10%) was used to cleave the polypeptide shell and measure the molecular weight. The helix conformation of the shell and the molecular weight, were confirmed by GPC assays. PCBL-CPs underwent to an inverse helix-to-coil transition in m-cresol as a function of temperature. The transition was followed by DLS, DSC, NMR T1 and SAXS. The results obtained with the blend of these techniques suggested a complicated landscape for the transition. The conformational change is not a pure coil-to-helix transition, rather transient states were identified. Polycolloid architectures were obtained by using enzymatic (Horseradish peroxidase) and photolytic catalysis (PICUP-Photo-induced Cross-linking of Unmodified Proteins). Comparison between the two approaches emphasized the facile preparation of the polycolloid structures by PICUP. The technique was suitable for preparation of different architectures obtained by patterning the reaction vessels. PICUP also enabled the formation of permanent magnetic PCP chains