Learning Algorithms for Fuzzy Inference Systems Using Vector Quantization

Many studies on learning of fuzzy inference systems have been made. Specifically, it is known that learning methods using vector quantization (VQ) and steepest descent method (SDM) are superior to other methods. In their learning methods, VQ is used only in determination of the initial parameters for the antecedent part of fuzzy rules. In order to improve them, some methods determining the initial parameters for the consequent part by VQ are proposed. For example, learning method composed of three stages as VQ, generalized inverse matrix (GIM), and SDM was proposed in the previous paper. In this paper, we will propose improved methods for learning process of SDM for learning methods using VQ, GIM, and SDM and show that the methods are superior in the number of rules to the conventional methods in numerical simulations

Marine Biodiversity in Japanese Waters

To understand marine biodiversity in Japanese waters, we have compiled information on the marine biota in Japanese waters, including the number of described species (species richness), the history of marine biology research in Japan, the state of knowledge, the number of endemic species, the number of identified but undescribed species, the number of known introduced species, and the number of taxonomic experts and identification guides, with consideration of the general ocean environmental background, such as the physical and geological settings. A total of 33,629 species have been reported to occur in Japanese waters. The state of knowledge was extremely variable, with taxa containing many inconspicuous, smaller species tending to be less well known. The total number of identified but undescribed species was at least 121,913. The total number of described species combined with the number of identified but undescribed species reached 155,542. This is the best estimate of the total number of species in Japanese waters and indicates that more than 70% of Japan's marine biodiversity remains un-described. The number of species reported as introduced into Japanese waters was 39. This is the first attempt to estimate species richness for all marine species in Japanese waters. Although its marine biota can be considered relatively well known, at least within the Asian-Pacific region, considering the vast number of different marine environments such as coral reefs, ocean trenches, ice-bound waters, methane seeps, and hydrothermal vents, much work remains to be done. We expect global change to have a tremendous impact on marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Japan is in a particularly suitable geographic situation and has a lot of facilities for conducting marine science research. Japan has an important responsibility to contribute to our understanding of life in the oceans