This book examines fuzzy relational calculus theory with applications in various engineering subjects. The scope of the text covers unified and exact methods with algorithms for direct and inverse problem resolution in fuzzy relational calculus. Extensive engineering applications of fuzzy relation compositions and fuzzy linear systems (linear, relational and intuitionistic) are discussed. Some examples of such applications include solutions of equivalence, reduction and minimization problems in fuzzy machines, pattern recognition in fuzzy languages, optimization and inference engines in textile and chemical engineering, etc. A comprehensive overview of the authors' original work in fuzzy relational calculus is also provided in each chapter.The attached CD-Rom contains a toolbox with many functions for fuzzy calculations, together with an original algorithm for inverse problem resolution in MATLAB. This book is also suitable for use as a textbook in related courses at advanced undergraduate and graduate levels.

This book focuses on one of the major challenges of the newly created scientific domain known as data science: turning data into actionable knowledge in order to exploit increasing data volumes and deal with their inherent complexity. Actionable knowledge has been qualitatively and intensively studied in management, business, and the social sciences but in computer science and engineering, its connection has only recently been established to data mining and its evolution, ‘Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining’ (KDD). Data mining seeks to extract interesting patterns from data, but, until now, the patterns discovered from data have not always been ‘actionable’ for decision-makers in Socio-Technical Organizations (STO). With the evolution of the Internet and connectivity, STOs have evolved into Cyber-Physical and Social Systems (CPSS) that are known to describe our world today. In such complex and dynamic environments, the conventional KDD process is insufficient, and additional processes are required to transform complex data into actionable knowledge. Readers are presented with advanced knowledge concepts and the analytics and information fusion (AIF) processes aimed at delivering actionable knowledge. The authors provide an understanding of the concept of ‘relation’ and its exploitation, relational calculus, as well as the formalization of specific dimensions of knowledge that achieve a semantic growth along the AIF processes. This book serves as an important technical presentation of relational calculus and its application to processing chains in order to generate actionable knowledge. It is ideal for graduate students, researchers, or industry professionals interested in decision science and knowledge engineering.

1. When I was asked by the editors of this book to write a foreword, I was seized by panic. Obviously, neither I am an expert in Knowledge Representation in Fuzzy Databases nor I could have been beforehand unaware that the book's contributors would be some of the most outstanding researchers in the field. However, Amparo Vila's gentle insistence gradually broke down my initial resistance, and panic then gave way to worry. Which paving stones did I have at my disposal for making an entrance to the book? After thinking about it for some time, I concluded that it would be pretentious on my part to focus on the subjects which are dealt with directly in the contributions presented, and that it would instead be better to confine myself to making some general reflections on knowledge representation given by imprecise information using fuzzy sets; reflections which have been suggested to me by some words in the following articles such as: graded notions, fuzzy objects, uncertainty, fuzzy implications, fuzzy inference, empty intersection, etc.

The application of Computational Intelligence in emerging research areas such as Granular Computing, Mechatronics, and Bioinformatics shows its usefulness often emphasized by Prof Lotfi Zadeh, the inventor of fuzzy logic and many others. This book contains recent advances in Computational Intelligence methods for modeling, optimization and prediction and covers a large number of applications. The book presents new Computational Intelligence theory and methods for modeling and prediction. The range of the various applications is captured with 5 chapters in image processing, 2 chapters in audio processing, 3 chapters in commerce and finance, 2 chapters in communication networks and 6 chapters containing other applications.

Initially conceived as a methodology for the representation and manipulation of imprecise and vague information, fuzzy computation has found wide use in problems that fall well beyond its originally intended scope of application. Many scientists and engineers now use the paradigms of fuzzy computation to tackle problems that are either intractable

Research and development surrounding the use of data queries is receiving increased attention from computer scientists and data specialists alike. Through the use of query technology, large volumes of data in databases can be retrieved, and information systems built based on databases can support problem solving and decision making across industries. The Handbook of Research on Innovative Database Query Processing Techniques focuses on the growing topic of database query processing methods, technologies, and applications. Aimed at providing an all-inclusive reference source of technologies and practices in advanced database query systems, this book investigates various techniques, including database and XML queries, spatiotemporal data queries, big data queries, metadata queries, and applications of database query systems. This comprehensive handbook is a necessary resource for students, IT professionals, data analysts, and academicians interested in uncovering the latest methods for using queries as a means to extract information from databases. This all-inclusive handbook includes the latest research on topics pertaining to information retrieval, data extraction, data management, design and development of database queries, and database and XM queries.

The proper management of geographic data can provide assistance to a number of different sectors within society. As such, it is imperative to continue advancing research for spatial data analysis. The Handbook of Research on Geographic Information Systems Applications and Advancements presents a thorough overview of the latest developments in effective management techniques for collecting, processing, analyzing, and utilizing geographical data and information. Highlighting theoretical frameworks and relevant applications, this book is an ideal reference source for researchers, academics, professionals, and students actively involved in the field of geographic information systems.