Fuzzy C-means Research Articles

Information Theoretical Importance Sampling Clustering and Its Relationship With Fuzzy C-Means

Information Theoretical Importance Sampling Clustering and Its Relationship With Fuzzy C-Means

Linguistic Models: Optimization With the Use of Conditional Fuzzy C-Means

Most fuzzy models are just numeric. In this study, we revisit, explore and augment a concept of linguistic models, viz., fuzzy models producing results that are information granules, and, specifically, intervals or fuzzy sets. The proposed architecture is formed by constructing a network of linked fuzzy sets (information granules) ininput and output spaces with the aid of a context-based Fuzzy C-Means clustering method. The user centricity of such clustering method is implied by the explicit formulation of fuzzy sets in the output space. The resulting information granules constructed in the input space are conditioned by the corresponding fuzzy sets in the output space. This arrangement can increase the interpretability of the model and represent the model as a collection of logically arranged associations among information granules. The model's overall design process is discussed along with a detailed algorithmic structure. Its experimental evaluations are provided by using both synthetic and publicly datasets. For the former, the model brings the performance improvement ranging from 91% to 250% over the models with information granules uniformly distributed in output space. For the latter, such improvement ranges from 6% to 94%. Finally, a thorough discussion is provided together with guidelines on how to develop such a linguistic model in different contexts.

Computer-Aided Diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Based on Texture Pattern Recognition on Ultrasound Images Using Unsupervised Clustering Algorithms and Deep Learning

ObjectiveThe feasibility of using deep learning in ultrasound imaging to predict the ambulatory status of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) was previously explored for the first time. The present study further used clustering algorithms for the texture reconstruction of ultrasound images of DMD data sets and analyzed the difference in echo intensity between disease stages. Methodsk-means (Kms) and fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering algorithms were used to reconstruct the DMD data-set textures. Each image was reconstructed using seven texture-feature categories, six of which were used as the primary analysis items. The task of automatically identifying the ambulatory function and DMD severity was performed by establishing a machine-learning model. ResultsThe experimental results indicated that the Gaussian Naïve Bayes and k-nearest neighbors classification models achieved an accuracy of 86.78% in ambulatory function classification. The decision-tree model achieved an identification accuracy of 83.80% in severity classification. A deep convolutional neural network model was established as the main structure of the deep-learning model while automatic auxiliary interpretation tasks of ambulatory function and severity were performed, and data augmentation was used to improve the recognition performance of the trained model. Both the visual geometry group (VGG)-16 and VGG-19 models achieved 98.53% accuracy in ambulatory-function classification. The VGG-19 model achieved 92.64% accuracy in severity classification. ConclusionRegarding the overall results, the Kms and FCM clustering algorithms were used in this study to reconstruct the characteristic texture of the gastrocnemius muscle group in DMD, which was indeed helpful in quantitatively analyzing the deterioration of the gastrocnemius muscle group in patients with DMD at different stages. Subsequent combination of machine-learning and deep-learning technologies can automatically and accurately assist in identifying DMD symptoms and tracking DMD deterioration for long-term observation.

Integrative analysis of senescence-related genes identifies robust prognostic clusters with distinct features in hepatocellular carcinoma

IntroductionSenescence refers to a state of permanent cell growth arrest and is regarded as a tumor suppressive mechanism, whereas accumulative evidence demonstrate that senescent cells play an adverse role during cancer progression. The scarcity of specific and reliable markers reflecting senescence level in cancer impede our understanding of this biological basis. ObjectivesSenescence-related genes (SRGs) were collected for integrative analysis to reveal the role of senescence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodsConsensus clustering was used to subtype HCC based on SRGs. Several computational methods, including single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), fuzzy c-means algorithm, were performed. Data of drug sensitivities were utilized to screen potential therapeutic agents for different senescence patients. Additionally, we developed a method called signature-related gene analysis (SRGA) for identification of markers relevant to phenotype of interest. Experimental strategies consisting quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), β-galactosidase assay, western blot, and tumor-T cell co-culture system were used to validate the findings in vitro. ResultsWe identified three robust prognostic clusters of HCC patients with distinct survival outcome, mutational landscape, and immune features. We further extracted signature genes of senescence clusters to construct the senescence scoring system and profile senescence level in HCC at bulk and single-cell resolution. Senescence-induced stemness reprogramming was confirmed both in silico and in vitro. HCC patients with high senescence were immune suppressed and sensitive to Tozasertib and other drugs. We suggested that MAFG, PLIN3, and 4 other genes were pertinent to HCC senescence, and MAFG potentially mediated immune suppression, senescence, and stemness. ConclusionOur findings provide insights into the role of SRGs in patients stratification and precision medicine.

Real-time prediction of formation lithology using drilling parameters: an example from Ca Tam oilfield

Construction of stratigraphic column is an important stage in minerals exploration and researching the historical development of geological processes. Besides, determining and identifying the boundaries of lithological layers also helps a lot in minimizing the risk of drilling complications and incidents as well as increasing efficiency in drilling. In this study, the authors focus mainly on applying machine learning algorithms to classify lithology and identify stratigraphy directly from the real-time drilling data of 02 wells in the Ca Tam oil field. The proposed model has high accuracy, this result demonstrates the great superiority and effectiveness of applying this method. The model using the Fuzzy c-means algorithm has predicted and identified relatively accurately the three main lithological groups in the study area: sandstone, claystone, and clay. The study's encouraging findings demonstrate the need for further focus and funding on this new strategy in the future to raise the effectiveness of oil and gas well drilling in Vietnam.

Brain Tumor Detection Using Classification Model

This study aims to develop automated methods for detecting and segmenting brain tumors in MRI scans using neural networks and conventional image processing. Accurately identifying tumor location and boundaries is crucial for diagnosis and determining the most effective treatment approach. Manual review by radiologists is time-consuming and subjective. However, recent advances in deep learning now enable more efficient analysis of large MRI datasets.
 A variety of neural network models have been explored for tumor segmentation, including recurrent networks, autoencoders and convolutional networks. RNNs are well-suited to capture contextual information across sequential MRI slices. Autoencoders perform unsupervised feature learning from the images. CNNs have shown promise due to their ability to directly learn visual patterns from pixel values. Unsupervised clustering techniques such as fuzzy c-means and k-means are also investigated to group tumor pixels based on intensity similarity without labeled data.
 Previous research combining these techniques has achieved high segmentation accuracy between 84-97% using additional image processing steps. Automated segmentation provides benefits over manual inspection such as reduced workload and more consistent delineation of tumor margins. It can precisely outline growths to aid radiologists in diagnosis and pathologists in assessing malignancy.
 The detection and segmentation of brain tumors has applications in both radiology and oncology. Radiologists could benefit from faster scan review and automated report generation. Neurosurgeons would gain insights into a tumor's size, location and infiltration to determine the most suitable surgical approach. Oncologists could utilize quantitative tumor features to select the most targeted radiation therapy or chemotherapy protocols. Overall, continued advances in deep and machine learning hold promise to improve diagnosis and management of brain cancer patients.

Multiview Type-2 kernelized fuzzy C-means clustering with local information for noisy color image segmentation

Focusing on the currently available multi-view fuzzy clustering algorithms, many of which frequently lack robustness and are hence less frequently used in image segmentation. We present a multi-view fuzzy clustering image segmentation algorithm in this research, along with an autonomous view-weight learning mechanism. Firstly, to ensure that each view has the best view weight, the algorithm adds a view weight factor. Secondly, it introduces the weighted fuzzy factor and the kernel distance metric, the role of the weighted fuzzy factor is to collect the local spatial information and local grey scale information to preserve as much of the image’s detailed information as feasible during segmentation. The role of the kernel distance metric is to lessen the influence of outliers and noisy points on image segmentation. Finally, the technique for resolving the issue of image uncertainty and fuzzy factor selection introduces the concept of interval type-2 fuzzy c-means clustering. Numerous experiments on different images demonstrate that the proposed algorithm in this paper is more robust than previous multi-view fuzzy clustering algorithms for solving noise image segmentation problems. It is also more effective at segmenting images contaminated by noise and can better retain the detailed information in the image.

Research on long term power load grey combination forecasting based on fuzzy support vector machine

Aiming at the problem of low accuracy of single model in power load forecasting, a method based on fuzzy support vector machine and grey combination forecasting is proposed. The power load data is analyzed and prepared by means of data repair, preprocessing and fuzzy C-means clustering, which is combined with fuzzy support vector machine and grey prediction. The clustering results are taken as the input of the grey prediction model, and the preliminary prediction results are obtained through parameter modification. Then, the results are taken as the input of support vector machine, and the long-term power load prediction is carried out by combining the two models. The experimental results show that the proposed method has excellent performance in predicting long-term power load accurately, and the prediction accuracy is significantly improved compared with the traditional single forecasting model. The application of this method to long-term power load forecasting below 4000 KWH proves its high prediction accuracy and reliability once again. When the clustering category of power load fuzzy clustering is set to 30, the best data clustering effect can be obtained, and the prediction accuracy is further improved.

Wind power forecasting method of large-scale wind turbine clusters based on DBSCAN clustering and an enhanced hunter-prey optimization algorithm

As the large-scale grid connection of wind turbines poses challenges to the safe and stable operation of the power grid, it is necessary to forecast the power of wind turbine clusters. However, with the rapid increase in the installed capacity of wind turbines, simultaneously improving the accuracy and efficiency of large-scale wind-turbine cluster power prediction models has become a challenge. In this research, a novel hybrid power-forecasting model for wind-turbine clusters has been designed using density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) and an enhanced hunter-prey optimization algorithm (ENHPO). First, the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to select multiple variables that significantly affected the wind power. Second, multiple wind turbines are clustered into different groups using the DBSCAN clustering algorithm, and ENHPO is employed to optimize the DBSCAN parameters to strengthen the clustering performance. Finally, one wind turbine with a high correlation was selected as the representative wind turbine in each group, and power prediction was achieved using the multivariate long short-term memory. Simulation results of four datasets in different seasons show that, compared with other clustering methods, such as fuzzy C-means, balanced iterative reduction, and clustering using hierarchies, K-means, and density peak clustering, the prediction accuracy and prediction efficiency of the proposed hybrid prediction model are improved by 21.85% and 18.07%, respectively, on average. The experimental results effectively demonstrate that the designed model can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of power forecasting simultaneously.

A Method for Identifying Gross Errors in Dam Monitoring Data

Real and effective monitoring data are crucial in assessing the structural safety of dams. Gross errors, resulting from manual mismeasurement, instrument failure, or other factors, can significantly impact the evaluation process. It is imperative to eliminate such anomalous data. However, existing methods for detecting gross errors in concrete dam deformation often focus on analyzing a single monitoring effect quantity. This can lead to sudden jumps in values of effect quantity caused by changes in environmental variables being mistakenly identified as gross error. Therefore, a method based on Fuzzy C-Means clustering algorithm (FCM) partitioning and density clustering algorithm (Ordering Points To Identify the Clustering Structure, OPTICS) combined with Local Outlier Factor (LOF) algorithm for gross error identification is proposed. Firstly, the FCM algorithm is used to achieve the division of measurement point areas. Then, the OPTICS and LOF algorithms are jointly utilized to determine the gross errors. Finally, the real gross errors are identified by comparing the time of occurrence of the gross errors at measurement points in the same area. Through the case study, the results indicate that the method can effectively identify spurious, gross errors in the monitoring effect quantity caused by environmental mutations. The accuracy of gross error detection is significantly improved, and the rate of misjudgment of gross errors is reduced.

A Fuzzy Portfolio Model With Cardinality Constraints Based on Differential Evolution Algorithms

Uncertain information in the securities market exhibits fuzziness. In this article, expected returns and liquidity are considered as trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. The possibility mean and mean absolute deviation of expected returns represent the returns and risks of securities assets, while the possibility mean of expected turnover represents the liquidity of securities assets. Taking into account practical constraints such as cardinality and transaction costs, this article establishes a fuzzy portfolio model with cardinality constraints and solves it using the differential evolution algorithm. Finally, using fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm, 12 stocks are selected as empirical samples to provide numerical calculation examples. At the same time, fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm is used to cluster the stock yield data and analyse the stock data comprehensively and accurately, which provides a reference for establishing an effective portfolio.

Interval type-2 possibilistic picture C-means clustering incorporating local information for noisy image segmentation

Picture fuzzy C-means clustering is a novel computational intelligence method that has some advantages over fuzzy clustering in pattern analysis and machine intelligence. However, picture fuzzy clustering is easily affected by noise and weighting exponent, which seriously limits its widespread application. To address this issue, this paper proposes a new robust possibilistic clustering method called “interval type-2 possibilistic picture C-means clustering with local information”. This method combines interval type-2 fuzzy sets with possibilistic C-means clustering based on picture fuzzy sets, strengthening the noise resistance of picture fuzzy clustering. Firstly, this paper creatively extends an improved possibilistic clustering with double weighing exponents to picture fuzzy sets, solving the problem of consistency clustering in existing possibilistic picture clustering. Second, this paper originally introduces a new picture local information factor in possibilistic picture clustering and further enhances the anti-noise robustness of the method by using spatial possibilistic picture partition information. Finally, this paper skillfully extends this clustering method to interval type-2 fuzzy sets, which can handle more flexibly high-order uncertainties than type-1 clustering method. Experimental results indicate that this proposed method has better segmentation performance and stronger noise suppression ability compared with existing picture fuzzy clustering and interval type-2 fuzzy clustering. In summary, this work has made significant contributions to the development of picture fuzzy clustering theory and its applications.

Reconstruction-Aware Kernelized Fuzzy Clustering Framework Incorporating Local Information for Image Segmentation

Kernelized fuzzy C-means clustering with weighted local information is an extensively applied robust segmentation algorithm for noisy image. However, it is difficult to effectively solve the problem of segmenting image polluted by strong noise. To address this issue, a reconstruction-aware kernel fuzzy C-mean clustering with rich local information is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the optimization modeling of guided bilateral filtering is given for noisy image; Secondly, this filtering model is embedded into kernelized fuzzy C-means clustering with local information, and a novel reconstruction-filtering information driven fuzzy clustering model for noise-corrupted image segmentation is presented; Finally, a tri-level alternative and iterative algorithm is derived from optimizing model using optimization theory and its convergence is strictly analyzed. Many Experimental results on noisy synthetic images and actual images indicate that compared with the latest advanced fuzzy clustering-related algorithms, the algorithm presented in this paper has better segmentation performance and stronger robustness to noise, and its PSNR and ACC values increase by about 0.16–3.28 and 0.01–0.08 respectively.

Web-based spatial decision support system for precision agriculture: A tool for delineating dynamic management unit zones (MUZs)

Precision agriculture (PA) is a farming management concept that aims to provide agronomic, economic, and environmental benefits. One of the fields of research in PA is the delineation of Management Unit Zones (MUZs). MUZs are the sub-division of fields featuring an inter-zonal variation delineated by agronomists for on-field PA operations. To develop MUZs, three factors typically need to be considered: input multi-dimensional data, procedures to process the information, and the optimal number of zones a field should be divided into. PA uses digital technologies to collect and analyze a large amount of data, outline MUZs, monitor crops, and carry out site-specific crop management. Web-based spatial decision support systems (WB-SDSS) can provide users with tools that ease the complex procedures for PA. The objective of this study is twofold: on the one hand, we developed a free and open source (FOSS) WB-SDSS to facilitate the implementation and use of such tools for delineating MUZs and monitoring crops; on the other, a MUZs outline procedure was developed based on Sentinel-2 and Planetscope time series data, and spatio-temporal dynamic clustering model using fuzzy c-means. Our study highlighted that the WB-SDSS might be a helpful solution for harmonizing data collected from different sources, easing the implementation and use of complex geospatial procedures for PA, and delineating MUZs. We tested the system on a particularly representative farm in the Emilia Romagna region (Northern Italy), with 512 hectares of durum wheat crops. Using the WB-SDSS, we quickly delineated homogeneous zones for 27 fields in the study area during the phenological cycle of durum wheat (November 2018-June 2019).

Enhancement of the Classification Performance of Fuzzy C-Means through Uncertainty Reduction with Cloud Model Interpolation

As an information granulation technology, clustering plays a pivotal role in unsupervised learning, serving as a fundamental cornerstone for various data mining techniques. The effective and accurate classification of data is a central focus for numerous researchers. For a dataset, we assert that the classification performance of a clustering method is significantly influenced by uncertain data, particularly those situated at the cluster boundaries. It is evident that uncertain data encapsulate richer information compared with others. Generally, the greater the uncertainty, the more information the data holds. Therefore, conducting a comprehensive analysis of this particular subset of data carries substantial significance. This study presents an approach to characterize data distribution properties using fuzzy clustering and defines the boundary and non-boundary characteristics (certainty and uncertainty) of the data. To improve the classification performance, the strategy focuses on reducing the uncertainty associated with boundary data. The proposed scheme involves inserting data points with the cloud computing technology based on the distribution characteristics of the membership functions to diminish the uncertainty of uncertain data. Building upon this, the contribution of boundary data is reassigned to the prototype in order to diminish the proportion of uncertain data. Subsequently, the classifier is optimized through data label (classification error) supervision. Ultimately, the objective is to leverage clustering algorithms for classification, thereby enhancing overall classification accuracy. Experimental results substantiate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.

Designing a green-resilient closed-loop supply chain to preserve business continuity under interrelated disruptions (a case study of the automotive battery industry)

Improving profitability, implementing the recycling cycle to reduce resource consumption, and managing interrelated disturbances to maintain business continuity are important issues for supply chain management. Accordingly, this study proposes a multi-objective optimization model to design a green-resilient closed-loop supply chain considering pricing decisions under multiple interrelated disturbances. Herein, the fuzzy c-means clustering method is employed to lessen probable scenarios and cluster main suppliers and target markets to reduce mathematical complexity. The multi-objective model is solved by adopting the improved augmented ε-constraint method to achieve the minimum total cost, total environmental impact, and network non-resiliency. The mixed uncertainty is coped with by developing a novel robust optimization method. Finally, an automotive battery manufacturing industry case study is applied to the model. The results reveal that the mutual effects of disturbances intensify the deterioration of objective functions. Also, the dynamic pricing of products reduces the financial vulnerability of the supply chain.

Implicit unscented particle filter based indoor fusion positioning algorithms for sensor networks

Combining inertial navigation system (INS) and ultra-wideband (UWB) technologies can effectively compensate for their respective shortcomings, thus significantly enhancing the accuracy of indoor positioning systems. However, in the process of fusing these two technologies, signal fading under non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions, multipath effects, and errors accumulated by the INS over a long period of time are still key issues that need to be addressed. To cope with these challenges, a new fusion localization algorithm is proposed in this study. The algorithm employs a combination of fuzzy C-mean (FCM) and K-Medoids algorithms for UWB for position computation on the one hand, and an Implicit Unscented Particle Filter (IUPF)-enhanced INS for navigation information processing on the other. In addition, based on the INS error equation, this algorithm realizes the effective fusion of UWB and INS positioning information through the Minimum Error Entropy Extended Kalman Filter (MEE-EKF) technique. This integrated approach significantly improves the accuracy and stability when dealing with the localization problem in complex indoor environments. After simulation experiments under different noise conditions and real environment experiments, the algorithm proposed in this study shows significant advantages in terms of localization performance over the traditional UWB/INS localization methods in recent years. In real experiments, the algorithm achieves an average of 36.15% improvement in positioning accuracy.

Intelligent color image analysis of sintered ores for simple and rapid determination of Fe3O4 concentration

A simple determination of the Fe3O4 concentrations of sintered ores using color images of the samples has been explored. Sintered ore is mainly composed of Fe2O3 (red), Fe3O4 (black), and other white inorganic oxides, so the color of sintered ore could be representative of the relative abundance of the constituents. Two important challenges were addressed to achieve reliable quantitative color image analysis. First, minute dents and bumps (embosses) exist on the sample surface due to inconsistent particle sizes and particle agglomeration, thereby generating dark shadows. Second, small white spots corresponding to inorganic oxide particles were spread throughout acquired images. The white spots yield very high RGB values, which would hamper the translation of the real sample color originating from the iron oxides. Therefore, the segmentations of particle agglomeration-induced shadows and white spots in the sample images were separately executed using Otsu's method and modified fuzzy C-means (MFCM), respectively. Then, color moments and derived variables from the segmented images were employed to determine Fe3O4 concentrations (6.5–10.5 wt%) using extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). The predicted concentrations from the color analysis correlated well with reference concentrations determined using conventional titration, with a root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.39 wt%.

SO‐CPP: Sailfish optimization‐based controller placement in IoT‐enabled software‐defined wireless sensor networks

SummaryOne of the expanding network topologies that is frequently utilized to improve network development by successfully separating the control plane and data plane is software‐defined networking (SDN). In order to function inside complex sensor networks, the SDWSN system frequently relies on centralized controller logic that pulls global network information. In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), using several SDN controllers is known as a promising strategy due to reliability and performance considerations. However, using numerous controllers increases the synchronization overhead between the controllers. Consequently, it is a difficult research challenge to discover the best placement of SDN controllers to enhance the performance of a WSN, subject to the maximum number of controllers calculated based on the synchronization overhead. This research introduces a novel technique to overcome the controller placement problem (CPP) by optimizing multi‐constraints within the sensor networks. For selecting the optimal controllers and placing them in an optimal location, a novel sailfish optimization (SO) strategy is introduced that can enhance the search space and maintain optimal global values throughout the iteration. Then, node clustering is performed using the fuzzy‐C‐means (FCM) clustering technique, which can reduce energy consumption and path delay within the network. The overall latency obtained by the proposed method is about 0.51 and 0.56 ms, and a total run time of 4 ms for both single sink and multi‐sink, respectively. The proposed method is implemented in the MATLAB platform, and different performance metrics are analyzed and compared with existing techniques.

Human Epithelial Cell Image Analysis and Segmentation using Threshold Based Fusion Technique

The most demanding aspect of digital image processing is segmenting an image efficiently. Cell segmentation or classifying cells in an image is essential while analyzing cell images in medical research, especially in spot diagnosis, cancer cell detection, and live-cell imaging segmentation forms a crucial component. This research examines existing segmentation algorithms and suggests a new segmentation technique that employs image filtering and thresholding. Thresholding is an essential part of image analysis and segmentation. Finally, the segmented image and the FCM (fuzzy C-means) based clustered image are merged. In terms of accuracy, sensitivity, dice-coefficient, and Jaccard-coefficient, the simulation coupled with ground truth data is proven to produce better segmentation outcomes.