Optimal models and methods with fuzzy quantities (Q2268660)

Fuzzy modeling and fuzzy optimization come with a significant diversity expressed in terms of the underlying concepts, methodologies, and algorithms. The book consists of 10 chapters and naturally splits into six parts. It starts with a brief introduction to fuzzy sets covering all necessary prerequisites which help the reader fully appreciate the material covered in the rest of the book. In particular, the preparatory material concerns an extension principle, fuzzy functions, and a variety of fuzzy numbers regarded as generic functional building blocks used in fuzzy modeling. Chapters 2 and 3 are about regression models with fuzzy coefficients \((Y= A_1x_1+ A_2x_2+\cdots +A_nx_n+\varepsilon\) with \(A_i\) being the parameters of the model regarded as fuzzy numbers) and fuzzy variables. Then fuzzy input-output models and fuzzy cluster analysis and classification problems are covered. Two consecutive chapters address an important and timely problem of fuzzy programming, namely fuzzy linear programming and fuzzy geometric programming. In the sequel, there are covered fuzzy relation equations of the form \(x*R=y\) with \(R\), \(x\), and \(y\) being a fuzzy relation and fuzzy sets, respectively and \(*\) serving as a certain composition operator. Along this line, optimization problems of the following form are discussed: \(\max Z= x*x^T\) subject to \(x*A= b\). The two last chapters are devoted to interval and fuzzy differential equations and their categories. Overall, the book is an interesting and useful reading exploring the wealth and capabilities of fuzzy sets in the framework of system modeling and system optimization.