Mathematical methods to quantify and characterise the primary elements of trophic systems
by James Nicholas Furze; Quanmin Zhu; Feng Qiao; Jennifer Hill
International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology (IJCAT), Vol. 47, No. 4, 2013

Abstract: Mathematical approaches to plant characterisation are explained, there being a range of tools available to categorise and describe biological and environmental systems. Genetic algorithms (GAs) and fuzzy-logic are techniques used for multiple criteria-based decision-making. Data from a previously described algorithm are shown across an ecological continuum. Examples of the use of fuzzy logic to quantify environmental predictors are given. A fusion of techniques is proposed for the simultaneous categorisation of large numbers of plant species. The use of linguistic terms in fuzzy based systems is discussed and examples are given. Fuzzy systems use covariates of the prevailing conditions (water-energy dynamic) to guide characterisation of plants within different global environments. Knowledge guidance systems used with the technique for order similarity based on ideal situation (TOPSIS) categorise life history-based strategies of plants within trophic systems. Hybrid-techniques potential application to future research methods is given.

Online publication date: Mon, 02-Dec-2013

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology (IJCAT):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com