Simplicity and Explainability in Algorithms

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is devoted to research on algorithmics, in all areas of computer science, but with specific attention to the more philosophical aspects related to their simplicity, elegance, and explainability, with respect not only to their design but also to their analysis.

Simplicity in design and presentation is a fundamental aspect of the success of an algorithm or computational model. Indeed, simpler algorithms, which consequently are easily understood and explained, allow a better understanding of the problem addressed, are easier to implement, and for this reason are more likely to be used by professionals and enjoy their trust.

However, the aspect of explainability, closely related to simplicity, is a multifaceted topic that in recent years has concerned the field of algorithms implemented in neural network models. In this context, explainability refers not only to the possibility of interpreting the decisions a model produces, but also to the possibility of accounting for the entire process and intention surrounding the model. In other words, we refer to the cogency of the data being used, the mathematical adequacy with respect to the task at hand, and the validity and determinability of the goal of the system itself.

Prof. Dr. Simone Faro
Dr. Arianna Pavone
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Algorithms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• algorithmic simplicity, explainability, and elegance
• algorithm design and implementation
• neural network moderation
• simplified algorithmic analysis