Fuzzy Sets, Rough Sets, and Fuzzy Relational Equations: Theoretical Advances and Applications

A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Mathematics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 1232

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Cognitive Science and Mathematical Modeling, University of Information Technology and Management, 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland
Interests: relational systems of equations; programming; fuzzy sets; applications of fuzzy sets

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Guest Editor
Department of Artificial Intelligence, University of Information Technology and Management, 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland
Interests: data mining; knowledge discovery; machine learning

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fuzzy set theory, fuzzy relational equations, and their extensions have significantly influenced the modelling of uncertainty and imprecision across various fields. At the same time, rough set theory has become a powerful tool for handling vagueness in data analysis. Moreover, fuzzy, rough, and hybrid methods—along with other techniques that leverage the strengths of different approaches—are used to describe and analyze diverse datasets and solve real-world problems. These methods form the foundation of various AI models, offering robust solutions for challenges ranging from decision-making and pattern recognition to image processing and intelligent control.

This Special Issue aims to develop both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of fuzzy set theory, fuzzy relational equations, and their extensions. It aims to explore innovative approaches that integrate fuzzy, approximate, and hybrid methods—techniques that exploit the strengths of different analytical frameworks—to effectively model uncertainty and imprecision. Works included in this Special Issue may address the analysis of both symmetric and asymmetric datasets, demonstrating robust solutions to real-world challenges such as decision-making, pattern recognition, image processing, and intelligent control. In addition, we also welcome papers demonstrating how fuzzy and approximate solutions can improve various artificial intelligence models.

In this Special Issue, research articles, papers presenting experimental results, and review papers are welcome.

Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Theoretical developments in fuzzy set and fuzzy relational equation methodologies;
  • Hybrid models combining fuzzy and rough techniques;
  • Experimental studies on uncertainty modelling and imprecision management;
  • Applications in AI, control systems, and image processing;
  • Comparative analyses of different uncertainty modelling techniques.

Dr. Zofia Matusiewicz
Prof. Dr. Teresa Mroczek
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • fuzzy sets
  • fuzzy relational equations
  • rough sets
  • hybrid models
  • uncertainty modelling

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 866 KB  
Article
Hybrid Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Set Methodology with Symmetric Membership Function for Application Selection in Precision Agriculture
by Radovan Dragić, Adis Puška, Branislav Dudić, Anđelka Štilić, Lazar Stošić, Miloš Josimović and Miroslav Nedeljković
Symmetry 2025, 17(9), 1504; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17091504 - 10 Sep 2025
Viewed by 308
Abstract
The development of technology has influenced changes in agricultural production. Farmers are increasingly using modern devices and machinery that provide valuable information, and to manage this information effectively, it is necessary to use specialized applications. This research aims to evaluate various applications and [...] Read more.
The development of technology has influenced changes in agricultural production. Farmers are increasingly using modern devices and machinery that provide valuable information, and to manage this information effectively, it is necessary to use specialized applications. This research aims to evaluate various applications and determine which one is most suitable for small- and medium-sized farmers to adopt in precision agriculture. This research employed expert decision-making to determine the importance of criteria and evaluate applications using linguistic values. Due to the presence of uncertainty in decision-making, an interval type-2 fuzzy (IT2F) set was used, which addresses this problem through the support of a membership function. This approach allows for the display of uncertainty and imprecision using an interval rather than a single exact value. This enables a more flexible and realistic representation of ratings, leading to more confident decision-making. These membership functions are formed in such a way that there is symmetry around the central linguistic value. To use this approach, the SiWeC (simple weight calculation) and CORASO (compromise ranking from alternative solutions) methods were adapted. The results of the IT2F SiWeC method revealed that the most important criteria for experts are data accuracy, efficiency, and simplicity. The results of the IT2F CORASO method displayed that the A3 application delivers the best results, confirmed by additional analyses. This research has indicated that digital tools, in the form of applications, can be effectively used in small- and medium-scale precision agriculture production. Full article
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38 pages, 424 KB  
Article
Aczel–Alsina Shapley Choquet Integral Operators for Multi-Criteria Decision Making in Complex Intuitionistic Fuzzy Environments
by Ikhtesham Ullah, Muhammad Sajjad Ali Khan, Kamran, Fawad Hussain, Madad Khan, Ioan-Lucian Popa and Hela Elmannai
Symmetry 2025, 17(6), 868; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17060868 - 3 Jun 2025
Viewed by 503
Abstract
Complex Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets (CIFSs) are an advanced form of intuitionistic fuzzy sets that utilize complex numbers to effectively manage uncertainty and hesitation in multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). This paper introduces the Shapley Choquet integral (SCI), which is a powerful tool for integrating [...] Read more.
Complex Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets (CIFSs) are an advanced form of intuitionistic fuzzy sets that utilize complex numbers to effectively manage uncertainty and hesitation in multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). This paper introduces the Shapley Choquet integral (SCI), which is a powerful tool for integrating information from various sources while considering the importance and interactions among criteria. To address ambiguity and inconsistency, we apply the Aczel–Alsina (AA) t-norm and t-conorm, which offer greater flexibility than traditional norms. We propose two novel aggregation operators within the CIFS framework using the Aczel–Alsina Generalized Shapley Choquet Integral (AAGSCI): the Complex Intuitionistic Fuzzy Aczel–Alsina Weighted Average Generalized Shapley Choquet Integral (CIFAAWAGSCI) and the Complex Intuitionistic Fuzzy Aczel–Alsina Weighted Geometric Generalized Shapley Choquet Integral (CIFAAWGGSCI), along with their special cases. The properties of these operators, including idempotency, boundedness, and monotonicity, are thoroughly investigated. These operators are designed to evaluate complex and asymmetric information in real-life problems. A case study on selecting the optimal bridge design based on structural and aesthetic criteria demonstrates the applicability of the proposed method. Our results indicate that the proposed method yields more consistent and reliable outcomes compared to existing approaches. Full article
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