www.elsevier.com/locate/chemolab

Chemometrics and Intelligent Labo

Call for Papers

Computational Statistics and Data AnalysisSpecial Issue on

The Fuzzy Approach to Statistical Analysishttp://www.elsevier.nl/locate/csda

A basic problem, at the present stage of the Information

society, is how to manage the cognitive process while taking

into account its intrinsic features of uncertainty, including

imprecision and vagueness. This has both theoretical and

practical implications in Technology, Economics, Bio-med-

icine, etc.

Traditional Statistics has developed tools and proce-

dures for coping with this problem, assuming that

uncertainty is basically due to random mechanisms

appropriately handled by means of Probability. The theory

of Fuzzy Sets and its generalization to what may be

called bFuzzy thinkingQ has widened the scope of

Statistics, enabling us to deal with more general sources

of uncertainty such as vagueness and imprecision as

referred to both empirical data and/or models for data

analysis. In spite of a growing literature concerning the

development and application of fuzzy techniques in

statistical analysis (with special reference to regression

and clustering), the need is felt for a more systematic

insight into the potential of cross fertilization between

Statistics and Fuzzy Logic.

This special issue is meant to cover foundations, method-

ology and applications of the Fuzzy approach to Statistics.

Foundational issues may include: the use of Possibility

Theory in Statistics; the Least Squares approach to building

statistical analysis; the relationship between Conditional

probability and Fuzzy Information in the inferential frame-

doi:10.1016/j.chemolab.2004.08.001

Renato Coppi Maria Angeles Gil

Department of Statistics,

University of Rome,

P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185

Rome, Italy

Department of Statist

University of Oviedo

C/Calvo Sotelo, s/n, 3

Oviedo, Spain

E-mail: renato.coppi@uniroma.it E-mail: angeles@pino

work; and the comparison between Fuzzy Methods and

traditional Statistical Methods.

The methodological domain to be investigated from a

fuzzy viewpoint may encompass both exploratory and

inferential techniques. Invitation to submitting is also

extended to original applications of fuzzy statistical methods

in such fields as: Economics and Finance, Social Sciences,

Bio-medicine, Environmental Sciences and Technology. The

discussion of computational aspects in the above context is

particularly welcome.

The papers submitted to the special issue should deal with

one or more of the illustrated problems or with related topics,

in a fuzzy framework. The papers must have a computational

or data analytic component in order to be considered for

publication.

Authors should submit their papers to the special issue

editors. The papers must contain original unpublished work

that is not being submitted for publication elsewhere.

Manuscripts submitted to this special issue will be refereed

according to standard procedures for Computational Sta-

tistics and Data Analysis. Information about the journal can

be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/csda.

The DEADLINE for submissions is December 31, 2004.

The editorial process is expected to proceed rapidly

thereafter. Submission electronically is encouraged. Please

e-mail a postscript or PDF file of your manuscript to one of

the special issue editors:

ratory Systems 73 (2004) 263

Henk A.L. Kiers

ics,

,

3007

Heymans Institute (DPMG),

University of Groningen,

Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712

TS Groningen, The Netherlands

n.ccu.uniovi.es E-mail: h.a.l.kiers@ppsw.rug.nl