In this work we introduce a nonparametric recursive aggregation process called Multilayer Aggregation (MLA). The name refers to the fact that at each step the results from the previous one are aggregated and thus, before the final result is derived, the initial values are subjected to several layers of aggregation. Most of the conventional aggregation operators, as for instance weighted mean, combine numerical values according to a vector of weights (parameters). Alternatively, the MLA operators...

The problem of missing data is particularly present in archaeological research where, because of the fragmentariness of the finds, only a part of the characteristics of the whole object can be observed. The performance of various dissimilarity indices differently weighting missing values is studied on archaeological data via a simulation. An alternative solution consisting in randomly substituting missing values with character sets is also examined. Gower's dissimilarity coefficient seems to be...

Numerical taxonomy, which uses numerical methods to classify and relate items whose properties are non-numerical, is suggested as both an advantageous tool to support case-based reasoning and a means for agents to exploit knowledge that is best expressed in cases. The basic features of numerical taxonomy are explained, and discussed in application to a problem where human agents with differing views obtain solutions by negotiation and by reference to knowledge that is essentially case-like: allocation...