Special Issues
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Advanced Algorithms for Feature Selection in Machine Learning

Submission Deadline: 30 July 2025 (closed) View: 5419 Submit to Journal

Guest Editors

Dr. Muhammad Adnan Khan, Department of Software, Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and Software, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120, Republic of Korea

Summary

This special issue examines the critical role of advanced feature selection algorithms in enhancing the efficacy of machine learning models. Feature selection is pivotal in the machine learning pipeline, significantly influencing model performance by improving accuracy, reducing computational complexity, enhancing interpretability, and mitigating overfitting. However, the growing complexity and volume of data necessitate innovative solutions to efficiently and effectively select relevant features.


The research in feature selection faces several significant challenges. Traditional methods may struggle with high-dimensional data, and the emergence of new data types and structures demands more sophisticated techniques. Moreover, the need for interpretable and explainable models in various domains further underscores the importance of robust feature selection methods. This special issue aims to:

· Explore innovative algorithms and techniques for feature selection.

· Assess the effectiveness of these techniques in diverse applications.

· Foster interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.


We especially encourage submissions that present novel methodologies, evaluate their performance in real-world scenarios, and propose practical frameworks for enhancing machine learning models through effective feature selection. We welcome original research articles, review papers, and case studies. The special issue solicits original research articles, reviews, and case studies that cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:

· Hybrid and ensemble feature selection techniques

· Scalable algorithms for high-dimensional and big data feature selection

· Domain-specific feature selection methods (e.g., text, bioinformatics, computer vision)

· Interpretable and explainable feature selection approaches

· Automated and meta-learning approaches to feature selection

· Quantum computing and other emerging paradigms for feature selection

· Federated and privacy-preserving feature selection techniques

· Benchmarking and comparative studies of feature selection algorithms

· Real-world applications and case studies of advanced feature selection methods


Keywords

Feature Selection, Machine Learning, Dimensionality Reduction, Hybrid Methods, Sparse Learning, Optimization Algorithms, High-Dimensional Data

Published Papers


  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Detecting Anomalies in FinTech: A Graph Neural Network and Feature Selection Perspective

    Vinh Truong Hoang, Nghia Dinh, Viet-Tuan Le, Kiet Tran-Trung, Bay Nguyen Van, Kittikhun Meethongjan
    CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.86, No.1, pp. 1-40, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.068733
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advanced Algorithms for Feature Selection in Machine Learning)
    Abstract The Financial Technology (FinTech) sector has witnessed rapid growth, resulting in increasingly complex and high-volume digital transactions. Although this expansion improves efficiency and accessibility, it also introduces significant vulnerabilities, including fraud, money laundering, and market manipulation. Traditional anomaly detection techniques often fail to capture the relational and dynamic characteristics of financial data. Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), capable of modeling intricate interdependencies among entities, have emerged as a powerful framework for detecting subtle and sophisticated anomalies. However, the high-dimensionality and inherent noise of FinTech datasets demand robust feature selection strategies to improve model scalability, performance, and More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Interpretable Federated Learning Model for Cyber Intrusion Detection in Smart Cities with Privacy-Preserving Feature Selection

    Muhammad Sajid Farooq, Muhammad Saleem, M.A. Khan, Muhammad Farrukh Khan, Shahan Yamin Siddiqui, Muhammad Shoukat Aslam, Khan M. Adnan
    CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.85, No.3, pp. 5183-5206, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.069641
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advanced Algorithms for Feature Selection in Machine Learning)
    Abstract The rapid evolution of smart cities through IoT, cloud computing, and connected infrastructures has significantly enhanced sectors such as transportation, healthcare, energy, and public safety, but also increased exposure to sophisticated cyber threats. The diversity of devices, high data volumes, and real-time operational demands complicate security, requiring not just robust intrusion detection but also effective feature selection for relevance and scalability. Traditional Machine Learning (ML) based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) improves detection but often lacks interpretability, limiting stakeholder trust and timely responses. Moreover, centralized feature selection in conventional IDS compromises data privacy and fails to… More >

  • Open Access

    REVIEW

    Advanced Feature Selection Techniques in Medical Imaging—A Systematic Literature Review

    Sunawar Khan, Tehseen Mazhar, Naila Sammar Naz, Fahed Ahmed, Tariq Shahzad, Atif Ali, Muhammad Adnan Khan, Habib Hamam
    CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.85, No.2, pp. 2347-2401, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.066932
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advanced Algorithms for Feature Selection in Machine Learning)
    Abstract Feature selection (FS) plays a crucial role in medical imaging by reducing dimensionality, improving computational efficiency, and enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Traditional FS techniques, including filter, wrapper, and embedded methods, have been widely used but often struggle with high-dimensional and heterogeneous medical imaging data. Deep learning-based FS methods, particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and autoencoders, have demonstrated superior performance but lack interpretability. Hybrid approaches that combine classical and deep learning techniques have emerged as a promising solution, offering improved accuracy and explainability. Furthermore, integrating multi-modal imaging data (e.g., Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Positron… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    A Hybrid Feature Selection and Clustering-Based Ensemble Learning Approach for Real-Time Fraud Detection in Financial Transactions

    Naif Almusallam, Junaid Qayyum
    CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.85, No.2, pp. 3653-3687, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.067220
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advanced Algorithms for Feature Selection in Machine Learning)
    Abstract This paper proposes a novel hybrid fraud detection framework that integrates multi-stage feature selection, unsupervised clustering, and ensemble learning to improve classification performance in financial transaction monitoring systems. The framework is structured into three core layers: (1) feature selection using Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Mutual Information (MI) to reduce dimensionality and enhance input relevance; (2) anomaly detection through unsupervised clustering using K-Means, Density-Based Spatial Clustering (DBSCAN), and Hierarchical Clustering to flag suspicious patterns in unlabeled data; and (3) final classification using a voting-based hybrid ensemble of Support Vector Machine (SVM),… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    An Adaptive and Parallel Metaheuristic Framework for Wrapper-Based Feature Selection Using Arctic Puffin Optimization

    Wy-Liang Cheng, Wei Hong Lim, Kim Soon Chong, Sew Sun Tiang, Yit Hong Choo, El-Sayed M. El-kenawy, Amal H. Alharbi, Marwa M. Eid
    CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.85, No.1, pp. 2021-2050, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.064243
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advanced Algorithms for Feature Selection in Machine Learning)
    Abstract The exponential growth of data in recent years has introduced significant challenges in managing high-dimensional datasets, particularly in industrial contexts where efficient data handling and process innovation are critical. Feature selection, an essential step in data-driven process innovation, aims to identify the most relevant features to improve model interpretability, reduce complexity, and enhance predictive accuracy. To address the limitations of existing feature selection methods, this study introduces a novel wrapper-based feature selection framework leveraging the recently proposed Arctic Puffin Optimization (APO) algorithm. Specifically, we incorporate a specialized conversion mechanism to effectively adapt APO from continuous… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Remote Sensing Imagery for Multi-Stage Vehicle Detection and Classification via YOLOv9 and Deep Learner

    Naif Al Mudawi, Muhammad Hanzla, Abdulwahab Alazeb, Mohammed Alshehri, Haifa F. Alhasson, Dina Abdulaziz AlHammadi, Ahmad Jalal
    CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.84, No.3, pp. 4491-4509, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.065490
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advanced Algorithms for Feature Selection in Machine Learning)
    Abstract Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly employed in traffic surveillance, urban planning, and infrastructure monitoring due to their cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and high-resolution imaging. However, vehicle detection and classification in aerial imagery remain challenging due to scale variations from fluctuating UAV altitudes, frequent occlusions in dense traffic, and environmental noise, such as shadows and lighting inconsistencies. Traditional methods, including sliding-window searches and shallow learning techniques, struggle with computational inefficiency and robustness under dynamic conditions. To address these limitations, this study proposes a six-stage hierarchical framework integrating radiometric calibration, deep learning, and classical feature engineering. The workflow… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    A Hybrid Feature Selection Method for Advanced Persistent Threat Detection

    Adam Khalid, Anazida Zainal, Fuad A. Ghaleb, Bander Ali Saleh Al-rimy, Yussuf Ahmed
    CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.84, No.3, pp. 5665-5691, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.063451
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advanced Algorithms for Feature Selection in Machine Learning)
    Abstract Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) represent one of the most complex and dangerous categories of cyber-attacks characterised by their stealthy behaviour, long-term persistence, and ability to bypass traditional detection systems. The complexity of real-world network data poses significant challenges in detection. Machine learning models have shown promise in detecting APTs; however, their performance often suffers when trained on large datasets with redundant or irrelevant features. This study presents a novel, hybrid feature selection method designed to improve APT detection by reducing dimensionality while preserving the informative characteristics of the data. It combines Mutual Information (MI), Symmetric… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    A Hybrid Deep Learning Pipeline for Wearable Sensors-Based Human Activity Recognition

    Asaad Algarni, Iqra Aijaz Abro, Mohammed Alshehri, Yahya AlQahtani, Abdulmonem Alshahrani, Hui Liu
    CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.84, No.3, pp. 5879-5896, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.064601
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advanced Algorithms for Feature Selection in Machine Learning)
    Abstract Inertial Sensor-based Daily Activity Recognition (IS-DAR) requires adaptable, data-efficient methods for effective multi-sensor use. This study presents an advanced detection system using body-worn sensors to accurately recognize activities. A structured pipeline enhances IS-DAR by applying signal preprocessing, feature extraction and optimization, followed by classification. Before segmentation, a Chebyshev filter removes noise, and Blackman windowing improves signal representation. Discriminative features—Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) with Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC), spectral entropy, quaternion-based features, and Gammatone Cepstral Coefficients (GCC)—are fused to expand the feature space. Unlike existing approaches, the proposed IS-DAR system uniquely integrates diverse handcrafted features using… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    An Adaptive Features Fusion Convolutional Neural Network for Multi-Class Agriculture Pest Detection

    Muhammad Qasim, Syed M. Adnan Shah, Qamas Gul Khan Safi, Danish Mahmood, Adeel Iqbal, Ali Nauman, Sung Won Kim
    CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.83, No.3, pp. 4429-4445, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.065060
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advanced Algorithms for Feature Selection in Machine Learning)
    Abstract Grains are the most important food consumed globally, yet their yield can be severely impacted by pest infestations. Addressing this issue, scientists and researchers strive to enhance the yield-to-seed ratio through effective pest detection methods. Traditional approaches often rely on preprocessed datasets, but there is a growing need for solutions that utilize real-time images of pests in their natural habitat. Our study introduces a novel two-step approach to tackle this challenge. Initially, raw images with complex backgrounds are captured. In the subsequent step, feature extraction is performed using both hand-crafted algorithms (Haralick, LBP, and Color… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    A Bayesian Optimized Stacked Long Short-Term Memory Framework for Real-Time Predictive Condition Monitoring of Heavy-Duty Industrial Motors

    Mudasir Dilawar, Muhammad Shahbaz
    CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.83, No.3, pp. 5091-5114, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.064090
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advanced Algorithms for Feature Selection in Machine Learning)
    Abstract In the era of Industry 4.0, condition monitoring has emerged as an effective solution for process industries to optimize their operational efficiency. Condition monitoring helps minimize unplanned downtime, extending equipment lifespan, reducing maintenance costs, and improving production quality and safety. This research focuses on utilizing Bayesian search-based machine learning and deep learning approaches for the condition monitoring of industrial equipment. The study aims to enhance predictive maintenance for industrial equipment by forecasting vibration values based on domain-specific feature engineering. Early prediction of vibration enables proactive interventions to minimize downtime and extend the lifespan of critical… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    A Method for Fast Feature Selection Utilizing Cross-Similarity within the Context of Fuzzy Relations

    Wenchang Yu, Xiaoqin Ma, Zheqing Zhang, Qinli Zhang
    CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.83, No.1, pp. 1195-1218, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.060833
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advanced Algorithms for Feature Selection in Machine Learning)
    Abstract Feature selection methods rooted in rough sets confront two notable limitations: their high computational complexity and sensitivity to noise, rendering them impractical for managing large-scale and noisy datasets. The primary issue stems from these methods’ undue reliance on all samples. To overcome these challenges, we introduce the concept of cross-similarity grounded in a robust fuzzy relation and design a rapid and robust feature selection algorithm. Firstly, we construct a robust fuzzy relation by introducing a truncation parameter. Then, based on this fuzzy relation, we propose the concept of cross-similarity, which emphasizes the sample-to-sample similarity relations… More >

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