Feature selection and classification using flexible neural tree

Abstract The purpose of this research is to develop effective machine learning or data mining techniques based on flexible neural tree FNT. Based on the pre-defined instruction/operator sets, a flexible neural tree model can be created and evolved. This framework allows input variables selection, over-layer connections and different activation functions for the various nodes involved. The FNT structure is developed using genetic programming (GP) and the parameters are optimized by a memetic algorithm (MA). The proposed approach was applied for two real-world problems involving designing intrusion detection system (IDS) and for breast cancer classification. The IDS data has 41 inputs/features and the breast cancer classification problem has 30 inputs/features. Empirical results indicate that the proposed method is efficient for both input feature selection and improved classification rate.