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Considered as one of the emerging evolutionary algorithms, the Dendritic Cell Algorithm (DCA) is based on the behavior of specific immune agents; known as Dendritic Cells (DCs). Studies related with DCA are increasingly becoming popular and this is due to the worthy characteristics expressed by the algorithm as it exhibits several potentially beneficial features for binary classification problems. Yet, according to our best knowledge, there is no study summarizing the basic features of the DCA developed versions all in one paper. Hence, in this paper we aim at summarizing the powerful characteristics of the DCA while making a general review of the algorithm. We aim at studying the various versions of DCA while highlighting their characteristics, advantages and limitations. Based on this study and from the conducted conclusions, we intend to generate a well-studied novel DC classifier based on the positive aspects reflected by the previously proposed DCA versions. Results show that our proposed algorithm succeeds in obtaining significantly improved classification accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of selecting a machine learning algorithm to solve a problem, questions like the following commonly arise: (1) Are some algorithms basically the same, or are they fundamentally different? (2) How different? (3) How do we measure that difference? (4) If we want to combine algorithms, what algorithms and combinators should be tried? This research proposes COD (Classifier Output Difference) distance as a diversity metric. COD separates difference from accuracy, COD goes beyond accuracy to consider differences in output behavior as the basis for comparison. The paper extends earlier on COD by giving a basic comparison to other diversity metrics, and by giving an example of using COD data as a predictive model from which to select algorithms to include in an ensemble. COD may fill a niche in metalearning as a predictive aid to selecting algorithms for ensembles and hybrid systems by providing a simple, straightforward, computationally reasonable alternative to other approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]