Recently, Dr. Meng Xiaofang, a young faculty member from the School of Statistics and Mathematics, published an academic paper titled "Image encryption via sliding mode synchronization of fractional-order quaternion-valued T-S fuzzy neural networks with uncertain parameters" as the first author in IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems. Our university is the primary completing institution. IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems is a flagship journal in the fields of artificial intelligence and control, consistently ranked as a CAS Q1 TOP journal (2025 Impact Factor: 11.9), with significant academic influence in fuzzy system theory and engineering applications.

Addressing fractional-order quaternion-valued Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy neural networks with uncertain parameters, this study proposes an innovative non-decomposed sliding mode synchronization control method. By constructing an integral sliding mode surface and designing a corresponding sliding mode controller, combined with Lyapunov stability theory, fractional-order system analysis, and quaternion algebra tools, the study establishes rigorous criteria for system synchronization. Based on this theory, the research further constructs a full-process encryption framework for color images based on fractional-order quaternion chaotic dynamics. Simulation results demonstrate that the encryption scheme performs excellently in terms of key space, statistical properties, sensitivity, and resistance to attacks, significantly enhancing security and efficiency while ensuring high-fidelity recovery of decrypted images.

The first author of the paper is Associate Professor Meng Xiaofang from the School of Statistics and Mathematics. The corresponding author is Professor Li Zhouhong from Yuxi Normal University, and Academician Cao Jinde from Southeast University participated in the collaborative research.

Associate Professor Meng Xiaofang holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Yunnan University. She has long been engaged in research on neural network dynamics and control, focusing on adaptive fuzzy control, event-triggered control, and sliding mode control. Her research has been published in renowned journals such as IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems, Neural Networks, Nonlinear Dynamics, Journal of the Franklin Institute, and Journal of Applied Mathematics and Computing, garnering notable academic influence.