1st Edition

Neural Networks for Applied Sciences and Engineering From Fundamentals to Complex Pattern Recognition

By Sandhya Samarasinghe Copyright 2007
    594 Pages 374 B/W Illustrations
    by Auerbach Publications

    In response to the exponentially increasing need to analyze vast amounts of data, Neural Networks for Applied Sciences and Engineering: From Fundamentals to Complex Pattern Recognition provides scientists with a simple but systematic introduction to neural networks.

    Beginning with an introductory discussion on the role of neural networks in scientific data analysis, this book provides a solid foundation of basic neural network concepts. It contains an overview of neural network architectures for practical data analysis followed by extensive step-by-step coverage on linear networks, as well as, multi-layer perceptron for nonlinear prediction and classification explaining all stages of processing and model development illustrated through practical examples and case studies. Later chapters present an extensive coverage on Self Organizing Maps for nonlinear data clustering, recurrent networks for linear nonlinear time series forecasting, and other network types suitable for scientific data analysis.

    With an easy to understand format using extensive graphical illustrations and multidisciplinary scientific context, this book fills the gap in the market for neural networks for multi-dimensional scientific data, and relates neural networks to statistics.

    Features
    § Explains neural networks in a multi-disciplinary context
    § Uses extensive graphical illustrations to explain complex mathematical concepts for quick and easy understanding
    ? Examines in-depth neural networks for linear and nonlinear prediction, classification, clustering and forecasting
    § Illustrates all stages of model development and interpretation of results, including data preprocessing, data dimensionality reduction, input selection, model development and validation, model uncertainty assessment, sensitivity analyses on inputs, errors and model parameters

    Sandhya Samarasinghe obtained her MSc in Mechanical Engineering from Lumumba University in Russia and an MS and PhD in Engineering from Virginia Tech, USA. Her neural networks research focuses on theoretical understanding and advancements as well as practical implementations.

    FROM DATA TO MODELS: COMPLEXITY AND CHALLENGES IN UNDERSTANDING BIOLOGICAL, ECOLOGICAL, AND NATURAL SYSTEMS
    Introduction
    Layout of the Book

    FUNDAMENTALS OF NEURAL NETWORKS AND MODELS FOR LINEAR DATA ANALYSIS
    Introduction and Overview
    Neural Networks and Their Capabilities
    Inspirations from Biology
    Modeling Information Processing in Neurons
    Neuron Models and Learning Strategies
    Models for Prediction and Classification
    Practical Examples of Linear Neuron Models on Real Data
    Comparison with Linear Statistical Methods
    Summary
    Problems

    NEURAL NETWORKS FOR NONLINEAR PATTERN RECOGNITION
    Overview and Introduction
    Nonlinear Neurons
    Practical Example of Modeling with Nonlinear Neurons
    Comparison with Nonlinear Regression
    One-Input Multilayer Nonlinear Networks
    Two-Input Multilayer Perceptron Network
    Case Studies on Nonlinear Classification and Prediction with Nonlinear Networks
    Multidimensional Data Modeling with Nonlinear Multilayer Perceptron Networks
    Summary
    Problems

    LEARNING OF NONLINEAR PATTERNS BY NEURAL NETWORKS
    Introduction and Overview
    Supervised Training of Networks for Nonlinear Pattern Recognition
    Gradient Descent and Error Minimization
    Backpropagation Learning and Illustration with an Example and Case Study
    Delta-Bar-Delta Learning and Illustration with an Example and Case Study
    Steepest Descent Method Presented with an Example
    Comparison of First Order Learning Methods
    Second-Order Methods of Error Minimization and Weight Optimization
    Comparison of First Order and Second Order Learning Methods Illustrated through an Example
    Summary
    Problems

    IMPLEMENTATION OF NEURAL NETWORK MODELS FOR EXTRACTING RELIABLE PATTERNS FROM DATA
    Introduction and Overview
    Bias-Variance Tradeoff
    Illustration of Early Stopping and Regularization
    Improving Generalization of Neural Networks
    Network structure Optimization and Illustration with Examples
    Reducing Structural Complexity of Networks by Pruning
    Demonstration of Pruning with Examples
    Robustness of a Network to Perturbation of Weights Illustrated Using an Example
    Summary
    Problems

    DATA EXPLORATION, DIMENSIONALITY REDUCTION, AND FEATURE EXTRACTION
    Introduction and Overview
    Data Visualization Presented on Example Data
    Correlation and Covariance between Variables
    Normalization of Data
    Example Illustrating Correlation, Covariance and Normalization
    Selecting Relevant Inputs
    Dimensionality Reduction and Feature Extraction
    Example Illustrating Input Selection and Feature Extraction
    Outlier Detection
    Noise
    Case Study: Illustrating Input Selection and Dimensionality Reduction for a
    Practical Problem
    Summary
    Problems

    ASSESSMENT OF UNCERTAINTY OF NEURAL NETWORK MODELS USING BAYESIAN STATISTICS
    Introduction and Overview
    Estimating Weight Uncertainty Using Bayesian Statistics
    Case study Illustrating Weight Probability Distribution
    Assessing Uncertainty of Neural Network Outputs Using Bayesian Statistics
    Case Study Illustrating Uncertainty Assessment of Output Errors
    Assessing the Sensitivity of Network Outputs to Inputs
    Case Study Illustrating Uncertainty Assessment of Network Sensitivity to Inputs
    Summary
    Problems

    DISCOVERING UNKNOWN CLUSTERS IN DATA WITH SELF-ORGANIZING MAPS
    Introduction and Overview
    Structure of Unsupervised Networks for Clustering Multidimensional Data
    Learning in Unsupervised Networks
    Implementation of Competitive Learning Illustrated Through Examples
    Self-Organizing Feature Maps
    Examples and Case Studies Using Self-Organizing Maps on Multi-Dimensional Data
    Map Quality and Features Presented through Examples
    Illustration of Forming Clusters on the Map and Cluster Characteristics
    Map Validation and an Example
    Evolving Self-Organizing Maps
    Examples Illustrating Various Evolving Self Organizing Maps
    Summary
    Problems

    NEURAL NETWORKS FOR TIME-SERIES FORECASTING
    Introduction and Overview
    Linear Forecasting of Time-Series with Statistical and Neural Network Models
    Example Case Study
    Neural Networks for Nonlinear Time-Series Forecasting
    Example Case Study
    Hybrid Linear (ARIMA) and Nonlinear Neural Network Models
    Example Case Study
    Automatic Generation of Network Structure Using Simplest Structure Concept-Illustrated Through Practical Application Case Study
    Generalized Neuron Network and Illustration Through Practical Application Case
    Study
    Dynamically Driven Recurrent Networks
    Practical Application Case Studies
    Bias and Variance in Time-Series Forecasting Illustrated Through an Example
    Long-Term Forecasting and a Case study
    Input Selection for Time-Series Forecasting
    Case study for Input Selection
    Summary
    Problems

    Biography

    Sandhya Samarasinghe

    "Beginning with the basics, she [Samarasinghe] explains a variety of neural networks' internal workings, and how to apply them to solve real problems."
    -SciTech Book News, December 2006