Neural Networks and Artificial Intelligence for Biomedical Engineering

Name of the Book: Neural Networks and Artificial Intelligence for Biomedical Engineering.

Authors: Donna L. Hudson, Maurice E. Cohen

Publication: IEEE Press, New York, 2000

ISBN: 0-7803-3404-3

Pages: 306

‘Neural Networks and Artificial Intelligence for Biomedical Engineering’
[Reviewed by Prachi A Deshmukh]


The advent of technology in the twentieth century has changed the total scenario around us. The fiction stories which we were reading in books have now become the truth, the reality. Robotics and artificial intelligence are some of the examples.

Neural networks and artificial intelligence have created new horizons in the field of medicine and biomedical engineering.

The book ‘Neural Networks and Artificial Intelligence for Biomedical Engineering’ by Donna Hudson and Maurice Cohen is a good guide for those who are working in this field or for the students who are studying neural networks, artificial intelligence or biomedical engineering as a part of their course work.

The book is divided into three parts: The first part covers Basics Neural networks, the second discusses Artificial Intelligence and the third one comprises of Alternative approaches.

Before starting with the neural networks, the authors have introduced us with the basics of biological systems as well as medical and biological data. This makes easy for us to enter in the field.

In part one, there are eight chapters.

All these are related with the neural networks. Chapter one is the foundation of neural networks. This one introduces us with the basic things regarding the neural networks. Starting from the structure of a biological cell and neuron, central nervous system we move towards the early neural models and current models. Second chapter classifies the neural networks. In this chapter we also learn the techniques which are used in biomedical problems. In chapter 3, 4 ad 5 we learn the network structure, feature selection and types of learning. Chapter 4 and 5 are dedicated to supervised learning and unsupervised learning respectively.
Chapter 6 is regarding the design issues. In this we learn the input data types, structure of networks implementation of network structures and the choice of learning algorithms. In chapter 7, we do the comparative analysis. In this chapter we again deal with the supervised and unsupervised learning. In this chapter we also learn the network structures.
The last chapter of part one is chapter no 8: Validation and evaluation. Here we become familiar with some important concepts such as data checking, validation and learning algorithms and evaluation performance.

After going through the first part of the book, we have with ourselves a strong base on neural networks.

In second part we move towards the Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence is an important field in the history of science and technology.

The second part is divided into 5 chapters.

First chapter of this part is chapter no. 9: ‘Foundations of computer assisted decision making’. Here the authors introduce us with the databases and medical records, mathematical modeling and simulation, pattern recognition, decision theory, symbolic reasoning techniques. Chapter no. 10 and chapter no. 11 are knowledge representation and knowledge acquisition respectively. These two introduce us with the production rules, frames, databases, nets (predicate calculus and semantic nets),learned knowledge, meta knowledge and knowledge base maintenance.
Chapter 12 deals with the reasoning methodologies. Here we learn the problem representations, blind searching, trees-graphs and higher level reasoning methodologies. In chapter 13 we learn the validation and evaluation. Here we learn the algorithmic evaluation, knowledge base evaluation and system evaluation. The part two terminates with the end of chapter no. 13.

In third part there are 6 chapters which are arranged under the name ‘Alternate approaches’.

In chapter 14 we learn about the genetic algorithms. In this chapter we learn about the representation schemes, evaluation functions, genetic operators, evaluation strategies and some biomedical examples.

Chapter 15 and 16 are probabilistic systems and fuzzy systems respectively. In chapter 15: probabilistic systems, we learn about the Bayesian approaches in which we become familiar with the Baye’s rule and Baye’s decision theory, parameter estimation, discriminant analysis, statistical analysis, regression analysis. At the end of the chapter brief information about the medical applications is given.

Chapter no. 16 is related with the Fuzzy systems. Here we get the information of fuzzy logic and fuzzy set theory, representation of fuzzy variables, membership functions, fuzzy neural networks, fuzzy approaches of supervised learning networks, fuzzy generalizations of unsupervised learning methods, reasoning with uncertain information, pre-processing and post processing using fuzzy techniques etc.

At the end we find some applications in biomedical engineering.

In chapter 17 we become familiar with the hybrid systems. Here we learn about the hybrid system approaches, components of the hybrid systems, use of complex data structures, design methodologies etc.

Chapter 18 deals with the ‘HyperMerge’ which is a hybrid expert system. Here we learn about the knowledge based component, neural network component, analysis of time series data, combined system and lastly an application: Diagnosis of Heart Disease.

Chapter 19 is the concluding chapter of this part as well as the book. It is ‘Future Perspectives’. In this chapter different aspects are considered such as the effects of hardware advances, effects of increase in knowledge and the future of software. In this chapter different important parameters are discussed. Computing speed, memory, parallel machines, miniaturization etc. The different effects of increase in knowledge such as information explosion, human genome project, proliferation of databases, communication of information etc are studied. The end of the chapter the authors discuss about the future of the software. Here we discuss about the hybrid systems, parallel systems, non textual data, Neural network models and the artificial intelligence approaches.

This book provides useful guidance for the graduate and undergraduate students who are studying this subject and I strongly commend the book to those interested in this fascinating field.

Appetite for a Stroll

Appetite for a Stroll

[Foodie Adventures, Simple Recipes, Musings on The Art of Eating and Vikram Karve’s Authentic Guide to Value For Money Food in Mumbai and Pune]

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Have you read my Foodie Adventures Book – Appetite for a Stroll -- a Sulekha Blogprint book - featuring some of my best mouthwatering writings.Please click the link and read the review of my Foodie Book Appetite for a Stroll titled Food for Soul in the Indian Express [Pune] Sunday 7th September 2008:

http://www.indianexpress.com/story/358363.html

express online book review:

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Food-for-soul/358363/

If you want to get a copy of the book Appetite for a Stroll just click the links below:

http://www.indiaplaza.in/finalpage.aspx?storename=books&sku=9788190690096&ct=2

http://books.sulekha.com/book/appetite-for-a-stroll/default.htm


I am sure you will enjoy reading the book, especially if you are a Foodie, and a traveller.

You must relish delicious food at all the value for money eateries, especially at Mumbai and Pune, and enjoy cooking the recipes.

Happy Reading and Happy Eating

VIKRAM KARVE

http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/

vikramkarve@sify.com

vikramkarve@hotmail.com

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

The Importance of Understanding

UNDERSTANDING LIFE - The Art of Living

By

VIKRAM KARVE


[ Book Review of THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING by LIN YUTANG ]



Whenever I want to unwind and relax, I pick out one of my favorite books from my bookcase, settle down in my easy-chair, put my feet up, and open the book to any random page, or thumb through the pages, and dip into whatever arrests my attention, and as I begin reading I experience a soothing feeling and a calm tranquil sensation of absolute and perfect relaxation. From time to time, I let myself drift off into sweet slumber, and when I come around I begin my relaxed reading again. So the cycle continues till my mind recaptures the harmony it has lost during the hustle and bustle of daily life and my inner self feels soothingly nourished.

The book is called THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING and is compiled by Lin Yutang, who is more famous for his magnum opus THE IMPORTANCE OF LIVING, the classic seminal philosophical masterpiece on The Art of Living. I have written about this classic book in my blog and request you to please read my book review in the preceding blog post. Now about The Importance of Understanding.

I’ve got a hardcover copy of the book, published by Heinemann London in 1961, which I obtained, by a stroke of luck, from a raddiwala a few years ago. The book comprises translations from the Chinese. There are essays, reflections, poems, ancient wit and wisdom, literature, writings on The Art of Living, Enjoyment of Life and Zen, parables, epigrams and proverbs. The writings focus on the simple joys of living and distinction between the practical and the poetic vision of life.

There is wit and subtle humor throughout the book. As a sample of the fantastic wit and wisdom encapsulated in this book, here is a story titled “Prohibition” from the chapter on Ancient Wit and Wisdom.

In the time of the ruler of Shu, Shienchu (third century AD) there was prohibition on wine on account of a drought…There were people who were arrested for having vats and distillery apparatus in their houses, punishable in the same terms as those actually caught making illegal liquor. Chien Yung was driving in the country with the ruler when they saw a young man strolling leisurely.
“Have that man arrested,’ cried Chien Yung.
“What has he done?” asked the ruler in puzzlement.
“He is going to commit adultery.”
“How do you know?”
“He has the organs of adultery, just as those people have their vats.”
The ruler broke out into a loud laugh and ordered that the people arrested for mere possession of vats released.

The meat of the book is the section on “Home and Daily Living” which encompasses a wide range of facets of the art of living and enjoyment of daily life.

I’ll end with an epigram of Yuan Chunglang: Beware of the man who has no hobbies. If he is not sincere in loving what he loves, he is also probably not sincere in hating what he professes to hate.

Dear Reader, first read The Importance of Living and then read The Importance of Understanding. And I’m sure you will see your life from a different perspective.


If you liked this philosophy of life do read my book:

Appetite for a Stroll

http://www.indiaplaza.in/finalpage.aspx?storename=books&sku=9788190690096&ct=2

http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

http://books.sulekha.com/book/appetite-for-a-stroll/default.htm


VIKRAM KARVE

mailto:vikramkarve@sify.com

http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/

http://www.ryze.com/go/karve

http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve

RADAR - A Book Review

BOOK REVIEW

Here is a rather amusing book review by Prachi Deshmukh, a bright young engineer who works with me. It was written quite some time back and I like her rather droll friendly style and, hence, I have intentionally not edited the review too much, so that the writing retains its original refreshing youthful flavour. So here is the book review E & OE :-

Name of the book: Radar
Authors: P.S. Hall, T.K. Garland-Collins, R.S. Picton and R.G. Lee
Publication: Brassey’s , (UK), 1991
Pages: 170
ISBN: 0 – 08 – 037710 – 6

[Reviewed by Prachi A. Deshmukh]

It was a bright morning, and I was enjoying my first tea of the day. Usually, I do not take tea without having a glance on the newspaper. There were plenty of news showing the fall of the top Indian software companies, the falling share market and there were overflowing columns discussing about the global recession. I was getting somewhat bored by reading them, and suddenly a news attracted me, which was about the bravery of a pilot in USA who saved the life of nearly 160 passengers. The brave man did land the plane in a frozen river to rescue the passengers in the plane and saved it from crash, which could happen because of a bird approaching towards the plane. Hats off to the presence of mind of the pilot! At the same time, we should not forget to say thanks to the radar technology, which had helped the pilot to detect the presence of the approaching bird.

After reading this, I became curious about the RADAR technology. ‘RADAR’ is the abbreviation of ‘Radio Detection and Ranging’. I went to the library in search of the book which will make me familiar with this RADAR technology. There were number of books available there, out of which, I selected one book, which I think was best suitable for a reader who is interested in to know the basic operation of RADAR, but does not have detailed knowledge of electronics or RADAR system, but is interested to know about the modern warfare. The book about which I am talking is ‘Radar’ by P.S. Hall et al, Brassey’s Publication, UK. ‘RADAR’ is the 9th volume of the series ‘Land Warfare: Brassey’s New Battlefield Weapons Systems and Technology Series’.

The content in the book is well arranged in 10 chapters, each having plenty of supporting diagrams, equations as well as photographs. The first chapter introduces us with radar. We enter in the world of radar with knowing the importance of radar, its history, i.e. origin of radar, motivation behind it, its first use in army etc. We also go through the technical history of radar. At the end of the first chapter, we become familiar with the types of radar such as primary and secondary radar, monostatic, bistatic and multistatic radar. The last figure of this chapter shows the electromagnetic spectrum and the radar bands in it.

The chapters 2 to 4 deal with the radar principles and technology. It is advised that the readers who wish to strengthen their fundamentals should study these chapters carefully. For those who are new to this field or want the comprehensive view, all the chapters are recommended. Those who understand the basics but wish to update themselves on the current state of battlefield radars chapter no. 5 to 9 are there.

Chapter 2 is about the ‘Principles of Radar Operation’. This chapter introduces us with the basic principles of radar operation such as basic action of the Pulse Radar Operation, Pulse Repetition Frequency, evaluation of the performance of radar , how to design the antenna, the maximum detection range and the radar equation etc. At the end of the chapter we gain the knowledge about the detection of radar signals, radar resolution, velocity resolution, radar accuracy and how to choose the frequency of radar.

Chapter 3 is an interesting one. Here we become familiar with the Doppler radar, Doppler processing in pulse radars, blind and ambiguous velocity. Besides these concepts, there are some other important radar techniques also, such as methods of target discrimination, Rain Clutter suppression by circular polarization, pulse compression, scanning and tracking radars, synthetic aperture radar. After going through this chapter, we find that we have acquired enough fundamentals to thoroughly understand the radar technology.

The fourth chapter is ‘radar technology’. Here we have to make use of the knowledge which we have gained in the previous chapters. At the beginning of this chapter we have a look on what are radar transmitters and receivers, what is magnetron, Klystron, Travelling wave tube, solid state transmitters etc. Without the knowledge of the components of radar, we can not understand what the system actually is? The common microwave transmission lines such as waveguide, co-axial, line, microstrip, triplate stripline are illustrated in brief. Antennas are the important sense organs for the radars. Here are the different types of antennas such as reflector antennas, adaptive antennas, multiple beam antennas as well as the phase arrays, frequency scanned arrays. Digital processing and displays are also explained in brief. If the displays could have been explained in detail, it would be better.

With chapter 5, we move towards the battlefield surveillance radar. First the authors introduce us with the requirement of the battlefield surveillance radar. Mainly there are two classes of battlefield surveillance radar i.e. Short range battlefield surveillance radar and airborne battlefield surveillance radar. In Short range battlefield (BSR) radar, there are different points which should be taken into consideration while studying BSR. The important points are frequency of operation and resolution. The block diagram is there to understand the working of the BSR. There are some examples of current BSR such as RASIT radar and MSTAR radar. The photographs give us the idea about the systems. The second important type is the airborne battlefield surveillance radar. Here we go through the Stand-Off Radar (SOR) which stand well back and use long range sensors. Again we gain knowledge about the principle of SOR, SOR resolution, target imaging and displays. At the end of the chapter there are two practical systems also.

Chapter 6 is about the weapon locating radars. The purpose of the weapon locating radar is to detect the launch of an enemy projectile or missile and to establish the segment of the trajectory of projectile.

The general technical requirements, principle of back track location provide us with base to understand the fundamentals. Here are some practical systems, recently introduced systems, near future outlook and possible future systems.

Chapter 7 is about the Air Defence Radar. In this chapter the important types such as strategic radars, long range radars, medium range radars and short range radars and surveillance and tracking of each of the type are studied. All the four types are presented very nicely with enough diagrams and photographs.

In chapter 8, there is collection of some other types of battlefield radars. To mention few are: balloon tracking radar, free flight rocket correction radar, unmanned aircraft radar, remotely piloted vehicle tracking radar, tank Automatic defence radar , as well as radar anti–tank homing missiles and projectiles and passive radar homing missiles. At the end of this chapter, we acquire some command on the radar systems.

Chapter 9 is about the electronic warfare. Here the authors have introduced us with the Electronic Warfare (EW). This chapter gives a brief idea about the electronic warfare. Electronic Counter Measures (ECM), Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and Electronic Counter Countermeasures (ECCM), jamming are some of the important concepts of EW. Here we get a brief knowledge of the tactical aspects, antenna systems, and jammers. Comparisons between ESM and radar confrontation, tracking radar and threat borne jammer, tracker and repeater target borne jammer help to make our concepts clear.

Last but not the least, chapter 10, which is the conclusion of the entire exercise. This chapter tells us about the importance of radar in battlefield, as well as it shows us the future of this technology. It includes the comparison of radar and other surveillance and target acquisition methods, the importance of the EW and its impact on radar, the future technical trends, adaptive radar, Artificial intelligence, and future military trends. This chapter is the most important one as far as the warfare is concerned.

For the sake of convenience of the keen reader who wants to see the particular diagrams, there is a chapter wise list of illustration at the beginning of the book.

In simple words, ‘Radar’ is a book which gives us sufficient information of radar systems and makes us familiar with the Electronic Warfare also. This is a good example of a technical book. This book can be used by the students for reference who are studying Radar for academic purpose, as well as this will prove simple and helpful for those readers who do not have detailed knowledge of electronics or radar system. But reader must be from technical background and should have at least the basic knowledge of physics and electronics.