A novel training method to preserve generalization of RBPNN classifiers applied to ECG signals diagnosis.

Journal: Neural networks : the official journal of the International Neural Network Society
Published Date:

Abstract

In this paper a novel training technique is proposed to offer an efficient solution for neural network training in non-trivial and critical applications such as the diagnosis of health threatening illness. The presented technique aims to enhance the generalization capability of a neural network while preserving its sensitivity and precision. The implemented method has been devised in order to slowly increase, during training, the generalization capabilities of a Radial Basis Probabilistic Neural Network classifier, as well as preventing it from over-generalization and the consequent lack of resulting classification performances. The developed method was tested on Electrocardiograms. These latter are generally considered non-trivial both due to the difficulty to recognize some anomalous heart activities, and due to the intermittent nature of abnormal beat occurrences. The implemented training method obtained satisfactory performances, sensitivity and precision while showing high generalization capabilities.

Authors

  • Francesco Beritelli
    Department of Electrical, Electronics and Informatics Engineering, University of Catania, Italy. Electronic address: francesco.beritelli@dieei.unict.it.
  • Giacomo Capizzi
    Institute of Mathematics, Silesian University of Technology, Kaszubska 23, Gliwice 44-100, Poland; Department of Electric, Electronic and Informatics Engineering, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy. Electronic address: gcapizzi@diees.unict.it.
  • Grazia Lo Sciuto
    Department of Electrical, Electronics and Informatics Engineering, University of Catania, Italy. Electronic address: glosciuto@dii.unict.it.
  • Christian Napoli
    Department of Mathematics and Informatics, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6 - 95125 Catania, Italy. Electronic address: napoli@dmi.unict.it.
  • Marcin Wozniak
    Faculty of Applied Mathematics, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland.