Skip to main content

Uncertainty in Multiclass Classification

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
1. What is Uncertainty in Classification? Uncertainty refers to the model’s confidence or doubt in its predictions. Quantifying uncertainty is important to understand how reliable each prediction is. In multiclass classification , uncertainty estimates provide probabilities over multiple classes, reflecting how sure the model is about each possible class. 2. Methods to Estimate Uncertainty in Multiclass Classification Most multiclass classifiers provide methods such as: predict_proba: Returns a probability distribution across all classes. decision_function: Returns scores or margins for each class (sometimes called raw or uncalibrated confidence scores). The probability distribution from predict_proba captures the uncertainty by assigning a probability to each class. 3. Shape and Interpretation of predict_proba in Multiclass Output shape: (n_samples, n_classes) Each row corresponds to the probabilities of ...
Post a Comment

Excitation Inhibition Balance

Image
Dr. Rishabh Pathak

Excitation-inhibition balance refers to the equilibrium between excitatory and inhibitory neural activity in the brain. Maintaining a proper balance between excitation and inhibition is crucial for normal brain function, information processing, and neural network stability. Here are key points about excitation-inhibition balance:


1.   Excitatory Neurotransmission: Excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, promote the depolarization of neurons and the generation of action potentials. Excitatory signals facilitate neural communication and are essential for processes like learning, memory, and sensory perception.


2.  Inhibitory Neurotransmission: Inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), counteract excitatory signals by hyperpolarizing neurons and reducing their likelihood of firing action potentials. Inhibition helps regulate neural activity, prevent excessive excitation, and maintain network stability.


3.     Role in Neural Circuits: The balance between excitation and inhibition is critical for the proper functioning of neural circuits. Imbalances, such as excessive excitation or reduced inhibition, can lead to hyperexcitability, seizures, cognitive deficits, and neurological disorders.


4.  Plasticity and Learning: Excitation-inhibition balance plays a key role in synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken in response to activity. Proper balance allows for adaptive changes in neural connectivity that underlie learning and memory. Disruptions in this balance can impair synaptic plasticity and cognitive function.


5.     Development and Critical Periods: Excitation-inhibition balance is particularly important during critical periods of brain development when neural circuits are forming and refining. Imbalances during these sensitive periods can have long-lasting effects on brain function and behavior.


6.  Clinical Implications: Dysregulation of excitation-inhibition balance has been implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and mood disorders. Therapeutic interventions targeting this balance, such as modulating neurotransmitter systems or enhancing inhibitory signaling, may offer potential treatments for these conditions.


In summary, excitation-inhibition balance is a fundamental aspect of neural function that ensures proper communication within the brain, supports synaptic plasticity and learning, and contributes to overall brain health. Maintaining this balance is essential for normal brain function and cognitive processes.

 

Categories:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Relation of Model Complexity to Dataset Size

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
Core Concept The relationship between model complexity and dataset size is fundamental in supervised learning, affecting how well a model can learn and generalize. Model complexity refers to the capacity or flexibility of the model to fit a wide variety of functions. Dataset size refers to the number and diversity of training samples available for learning. Key Points 1. Larger Datasets Allow for More Complex Models When your dataset contains more varied data points , you can afford to use more complex models without overfitting. More data points mean more information and variety, enabling the model to learn detailed patterns without fitting noise. Quote from the book: "Relation of Model Complexity to Dataset Size. It’s important to note that model complexity is intimately tied to the variation of inputs contained in your training dataset: the larger variety of data points your dataset contains, the more complex a model you can use without overfitting....
Post a Comment
Read more

Linear Models

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
1. What are Linear Models? Linear models are a class of models that make predictions using a linear function of the input features. The prediction is computed as a weighted sum of the input features plus a bias term. They have been extensively studied over more than a century and remain widely used due to their simplicity, interpretability, and effectiveness in many scenarios. 2. Mathematical Formulation For regression , the general form of a linear model's prediction is: y^ ​ = w0 ​ x0 ​ + w1 ​ x1 ​ + … + wp ​ xp ​ + b where; y^ ​ is the predicted output, xi ​ is the i-th input feature, wi ​ is the learned weight coefficient for feature xi ​ , b is the intercept (bias term), p is the number of features. In vector form: y^ ​ = wTx + b where w = ( w0 ​ , w1 ​ , ... , wp ​ ) and x = ( x0 ​ , x1 ​ , ... , xp ​ ) . 3. Interpretation and Intuition The prediction is a linear combination of features — each feature contributes prop...
Post a Comment
Read more

Predicting Probabilities

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
1. What is Predicting Probabilities? The predict_proba method estimates the probability that a given input belongs to each class. It returns values in the range [0, 1] , representing the model's confidence as probabilities. The sum of predicted probabilities across all classes for a sample is always 1 (i.e., they form a valid probability distribution). 2. Output Shape of predict_proba For binary classification , the shape of the output is (n_samples, 2) : Column 0: Probability of the sample belonging to the negative class. Column 1: Probability of the sample belonging to the positive class. For multiclass classification , the shape is (n_samples, n_classes) , with each column corresponding to the probability of the sample belonging to that class. 3. Interpretation of predict_proba Output The probability reflects how confidently the model believes a data point belongs to each class. For example, in ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Kernelized Support Vector Machines

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
1. Introduction to SVMs Support Vector Machines (SVMs) are supervised learning algorithms primarily used for classification (and regression with SVR). They aim to find the optimal separating hyperplane that maximizes the margin between classes for linearly separable data. Basic (linear) SVMs operate in the original feature space, producing linear decision boundaries. 2. Limitations of Linear SVMs Linear SVMs have limited flexibility as their decision boundaries are hyperplanes. Many real-world problems require more complex, non-linear decision boundaries that linear SVM cannot provide. 3. Kernel Trick: Overcoming Non-linearity To allow non-linear decision boundaries, SVMs exploit the kernel trick . The kernel trick implicitly maps input data into a higher-dimensional feature space where linear separation might be possible, without explicitly performing the costly mapping . How the Kernel Trick Works: Instead of computing ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Supervised Learning

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
What is Supervised Learning? ·     Definition: Supervised learning involves training a model on a labeled dataset, where the input data (features) are paired with the correct output (labels). The model learns to map inputs to outputs and can predict labels for unseen input data. ·     Goal: To learn a function that generalizes well from training data to accurately predict labels for new data. ·          Types: ·          Classification: Predicting categorical labels (e.g., classifying iris flowers into species). ·          Regression: Predicting continuous values (e.g., predicting house prices). Key Concepts: ·     Generalization: The ability of a model to perform well on previously unseen data, not just the training data. ·         Overfitting and Underfitting: ·    ...
Post a Comment
Read more