This paper presents the improved version of the classification system for supporting glaucoma diagnosis in ophthalmology. In this

paper we propose the new segmentation step based on the support vector clustering algorithm which enables better classification performance.

Prof. Małgorzata Kossut of the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology talks about brain plasticity, the mechanisms of learning, and the mysteries of forgetfulness.

In recent years, deep learning and especially deep neural networks (DNN) have obtained amazing performance on a variety of problems, in particular in classification or pattern recognition. Among many kinds of DNNs, the convolutional neural networks (CNN) are most commonly used. However, due to their complexity, there are many problems related but not limited to optimizing network parameters, avoiding overfitting and ensuring good generalization abilities. Therefore, a number of methods have been proposed by the researchers to deal with these problems. In this paper, we present the results of applying different, recently developed methods to improve deep neural network training and operating. We decided to focus on the most popular CNN structures, namely on VGG based neural networks: VGG16, VGG11 and proposed by us VGG8. The tests were conducted on a real and very important problem of skin cancer detection. A publicly available dataset of skin lesions was used as a benchmark. We analyzed the influence of applying: dropout, batch normalization, model ensembling, and transfer learning. Moreover, the influence of the type of activation function was checked. In order to increase the objectivity of the results, each of the tested models was trained 6 times and their results were averaged. In addition, in order to mitigate the impact of the selection of learning, test and validation sets, k-fold validation was applied.

The paper presents a method for designing a neural speed controller with use of Reinforcement Learning method. The controlled object is an electric drive with a synchronous motor with permanent magnets, having a complex mechanical structure and changeable parameters. Several research cases of the control system with a neural controller are presented, focusing on the change of object parameters. Also, the influence of the system critic behaviour is researched, where the critic is a function of control error and energy cost. It ensures long term performance stability without the need of switching off the adaptation algorithm. Numerous simulation tests were carried out and confirmed on a real stand.

The paper proposes to apply an algorithm for predicting the minimum level of the state of charge (SoC) of stationary supercapacitor energy storage system operating in a DC traction substation, and for changing it over time. This is done to insure maximum energy recovery for trains while braking. The model of a supercapacitor energy storage system, its algorithms of operation and prediction of the minimum state of charge are described in detail; the main formulae, graphs and results of simulation are also provided. It is proposed to divide the SoC curve into equal periods of time during which the minimum states of charge remain constant. To predict the SoC level for the subsequent period, the learning algorithm based on the neural network could be used. Then, the minimum SoC could be based on two basic types of data: the first one is the time profile of the energy storage load during the previous period with the constant minimum SoC retained, while the second one relies on the trains’ locations and speed values in the previous period. It is proved that the use of variable minimum SoC ensures an increase of the energy volume recovered by approximately 10%. Optimum architecture and activation function of the neural network are also found.

The term “metalearning”, which was introduced into scientific literature by J. Biggs (1985) is, broadly speaking, an awareness of one’s own learning process and exercising control over it. Metalearning, whose roots lie in the personal, early experiences of the child related to learning, and which is expressed in her or his current concepts – is considered in this article as a basic condition for the acquisition of one of the key competences of 21st century man, namely, the learning competence. Recognizing the importance of colloquial concepts of learning, as well as their uniqueness and contextuality – in the article I will present the main problems associated with learning about the vision and understanding of the personal worlds of the learning of pupils, coming at the end of early education. On the basis of analysis of the scientific literature and previous studies conducted abroad, as well as a number of my own research projects (resulting from the application of quantitative or qualitative approach), I will present questions, doubts and selected emerging difficulties in the application of both the presented research approaches.

The traditional self organizing map (SOM) is learned by Kohonen learning. The main disadvantage of this approach is in epoch based learning when the radius and rate of learning are decreasing functions of epoch index. The aim of study is to demonstrate advantages of diffusive learning in single epoch learning and other cases for both traditional and anomalous diffusion models. We also discuss the differences between traditional and anomalous learning in models and in quality of obtained SOM. The anomalous diffusion model leads to less accurate SOM which is in accordance to biological assumptions of normal diffusive processes in living nervous system. But the traditional Kohonen learning has been overperformed by novel diffusive learning approaches.