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What Are Neural Networks Their Applications In The Real World?

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Trinh Nguyen

Aug 04, 2022

Neural networks have been making a lot of headlines lately in the world of computing, and for good reasons. They have the potential to revolutionize how we interact with technology. But what are neural networks, and what can they do? In this article, we’ll explore some real-life applications of neural networks and see just how versatile they can be.

What is an artificial neural network?  

Neural networks are essentially a part of deep learning, which is a subset of machine learning. An artificial neural network (ANN) is a computing system inspired by the workings of the brain. It consists of a large number of interconnected neurons or processing nodes that can learn to realize patterns of input data.

How does a neural network work? 

A neural network is a bundle of neurons connected by synapses. Talking about the artificial one, the role of neurons is played by the units that perform calculations.

A typical neural network works like this: it receives specific data through the input layer of neurons; the data is processed by the neurons and passed to the next layer with the help of synapses.

Usually, neural networks consist of three types of neurons: input, output, and hidden. Only the single-layer neural networks make an exception as they don’t have hidden neurons.

The difference between a computer and the human brain 

There is one big difference between the way computer networks and human brains work – computers can only process information explicitly programmed into them. In contrast, humans can learn to recognize patterns in data without being explicitly taught. This is thanks to the brain’s ability to form connections between different neurons, a process known as plasticity.

Artificial neural networks take advantage of this by allowing the network to learn from data itself. This means that they can be trained to recognize patterns that are too difficult for traditional computer programs to identify.

Different types of ANNs 

There are several different types of ANNs, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. The three most common types are:

1. Feedforward neural networks (FNNs) 

These networks are the simplest type of ANNs and are used for tasks such as classification and regression. A feedforward neural network is good at recognizing data patterns and relatively easy to train.

They consist of a series of layers, each of which processes input data in a certain way before passing it on to the next layer.

2. Recurrent neural networks (RNNs) 

A recurrent neural network is good at recognizing patterns that occur over time and are often used for tasks such as speech recognition and machine learning.

They contain a feedback loop that allows information to flow between different layers in the network. This will enable them to learn and remember past events, which can be useful for tasks such as speech recognition or machine translation.

3. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) 

A convolutional neural network is designed specifically for image recognition tasks and is very effective at recognizing complex patterns. They are similar to regular neural networks but contain a special layer called a convolutional layer that performs matrix operations on input images.

This allows them to learn the features of images at different levels of abstraction. CNN has applications in speech and image processing which is particularly useful in computer vision.

How are artificial neural networks trained?  

While there are different training methods, ANNs are typically trained using a technique called back propagation. This involves feeding data into the network and then gradually adjusting the weights of the artificial neurons to minimize the error between the predicted and actual values.

This process is usually carried out using a software tool called a neural network simulator. There are several different simulators available, such as TensorFlow, Theano, and Torch. Once it has been trained, the neural network can be used to identify similar patterns in new data.

Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) vs. Biological Neural Networks (BNNs) 

The structure of a biological neural network is very different from that of an ANN. BNNs are composed of a large number of interconnected neurons, whereas ANNs typically contain only a few layers.

Additionally, the synapses in a BNN are plastic, which means they can change their strength depending on the activity of the neurons. This is not the case in ANNs, which use a fixed weight for each synapse.

Finally, BNNs are much slower than ANNs due to the fact that they require time to form new synaptic connections. This is not a problem for ANNs, which can learn and process information much faster.

Despite these differences, ANNs have been shown to be very effective at solving certain problems that are difficult for BNNs to solve. This is due to the fact that ANNs are able to learn from data itself, whereas BNNs require extensive training data.

Are there any risks associated with using artificial neural networks?  

There is a potential for risk anytime you are using new technology, and neural networks are no exception. However, the risks associated with neural networks are fairly minimal.

There is a risk of overfitting when using neural networks. This means that the network could become too specialized in the training data and not be able to generalize to new data. There is also a risk of getting stuck at a local minimum – this is where the network finds a solution that works well for the data it has been trained on but may not be the best solution overall.

The history of neural networks and how they’ve been used over the years  

The first idea of neural networks can be traced back to 1943, when Warren McCulloch, a neurophysiologist, and Walter Pitts, a young mathematician, published a paper on the topic. However, it was not until the late 1980s that neural networks began to be used in practical applications. Back then, people were still trying to figure out how to make them work well and what sorts of things they could be used for.

One of the earliest applications of neural networks was in stock market analysis. Neural networks were used to predict stock prices and to make investment decisions. At the time, this was a very novel application of neural networks, and it was not clear whether or not it would be successful. However, it has been shown that neural networks are very effective at predicting stock prices over time.

Since then, neural networks have been used in a wide variety of applications, including:

  • Automatic classification and identification of objects
  • Fraud detection
  • Stock market & stock exchange prediction
  • Predicting consumer behavior
  • Diagnosing diseases

Neural networks are a versatile tool that can be used in a wide variety of applications. Their ability to learn and adapt makes them well-suited for tasks that are too complex for traditional algorithms. As neural networks continue to evolve, we can expect to see them being used in more and more real-world applications.

Top neural networks applications for 2022 

There are many real-life applications of neural networks that go beyond just the classroom or research lab. Without further ado, let’s jump into some of the ways neural networks are being used in the real world.

Predictive analytics 

One of the most well-known applications of neural networks is predictive analytics. Neural networks can be used to predict future events, such as how likely a person is to default on a loan or how many units of a product will be sold in the next quarter.

This information can be used to make better business decisions, such as whether or not to offer a loan to a particular person or how much inventory to order. They can also be used to predict the outcomes of sporting events or elections.

Automatic image recognition & tagging 

Neural networks are being used to automatically identify objects in images. This can be used for tasks such as identifying celebrities in pictures or recognizing brands in advertisements.

They can also be used to automatically tag images with relevant keywords, making it easier to find specific photos in a large collection of pictures.

Medical diagnosis 

Neural networks are being used to diagnose diseases by identifying patterns in medical data that humans could not see. This can help doctors better understand the causes of diseases and develop new treatments.

One example of this is the use of neural networks to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Neural networks can be used to identify changes in brain activity that occur before the onset of symptoms.

The convolutional neural networks are widely used in the healthcare industry for X-ray detection, CT scan, and ultrasonic imaging. The use of CNNs has increased significantly over recent years due to their ability not only to identify tumors but also to show how they form on images which can help radiologists make better decisions when diagnosing patient cases.

Stock market prediction 

Neural networks are being used to predict stock prices and make investment decisions. This is challenging for traditional algorithms, but neural networks can learn and adapt, making them well-suited for this application.

Over time, it has been shown that neural networks effectively predict stock prices. As neural networks continue to evolve, we can expect to see them being used in more and more stock market predictions.

Supply chains optimization 

This involves using neural networks to predict how much of a product will be sold in the future and then ordering the appropriate amount of inventory.

This can help to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Neural networks can do this by learning the patterns in customer behavior.

Character recognition 

Neural networks are being used to recognize characters in text documents. This can be used for tasks such as translating text from one language to another or recognizing the author of a copy.

This can be done by training a neural network on a large collection of texts. A neural network learns the patterns that occur in different types of text. This can then be used to identify characters in new text documents.

Artificial intelligence 

Neural networks are a key component of artificial intelligence. They are used to creating machines that can learn and adapt over time. This allows them to perform complex tasks such as understanding natural language or playing games like Go. As neural networks continue to evolve, we can expect to see more and more amazing applications of artificial intelligence.

Automatic classification 

Neural networks can be used to automatically classify objects into different categories. This can be used for sorting mail, identifying different types of plants or animals, or recognizing different types of tumors in medical images.

This is done by training a neural network on a large data collection. The neural network will learn the patterns that occur in different types of objects. This can also then be used to identify objects in new data sets.

Image compression 

Neural networks can be used to compress images. This is the process of reducing the size of an image while preserving its appearance.

A neural network used for image compression contains the equal size of the input and output layer. The intermediate layer is of smaller size. The ratio of the input layer to the intermediate layer is the compression ratio of the network.

Art creation 

Neural networks can be used to create artwork by learning different artists’ styles. This involves using neural networks to generate images or music that humans would not be able to develop on their own.

This can then be used to generate new art or improve the quality of existing artwork.

Self-driving vehicles  

One of the most exciting applications of neural networks is in the field of self-driving cars. This involves using neural networks to process data from sensors and make decisions about how to navigate the vehicle.

Neural networks are being used to create detailed maps of the roads and surroundings and learn how to drive in different conditions. This allows cars to navigate safely and efficiently without human input.

Facial recognition  

By analyzing images of faces, neural networks can identify individual people with a high degree of accuracy.

This can be used for security purposes, such as identifying criminals or terrorists, or for personalization, such as providing tailored content based on the user’s preferences.

What are the advantages of neural networks?  

There are several advantages of neural networks that make them well-suited for these applications.

First, they can learn and adapt over time. This means that they can improve their performance as they receive more data.

Second, they can process a large amount of data very quickly. This makes them ideal for tasks such as facial recognition or automatic classification.

Third, they can identify patterns in data that humans would not be able to see. Pattern recognition ability makes them very effective for tasks such as character recognition or predicting customer behavior.

Finally, they are relatively easy to train. This means that they can be used for a variety of applications with minimal setup time.

How ANNs can be used in your own life   

Now that you have a basic understanding of how neural networks work, let’s look at how you can use them in your own life.

Learning ability 

One of the most common applications of neural networks is to improve your ability to learn and remember new information. Neural networks can be used to improve your memory by helping you to better understand and remember the information that you are learning. Additionally, neural networks can also be used to help you learn new skills more quickly.

Decision-making skills 

Another common application of neural networks is to improve your decision-making skills. Neural networks can help you make better decisions by providing you with information that you may not have considered. Additionally, neural networks can also be used to help you avoid making bad decisions.

Improve well-being 

Finally, neural networks can also be used to improve your overall health and well-being. Neural networks can be used to help you eat healthier and exercise more regularly. Additionally, neural networks can also be used to help you relax and reduce stress.

Some potential concerns about implementing neural networks in business and everyday life  

Neural networks are still in their early developmental stages, and there are a few challenges that need to be overcome before they can be widely adopted by businesses and individuals alike. One of the main challenges is that neural networks are often difficult to understand and use. They require a lot of data preparation and tweaking to get them to work properly, and even then, they can be quite unpredictable. Additionally, most neural networks require a lot of computing power, which can be prohibitive for small businesses or individual users.

There are also concerns about the security and privacy of neural networks. As these networks get more sophisticated, they will become better at extracting sensitive information from data sets. This could lead to serious privacy breaches if not properly managed. Security is also a concern, as neural networks are vulnerable to hacking and other attacks.

Despite these challenges, there is no doubt that neural networks are a powerful tool that can be used for a wide variety of applications. With continued development and refinement, neural networks will likely become more accessible and reliable, making them an essential part of the modern business landscape.

The future of neural networks and their impact on society 

The future of neural networks is difficult to predict, but there is no doubt that they will significantly impact society. As these networks get more sophisticated, they will become better at performing complex tasks and making decisions. This could lead to major changes in the way we live and work. Neural networks could also play a role in improving our overall health and well-being.

There are also concerns that neural networks could be used to manipulate and control the population. As these networks get better at understanding human behavior, they could be used to influence our thoughts and actions in a way that benefits the people who control them. It is important to remember that these concerns are still theoretical, and there is no evidence that this type of manipulation is actually happening. However, it is something that we need to be aware of as these networks continue to evolve.

Conclusion  

This article has looked at the basics of neural networks and how they are being used in the real world. We have seen that neural networks are a powerful tool that can be used for a wide variety of applications. They have the potential to revolutionize many different industries, and businesses should begin preparing for their widespread adoption.

However, there are still some challenges that need to be overcome before they can be widely adopted. These include the difficulty of understanding and using neural networks, the high cost of computing power, and security and privacy concerns. Despite these challenges, there is no doubt that neural networks are a powerful tool that businesses should begin preparing for.

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