Learning and evolution are two fundamental forms of adaptation. There has been a great interest in combining learning and evolution with artificial neural networks (ANNs) in recent years. This paper: 1) reviews different combinations between ANNs and evolutionary algorithms (EAs), including using EAs to evolve ANN connection weights, architectures, learning rules, and input features; 2) discusses different search operators which have been used in various EAs; and 3) points out possible future research directions. It is shown, through a considerably large literature review, that combinations between ANNs and EAs can lead to significantly better intelligent systems than relying on ANNs or EAs alone.

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Evolving artificial neural networks

In this paper, we developed and evaluated a robust single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) delineation system based on the wavelet transform (WT). In a first step, QRS complexes are detected. Then, each QRS is delineated by detecting and identifying the peaks of the individual waves, as well as the complex onset and end. Finally, the determination of P and T wave peaks, onsets and ends is performed. We evaluated the algorithm on several manually annotated databases, such as MIT-BIH Arrhythmia, QT, European ST-T and CSE databases, developed for validation purposes. The QRS detector obtained a sensitivity of Se=99.66% and a positive predictivity of P+=99.56% over the first lead of the validation databases (more than 980,000 beats), while for the well-known MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database, Se and P+ over 99.8% were attained. As for the delineation of the ECG waves, the mean and standard deviation of the differences between the automatic and manual annotations were computed. The mean error obtained with the WT approach was found not to exceed one sampling interval, while the standard deviations were around the accepted tolerances between expert physicians, outperforming the results of other well known algorithms, especially in determining the end of T wave.

A wavelet-based ECG delineator: evaluation on standard databases

The QRS complex is the most striking waveform within the electrocardiogram (ECG). Since it reflects the electrical activity within the heart during the ventricular contraction, the time of its occurrence as well as its shape provide much information about the current state of the heart. Due to its characteristic shape it serves as the basis for the automated determination of the heart rate, as an entry point for classification schemes of the cardiac cycle, and often it is also used in ECG data compression algorithms. In that sense, QRS detection provides the fundamentals for almost all automated ECG analysis algorithms. Software QRS detection has been a research topic for more than 30 years. The evolution of these algorithms clearly reflects the great advances in computer technology. Within the last decade many new approaches to QRS detection have been proposed; for example, algorithms from the field of artificial neural networks genetic algorithms wavelet transforms, filter banks as well as heuristic methods mostly based on nonlinear transforms. The authors provide an overview of these recent developments as well as of formerly proposed algorithms.

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The principles of software QRS detection

Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention

This paper reviews ultrasound segmentation methods, in a broad sense, focusing on techniques developed for medical B-mode ultrasound images. First, we present a review of articles by clinical application to highlight the approaches that have been investigated and degree of validation that has been done in different clinical domains. Then, we present a classification of methodology in terms of use of prior information. We conclude by selecting ten papers which have presented original ideas that have demonstrated particular clinical usefulness or potential specific to the ultrasound segmentation problem

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Ultrasound image segmentation: a survey

A new metaheuristic for numerical function optimization: Vortex Search algorithm

ECG beat classification by a novel hybrid neural network.

Classification of heart sounds using an artificial neural network

Heart sound classification using wavelet transform and incremental self-organizing map

In this study, a novel method is proposed for the detection of tumor in magnetic resonance (MR) brain images. The performance of the novel method is investigated on one phantom and 20 original MR brain images with tumor and 50 normal (healthy) MR brain images. Before the segmentation process, 2D continuous wavelet transform (CWT) is applied to reveal the characteristics of tissues in MR head images. Then, each MR image is segmented into seven classes (six head tissues and the background) by using the incremental supervised neural network (ISNN) and the wavelet-bands. After the segmentation process, the head is extracted from the background by simply discarding the background pixels. Symmetry axis of the head in the MR image is determined by using moment properties. Asymmetry is analyzed by using the Zernike moments of each of six tissues segmented in the head: two vectors are individually formed for the left and right hand sides of the symmetry axis on the sagittal plane by using the Zernike moments of the segmented tissues in the head. Presence of asymmetry and the tumors are inquired by considering the distance between these two vectors. The performance of the proposed method is further investigated by moving the location of the tumor and by modifying its size in the phantom image. It is observed that tumor detection is successfully realized for the tumorous 20 MR brain images.

Tamer Ölmez

Papers

A new metaheuristic for numerical function optimization: Vortex Search algorithm

ECG beat classification by a novel hybrid neural network.

Classification of heart sounds using an artificial neural network

Heart sound classification using wavelet transform and incremental self-organizing map

Tumor detection by using Zernike moments on segmented magnetic resonance brain images