Firefly Meta-Heuristic Algorithm for Training the Radial Basis Function Network for Data Classification and Disease Diagnosis

The radial basis function (RBF) network is a type of neural network that uses a radial basis function as its activation function (Ou, Oyang & Chen, 2005). Because of the better approximation capabilities, simpler network structure and faster learning speed, the RBF networks have attracted considerable attention in many science and engineering field. Horng (2010) used the RBF for multiple classifications of supraspinatus ultrasonic images. Korurek & Dogan (2010) used the RBF networks for ECG beat classifications. Wu, Warwick, Jonathan, Burgess, Pan & Aziz (2010) applied the RBF networks for prediction of Parkinson’s disease tremor onset. Feng & Chou (2011) use the RBF network for prediction of the financial time series data. In spite of the fact that the RBF network can effectively be applied, however, the number of neurons in the hidden layer of RBF network always affects the network complexity and the generalizing capabilities of the network. If the number of neurons of the hidden layer is insufficient, the learning of RBF network fails to correct convergence, however, the neuron number is too high, the resulting over-learning situation may occur. Furthermore, the position of center of the each neuron of hidden layer and the spread parameter of its activation function also affect the network performance considerably. The determination of three parameters that are the number of neuron, the center position of each neuron and its spread parameter of activation function in the hidden layer is very important.