Recursive Neural Network

Recursive Neural Networks: When the same set of weights is applied recursively on structured inputs with the expectation of getting structured prediction, we get a kind of deep neural network called a recursive neural network.

Recursive Neural Networks

Recursive networks are non-linear adaptive models that can learn structured information. RNNs are quite complex in themselves. Recursive neural networks excel with hierarchical data due to their complex tree-like structure. The tree structure combines nodes to create higher levels. Parent-child bonds are represented by weight matrices, and similar matrices are matched with similar progenies. In essence, RNNs offer a powerful framework for capturing and understanding complex relationships within hierarchical data, making them invaluable tools in various domains, including natural language processing, image recognition, and bioinformatics.

What is Deep Learning?

“Deep learning is an undeniably mind-blowing” machine learning technique that teaches computers to do what comes naturally to humans: learn by example. It can be used with ease to predict the unpredictable”.

Researchers and engineers are busy creating artificial intelligence by using a combination of non-bio-neural networks and natural intelligence”.

Deep learning, in short, is going much beyond machine learning and its algorithms that are either supervised or unsupervised. DL uses many layers of nonlinear processing units for feature extraction and transformation. It has revolutionized today’s industries by demonstrating near-human-level accuracy in certain tasks. tasks like pattern recognition, image classification, voice or text decoding, and many more.

Deep Learning is a key technology

  • To voice control in mobile devices like handphones, TVs, vice command enabled speakers and TVs
  • Behind driverless cars, enabling them to recognise a stop sign or to distinguish a pedestrian from a lamppost.
  • Has revolutionised, image processing & classification and also speech recognition with high accuracy.

Deep learning has been getting lots of attention lately, and for good reason. It is achieving results that were not possible before. Business leaders and the developer community absolutely need to understand what it is, what it can do, and how it works.

Deep learning, also called as a subset of machine learning which is a specialist with an extremely complex skill set in order to achieve far more better results from the same data set. It purely on the basis of NI (Natural Intelligence) mechanics of the biological neuron system. It has a complex skill set because of methods it uses for training i.e. learning in deep learning is based on “learning data representations” rather than “task-specific algorithms.” which is the case for other methods.

Deep learning is a technique that approaches the problem by learning the underlying representations. That said, it is my impression that the representation-focused perspective of artificial neural networks is presently very popular.

Hoping that there would be no time when we need to do the reverse i.e. where will use Artificial Intelligence to create Natural Intelligence in future. So in nutshell, we need to be careful not to translate any of our research or machine learning into human experiences.

What is Recursive Neural Networks?

Recursive neural networks are family members and a kind of deep neural network. They are generally created after applying the same set of weights recursively to the structured inputs. This happens at every node for the same reason. RNNS are comprised of a class of architecture that operates on structured inputs, particularly directed acyclic graphs.

Recursive Neural Networks: Call it a deep tree-like structure. When the need is to parse a whole sentence, we use a recursive neural network. A tree-like topology allows branching connections and hierarchical structure. Arguments here can be made about how recursive neural networks are different from recurrent neural networks. We can simply divide recursive neural network approaches into two categories as shown below.

  • Inner Approach – This approach usually conducts recursion inside the underlying graph and the objective is achieved usually by moving forward slowly around the edges of the graph.
  • Outer Approach – This approach usually conducts recursion outside the underlying graph and aggregates information over progressively longer distances in a rectangular direction.

RNNs are used to predict structured outputs over variable-size input structures, sometimes a scalar prediction as well, by traversing a given structure in topological order. Recursive neural networks respond not only to input but to context as well. They process each input of the time series separately. The first introduction of RNNs happened just to meet the need to learn distributed representations of structure, such as logical terms.

Recurrent neural networks are recursive artificial neural networks with a certain structure, that of a linear chain. Whereas recursive neural networks operate on any hierarchical structure, combining child representations into parent representations. Recurrent neural networks operate on the linear progression of time, combining the previous time step and a hidden representation into the representation for the current time step. [As per Wikipedia]

  • Questions – How recursive neural networks are different from recurrent neural networks?
  • Answer – Recurrent neural networks are in fact recursive neural networks with a particular structure: that of a linear chain.

RvNNs are a hierarchical kind of network with no time aspect to the input sequence, but the input has to be processed hierarchically in a tree fashion. In other words, the recursive neural network is just a generalization of the recurrent neural network. A fixed number of children is assigned to each tree node to ensure identical weights and recursion. RvNNs are used to analyze full sentences.

A sentiment analysis system uses a neural network to assess emotional phrases. NLP detects the writer’s mood and attitude in sentences. Writers are recognized for their descriptive style when expressing feelings. Our goal is to identify and arrange constituents for syntactical examination. It can distinguish between positive and negative sentences.

Recurrent vs Recursive Neural Networks

Recurrent and recursive neural networks are two interchangeable terms that can be used to refer to the same thing. Most commonly, they are referred to using the identical abbreviation, RNN. Recursive networks can be understood as an expansion of recurrent networks, as both involve repetition over a period of time. Essentially, they share common characteristics.

AspectRecursive Neural Networks (ReNNs)Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs)
StructureHierarchical structure where parent nodes have children nodes similar to themselves, forming a hierarchical network.
Example: Image segmentation, where each node represents a region of an image, and child nodes represent sub-regions.
Linear structure where neurons are connected in a sequence, allowing information to persist over time. Example: Text generation tasks like language modeling, where RNNs process input text word by word.
Processing MechanismProcess input hierarchically, resembling a tree structure, without a time aspect to the input sequence.
Example: Natural language processing tasks such as parsing sentences, where ReNNs analyze sentence structures.
Process input sequentially over time, allowing information to be retained and updated at each time step.
Example: Time series forecasting, where RNNs predict future values based on past observations.
Handling of Hierarchical StructuresEffective at handling any hierarchical structure, combining representations of child nodes into parent representations. Example: Image recognition tasks, where ReNNs analyze hierarchical features like edges, shapes, and objects.Less effective at capturing hierarchical relationships and may require additional mechanisms to handle hierarchical data.
Example: Analyzing text documents with nested sections, where ReNNs may struggle to capture hierarchical relationships.
Temporal AspectDoes not inherently capture temporal dependencies in data.Captures temporal dependencies well, making them suitable for sequential data processing tasks.
Example: Speech recognition, where RNNs analyze sequential audio frames to transcribe spoken words.
ApplicationsSuitable for tasks involving hierarchical relationships, such as parsing sentences, analyzing hierarchical data, and processing tree-like structures.
Example: Language translation, where ReNNs process sentences hierarchically to capture grammatical structures.
Widely used in sequential data processing tasks, such as time series forecasting, natural language processing, and speech recognition.
Example: Sentiment analysis, where RNNs process text sequentially to determine the sentiment of a sentence.

These examples provide concrete illustrations of how Rec

As we now know, networks that operate on structured classes are more recursive. If we stack multiple recursive layers, then those can be called deep recursive neural networks. In a recurrent network, the weights are shared along the length of the sequence, though dimensionality remains constant. The answer to why this is the case is simply because it helps to deal with position-dependent weights when encountering a sequence at test time of different lengths at train time.

    Principles of Recursive Neural Networks

    Recurrent neural networks are, in fact, recursive neural networks. Because recursive networks are mainly inherently complex, they are not yet accepted broadly. They are quite expensive in the computational learning phase. Usually, these results are produced by systematically applying a consistent set of weights to the arranged inputs in a repetitive manner. This occurrence happens consistently across all points due to identical causative elements.

    1. Recursive neural networks, akin to deep neural networks, are a modified variant within the same computational model family, demonstrating versatility in handling classification and regression tasks.
    2. Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), on the other hand, constitute a distinct structured model tailored for directed acyclic graphs, specifically designed to manage sequentially arranged inputs.
    3. While recursive networks are adept at addressing various learning tasks, RNNs specialize in tasks involving temporal dependencies and sequential data due to their focused design for ordered input processing.

    It depends on how the math of the algorithm was translated into instructions for the computer you are using. And it depends on how much time you have. To us at AILabPage, we say machine learning is a crystal-clear and simple task. It is not only for PhD aspirants; it’s for you, us, and everyone.

    Not Covered here

    Topics we have not covered in this post but are extremely critical and important to understand to get a little more strong hands-on RNNs as below.

    • Sequential Memory
    • Backpropagation
    • LSTM’s and GRU’s
    Machine Learning (ML) - Everything You Need To Know

    Conclusion – I particularly think that getting to know the types of machine learning algorithms helps to see a somewhat clear picture. The answer to the question “What machine learning algorithm should I use?” is always “It depends.” It depends on the size, quality, and nature of the data. Also, what is the data torturing’s objective or motivation? As we torture data, more useful information comes out. It depends on how the math of the algorithm was translated into instructions for the computer you are using. And it depends on how much time you have. To us at AILabPage, we say machine learning is a crystal clear and simple task. It is not only for PhD aspirants; it’s for you, us, and everyone.

    Points to Note:

    All credits, if any, remain with the original contributor. We have covered all the basics of recursive neural networks. RNNs are all about modeling units in sequence. The perfect support for natural language processing (NLP) tasks Though often such tasks struggle to find the best companion between CNN and RNN algorithms to look for information,

    Books + Other readings Referred

    • Research through the open internet, news portals, white papers, and imparted knowledge via live conferences and lectures.
    • Lab and hands-on experience of  @AILabPage (Self-taught learners group) members.
    • This useful pdf on NLP parsing with Recursive NN.
    • Amazing information in this pdf as well.

    ======================= About the Author =======================

    Read about Author at : About Me

    Thank you all, for spending your time reading this post. Please share your opinion / comments / critics / agreements or disagreement. Remark for more details about posts, subjects and relevance please read the disclaimer.

    FacebookPage    ContactMe      Twitter

    ============================================================

    By V Sharma

    A seasoned technology specialist with over 22 years of experience, I specialise in fintech and possess extensive expertise in integrating fintech with trust (blockchain), technology (AI and ML), and data (data science). My expertise includes advanced analytics, machine learning, and blockchain (including trust assessment, tokenization, and digital assets). I have a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions in mobile financial services (such as cross-border remittances, mobile money, mobile banking, and payments), IT service management, software engineering, and mobile telecom (including mobile data, billing, and prepaid charging services). With a successful history of launching start-ups and business units on a global scale, I offer hands-on experience in both engineering and business strategy. In my leisure time, I'm a blogger, a passionate physics enthusiast, and a self-proclaimed photography aficionado.

    4 thoughts on “Deep Learning – Introduction to Recursive Neural Networks”
    1. nareshitechnologies says:

      Thank you so much for sharing this amazing blog with us. Anyone who are searching for more, free training’s like Data science, Python, Java, Asp.Net, Nodejs and more programming languages please contact Nareshit.
      NodeJS Online Training
      Data Science Online Training

    Leave a Reply

    Discover more from Vinod Sharma's Blog

    Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

    Continue reading