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How I Entered The Machine Learning World

Alexandre Lairan • May 17, 2019 • Sofia, Bulgaria

In the presentation titled "How I Entered The Machine Learning World" by Alexandre Lairan at Balkan Ruby 2019, the speaker shares insights into the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, emphasizing a logical approach rather than relying on complex tools like TensorFlow.

Key Points Discussed:

- Introduction to AI and Research Systems: Lairan differentiates between AI, which learns from data, and personal research systems, which manage existing data. He illustrates this difference through the minimax algorithm used in games like tic-tac-toe.
- Minimax Algorithm Explained: The speaker discusses how the minimax algorithm evaluates possible moves to maximize one's chances of winning while minimizing the opponent's chances, highlighting decision-making processes in games.
- Evolution in Algorithms: Lairan compares algorithmic evolution to biological processes, explaining that while nature takes billions of years for advancements, computing seeks faster outcomes through improved algorithms.
- Data Analysis and Linear Regression: An example is provided where models fit data, stressing the importance of adapting to non-linear behavior in real-world data classification.
- Handling Complexity in Models: The speaker discusses the multidimensional nature of data classification, emphasizing the need to find decision boundaries despite the challenges of incomplete or noisy data.
- Neural Networks Basics: Lairan introduces neural networks and their functional structure, explaining how inputs are processed through interconnected nodes to produce outputs. The architecture is significant for performance optimization.
- Programming Considerations: The presentation touches on the importance of code structure in programming neural networks, using languages like Crystal or Ruby, while addressing the problem of overfitting and the necessity of regularization techniques.
- Resources for Learning: Lairan encourages ongoing learning in machine learning through various available online resources.
- Final Thoughts: The presentation concludes with a reminder of the significance of practical experience in mastering machine learning and programming.

Overall, Alexandre Lairan’s talk provides a comprehensive overview of fundamental concepts in AI and machine learning, demonstrating the balance between theoretical understanding and practical implementation.

How I Entered The Machine Learning World
Alexandre Lairan • May 17, 2019 • Sofia, Bulgaria

Balkan Ruby 2019

00:00:19.340 Thank you! I appreciate you being here.
00:00:25.019 I'm an experienced video developer based in Paris. You can follow my work; let's get started.
00:00:33.500 My name is Alexandre Lairan. I work in Paris and I love everything about Ruby and machine learning. I'm a developer at Prezi, a company that helps marketers with their day-to-day tasks.
00:00:46.649 In this talk, we will not discuss TensorFlow, as it may seem a bit complex. Instead, we'll focus on pure logic and demonstrate concepts without relying on advanced tools.
00:01:02.449 If you're ever in Paris, don't hesitate to reach out to me. Now let's begin. What is AI and how does it differ from a personal research system? There are some misconceptions surrounding both.
00:01:14.960 AI is a program that can learn from data, while a personal research system is a program that handles existing data. For example, the minimax algorithm, which we will discuss, illustrates these concepts.
00:01:31.159 The minimax algorithm is simple and works in a turn-based game like tic-tac-toe. You play as crosses and your opponent plays as circles; you have to determine the best move to win.
00:01:39.210 In tic-tac-toe, you analyze the current state of the board, assessing possible moves. Each move results in different potential outcomes, where you want to maximize your chances of winning while minimizing those of your opponent. This requires calculating scores and predicting future game states.
00:02:11.620 At each level of decision-making, the number of possibilities decreases, as you cannot place a cross or circle in an occupied space.
00:02:28.110 This also applies to personal research where you want to select options that improve your chances of success. If there are changes or evolutions in the rules of the game, your program must reevaluate its strategies.
00:02:46.950 When we think about evolution, we can relate it to biological processes involving genetic variation among populations. Not every individual will survive; the survivors will reproduce, with some experiencing mutations that allow for new possibilities.
00:03:01.680 In nature, these processes are slow, taking billions of years for significant advancements. However, in computing and machine learning, speed is essential. Therefore, we rely on better algorithms and mathematical models to achieve faster results.
00:03:15.650 Let's examine an example involving data points and linear regression. We look for where our model fits best, denoted as 5.5, even without a data point present at that location.
00:03:32.840 In the real world, data doesn't always behave linearly, and the model must adapt accordingly. The goal is not just to follow points but to classify them effectively, such as distinguishing between different animals or identifying good prospects.
00:03:53.940 In handling classification, we need to consider error functions. For example, we may need to classify data based on specific feature sets. This creates a multidimensional space, which adds complexity to our models.
00:04:11.550 Within higher dimensions, it becomes increasingly complicated to find a decision boundary that separates different classes accurately. Sometimes, we may even need to eliminate certain data points if they do not fit within the expected outcomes.
00:04:36.220 To illustrate further, we can adapt algorithms that allow us to classify and make decisions even with incomplete or noisy data by utilizing ensemble methods or neural networks. These methods allow us to detect patterns effectively.
00:05:01.640 Neural networks function by processing inputs through interconnected nodes that compute various mathematical functions. The structure can seem complex, but the fundamental operations involve weight adjusting based on inputs.
00:05:12.260 As we begin to scale up, the architecture of the neural network is crucial. Each layer of neurons processes information from the previous layer, eventually arriving at an output.
00:05:31.500 In essence, we are constructing learned representations from raw data. This allows neural networks to classify inputs accurately, such as recognizing numbers or images. The challenge remains in optimizing the network's performance and efficiency.
00:06:00.840 Programming these neural networks requires structuring the code correctly, ensuring that all necessary libraries and frameworks are included. This is where languages like Crystal or Ruby come into play, enhancing the implementation's efficiency.
00:06:30.470 However, as we work on building and adapting these models, we need to be aware of overfitting, where our model performs well on training data but fails to generalize on unseen data.
00:06:46.640 To prevent this, we use regularization techniques, ensuring our model maintains a balance between fitting the training data well while also generalizing appropriately.
00:07:05.330 Let's now consider the broader implications of these neural networks in practice. We often use pre-existing datasets for training and validation to assure our models can predict outcomes accurately.
00:07:39.820 It's vital to preprocess the data correctly, ensuring that our neural networks have uniform representations before training begins.
00:08:03.230 On the topic of resources, you can find various learning materials online, including channels dedicated to machine learning concepts. These resources form a valuable part of continuous learning.
00:08:31.410 Finally, when discussing implementations, we must address how to translate mathematical functions into programming languages like Crystal or Ruby.
00:09:21.300 The idea remains to maintain clarity and efficiency in our code while reducing unnecessary complexity.
00:09:53.680 As we wrap up this portion, I want to emphasize the importance of practice and ongoing efforts in honing your skills in machine learning and programming.
00:10:16.600 Feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need clarification on any part of this discussion. Thank you for your time, and I hope you enjoyed the presentation!
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