Selection of Efficient Clustering Index to Estimate the Number of Dynamic Brain States from Functional Network Connectivity

Clustering analysis is employed in brain dynamic functional connectivity to cluster the data into a set of dynamic states. These states correspond to different patterns of functional connectivity that iterate through time. Although several methods to determine the best clustering partition exists, the appropriateness of methods to apply in the case of dynamic connectivity analysis has not been determined. In this work we examine the use of the Davies-Bouldin clustering validity index via simulation and real data analysis. Currently employed indexes, such as the Silhouette index, do not provide an effective estimation requiring the use of an elbow criterion. All elbow criteria rely on users experience and introduce uncertainty into the estimation. We demonstrate the feasibility of using the Davies-Bouldin index as a method delivering a unique discrete response to provide automated selection of the number of clusters.