Sigmoid functions and exponential Riordan arrays

Abstract

Sigmoid functions play an important role in many areas of applied mathematics, including machine learning, population dynamics and probability. We place the study of sigmoid functions in the context of the derivative sub-group of the group of exponential Riordan arrays. Links to families of polynomials are drawn, and it is shown that in some cases these polynomials are orthogonal. In the non-orthogonal case, transformations are given that produce orthgonal systems. Alternative means of characterisation are given, based on the production (Stieltjes) matrix associated to the relevant Riordan array.