An Inexact Successive Quadratic Approximation Method for Convex L-1 Regularized Optimization

We study a Newton-like method for the minimization of an objective function that is the sum of a smooth convex function and an l-1 regularization term. This method, which is sometimes referred to in the literature as a proximal Newton method, computes a step by minimizing a piecewise quadratic model of the objective function. In order to make this approach efficient in practice, it is imperative to perform this inner minimization inexactly. In this paper, we give inexactness conditions that guarantee global convergence and that can be used to control the local rate of convergence of the iteration. Our inexactness conditions are based on a semi-smooth function that represents a (continuous) measure of the optimality conditions of the problem, and that embodies the soft-thresholding iteration. We give careful consideration to the algorithm employed for the inner minimization, and report numerical results on two test sets originating in machine learning

When Arbitration Agreement Provisions Time Travel: Illusory Promises and Continued At-Will Employment in Baker

First, this Note discusses the particular facts of the Baker case, including its procedural history and holding. Then, the history of salient cases and law is covered in three main areas related to Baker, specifically the concept of arbitrability, at-will employment’s status as effective consideration, and when courts find promises to be illusory. Following that, this Note summarizes the court’s decision in Baker and its lengthy and thorough dissent. Finally, this note discusses the significance of this case in relation to both the history of the topics involved and their application going forward

Computer Technology for Executive Decision-Making in Urban Public Education Divisions in Virginia

The purpose of this study was twofold. First, the study determines if Virginia urban public school executive leadership used automated informational systems to support policy, goal setting, and decision making typical of its job requirements. Secondly, the study describes the planning techniques specific to automated system development used by the school division where such automated executive support occurs. The personal interview method was selected because it helps to insure 100 percent of the desired sample to participate. The interview technique insures responses to direct questions, to narrative responses sought, and to follow-up discussions necessary to insure clarification. The instrument follows a general to specific pattern of inquiry. First, all division-level administrative computer support functions are identified. Next, the functions are examined related to the collecting and reporting of data. Each reported function was classified as either executive or non-executive, based on the function\u27s use in regard to policy or goal formation. Finally, additional questions requiring yes or no responses and a series of questions requiring narrative responses were used to describe the planning techniques employed in the implementation of these computer functions. Results of the study presented in Chapter Four include: (1) The identification of seventeen additional administrative computer functions not identified in either the 1984 American Association of School Administrators study or the 1986 Virginia Department of Education study. (2) Preliminary indications of practices of data utilization that suggest the potential of automated executive decision-making support. In addition to these results, the study presents in Chapter Five two major conclusions. First, there is evidence that computer technology has advanced to such a level of operational ease that a non-technically trained public school division executive should be able to operate and gain valuable support from the computer or terminal. The executive will realize this benefit only if the programming to deliver information related to the executive level of decision making, as well as the operational requirements, are reduced to a level of difficulty which does not require specialized training. Both of these requirements should be incorporated into an executive support system. Secondly, the review of literature reveals five techniques of needs assessment typically used in the planning and development of automated informational systems. Of these five, the Critical Success Factor (CSF) method best meets the planning needs for developing the type of automated decision-making system necessary for the executive level of management for large urban school division leadership

Influence of airfoil geometry on delta wing leading-edge vortices and vortex-induced aerodynamics at supersonic speeds

An assessment of the influence of airfoil geometry on delta wing leading edge vortex flow and vortex induced aerodynamics at supersonic speeds is discussed. A series of delta wing wind tunnel models were tested over a Mach number range from 1.7 to 2.0. The model geometric variables included leading edge sweep and airfoil shape. Surface pressure data, vapor screen, and oil flow photograph data were taken to evaluate the complex structure of the vortices and shocks on the family of wings tested. The data show that airfoil shape has a significant impact on the wing upper surface flow structure and pressure distribution, but has a minimal impact on the integrated upper surface pressure increments

The Use of Virtual Welding Simulators to Evaluate Experienced Welders

Virtual reality welding simulations have been, and continue to be, a trend in welding training programs. The goal of this study was to examine the use of virtual reality simulations as an assessment tool for existing welders. This study used a virtual reality welding simulator, VRTEX® 360, to assess the existing skills of experienced and trained novice welders. This study also used the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process to perform simple and complex welds. Performance was evaluated through a quality score, which was based on the following five welding parameters: arc length, position, work angle, travel angle, and travel speed. The virtual reality welding simulator was able to evaluate performance, but it could not distinguish between experienced and trained novice welders. On average, experienced welders as a group scored 10 quality points higher than trained novice welders. Welding experience also had a large to very large effect on the quality score for each weld type. One identified trend for both experienced and trained novice welders was as weld difficulty increased, the quality score decreased. It is recommended that industries use virtual reality simulators to evaluate welders for ensuring high­quality welding in production practices