A Variational Analysis Approach for Bilevel Hyperparameter Optimization with Sparse Regularization

We study a bilevel optimization framework for hyperparameter learning in variational models, with a focus on sparse regression and classification tasks. In particular, we consider a weighted elastic-net regularizer, where feature-wise regularization parameters are learned through a bilevel formulation. A key novelty of our approach is the use of a Forward-Backward (FB) reformulation of the … Read more

Lipschitz Stability for a Class of Parametric Optimization Problems with Polyhedral Feasible Set Mapping

This paper is devoted to the Lipschitz analysis of the solution sets and optimal values for a class of parametric optimization problems involving a polyhedral feasible set mapping and a quadratic objective function with arametric linear part. Recall that a multifunction is said to be polyhedral if its graph is the union of finitely many polyhedral … Read more

Novel closed-loop controllers for fractional linear quadratic tracking systems

A new method for finding closed-loop optimal controllers of fractional tracking quadratic optimal control problems is introduced. The optimality conditions for the fractional optimal control problem are obtained. Illustrative examples are presented to show the applicability and capabilities of the method. ArticleDownload View PDF

Identifying Regions Vulnerable to Obstetric Unit Closures using Facility Location Modeling with Patient Behavior

Limited geographic access to obstetric care prevents some pregnant people from receiving timely and risk-appropriate services. This challenge is especially acute in rural areas, where rural residents often travel far distances to obstetric care. Furthermore, obstetric access is worsening due to the growing number of closures of rural hospitals’ obstetric units, often due to financial … Read more

Efficient QUIC-Based Damped Inexact Iterative Reweighting for Sparse Inverse Covariance Estimation with Nonconvex Partly Smooth Regularization

In this paper, we study sparse inverse covariance matrix estimation incorporating partly smooth nonconvex regularizers. To solve the resulting regularized log-determinant problem, we develop DIIR-QUIC—a novel Damped Inexact Iteratively Reweighted algorithm based on QUadratic approximate Inverse Covariance (QUIC) method. Our approach generalizes the classic iteratively reweighted \(\ell_1\) scheme through damped fixed-point updates. A key novelty … Read more

A Dynamic Strategic Plan for Transition to Campus-Scale Clean Electricity Using Multi-Stage Stochastic Programming

The decarbonization of energy systems at energy-intensive sites is an essential component of global climate mitigation, yet such transitions involve substantial capital requirements, ongoing technological progress, and the operational complexities of renewable integration. This study presents a dynamic strategic planning framework that applies multi-stage stochastic programming to guide clean electricity transitions at the campus level. … Read more

Toward Decision-Oriented Prognostics: An Integrated Estimate-Optimize Framework for Predictive Maintenance

Recent research increasingly integrates machine learning (ML) into predictive maintenance (PdM) to reduce operational and maintenance costs in data-rich operational settings. However, uncertainty due to model misspecification continues to limit widespread industrial adoption. This paper investigates a PdM framework in which sensor-driven prognostics inform decision-making under economic trade-offs within a finite decision space. We investigate … Read more

An Optimization-Based Algorithm for Fair and Calibrated Synthetic Data Generation

  For agent based micro simulations, as used for example for epidemiological modeling during the COVID-19 pandemic, a realistic base population is crucial. Beyond demographic variables, health-related variables should also be included. In Germany, health-related surveys are typically small in scale, which presents several challenges when generating these variables. Specifically, strongly imbalanced classes and insufficient … Read more

The L-Shaped Method for Stochastic Programs with Decision-Dependent Uncertainty

In this paper we extend the well-known L-Shaped method to solve two-stage stochastic programming problems with decision-dependent uncertainty. The method is based on a novel, unifying, formulation and on distribution-specific optimality and feasibility cuts for both linear and integer stochastic programs. Extensive tests on three production planning problems illustrate that the method is extremely effective … Read more

Two approaches to piecewise affine approximation

The problem of approximation by piecewise affine functions has been studied for several decades (least squares and uniform approximation). If the location of switches from one affine piece to another (knots for univariate approximation) is known the problem is convex and there are several approaches to solve this problem. If the location of such switches … Read more