Nonlinear Optimization Approaches For Training Neural Networks

This book examines how nonlinear optimization techniques can be applied to training and testing neural networks. It includes both well-known and recently-developed network training methods including deterministic nonlinear optimization methods, stochastic nonlinear optimization methods, and advanced training schemes which combine both deterministic and stochastic components. The convergence analysis and convergence proofs of these techniques are presented as well as real applications of neural networks in areas such as pattern classification, bioinformatics, biomedicine, and finance. Nonlinear optimization methods are applied extensively in the design of training protocols for artificial neural networks used in industry and academia. Such techniques allow for the implementation of dynamic unsupervised neural network training without requiring the fine tuning of several heuristic parameters. "Nonlinear Optimization Approaches for Training Neural Networks" is a response to the growing demand for innovations in this area of research. This monograph presents a wide range of approaches to neural networks training providing theoretical justification for network behavior based on the theory of nonlinear optimization. It presents training algorithms, and theoretical results on their convergence and implementations through pseudocode. This approach offers the reader an explanation of the performance of the various methods, and a better understanding of the individual characteristics of the various methods, their differences/advantages and interrelationships. This improved perspective allows the reader to choose the best network training method without spending too much effort configuring highly sensitive heuristic parameters. This book can serve as an excellent guide for researchers, graduate students, and lecturers interested in the development of neural networks and their training.

People are facing more and more NP-complete or NP-hard problems of a combinatorial nature and of a continuous nature in economic, military and management practice. There are two ways in which one can enhance the efficiency of searching for the solutions of these problems. The first is to improve the speed and memory capacity of hardware. We all have witnessed the computer industry's amazing achievements with hardware and software developments over the last twenty years. On one hand many computers, bought only a few years ago, are being sent to elementary schools for children to learn the ABC's of computing. On the other hand, with economic, scientific and military developments, it seems that the increase of intricacy and the size of newly arising problems have no end. We all realize then that the second way, to design good algorithms, will definitely compensate for the hardware limitations in the case of complicated problems. It is the collective and parallel computation property of artificial neural net works that has activated the enthusiasm of researchers in the field of computer science and applied mathematics. It is hard to say that artificial neural networks are solvers of the above-mentioned dilemma, but at least they throw some new light on the difficulties we face. We not only anticipate that there will be neural computers with intelligence but we also believe that the research results of artificial neural networks might lead to new algorithms on von Neumann's computers.

Written from an engineering point of view, this book covers the most common and important approaches for the identification of nonlinear static and dynamic systems. The book also provides the reader with the necessary background on optimization techniques, making it fully self-contained. The new edition includes exercises.

An Introduction to Optimization Accessible introductory textbook on optimization theory and methods, with an emphasis on engineering design, featuring MATLAB exercises and worked examples Fully updated to reflect modern developments in the field, the Fifth Edition of An Introduction to Optimization fills the need for an accessible, yet rigorous, introduction to optimization theory and methods, featuring innovative coverage and a straightforward approach. The book begins with a review of basic definitions and notations while also providing the related fundamental background of linear algebra, geometry, and calculus. With this foundation, the authors explore the essential topics of unconstrained optimization problems, linear programming problems, and nonlinear constrained optimization. In addition, the book includes an introduction to artificial neural networks, convex optimization, multi-objective optimization, and applications of optimization in machine learning. Numerous diagrams and figures found throughout the book complement the written presentation of key concepts, and each chapter is followed by MATLAB® exercises and practice problems that reinforce the discussed theory and algorithms. The Fifth Edition features a new chapter on Lagrangian (nonlinear) duality, expanded coverage on matrix games, projected gradient algorithms, machine learning, and numerous new exercises at the end of each chapter. An Introduction to Optimization includes information on: The mathematical definitions, notations, and relations from linear algebra, geometry, and calculus used in optimization Optimization algorithms, covering one-dimensional search, randomized search, and gradient, Newton, conjugate direction, and quasi-Newton methods Linear programming methods, covering the simplex algorithm, interior point methods, and duality Nonlinear constrained optimization, covering theory and algorithms, convex optimization, and Lagrangian duality Applications of optimization in machine learning, including neural network training, classification, stochastic gradient descent, linear regression, logistic regression, support vector machines, and clustering. An Introduction to Optimization is an ideal textbook for a one- or two-semester senior undergraduate or beginning graduate course in optimization theory and methods. The text is also of value for researchers and professionals in mathematics, operations research, electrical engineering, economics, statistics, and business.

IJCNN is the flagship conference of the INNS, as well as the IEEE Neural Networks Society. It has arguably been the preeminent conference in the field, even as neural network conferences have proliferated and specialized. As the number of conferences has grown, its strongest competition has migrated away from an emphasis on neural networks. IJCNN has embraced the proliferation of spin-off and related fields (see the topic list, below), while maintaining a core emphasis befitting its name. It has also succeeded in enforcing an emphasis on quality.

About This Book This book is about training methods - in particular, fast second-order training methods - for multi-layer perceptrons (MLPs). MLPs (also known as feed-forward neural networks) are the most widely-used class of neural network. Over the past decade MLPs have achieved increasing popularity among scientists, engineers and other professionals as tools for tackling a wide variety of information processing tasks. In common with all neural networks, MLPsare trained (rather than programmed) to carryout the chosen information processing function. Unfortunately, the (traditional' method for trainingMLPs- the well-knownbackpropagation method - is notoriously slow and unreliable when applied to many prac tical tasks. The development of fast and reliable training algorithms for MLPsis one of the most important areas ofresearch within the entire field of neural computing. The main purpose of this book is to bring to a wider audience a range of alternative methods for training MLPs, methods which have proved orders of magnitude faster than backpropagation when applied to many training tasks. The book also addresses the well-known (local minima' problem, and explains ways in which fast training methods can be com bined with strategies for avoiding (or escaping from) local minima. All the methods described in this book have a strong theoretical foundation, drawing on such diverse mathematical fields as classical optimisation theory, homotopic theory and stochastic approximation theory.

This book introduces a variety of neural network methods for solving differential equations arising in science and engineering. The emphasis is placed on a deep understanding of the neural network techniques, which has been presented in a mostly heuristic and intuitive manner. This approach will enable the reader to understand the working, efficiency and shortcomings of each neural network technique for solving differential equations. The objective of this book is to provide the reader with a sound understanding of the foundations of neural networks and a comprehensive introduction to neural network methods for solving differential equations together with recent developments in the techniques and their applications. The book comprises four major sections. Section I consists of a brief overview of differential equations and the relevant physical problems arising in science and engineering. Section II illustrates the history of neural networks starting from their beginnings in the 1940s through to the renewed interest of the 1980s. A general introduction to neural networks and learning technologies is presented in Section III. This section also includes the description of the multilayer perceptron and its learning methods. In Section IV, the different neural network methods for solving differential equations are introduced, including discussion of the most recent developments in the field. Advanced students and researchers in mathematics, computer science and various disciplines in science and engineering will find this book a valuable reference source.

Forecasting is one of the most important activities that form the basis for strategic, tactical, and operational decisions in all business organizations. Recently, neural networks have emerged as an important tool for business forecasting. Neural Networks in Business Forecasting provides researchers and practitioners with some recent advances in applying neural networks to business forecasting. A number of case studies demonstrating the innovative or successful applications of neural networks to many areas of business as well as methods to improve neural network forecasting performance are presented.