Search

In this paper we study generative modeling via autoencoders while using the elegant geometric properties of the optimal transport (OT) problem and the Wasserstein distances. We introduce Sliced-Wasserstein Autoencoders (SWAE), which are generative models that enable one to shape the distribution of the latent space into any samplable probability distribution without the need for training an adversarial network or defining a closed-form for the distribution. In short, we regularize the autoencoder loss with the sliced-Wasserstein distance between the distribution of the encoded training samples and a predefined samplable distribution. We show that the proposed formulation has an efficient numerical solution that provides similar capabilities to Wasserstein Autoencoders (WAE) and Variational Autoencoders (VAE), while benefiting from an embarrassingly simple implementation.

A series of tests were conducted to evaluate protuberance heating for the purposes of vehicle design and modification. These tests represent a state of the art approach to both testing and instrumentation for defining aerothermal protuberance effects on the protuberance and surrounding areas. The testing was performed with a number of wind tunnel entries beginning with the proof of concept "pathfinder" test in the Test Section 1 (TS1) tunnel in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT). The TS1 section (see Figures 1a and 1b) is a lower Mach number tunnel and the Test Section 2 (TS2) has overlapping and higher Mach number capability as showin in Figure 1c. The pathfinder concept was proven and testing proceeded for a series of protuberance tests using an existing splitter aluminum protuberance mounting plate, Macor protuberances, thin film gages, total temperature and pressure gages, Kulite pressure transducers, Infra-Red camera imaging, LASER velocimetry evaluations and the UPWT data collection system. A boundary layer rake was used to identify the boundary layer profile at the protuberance locations for testing and helped protuberance design. This paper discusses the techniques and instrumentation used during the protuberance heating tests performed in the UPWT in TS1 and TS2. Runs of the protuberances were made Mach numbers of 1.5, 2.16, 2.65, and 3.51. The data set generated from this testing is for ascent protuberance effects and is termed Protuberance Heating Ascent Data (PHAD) and this testing may be termed PHAD-1 to distinguish it from future testing of this type.

A model of the Water Recovery and Management (WRM) system utilizing SINDA '85/FLUINT to determine its hydraulic operation characteristics, and to verify the design flow and pressure drop parameters is presented. The FLUINT analysis package is employed in the model to determine the flow and pressure characteristics when each of the different loop components is operational and contributing to the overall flow pattern. The water is driven in each loop by storage tanks pressurized with cabin air, and is routed through the system to the desired destination.

Attitudes toward the academically gifted were examined in 83 experienced teachers and 100 juniors and seniors enrolled in a teacher education program. Using a questionnaire developed by Tannenbaum (1962), the characteristics of athleticism, diligence, and academic brilliance were examined as they affected perceptions of hypothetical high school students. Attitude correlates were defined as scholastic achievement, sex, and previous teaching experience of the rater. Results indicated that experienced teachers and future teachers, like high school students in Tannenbaum's study, viewed athleticism as the critical determinant of a person's likability. A copy of the questionnaire is appended. (Author/JD)

This study examined how well the scores from the revised National Teacher Examinations (NTE), the American College Test (ACT), cumulative grade point average, personal characteristics, and certification level can predict actual classroom performance, as measured by three instruments from the Teacher Performance Assessment Instruments (TPAI). Information was collected during 675 hours of clinical observation, by 8 trained raters who observed 90 student teachers from 7 major state universities. A description is given of the rating instruments used, including items chosen from the TPAI (teaching plans and materials, classroom procedures, and interpersonal skills). Resulting data are presented in tabular format and a statistical analysis of the collected data is presented. Several findings important to the field of educational research and pertinent to teacher certification standards are discussed: (1) The revised NTE is a weak predictor of actual classroom performance of student teachers; (2) As measured by the TPAI, student teacher performance was highest in the area of interpersonal skills and lowest in planning; (3) High correlations between certain subtests of the ACT and the NTE suggest that they may be measuring the same variables; (4) The quality of feedback and supervision of instruction is highly related to the quality of performance; and (5) The NTE, used in combination with an objective measure of actual teaching performance, might provide a more accurate description of the quality of student teachers' performance. (Author/JD)