Globalized Distributionally Robust Counterpart

We extend the notion of globalized robustness to consider distributional information beyond the support of the ambiguous probability distribution. We propose the globalized distributionally robust counterpart that disallows any (resp., allows limited) constraint violation for distributions residing (resp., not residing) in the ambiguity set. By varying its inputs, our proposal recovers several existing perceptions of … Read more

Mirror-prox sliding methods for solving a class of monotone variational inequalities

In this paper we propose new algorithms for solving a class of structured monotone variational inequality (VI) problems over compact feasible sets. By identifying the gradient components existing in the operator of VI, we show that it is possible to skip computations of the gradients from time to time, while still maintaining the optimal iteration … Read more

Adaptive discretization-based algorithms for semi-infinite programs with unbounded variables

The proof of convergence of adaptive discretization-based algorithms for semi-infinite programs (SIPs) usually relies on compact host sets for the upper- and lower-level variables. This assumption is violated in some applications, and we show that indeed convergence problems can arise when discretization-based algorithms are applied to SIPs with unbounded variables. To mitigate these convergence problems, … Read more

Quadratic Regularization Methods with Finite-Difference Gradient Approximations

This paper presents two quadratic regularization methods with finite-difference gradient approximations for smooth unconstrained optimization problems. One method is based on forward finite-difference gradients, while the other is based on central finite-difference gradients. In both methods, the accuracy of the gradient approximations and the regularization parameter in the quadratic models are jointly adjusted using a … Read more

Network Migration Problem: A Hybrid Logic-based Benders Decomposition

Telecommunication networks frequently face technological advancements and need to upgrade their infrastructure. Adapting legacy networks to the latest technology requires synchronized technicians responsible for migrating the equipment. The goal of the network migration problem is to find an optimal plan for this process. This is a defining step in the customer acquisition of telecommunications service … Read more

Ellipsoidal Classification via Semidefinite Programming

Separating two finite sets of points in a Euclidean space is a fundamental problem in classification. Customarily linear separation is used, but nonlinear separators such as spheres have been shown to have better performances in some tasks, such as edge detection in images. We exploit the relationships between the more general version of the spherical … Read more

Stochastic Look-Ahead Commitment: A Case Study in MISO

This paper introduces the Stochastic Look Ahead Commitment (SLAC) software prototyped and tested for the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) look ahead commitment process. SLAC can incorporate hundreds of wind, load and net scheduled interchange (NSI) uncertainty scenarios. It uses a progressive hedging method to solve a two-stage stochastic unit commitment. The first stage optimal … Read more

A Prescriptive Machine Learning Method for Courier Scheduling on Crowdsourced Delivery Platforms

Crowdsourced delivery platforms face the unique challenge of meeting dynamic customer demand using couriers not employed by the platform. As a result, the delivery capacity of the platform is uncertain. To reduce the uncertainty, the platform can offer a reward to couriers that agree to be available to make deliveries for a specified period of … Read more

Multi-depot routing with split deliveries: Models and a branch-and-cut algorithm

We study the multi-depot split-delivery vehicle routing problem (MDSDVRP) which combines the advantages and potential cost-savings of multiple depots and split-deliveries and develop the first exact algorithm for this problem. We propose an integer programming formulation using a small number of decision variables and several sets of valid inequalities. These inequalities focus on ensuring the … Read more

Compact extended formulations for low-rank functions with indicator variables

We study the mixed-integer epigraph of a special class of convex functions with non-convex indicator constraints, which are often used to impose logical constraints on the support of the solutions. The class of functions we consider are defined as compositions of low-dimensional nonlinear functions with affine functions Extended formulations describing the convex hull of such … Read more