The moment-SOS (sum of squares) hierarchy is a powerful approach for solving globally non-convex polynomial optimization problems (POPs) at the price of solving a family of convex semidefinite optimization problems (called moment-SOS relaxations) of increasing size, controlled by an integer, the relaxation order. We say that a relaxation of a given order is exact if … Read more
Vehicle routing problems (VRPs) with deadlines have received significant attention around the world. Motivated by a real-world food delivery problem, we assume that the travel time depends on the routing decisions, and study a data-driven stochastic VRP with deadlines and endogenous uncertainty. We use the non-parametric approaches, including k-nearest neighbor (kNN) and kernel density estimation … Read more
We propose a new approach based DC programming for fnding a solution of the partial facility interdiction problem that belongs to the class of bilevel programming. This model was frst considered in the work of Aksen et al. [1] with a heuristic algorithm named multi-start simplex search (MSS). However, because of the big number of … Read more
This paper focuses on solving mathematical programs with complementarity constraints (MPCCs) without assuming MPCC-LICQ or lower level strict complementarity at a solution. We show that a local minimizer of an MPCC is “piecewise M-stationary” un- der MPCC-GCQ; furthermore, every weakly stationary point of an MPCC is B-stationary if MPCC-ACQ holds. For the Bounding Algorithm proposed … Read more
In proton therapy treatment planning, the aim is to ensure tumor control while sparing the various surrounding risk structures. The biological effect of the irradiation depends on both physical dose and linear energy transfer (LET). In order to include LET alongside physical dose in plan creation, we propose to formulate the proton treatment planning problem … Read more
We consider a type of routing problems common in defence and security, in which we control a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that have to reach one or more target locations without being detected by an adversary. Detection can be carried out by a variety of sensors (radio receivers, cameras, personnel, etc) placed by … Read more
We consider bilevel programs where a single leader interacts with multiple followers who are coupled by a Nash equilibrium problem at the lower level. We generalize the value function reformulation to include multiple followers. This allows us to propose a convergent method based on the sequential convex approximation paradigm, and study the (exact or inexact) … Read more
This paper is concerned with a mean-variance portfolio optimization model with cardinality constraint for generating high-quality lists of recommendations. It is usually difficult to accurately estimate the rating covariance matrix required for mean-variance portfolio optimization because of a shortage of observed user ratings. To improve the accuracy of covariance matrix estimation, we apply shrinkage estimation … Read more
The size and complexity of modern astronomical surveys has grown to the point where, in many cases, traditional human scheduling of observations is tedious at best and impractical at worst. Automated scheduling algorithms present an opportunity to save human effort and increase scientific productivity. A common scheduling challenge involves determining the optimal ordering of a … Read more
Increasing ocean plastic pollution is irreversibly harming ecosystems and human economic activities. We partner with a non-profit organization and use optimization to help clean up oceans from plastic faster. Specifically, we optimize the route of their plastic collection system in the ocean to maximize the quantity of plastic collected over time. We formulate the problem … Read more