On Integer and Bilevel Formulations for the k-Vertex Cut Problem

The family of Critical Node Detection Problems asks for finding a subset of vertices, deletion of which minimizes or maximizes a predefined connectivity measure on the remaining network. We study a problem of this family called the k-vertex cut problem. The problems asks for determining the minimum weight subset of nodes whose removal disconnects a … Read more

The Vertex k-cut Problem

Given an undirected graph G = (V, E), a vertex k-cut of G is a vertex subset of V the removing of which disconnects the graph in at least k connected components. Given a graph G and an integer k greater than or equal to two, the vertex k-cut problem consists in finding a vertex … Read more

Integer Optimization with Penalized Fractional Values: The Knapsack Case

We consider integer optimization problems where variables can potentially take fractional values, but this occurrence is penalized in the objective function. This general situation has relevant examples in scheduling (preemption), routing (split delivery), cutting and telecommunications, just to mention a few. However, the general case in which variables integrality can be relaxed at cost of … Read more

An Exact Algorithm for the Partition Coloring Problem

We study the Partition Coloring Problem (PCP), a generalization of the Vertex Coloring Problem where the vertex set is partitioned. The PCP asks to select one vertex for each subset of the partition in such a way that the chromatic number of the induced graph is minimum. We propose a new Integer Linear Programming formulation … Read more

Solving Vertex Coloring Problems as Maximum Weight Stable Set Problems

In Vertex Coloring Problems, one is required to assign a color to each vertex of an undirected graph in such a way that adjacent vertices receive different colors, and the objective is to minimize the cost of the used colors. In this work we solve four different coloring problems formulated as Maximum Weight Stable Set … Read more

A Branch-and-Bound Algorithm for the Knapsack Problem with Conflict Graph

We study the Knapsack Problem with Conflict Graph (KPCG), an extension of the 0-1 Knapsack Problem, in which a conflict graph describing incompatibilities between items is given. The goal of the KPCG is to select the maximum profit set of compatible items while satisfying the knapsack capacity constraint. We present a new Branch-and-Bound approach to … Read more

Modeling Two-Dimensional Guillotine Cutting Problems via Integer Programming

We propose a framework to model general guillotine restrictions in two-dimensional cutting problems formulated as Mixed Integer Linear Programs (MIP). The modeling framework requires a pseudo-polynomial number of variables and constraints, which can be effectively enumerated for medium-size instances. Our modeling of general guillotine cuts is the first one that, once it is implemented within … Read more

A pseudo-polynomial size formulation for 2-stage two-dimensional knapsack problems

Two dimensional cutting problems are about obtaining a set of rectangular items from a set of rectangular stock pieces and are of great relevance in industry, whenever a sheet of wood, metal or other material has to be cut. In this paper, we consider the 2-stage two-dimensional knapsack (2TDK) problem which requires finding the maximum … Read more

Automatic Dantzig-Wolfe Reformulation of Mixed Integer Programs

Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition (or reformulation) is well-known to provide strong dual bounds for specially structured mixed integer programs (MIPs). However, the method is not implemented in any state-of-the-art MIP solver as it is considered to require structural problem knowledge and tailoring to this structure. We provide a computational proof-of-concept that the reformulation can be automated. That … Read more

Partial Convexification of General MIPs by Dantzig-Wolfe Reformulation

Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition is well-known to provide strong dual bounds for specially structured mixed integer programs (MIPs) in practice. However, the method is not part of any state-of-the-art MIP solver: it needs tailoring to the particular problem; the typical bordered block-diagonal matrix structure determines the decomposition; the resulting column generation subproblems need to be solved efficiently; … Read more