An Exact Method for Assortment Optimization under the Nested Logit Model

We study the problem of finding an optimal assortment of products maximizing the expected revenue, in which customer preferences are modeled using a Nested Logit choice model. This problem is known to be polynomially solvable in a specific case and NP-hard otherwise, with only approximation algorithms existing in the literature. For the NP-hard cases, we … Read more

A branch-and-cut algorithm for the Edge Interdiction Clique Problem

Given a graph G and an interdiction budget k, the Edge Interdiction Clique Problem (EICP) asks to find a subset of at most k edges to remove from G so that the size of the maximum clique, in the interdicted graph, is minimized. The EICP belongs to the family of interdiction problems with the aim … Read more

Submodular maximization of concave utility functions composed with a set-union operator with applications to maximal covering location problems

We study a family of discrete optimization problems asking for the maximization of the expected value of a concave, strictly increasing, and differentiable function composed with a set-union operator. The expected value is computed with respect to a set of coefficients taking values from a discrete set of scenarios. The function models the utility function … Read more

Casting light on the hidden bilevel combinatorial structure of the k-Vertex Separator problem

Given an undirected graph, we study the capacitated vertex separator problem which asks to find a subset of vertices of minimum cardinality, the removal of which induces a graph having a bounded number of pairwise disconnected shores (subsets of vertices) of limited cardinality. The problem is of great importance in the analysis and protection of … Read more

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

Arc routing with electric vehicles: dynamic charging and speed-dependent energy consumption

Concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and government regulations foster the use of electric vehicles. Several recently published articles study the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in node-routing problems. In contrast, this article considers EVs in the context of arc routing while also addressing practically relevant aspects that have not been addressed sufficiently so far. These … Read more

Benders Decomposition for Very Large Scale Partial Set Covering and Maximal Covering Problems

Covering problems constitute an important family of facility location problems. This paper intro- duces a new exact algorithm for two important members of this family: i) the maximal covering location problem, which requires finding a subset of facilities that maximizes the amount of demand covered while respecting a budget constraint on the cost of the … Read more

The Maximum Clique Interdiction Problem

Given a graph G and an interdiction budget k, the Maximum Clique Interdiction Problem asks to find a subset of at most k vertices to remove from G so that the size of the maximum clique in the remaining graph is minimized. This problem has applications in many areas, such as crime detection, prevention of … Read more

Location of charging stations in electric car sharing systems

Electric vehicles are a prime candidate for use within an urban car sharing system, both from an economic and environmental perspective. However, their relatively short range necessitates frequent and rather time-consuming recharging throughout the day. Thus, charging stations must be built throughout the system’s operational area where cars can be charged between uses. In this … Read more

Tighter MIP Models for Barge Container Ship Routing

This paper addresses the problem of optimal planning of a line for a barge container shipping company. Given estimated weekly splittable demands between pairs of ports and bounds for the turnaround time, our goal is to determine the subset of ports to be called and the amount of containers to be shipped between each pair … Read more