Learning Optimal Classification Trees: Strong Max-Flow Formulations

We consider the problem of learning optimal binary classification trees. Literature on the topic has burgeoned in recent years, motivated both by the empirical suboptimality of heuristic approaches and the tremendous improvements in mixed-integer programming (MIP) technology. Yet, existing approaches from the literature do not leverage the power of MIP to its full extent. Indeed, … Read more

Mixed-Integer Optimal Control Problems with switching costs: A shortest path approach

We investigate an extension of Mixed-Integer Optimal Control Problems (MIOCPs) by adding switching costs, which enables the penalization of chattering and extends current modeling capabilities. The decomposition approach, consisting of solving a partial outer convexification to obtain a relaxed solution and using rounding schemes to obtain a discrete-valued control can still be applied, but the … Read more

Computational study of a branching algorithm for the maximum k-cut problem

This work considers the graph partitioning problem known as maximum k-cut. It focuses on investigating features of a branch-and-bound method to efficiently obtain global solutions. An exhaustive experimental study is carried out for two main components of a branch-and-bound algorithm: computing bounds and branching strategies. In particular, we propose the use of a variable neighborhood … Read more

A Simulated Annealing Algorithm for the Directed Steiner Tree Problem

In \cite{siebert2019linear} the authors present a set of integer programs (IPs) for the Steiner tree problem, which can be used for both, the directed and the undirected setting of the problem. Each IP finds an optimal Steiner tree with a specific structure. A solution with the lowest cost, corresponds to an optimal solution to the … Read more

Quantum Bridge Analytics II: Network Optimization and Combinatorial Chaining for Asset Exchange

Quantum Bridge Analytics relates to methods and systems for hybrid classical-quantum computing, and is devoted to developing tools for bridging classical and quantum computing to gain the benefits of their alliance in the present and enable enhanced practical application of quantum computing in the future. This is the second of a two-part tutorial that surveys … Read more

A new combinatorial branch-and-bound algorithm for the Knapsack Problem with Conflict Graph

We study the Knapsack Problem with Conflict Graph (KPCG), a generalization of the Knapsack Problem in which a conflict graph specifies pairs of items (vertices of the graph) which cannot be simultaneously selected in a solution. The KPCG asks for determining a maximum-profit subset of items of total weight no larger than the knapsack capacity … Read more

A Branch-and-Price Algorithm for the Minimum Sum Coloring Problem

A proper coloring of a given graph is an assignment of colors (integer numbers) to its vertices such that two adjacent vertices receives di different colors. This paper studies the Minimum Sum Coloring Problem (MSCP), which asks for fi nding a proper coloring while minimizing the sum of the colors assigned to the vertices. This paper presents … Read more

On Modeling Local Search with Special-Purpose Combinatorial Optimization Hardware

As we approach the physical limits predicted by Moore’s law, a variety of specialized hardware is emerging to tackle specialized tasks in different domains. Within combinatorial optimization, adiabatic quantum computers, CMOS annealers, and optical parametric oscillators are few of the emerging specialized hardware technology aimed at solving optimization problems. In terms of mathematical framework, the … Read more

Imposing contiguity constraints in political districting models

Beginning in the 1960s, techniques from operations research began to be used to generate political districting plans. A classical example is the integer programming model of Hess et al. (Operations Research 13(6):998–1006, 1965). Due to the model’s compactness-seeking objective, it tends to generate contiguous or nearly-contiguous districts, although none of the model’s constraints explicitly impose … Read more

Convex Hulls for Non-Convex Mixed-Integer Quadratic Programs with Bounded Variables

We consider non-convex mixed-integer quadratic programs in which all variables are explicitly bounded. Many exact methods for such problems use additional variables, representing products of pairs of original variables. We study the convex hull of feasible solutions in this extended space. Some other approaches use bit representation to convert bounded integer variables into binary variables. … Read more