Robust Combinatorial Optimization under Convex and Discrete Cost Uncertainty

In this survey, we discuss the state-of-the-art of robust combinatorial optimization under uncertain cost functions. We summarize complexity results presented in the literature for various underlying problems, with the aim of pointing out the connections between the different results and approaches, and with a special emphasis on the role of the chosen uncertainty sets. Moreover, … Read more

A General Regularized Continuous Formulation for the Maximum Clique Problem

In this paper, we develop a general regularization-based continuous optimization framework for the maximum clique problem. In particular, we consider a broad class of regularization terms that can be included in the classic Motzkin-Strauss formulation and we develop conditions that guarantee the equivalence between the continuous regularized problem and the original one in both a … Read more

Parsimonious formulations for low-diameter clusters

In the analysis of networks, one often searches for tightly knit clusters. One property of a “good” cluster is a small diameter (say, bounded by $k$), which leads to the concept of a $k$-club. In this paper, we propose new path-like and cut-like integer programming formulations for detecting these low-diameter subgraphs. They simplify, generalize, and/or … Read more

Comparative Analysis of Capacitated Arc Routing Formulations for Branch-Cut-and-Price Algorithms

The current best exact algorithms for the Capacitated Arc Routing Problem are based on the combination of cut and column generation. This work presents a deep theoretical investigation of the formulations behind those algorithms, classifying them and pointing similarities and differences, advantages and disadvantages. In particular, we discuss which families of cuts and branching strategies … Read more

Planar Maximum Coverage Location Problem with Partial Coverage and General Spatial Representation of Demand and Service Zones

We introduce a new generalization of the classical planar maximum coverage location problem (PMCLP) in which demand zones and service zone of each facility are represented by spatial objects such as circles, polygons, etc., and are allowed to be located anywhere in a continuous plane. In addition, we allow partial coverage in its true sense, … Read more

Optimized Assignment Patterns in Mobile Edge Cloud Networks

Given an existing Mobile Edge Cloud (MEC) network including virtualization facilities of limited capacity, and a set of mobile Access Points (AP) whose data traffic demand changes over time, we aim at finding plans for assigning APs traffic to MEC facilities so that the demand of each AP is satisfied and MEC facility capacities are … Read more

Matroid Optimization Problems with Monotone Monomials in the Objective

In this paper we investigate non-linear matroid optimization problems with polynomial objective functions where the monomials satisfy certain monotonicity properties. Indeed, we study problems where the set of non-linear monomials consists of all non-linear monomials that can be built from a given subset of the variables. Linearizing all non-linear monomials we study the respective polytope. … 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 improved approximation algorithm for the covering 0-1 integer program

We present an improved approximation algorithm for the covering 0-1 integer program (CIP), a well-known problem as a natural generalization of the set cover problem. Our algorithm uses a primal-dual algorithm for CIP by Fujito (2004) as a subroutine and achieves an approximation ratio of (f- (f-1)/m) when m is greater than or equal to … Read more

Finding a best approximation pair of points for two polyhedra

Given two disjoint convex polyhedra, we look for a best approximation pair relative to them, i.e., a pair of points, one in each polyhedron, attaining the minimum distance between the sets. Cheney and Goldstein showed that alternating projections onto the two sets, starting from an arbitrary point, generate a sequence whose two interlaced subsequences converge … Read more