Distributionally Robust Optimization with Integer Recourse: Convex Reformulations and Critical Recourse Decisions

The paper studies distributionally robust optimization models with integer recourse. We develop a unified framework that provides finite tight convex relaxations under conic moment-based ambiguity sets and Wasserstein ambiguity sets.  They provide tractable primal representations without relying on sampling or semi-infinite optimization. Beyond tractability, the relaxations offer interpretability that captures the criticality of recourse decisions. … Read more

Improving Directions in Mixed Integer Bilevel Linear Optimization

We consider the central role of improving directions in solution methods for mixed integer bilevel linear optimization problems (MIBLPs). Current state-of-the-art methods for solving MIBLPs employ the branch-and-cut framework originally developed for solving mixed integer linear optimization problems. This approach relies on oracles for two kinds of subproblems: those for checking whether a candidate pair … Read more

On the Convexification of a Class of Mixed-Integer Conic Sets

We investigate mixed-integer second-order conic (SOC) sets with a nonlinear right-hand side in the SOC constraint, a structure frequently arising in mixed-integer quadratically constrained programming (MIQCP). Under mild assumptions, we show that the convex hull can be exactly described by replacing the right-hand side with its concave envelope. This characterization enables strong relaxations for MIQCPs … Read more

Closing the Gap: Efficient Algorithms for Discrete Wasserstein Barycenters

The Wasserstein barycenter problem seeks a probability measure that minimizes the weighted average of the Wasserstein distances to a given collection of probability measures. We study the discrete setting, where each measure has finite support — a regime that frequently arises in machine learning and operations research. The discrete Wasserstein barycenter problem is known to … Read more

GFORS: GPU-Accelerated First-Order Method with Randomized Sampling for Binary Integer Programs

We present GFORS, a GPU-accelerated framework for large binary integer programs. It couples a first-order (PDHG-style) routine that guides the search in the continuous relaxation with a randomized, feasibility-aware sampling module that generates batched binary candidates. Both components are designed to run end-to-end on GPUs with minimal CPU–GPU synchronization. The framework establishes near-stationary-point guarantees for … Read more

Faster Solutions to the Interdiction Defense Problem using Suboptimal Solutions

The interdiction defense (ID) problem solves a defender-attacker-defender model where the defender and attacker share the same set of components to harden and target. We build upon the best response intersection (BRI) algorithm by developing the BRI with suboptimal solutions (BRI-SS) algorithm to solve the ID problem. The BRI-SS algorithm utilizes off-the-shelf optimization solvers that … Read more

Extreme Strong Branching for QCQPs

For mixed-integer programs (MIPs), strong branching is a highly effective variable selection method to reduce the number of nodes in the branch-and-bound algorithm. Extending it to nonlinear problems is conceptually simple but practically limited. Branching on a binary variable fixes the variable to 0 or 1, whereas branching on a continuous variable requires an additional … Read more

Smoothie: Mixing the strongest MIP solvers to solve hard MIP instances on supercomputers – Phase I development

Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MIP) is applicable to such a wide range of real-world decision problems that the competition for the best code to solve such problems has lead to tremendous progress over the last decades. While current solvers can solve some of the problems that seemed completely out-of-reach just 10 years ago, there are always … Read more

Behaviorally Informed Planning for Retrofitting, Sheltering, and Mixed-Mode Evacuation in Urban Tsunami Preparedness: Toward a Tsunami-Resilient Istanbul

Tsunamis, primarily triggered by earthquakes, pose critical threats to coastal populations due to their rapid onset and limited evacuation time. Two main protective actions exist: sheltering in place, which requires substantial retrofitting investments, and evacuation, which is often hindered by congestion, mixed travel modes, and tight inundation times. Given pedestrians’ slower movement and restricted evacuation … Read more

Political districting to maximize whole counties

We consider a fundamental question in political districting: How many counties can be kept whole (i.e., not split across multiple districts), while satisfying basic criteria like contiguity and population balance? To answer this question, we propose integer programming techniques based on combinatorial Benders decomposition. The main problem decides which counties to keep whole, and the … Read more