MIDAS: A Mixed Integer Dynamic Approximation Scheme

Mixed Integer Dynamic Approximation Scheme (MIDAS) is a new sampling-based algorithm for solving finite-horizon stochastic dynamic programs with monotonic Bellman functions. MIDAS approximates these value functions using step functions, leading to stage problems that are mixed integer programs. We provide a general description of MIDAS, and prove its almost-sure convergence to an epsilon-optimal policy when … Read more

A Polyhedral Approach to Online Bipartite Matching

We study the i.i.d. online bipartite matching problem, a dynamic version of the classical model where one side of the bipartition is fixed and known in advance, while nodes from the other side appear one at a time as i.i.d. realizations of a uniform distribution, and must immediately be matched or discarded. We consider various … Read more

Bi-objective branch–and–cut algorithms: Applications to the single source capacitated facility location problem

Most real–world optimization problems are of a multi–objective nature, involving objectives which are conflicting and incomparable. Solving a multi–objective optimization problem requires a method which can generate the set of rational compromises between the objectives. In this paper, we propose two distinct bound set based branch–and–cut algorithms for bi–objective combinatorial optimization problems, based on implicitly … Read more

On Sampling Rates in Simulation-Based Recursions

We consider the context of “simulation-based recursions,” that is, recursions that involve quantities needing to be estimated using a stochastic simulation. Examples include stochastic adaptations of fixed-point and gradient descent recursions obtained by replacing function and derivative values appearing within the recursion by their Monte Carlo counterparts. The primary motivating settings are Simulation Optimization and … Read more

A joint routing and speed optimization problem

Fuel cost contributes to a significant portion of operating cost in cargo transportation. Though classic routing models usually treat fuel cost as input data, fuel consumption heavily depends on the travel speed, which has led to the study of optimizing speeds over a given fixed route. In this paper, we propose a joint routing and … Read more

Gap functions for quasi-equilibria

An approach for solving quasi-equilibrium problems (QEPs) is proposed relying on gap functions, which allow reformulating QEPs as global optimization problems. The (generalized) smoothness properties of a gap function are analysed and an upper estimates of its Clarke directional derivative is given. Monotonicity assumptions on both the equilibrium and constraining bifunctions are a key tool … Read more

A new algorithm for solving planar multiobjective location problems involving the Manhattan norm

This paper is devoted to the study of unconstrained planar multiobjective location problems, where distances between points are defined by means of the Manhattan norm. By identifying all nonessential objectives, we develop an effective algorithm for generating the whole set of efficient solutions. We prove the correctness of this algorithm and present some computational results, … Read more

A characterization of Nash equilibrium for the games with random payoffs

We consider a two player bimatrix game where the entries of the payoff matrices are random variables. We formulate this problem as a chance-constrained game by considering that the payoff of each player is defined using a chance constraint. We consider the case where the entries of the payoff matrices are independent normal/Cauchy random variables. … Read more

Application of the Laminar Navier-Stokes Equations for Solving 2D and 3D Pathfinding Problems with Static and Dynamic Spatial Constraints. Implementation and validation in Comsol Multiphysics.

Pathfinding problems consist in determining the optimal shortest path, or at least one path, between two points in the space. In this paper, we propose a particular approach, based on methods used in Computational Fluid Dynamics, that intends to solve such problems. In particular, we reformulate pathfinding problems as the motion of a viscous fluid … Read more

A Deterministic Fully Polynomial Time Approximation Scheme For Counting Integer Knapsack Solutions Made Easy

Given $n$ elements with nonnegative integer weights $w=(w_1,\ldots,w_n)$, an integer capacity $C$ and positive integer ranges $u=(u_1,\ldots,u_n)$, we consider the counting version of the classic integer knapsack problem: find the number of distinct multisets whose weights add up to at most $C$. We give a deterministic algorithm that estimates the number of solutions to within … Read more