Backward Step Control for Global Newton-type Methods

We present and analyze a new damping approach called backward step control for the globalization of the convergence of Newton-type methods for the numerical solution of nonlinear root-finding problems. We provide and discuss reasonable assumptions that imply convergence of backward step control on the basis of generalized Newton paths in conjunction with a backward analysis … Read more

A Multi-Objective approach to visualize proportions and similarities between individuals by rectangular maps

In this paper we address the problem of visualizing the proportions and the similarities attached to a set of individuals. We represent this information using a rectangular map, i.e., a subdivision of a rectangle into rectangular portions so that each portion is associated with one individual, their areas reflect the proportions, and the closeness between … Read more

Visualizing data as objects by DC (difference of convex) optimization

In this paper we address the problem of visualizing in a bounded region a set of individuals, which has attached a dissimilarity measure and a statistical value. This problem, which extends the standard Multidimensional Scaling Analysis, is written as a global optimization problem whose objective is the difference of two convex functions (DC). Suitable DC … Read more

New Douglas-Rachford algorithmic structures and their convergence analyses

In this paper we study new algorithmic structures with Douglas- Rachford (DR) operators to solve convex feasibility problems. We propose to embed the basic two-set-DR algorithmic operator into the String-Averaging Projections (SAP) and into the Block-Iterative Pro- jection (BIP) algorithmic structures, thereby creating new DR algo- rithmic schemes that include the recently proposed cyclic Douglas- … Read more

Distributionally robust inventory control when demand is a martingale

Demand forecasting plays an important role in many inventory control problems. To mitigate the potential harms of model misspecification in this context, various forms of distributionally robust optimization have been applied. Although many of these methodologies suffer from the problem of time-inconsistency, the work of Klabjan, Simchi-Levi and Song [85] established a general time-consistent framework … Read more

Piecewise static policies for two-stage adjustable robust linear optimization problems under uncertainty

In this paper, we consider two-stage adjustable robust linear optimization problems under uncertain constraints and study the performance of piecewise static policies. These are a generalization of static policies where we divide the uncertainty set into several pieces and specify a static solution for each piece. We show that in general there is no piecewise … Read more

Facial Reduction and Partial Polyhedrality

We present FRA-Poly, a facial reduction algorithm (FRA) for conic linear programs that is sensitive to the presence of polyhedral faces in the cone. The main goals of FRA and FRA-Poly are the same, i.e., finding the minimal face containing the feasible region and detecting infeasibility, but FRA-Poly treats polyhedral constraints separately. This idea enables … Read more

Global Convergence of ADMM in Nonconvex Nonsmooth Optimization

In this paper, we analyze the convergence of the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) for minimizing a nonconvex and possibly nonsmooth objective function, $\phi(x_1,\ldots,x_p,y)$, subject to linear equality constraints that couple $x_1,\ldots,x_p,y$, where $p\ge 1$ is an integer. Our ADMM sequentially updates the primal variables in the order $x_1,\ldots,x_p,y$, followed by updating the dual … Read more

ExtraPush for Convex Smooth Decentralized Optimization over Directed Networks

In this note, we extend the existing algorithms Extra and subgradient-push to a new algorithm ExtraPush for convex consensus optimization over a directed network. When the network is stationary, we propose a simplified algorithm called Normalized ExtraPush. These algorithms use a fixed step size like in Extra and accept the column-stochastic mixing matrices like in … Read more

Network Design Problem with Relays

Relays are regenerators extending the reach of optical signals in telecommunication networks; they may be strategic locations where exchange of drivers, trucks or mode of transportation takes place in transportation networks; they may become refuelling/recharging stations extending the reach of alternative fuel vehicles in green transportation. With different names and characteristics, relays play a crucial … Read more