Min-max-min Robust Combinatorial Optimization

The idea of k-adaptability in two-stage robust optimization is to calculate a fixed number k of second-stage policies here-and-now. After the actual scenario is revealed, the best of these policies is selected. This idea leads to a min-max-min problem. In this paper, we consider the case where no first stage variables exist and propose to … Read more

On Solving L-SR1 Trust-Region Subproblems

In this article, we consider solvers for large-scale trust-region subproblems when the quadratic model is defined by a limited-memory symmetric rank-one (L-SR1) quasi-Newton matrix. We propose a solver that exploits the compact representation of L-SR1 matrices. Our approach makes use of both an orthonormal basis for the eigenspace of the L-SR1 matrix and the Sherman- … Read more

A Distributionally-robust Approach for Finding Support Vector Machines

The classical SVM is an optimization problem minimizing the hinge losses of mis-classified samples with the regularization term. When the sample size is small or data has noise, it is possible that the classifier obtained with training data may not generalize well to pop- ulation, since the samples may not accurately represent the true population … Read more

Second-Order Cone Programming for P-Spline Simulation Metamodeling

This paper approximates simulation models by B-splines with a penalty on high-order finite differences of the coefficients of adjacent B-splines. The penalty prevents overfitting. The simulation output is assumed to be nonnegative. The nonnegative spline simulation metamodel is casted as a second-order cone programming model, which can be solved efficiently by modern optimization techniques. The … Read more

An efficient second-order cone programming approach for optimal selection in tree breeding

An important problem in tree breeding is optimal selection from candidate pedigree members to produce the highest performance in seed orchards, while conserving essential genetic diversity. The most beneficial members should contribute as much as possible, but such selection of orchard parents would reduce performance of the orchard progeny due to serious inbreeding. To avoid … Read more

A Stochastic Optimization Model for Designing Last Mile Relief Networks

In this study, we introduce a distribution network design problem that determines the locations and capacities of the relief distribution points in the last mile network, while considering demand- and network-related uncertainties in the post-disaster environment. The problem addresses the critical concerns of relief organizations in designing last mile networks, which are providing accessible and … Read more

On the steepest descent algorithm for quadratic functions

The steepest descent algorithm with exact line searches (Cauchy algorithm) is inefficient, generating oscillating step lengths and a sequence of points converging to the span of the eigenvectors associated with the extreme eigenvalues. The performance becomes very good if a short step is taken at every (say) 10 iterations. We show a new method for … Read more

Counterpart results in word spaces

In this paper after algebraical and geometrical preliminaries we present a Gram-Schmidt-type algorithmical conjecture, which if true settles the long-standing Hadamard conjecture concerning the existence of orthogonal matrices with elements of the same absolute value. CitationUnpublished, ELTE Operation Research Report 2015/1ArticleDownload View PDF

Algorithmic innovations and software for the dual decomposition method applied to stochastic mixed-integer programs

We develop algorithmic innovations for the dual decomposition method to address two-stage stochastic programs with mixed-integer recourse and provide a parallel software implementation that we call DSP. Our innovations include the derivation of valid inequalities that tighten Lagrangian subproblems and that allow the guaranteed recovery of feasible solutions for problems without (relative) complete recourse. We … Read more

New multi-commodity flow formulations for the pooling problem

The pooling problem is a nonconvex nonlinear programming problem with numerous applications. The nonlinearities of the problem arise from bilinear constraints that capture the blending of raw materials. Bilinear constraints are well-studied and significant progress has been made in solving large instances of the pooling problem to global optimality. This is due in no small … Read more