Exceptional Families of Elements for Optimization Problems in Reflexive Banach Spaces with Applications

In this paper, we propose a new notion of ‘exceptional family of elements’ for convex optimization problems. By employing the notion of ‘exceptional family of elements’, we establish some existence results for convex optimization problem in reflexive Banach spaces. We show that the nonexistence of an exceptional family of elements is a sufficient and necessary condition for the solvability of the optimization problem. Furthermore, we establish several equivalent conditions for the solvability of convex optimization problems. As applications, the notion of ‘exceptional family of elements’ for convex optimization problems is applied to the constrained optimization problem and convex quadratic programming problem and some existence results for solutions of these problems are obtained.     

Support vector machine classifiers with uncertain knowledge sets via robust optimization

In this article we study support vector machine (SVM) classifiers in the face of uncertain knowledge sets and show how data uncertainty in knowledge sets can be treated in SVM classification by employing robust optimization. We present knowledge-based SVM classifiers with uncertain knowledge sets using convex quadratic optimization duality. We show that the knowledge-based SVM, where prior knowledge is in the form of uncertain linear constraints, results in an uncertain convex optimization problem with a set containment constraint. Using a new extension of Farkas' lemma, we reformulate the robust counterpart of the uncertain convex optimization problem in the case of interval uncertainty as a convex quadratic optimization problem. We then reformulate the resulting convex optimization problems as a simple quadratic optimization problem with non-negativity constraints using the Lagrange duality. We obtain the solution of the converted problem by a fixed point iterative algorithm and establish the convergence of the algorithm. We finally present some preliminary results of our computational experiments of the method.     

Note: An algorithm to solve polyhedral convex set optimization problems

We provide a counterexample to the remark in Löhne and Schrage [An algorithm to solve polyhedral convex set optimization problems, Optimization 62 (2013), pp. 131-141] that every solution of a polyhedral convex set optimization problem is a pre-solution. A correct statement is that every solution of a polyhedral convex set optimization problem obtained by the algorithm SetOpt is a pre-solution. We also show that every finite infimizer and hence every solution of a polyhedral convex set optimization problem contains a pre-solution.     

Characterizations of the nonemptiness and compactness for solution sets of convex set-valued optimization problems

In this paper, we first derive several characterizations of the nonemptiness and compactness for the solution set of a convex scalar set-valued optimization problem (with or without cone constraints) in which the decision space is finite-dimensional. The characterizations are expressed in terms of the coercivity of some scalar set-valued maps and the well-posedness of the set-valued optimization problem, respectively. Then we investigate characterizations of the nonemptiness and compactness for the weakly efficient solution set of a convex vector set-valued optimization problem (with or without cone constraints) in which the objective space is a normed space ordered by a nontrivial, closed and convex cone with nonempty interior and the decision space is finite-dimensional. We establish that the nonemptiness and compactness for the weakly efficient solution set of a convex vector set-valued optimization problem (with or without cone constraints) can be exactly characterized as those of a family of linearly scalarized convex set-valued optimization problems and the well-posedness of the original problem.     

Duality for multiobjective optimization problems with convex objective functions and D.C. constraints

In this paper we provide a duality theory for multiobjective optimization problems with convex objective functions and finitely many D.C. constraints. In order to do this, we study first the duality for a scalar convex optimization problem with inequality constraints defined by extended real-valued convex functions. For a family of multiobjective problems associated to the initial one we determine then, by means of the scalar duality results, their multiobjective dual problems. Finally, we consider as a special case the duality for the convex multiobjective optimization problem with convex constraints.     

Reverse Convex Programming Approach in the Space of Extreme Criteria for Optimization over Efficient Sets

The problem of minimizing a convex function over the difference of two convex sets is called ‘reverse convex program’. This is a typical problem in global optimization, in which local optima are in general different from global optima. Another typical example in global optimization is the optimization problem over the efficient set of a multiple criteria programming problem. In this article, we investigate some special cases of optimization problems over the efficient set, which can be transformed equivalently into reverse convex programs in the space of so-called extreme criteria of multiple criteria programming problems under consideration. A suitable algorithm of branch and bound type is then established for globally solving resulting problems. Preliminary computational results with the proposed algorithm are reported.     

Fixed point optimization algorithm and its application to network bandwidth allocation

A convex optimization problem for a strictly convex objective function over the fixed point set of a nonexpansive mapping includes a network bandwidth allocation problem, which is one of the central issues in modern communication networks. We devised an iterative algorithm, called a fixed point optimization algorithm, for solving the convex optimization problem and conducted a convergence analysis on the algorithm. The analysis guarantees that the algorithm, with slowly diminishing step-size sequences, weakly converges to a unique solution to the problem. Moreover, we apply the proposed algorithm to a network bandwidth allocation problem and show its effectiveness.     

Asymptotic analysis in convex composite multiobjective optimization problems

In this paper, we present a unified approach for studying convex composite multiobjective optimization problems via asymptotic analysis. We characterize the nonemptiness and compactness of the weak Pareto optimal solution sets for a convex composite multiobjective optimization problem. Then, we employ the obtained results to propose a class of proximal-type methods for solving the convex composite multiobjective optimization problem, and carry out their convergence analysis under some mild conditions.     

Some characterizations of robust optimal solutions for uncertain convex optimization problems

In this paper, we consider robust optimal solutions for a convex optimization problem in the face of data uncertainty both in the objective and constraints. By using the properties of the subdifferential sum formulae, we first introduce a robust-type subdifferential constraint qualification, and then obtain some completely characterizations of the robust optimal solution of this uncertain convex optimization problem. We also investigate Wolfe type robust duality between the uncertain convex optimization problem and its uncertain dual problem by proving duality between the deterministic robust counterpart of the primal model and the optimistic counterpart of its dual problem. Moreover, we show that our results encompass as special cases some optimization problems considered in the recent literature.     

First and Second-Order Optimality Conditions for Convex Composite Multiobjective Optimization

Multiobjective optimization is a useful mathematical model in order to investigate real-world problems with conflicting objectives, arising from economics, engineering, and human decision making. In this paper, a convex composite multiobjective optimization problem, subject to a closed convex constraint set, is studied. New first-order optimality conditions for a weakly efficient solution of the convex composite multiobjective optimization problem are established via scalarization. These conditions are then extended to derive second-order optimality conditions.     

On solving simple bilevel programs with a nonconvex lower level program

In this paper, we consider a simple bilevel program where the lower level program is a nonconvex minimization problem with a convex set constraint and the upper level program has a convex set constraint. By using the value function of the lower level program, we reformulate the bilevel program as a single level optimization problem with a nonsmooth inequality constraint and a convex set constraint. To deal with such a nonsmooth and nonconvex optimization problem, we design a smoothing projected gradient algorithm for a general optimization problem with a nonsmooth inequality constraint and a convex set constraint. We show that, if the sequence of penalty parameters is bounded then any accumulation point is a stationary point of the nonsmooth optimization problem and, if the generated sequence is convergent and the extended Mangasarian-Fromovitz constraint qualification holds at the limit then the limit point is a stationary point of the nonsmooth optimization problem. We apply the smoothing projected gradient algorithm to the bilevel program if a calmness condition holds and to an approximate bilevel program otherwise. Preliminary numerical experiments show that the algorithm is efficient for solving the simple bilevel program.     

Scalarization of the fuzzy optimization problems

Scalarization of the fuzzy optimization problems using the embedding theorem and the concept of convex cone (ordering cone) is proposed in this paper. Two solution concepts are proposed by considering two convex cones. The set of all fuzzy numbers can be embedded into a normed space. This motivation naturally inspires us to invoke the scalarization techniques in vector optimization problems to solve the fuzzy optimization problems. By applying scalarization to the optimization problem with fuzzy coefficients, we obtain its corresponding scalar optimization problem. Finally, we show that the optimal solution of its corresponding scalar optimization problem is the optimal solution of the original fuzzy optimization problem.     

Robust reward–risk ratio optimization with application in allocation of generation asset

In this article, we study reward–risk ratio models under partially known message of random variables, which is called robust (worst-case) performance ratio problem. Based on the positive homogenous and concave/convex measures of reward and risk, respectively, the new robust ratio model is reduced equivalently to convex optimization problems with a min–max optimization framework. Under some specially partial distribution situation, the convex optimization problem is converted into simple framework involving the expectation reward measure and conditional value-at-risk measure. Compared with the existing reward–risk portfolio research, the proposed ratio model has two characteristics. First, the addressed problem combines with two different aspects. One is to consider an incomplete information case in real-life uncertainty. The other is to focus on the performance ratio optimization problem, which can realize the best balance between the reward and risk. Second, the complicated optimization model is transferred into a simple convex optimization problem by the optimal dual theorem. This indeed improves the usability of models. The generation asset allocation in power systems is presented to validate the new models.     

Some characterizations of duality for DC optimization with composite functions

In this paper, by virtue of the epigraph technique, we first introduce some new regularity conditions and then obtain some complete characterizations of the Fenchel–Lagrange duality and the stable Fenchel–Lagrange duality for a new class of DC optimization involving a composite function. Moreover, we apply the strong and stable strong duality results to obtain some extended (stable) Farkas lemmas and (stable) alternative type theorems for this DC optimization problem. As applications, we obtain the corresponding results for a composed convex optimization problem, a DC optimization problem, and a convex optimization problem with a linear operator, respectively.     

Characterizing the solution set of convex optimization problems without convexity of constraints

Some characterizations of solution sets of a convex optimization problem with a convex feasible set described by tangentially convex constraints are given.     

UNIFORM APPROXIMATION OF A MULTIOBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION SEQUENCE

In this paper the Pareto efficiency of a uniformly convergent multiobjective optimization sequence is studied. We obtain some relation between the Pareto efficient solutions of a given multiobjective optimization problem and those of its uniformly convergent optimization sequence and also some relation between the weak Pareto efficient solutions of the same optimization problem and those of its uniformly convergent optimization sequence. Besides, under a compact convex assumption for constraints set and a certain convex assumption for both objective and constraint functions, we also get some sufficient and necessary conditions that the limit of solutions of a uniformly convergent multiobjective optimization sequence is the solution of a given multiobjective optimization problem.     

自反Banach空间中向量优化问题弱有效解集特性的进一步研究

本文分别研究了在无限维自反Banach空间中,当控制结构为多面体锥时,-般凸向量优化问题和锥约束凸向量优化问题的弱有效解集的非空有界性,并且把结论应用到了一类罚函数方法的收敛性分析上.     

Deterministic global optimization with partition sets whose feasibility is not known: Application to concave minimization,reverse convex constraints,DC-programming,and Lipschitzian optimization

A crucial problem for many global optimization methods is how to handle partition sets whose feasibility is not known. This problem is solved for broad classes of feasible sets including convex sets, sets defined by finitely many convex and reverse convex constraints, and sets defined by Lipschitzian inequalities. Moreover, a fairly general theory of bounding is presented and applied to concave objective functions, to functions representable as differences of two convex functions, and to Lipschitzian functions. The resulting algorithms allow one to solve any global optimization problem whose objective function is of one of these forms and whose feasible set belongs to one of the above classes. In this way, several new fields of optimization are opened to the application of global methods.     

Further study on the Levitin-Polyak well-posedness of constrained convex vector optimization problems

In this paper, we first establish characterizations of the nonemptiness and compactness of the set of weakly efficient solutions of a convex vector optimization problem with a general ordering cone (with or without a cone constraint) defined in a finite dimensional space. Using one of the characterizations, we further establish for a convex vector optimization problem with a general ordering cone and a cone constraint defined in a finite dimensional space the equivalence between the nonemptiness and compactness of its weakly efficient solution set and the generalized type I Levitin-Polyak well-posednesses. Finally, for a cone-constrained convex vector optimization problem defined in a Banach space, we derive sufficient conditions for guaranteeing the generalized type I Levitin-Polyak well-posedness of the problem.     

A note on strong duality in convex semidefinite optimization: necessary and sufficient conditions

A strong duality which states that the optimal values of the primal convex problem and its Lagrangian dual problem are equal (i.e. zero duality gap) and the dual problem attains its maximum is a corner stone in convex optimization. In particular it plays a major role in the numerical solution as well as the application of convex semidefinite optimization. The strong duality requires a technical condition known as a constraint qualification (CQ). Several CQs which are sufficient for strong duality have been given in the literature. In this note we present new necessary and sufficient CQs for the strong duality in convex semidefinite optimization. These CQs are shown to be sharper forms of the strong conical hull intersection property (CHIP) of the intersecting sets of constraints which has played a critical role in other areas of convex optimization such as constrained approximation and error bounds. Research was partially supported by the Australian Research Council. The author is grateful to the referees for their helpful comments