Iterative patching and the asymmetric traveling salesman problem

Although Branch-and-Bound (BnB) methods are among the most widely used techniques for solving hard problems, it is still a challenge to make these methods smarter. In this paper, we investigate iterative patching, a technique in which a fixed patching procedure is applied at each node of the BnB search tree for the Asymmetric Traveling Salesman Problem. Computational experiments show that iterative patching results in general in search trees that are smaller than the classical BnB trees, and that solution times are lower for usual random and sparse instances. Furthermore, it turns out that, on average, iterative patching with the Contract-or-Patch procedure of Glover, Gutin, Yeo and Zverovich (2001) and the Karp–Steele procedure are the fastest, and that ‘iterative’ Modified Karp–Steele patching generates the smallest search trees.     

Balinski—Tucker simplex tableaus: Dimensions, degeneracy degrees, and interior points of optimal faces

This paper shows the relationship between degeneracy degrees and multiple solutions in linear programming (LP) models. The usual definition of degeneracy is restricted to vertices of a polyhedron. We introduce degeneracy for nonempty subsets of polyhedra and show that for LP-models for which the feasible region contains at least one vertex it holds that the dimension of the optimal face is equal to the degeneracy degree of the optimal face of the corresponding dual model. This result is obtained by means of the so-called Balinski—Tucker (B—T) Simplex Tableaus. Furthermore, we give a strong polynomial algorithm for constructing such a B—T Simplex Tableau when a solution in the relative interior of the optimal face is known. © 1998 The Mathematical Programming Society, Inc. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.     

A Tverberg-type generalization of the Helly number of a convexity space

In 1966 H. Tverberg gave a far reaching generalization of the well-known classical theorem of J. Radon. In this paper a similar generalization of the classical Helly theorem is given and it is shown that among these two generalized theorems a relationship holds similar to a theorem proved by F.W. Levi in 1951. Also the generalized Helly theorem in the convex product and convex sum space are investigated.     

Solving the Simple Plant Location Problem using a Data Correcting Approach

The Data Correcting Algorithm is a branch and bound type algorithm in which the data of a given problem instance is `corrected' at each branching in such a way that the new instance will be as close as possible to a polynomially solvable instance and the result satisfies an acceptable accuracy (the difference between optimal and current solution). In this paper the data correcting algorithm is applied to determining exact and approximate optimal solutions to the simple plant location problem. Implementations of the algorithm are based on a pseudo-Boolean representation of the goal function of this problem, and a new reduction rule. We study the efficiency of the data correcting approach using two different bounds, the Khachaturov-Minoux bound and the Erlenkotter bound. We present computational results on several benchmark instances, which confirm the efficiency of the data-correcting approach.     

Convexities related to path properties on graphs

A feasible family of paths in a connected graph G is a family that contains at least one path between any pair of vertices in G. Any feasible path family defines a convexity on G. Well-known instances are: the geodesics, the induced paths, and all paths. We propose a more general approach for such ‘path properties’. We survey a number of results from this perspective, and present a number of new results. We focus on the behaviour of such convexities on the Cartesian product of graphs and on the classical convexity invariants, such as the Carathéodory, Helly and Radon numbers in relation with graph invariants, such as the clique number and other graph properties.     

Cyclic multiple-robot scheduling with time-window constraints using a critical path approach

An automated production system is considered in which several robots are used for transporting parts between workstations following a given route in a carousel mode. The problem is to maximize the throughput rate. Extending previous works treating scheduling problems for a single robot, we consider a more realistic case in which workstations are served by multiple robots. A graph model of the production process is developed, making it possible to apply PERT–CPM solution techniques. The problem is proved to be solvable in polynomial time.     

Balancing the fit and logistics costs of market segmentations

Segments are typically formed to serve distinct groups of consumers with differentiated marketing mixes, that better fit their specific needs and wants. However, buyers in a segment are not necessarily geographically closely located. Serving a geographically dispersed segment with one marketing mix can increase the logistics costs in the form of high transportation costs and long lead times.This study proposes a segmentation method that balances the fit of a segmentation strategy against the corresponding logistics costs. An application to the problem of segmenting a set of European regions, using consumers’ store attribute preferences as a segmentation basis, suggests segment-specific retail positioning strategies that reflect different decisions about store image attributes such as price, assortment, and atmosphere. This approach designates transnational segments that require acceptable logistics costs and offer the highest possible level of within segment homogeneity.