Kernels for feedback arc set in tournaments

A tournament T=(V,A) is a directed graph in which there is exactly one arc between every pair of distinct vertices. Given a digraph on n vertices and an integer parameter k, the Feedback Arc Set problem asks whether the given digraph has a set of k arcs whose removal results in an acyclic digraph. The Feedback Arc Set problem restricted to tournaments is known as the k-Feedback Arc Set in Tournaments (k-FAST) problem. In this paper we obtain a linear vertex kernel for k-FAST. That is, we give a polynomial time algorithm which given an input instance T to k-FAST obtains an equivalent instance T^′ on O(k) vertices. In fact, given any fixed ?>0, the kernelized instance has at most (2+?)k vertices. Our result improves the previous known bound of O(k²) on the kernel size for k-FAST. Our kernelization algorithm solves the problem on a subclass of tournaments in polynomial time and uses a known polynomial time approximation scheme for k-FAST.     

Efficient Exact Algorithms through Enumerating Maximal Independent Sets and Other Techniques

We give substantially improved exact exponential-time algorithms for a number of NP-hard problems. These algorithms are obtained using a variety of techniques. These techniques include: obtaining exact algorithms by enumerating maximal independent sets in a graph, obtaining exact algorithms from parameterized algorithms and a variant of the usual branch-and-bound technique which we call the "colored" branch-and-bound technique. These techniques are simple in that they avoid detailed case analyses and yield algorithms that can be easily implemented. We show the power of these techniques by applying them to several NP-hard problems and obtaining new improved upper bounds on the running time. The specific problems that we tackle are: (1) the Odd Cycle Transversal problem in general undirected graphs, (2) the Feedback Vertex Set problem in directed graphs of maximum degree 4, (3) Feedback Arc Set problem in tournaments, (4) the 4-Hitting Set problem and (5) the Minimum Maximal Matching and the Edge Dominating Set problems. The algorithms that we present for these problems are the best known and are a substantial improvement over previous best results. For example, for the Minimum Maximal Matching we give an O^*(1.4425ⁿ) algorithm improving the previous best result of O^*(1.4422^m) [35]. For the Odd Cycle Transversal problem, we give an O^*(1.62ⁿ) algorithm which improves the previous time bound of O^*(1.7724ⁿ) [3].     

A Polynomial Kernel for Feedback Arc Set on Bipartite Tournaments

In the k-Feedback Arc/Vertex Set problem we are given a directed graph D and a positive integer k and the objective is to check whether it is possible to delete at most k arcs/vertices from D to make it acyclic. Dom et al. (J. Discrete Algorithm 8(1):76–86, 2010) initiated a study of the Feedback Arc Set problem on bipartite tournaments (k-FASBT) in the realm of parameterized complexity. They showed that k-FASBT can be solved in time O(3.373 ^k n ⁶) on bipartite tournaments having n vertices. However, until now there was no known polynomial sized problem kernel for k-FASBT. In this paper we obtain a cubic vertex kernel for k-FASBT. This completes the kernelization picture for the Feedback Arc/Vertex Set problem on tournaments and bipartite tournaments, as for all other problems polynomial kernels were known before. We obtain our kernel using a non-trivial application of “independent modules” which could be of independent interest.     

The Feedback Arc Set Problem with Triangle Inequality Is a Vertex Cover Problem

We consider the (precedence constrained) Minimum Feedback Arc Set problem with triangle inequalities on the weights, which finds important applications in problems of ranking with inconsistent information. We present a surprising structural insight showing that the problem is a special case of the minimum vertex cover in hypergraphs with edges of size at most 3.     

反馈集问题的研究进展

反馈集问题是经典的NP难问题,在电路测试、操作系统解死锁、分析工艺流程、生物计算等领域都有重要应用,按照反馈集中元素类型可分为反馈顶点集(FVS)问题和反馈边集(FAS)问题。人们利用线性规划和局部搜索等技术设计了一系列关于FVS和FAS问题的近似算法,并基于分枝一剪枝策略和加权分治技术提出了FVS问题的精确算法。随着参数计算理论的发展,近年来参数化反馈集问题引起了人们的重视,并取得了很大突破。目前已经证明了无向图和有向图中FVS问题和FAS问题都是固定参数可解的(FPT)。利用树分解、分支搜索、迭代压缩等技术,对无向图FVS问题提出了一系列FPT算法。针对某些特殊的应用,人们开展了对具有特殊性质的图上FVS问题的研究,提出了一些多项式时间可解的精确算法。现首先介绍了在无向图中关于FVS问题的近似算法与精确算法,然后具体分析了FVS问题的参数化算法。进一步阐述了关于有向图和特殊图上FVS问题的研究现状,介绍了FAS问题的研究成果。基于对反馈集问题研究现状的分析,提出了今后FVS问题研究中值得关注的几个方面。     

Linear kernel for Rooted Triplet Inconsistency and other problems based on conflict packing technique

We develop a technique, that we call conflict packing, to obtain (and improve) polynomial kernels for several well-studied editing problems. We first illustrate our technique on Feedback Arc Set in Tournaments (k-FAST) yielding an alternative and simple proof of a linear kernel for this problem. The technique is then applied to obtain the first linear kernel for theDense Rooted Triplet Inconsistency (k-dense-RTI) problem. A linear kernel for Betweenness in Tournaments (k-BIT) is also proved. All these problems share common features. First, they can be expressed as modification problems on a dense set of constant-arity constraints. Also the consistency of the set of constraints can be characterized by means of a bounded size obstructions. The conflict packing technique basically consists of computing a maximal set of small obstructions allowing us either to bound the size of the input or to reduce the input.     

A strengthened analysis of a local algorithm for the minimum dominating set problem in planar graphs

In recent years growing interest in local distributed algorithms has widely been observed. This results from their high resistance to errors and damage, as well as from their good performance, which is independent of the size of the network. A local deterministic distributed algorithm finding an approximation of a Minimum Dominating Set in planar graphs has been presented by Lenzen et al., and they proved that the algorithm returns a 130-approximation of the Minimum Dominating Set. In this article we will show that the algorithm is two times more effective than was previously assumed, and we prove that the algorithm by Lenzen et al. outputs a 52-approximation to a Minimum Dominating Set. Therefore the gap between the lower bound and the approximation ratio of the best yet local deterministic distributed algorithm is reduced by half.     

Improved fixed parameter tractable algorithms for two “edge” problems: MAXCUT and MAXDAG

We give improved parameterized algorithms for two “edge” problems MAXCUT and MAXDAG, where the solution sought is a subset of edges. MAXCUT of a graph is a maximum set of edges forming a bipartite subgraph of the given graph. On the other hand, MAXDAG of a directed graph is a set of arcs of maximum size such that the graph induced on these arcs is acyclic. Our algorithms are obtained through new kernelization and efficient exact algorithms for the optimization versions of the problems. More precisely our results include:

(i)

a kernel with at most αk vertices and βk edges for MAXCUT. Here 0<α?1 and 1<β?2. Values of α and β depends on the number of vertices and the edges in the graph;

(ii)

a kernel with at most 4k/3 vertices and 2k edges for MAXDAG;

(iii)

an O^∗(k^1.2418) parameterized algorithm for MAXCUT in undirected graphs. This improves the O^∗(k^1.4143)¹ algorithm presented in [E. Prieto, The method of extremal structure on the k-maximum cut problem, in: The Proceedings of Computing: The Australasian Theory Symposium (CATS), 2005, pp. 119-126];

(iv)

an O^∗(n²) algorithm for optimization version of MAXDAG in directed graphs. This is the first such algorithm to the best of our knowledge;

(v)

an O^∗(k²) parameterized algorithm for MAXDAG in directed graphs. This improves the previous best of O^∗(k⁴) presented in [V. Raman, S. Saurabh, Parameterized algorithms for feedback set problems and their duals in tournaments, Theoretical Computer Science 351 (3) (2006) 446-458];

(vi)

an O^∗(k¹⁶) parameterized algorithm to determine whether an oriented graph having m arcs has an acyclic subgraph with at least m/2+k arcs. This improves the O^∗(k²) algorithm given in [V. Raman, S. Saurabh, Parameterized algorithms for feedback set problems and their duals in tournaments, Theoretical Computer Science 351 (3) (2006) 446-458].

In addition, we show that if a directed graph has minimum out degree at least f(n) (some function of n) then Directed Feedback Arc Set problem is fixed parameter tractable. The parameterized complexity of Directed Feedback Arc Set is a well-known open problem.     

Linear programming based approximation algorithms for feedback set problems in bipartite tournaments

We consider the feedback vertex set and feedback arc set problems on bipartite tournaments. We improve on recent results by giving a 2-approximation algorithm for the feedback vertex set problem. We show that this result is the best that we can attain when using optimal solutions to a certain linear program as a lower bound on the optimal value. For the feedback arc set problem on bipartite tournaments, we show that a recent 4-approximation algorithm proposed by Gupta (2008) [8] is incorrect. We give an alternative 4-approximation algorithm based on an algorithm for the feedback arc set on (non-bipartite) tournaments given by van Zuylen and Williamson (2009) [14].     

Feedback linearization control design for systems with fuzzyuncertainty

We derive a state feedback control design for nonlinear systems with fuzzy uncertainty. We use a fuzzy version of the Kolmogorov forward equation and an equivalent deterministic system to represent the effects of the fuzzy uncertainty. Feedback linearization of the equivalent deterministic system cancels both the system nonlinearities and the effects of the fuzzy uncertainty on the state membership function. Our controller obtains asymptotic stability and an approximation to our controller drives the system state to a small bounded set     

一类弱集合覆盖问题的近似算法

在近似算法领域,集合覆盖（Set Cover）是研究的比较早和比较透彻的问题之一．该文提出了一类与集合覆盖很相似的问题：集合击中和弱集合b-覆盖,并且给出了解决它们的近似算法,还证明了它们的不可近似性．     

One for the Price of Two: a Unified Approach for Approximating Covering Problems

We present a simple and unified approach for developing and analyzing approximation algorithms for covering problems. We illustrate this on approximation algorithms for the following problems: Vertex Cover, Set Cover, Feedback Vertex Set, Generalized Steiner Forest, and related problems. The main idea can be phrased as follows: iteratively, pay two dollars (at most) to reduce the total optimum by one dollar (at least), so the rate of payment is no more than twice the rate of the optimum reduction. This implies a total payment (i.e., approximation cost) ≤ twice the optimum cost. Our main contribution is based on a formal definition for covering problems, which includes all the above fundamental problems and others. We further extend the Bafna et al. extension of the Local-Ratio theorem. Our extension eventually yields a short generic r -approximation algorithm which can generate most known approximation algorithms for most covering problems. Another extension of the Local-Ratio theorem to randomized algorithms gives a simple proof of Pitt's randomized approximation for Vertex Cover. Using this approach, we develop a modified greedy algorithm, which for Vertex Cover gives an expected performance ratio ≤ 2 . Received September 17, 1997; revised March 5, 1998.     

A Lower Bound of 1+φ for Truthful Scheduling Mechanisms

We study the mechanism design version of the unrelated machines scheduling problem, which is at the core of Algorithmic Game Theory and was first proposed and studied in a seminal paper of Nisan and Ronen. We give an improved lower bound of 1+φ≈2.618 on the approximation ratio of deterministic truthful mechanisms for the makespan. The proof is based on a recursive preprocessing argument which yields a strictly increasing series of new lower bounds for each fixed number of machines n≥4.     

支配问题的研究进展

复杂性理论中,支配问题是一类重要的问题,被广泛应用于资源分配、电话交换网络和无线传感器网络等领域。支配问题主要包括点支配集(VDS)问题和边支配集(EDS)问题两大类。人们利用动态规划、加权分治等技术对VDS和EDS问题的精确算法进行设计与分析,并通过将EDS问题转化为边覆盖集问题提出了EDS问题的近似算法。近年来对参数化支配问题做了大量研究。目前已经证明了平面图中VDS问题和一般图中EDS问题都是固定参数可解的(FPT)。利用树分解和分支搜索等技术,人们分别对平面图VDS问题和一般图EDS问题提出了一系列FPT算法。文中对VDS和EDS问题进行了分类,给出了每类问题的具体定义及其相关算法介绍,此外还对矩阵支配集问题进行了简单介绍,并提出了支配问题研究中值得关注的几个方面。     

分布式最小连通支配集启发式算法

针对AdHoc网络中用洪泛法进行广播易引起广播风暴的问题,提出一个新的分布式最小连通支配集启发式算法HMCDS,其中包括构建极大独立集、引入节点的有效度概念、选择有效度最大的节点作为支配点的贪心策略的方法,实验结果证明,HMCDS算法生成的连通支配集大小为7．60pt＋1．4,时间复杂度为O（△^2）,消息复杂度为O（n）,比同类算法优秀。     

Numerical algorithm for solving the problem of synthesis of impulse controls under uncertainty

Feedback control problem for a linear system under an unknown but bounded disturbance is considered. A numerical algorithm for the synthesis of controls in the problem of impulse control based on the representation of the value function using methods of convex analysis in terms of the conjugate function and the subsequent approximation of the conjugate function by piecewise affine convex functions is described.     

A logarithmic approximation algorithm for the minimum energy consumption broadcast subgraph problem

Motivated by the problem of supporting energy-efficient broadcasting in ad hoc wireless networks, we study the Minimum Energy Consumption Broadcast Subgraph (MECBS) problem. We present the first logarithmic approximation algorithm for the problem which uses an interesting reduction to Node-Weighted Connected Dominating Set.     

多跳无线网络中反馈式机会路由研究

提出多跳无线网络中反馈式机会路由(FOR).给出基于EPDTX指标的转发候选集产生策略,有效地做到了减少网络重发包数和传输时间消耗的平衡.根据候选集中节点ACK返回情况,分析网络局部拥塞状况,动态调整转发候选集和转发优先级,并给出基于ACK反馈的启发式候选集产生算法.仿真试验表明,FOR比传统路由算法(AODV)和极端机会路由算法(ExOR)多跳传输性能上有明显提升,并具有较强的抗网络拥塞能力.     

传感器网络中高效的最小连通支配集求解算法

在无线传感器网络中,连通支配集被广泛应用于构建虚拟主干。由于求解最小连通支配集是一个NP难问题,许多近似算法被提出用于构建可用的最小连通支配集。针对当前近似算法存在的不足,我们提出了一个新的分布式近似构造算法—CDS-HG,该算法用层次图对无线传感器网络进行建模,算法用基于竞争的贪心策略从每一层选出最少的节点去支配下一层的所有节点。理论分析和模拟结果表明,CDS-HG算法产生的连通支配集是目前最小,并且其消息复杂度也是目前最低的。     

测试集问题的集合覆盖贪心算法的深入近似

测试集问题是一个有着广泛应用的NP难问题.集合覆盖贪心算法是测试集问题的一个常用近似算法,其由集合覆盖问题得到的近似比21nn+1能否改进是一个公开的问题.集合覆盖贪心算法的推广被用来求解生物信息学中出现的冗余测试集问题.通过分析条目对被区分次数的分布情况,用去随机方法证明了集合覆盖贪心算法对测试集问题的近似比可以为1.51nn+0.5lnlnn+2,从而缩小了这种算法近似比分析的间隙.另外,给出了集合覆盖贪心算法对冗余度为n-1的加权冗余测试集问题的近似比的紧密下界(2-o(1))lnn-Θ 1).