Algorithms for solving the symmetry number problem on trees

The symmetry number of a tree is defined as the number of nodes of the maximum subtree of the tree that exhibits axial symmetry. Chin and Yen have presented an algorithm for solving the problem of finding the symmetry number of unrooted unordered trees in time O(n⁴). In this paper we present an improved algorithm for solving the symmetry number problem on trees that runs in time O(n³). We also show that our algorithm needs O(n²logn) time for trees with bounded degrees.     

An improved exact algorithm for the domatic number problem

The 3-domatic number problem asks whether a given graph can be partitioned into three dominating sets. We prove that this problem can be solved by a deterministic algorithm in time n^2.695 (up to polynomial factors) and in polynomial space. This result improves the previous bound of n^2.8805, which is due to Björklund and Husfeldt. To prove our result, we combine an algorithm by Fomin et al. with Yamamoto's algorithm for the satisfiability problem. In addition, we show that the 3-domatic number problem can be solved for graphs G with bounded maximum degree Δ(G) by a randomized polynomial-space algorithm, whose running time is better than the previous bound due to Riege and Rothe whenever Δ(G)?5. Our new randomized algorithm employs Schöning's approach to constraint satisfaction problems.     

An algorithm for partitioning trees augmented with sibling edges

We investigate a special case of the graph partitioning problem: the partitioning of a sibling graph which is an ordered tree augmented with edges connecting consecutive nodes that share a common parent. We describe the algorithm, XS, and present a proof of its correctness.     

Extremal values on the harmonic number of trees

Let G=(V(G), E(G)) be a simple connected graph. The harmonic number of G, denoted by H(G), is defined as the sum of the weights 2/(d(u)+d(v)) of all edges uv of G, where d(u) denotes the degree of a vertex u in G. In this paper, some extremal problems on the harmonic number of trees are studied. The extremal values on the harmonic number of trees with given graphic parameters, such as pendant number, matching number, domination number and diameter, are determined. The corresponding extremal graphs are characterized, respectively.     

Improved algorithm for all pairs shortest paths

We present an improved algorithm for all pairs shortest paths. For a graph of n vertices our algorithm runs in O(n³(loglogn/logn)^5/7) time. This improves the best previous result which runs in O(n³(loglogn/logn)^1/2) time.     

Optimal algorithms for symmetry detection in two and three dimensions

Exact algorithms for detecting all rotational and involutional symmetries in point sets, polygons and polyhedra are described. The time complexities of the algorithms are shown to be (n) for polygons and (n logn) for two- and three-dimensional point sets. (n logn) time is also required for general polyhedra, but for polyhedra with connected, planar surface graphs (n) time can be achieved. All algorithms are optimal in time complexity, within constants.     

Cluster editing problem for points on the real line: A polynomial time algorithm

In this paper we consider the cluster editing problem for a special type of graphs, where the vertices represent points on the real line and there is an edge between each two vertices for which the distance between their corresponding points on the line is less than a given constant. We give a polynomial time cluster editing algorithm for this class of graphs.     

The realization problem for Euclidean minimum spanning trees is NP-hard

We show that the problem of determining whether a tree can be drawn so that it is the Euclidean minimum spanning tree of the locations of its vertices is NP-hard.Partially written while this author was visiting the University of Newcastle.     

Using stable sets to bound the chromatic number

A generalization of the Roy-Gallai theorem is presented: it is based on the existence in any oriented graph of a stable set S such that for any node w not in S there is an elementary path from some node of S to w. The bound obtained improves earlier results by Berge and by Li.     

A simple approximation algorithm for the weighted matching problem

We present a linear time approximation algorithm with a performance ratio of 1/2 for finding a maximum weight matching in an arbitrary graph. Such a result is already known and is due to Preis [STACS'99, Lecture Notes in Comput. Sci., Vol. 1563, 1999, pp. 259-269]. Our algorithm uses a new approach which is much simpler than the one given by Preis and needs no amortized analysis for its running time.     

Improving the running time of embedded upward planarity testing

We consider the standard algorithm by Bertolazzi et al. to test the upward planarity of embedded digraphs. We show how to improve its running time from O(n+r²) to , where r is the number of sources and sinks in the digraph. We also discuss an application of this technique: improving the running time of getting a quasi-upward planar drawing for an embedded digraph with minimum number of bends.     

The number of spanning trees of a graph with given matching number

The number of spanning trees of a graph G is the total number of distinct spanning subgraphs of G that are trees. In this paper, we present sharp upper bounds for the number of spanning trees of a graph with given matching number.     

Improved FPT algorithm for feedback vertex set problem in bipartite tournament

We present an O(k³n²+n³) time FPT algorithm for the feedback vertex set problem in a bipartite tournament on n vertices with integral weights. This improves the previously best known O(k^3.12n⁴) time FPT algorithm for the problem.     

Efficient symmetry breaking formulations for the job grouping problem

The job grouping problem consists of assigning a set of jobs, each with a specific set of tool requirements, to machines with a limited tool capacity in order to minimize the number of machines needed. Traditionally, a formulation has been used that assigns jobs to machines. However, such a formulation contains a lot of symmetry since the machines are identical and they can be permuted in any feasible solution. We propose a new formulation for this problem, based on the asymmetric representatives formulation (ARF) idea. This formulation eliminates the symmetry between the identical machines. We further propose various symmetry breaking constraints, including variable reduction and lexicographic ordering constraints, which can be added to the traditional formulation. These formulations are tested on a data set from the literature and newly generated data sets using a state-of-the-art commercial solver, which includes symmetry breaking features.