Enumeration of Preferred Extensions in Almost Oriented Digraphs

In this paper, we present enumeration algorithms to list all preferred extensions of an argumentation framework. This task is equivalent to enumerating all maximal semikernels of a directed graph. For directed graphs on n vertices, all preferred extensions can be enumerated in O^*(3^{n/3}) time and there are directed graphs with Omega(3^{n/3}) preferred extensions. We give faster enumeration algorithms for directed graphs with at most 0.8004 * n vertices occurring in 2-cycles. In particular, for oriented graphs (digraphs with no 2-cycles) one of our algorithms runs in time O(1.2321^n), and we show that there are oriented graphs with Omega(3^{n/6}) > Omega(1.2009^n) preferred extensions. A combination of three algorithms leads to the fastest enumeration times for various proportions of the number of vertices in 2-cycles. The most innovative one is a new 2-stage sampling algorithm, combined with a new parameterized enumeration algorithm, analyzed with a combination of the recent monotone local search technique (STOC 2016) and an extension thereof (ICALP 2017)

Sets as graphs

The aim of this thesis is a mutual transfer of computational and structural results and techniques between sets and graphs. We study combinatorial enumeration of sets, canonical encodings, random generation, digraph immersions. We also investigate the underlying structure of sets in algorithmic terms, or in connection with hereditary graphs classes. Finally, we employ a set-based proof-checker to verify two classical results on claw-free graph

Kirchhoff Graphs

Kirchhoff\u27s laws are well-studied for electrical networks with voltage and current sources, and edges marked by resistors. Kirchhoff\u27s voltage law states that the sum of voltages around any circuit of the network graph is zero, while Kirchhoff\u27s current law states that the sum of the currents along any cutset of the network graph is zero. Given a network, these requirements may be encoded by the circuit matrix and cutset matrix of the network graph. The columns of these matrices are indexed by the edges of the network graph, and their row spaces are orthogonal complements. For (chemical or electrochemical) reaction networks, one must naturally study the opposite problem, beginning with the stoichiometric matrix rather than the network graph. This leads to the following question: given such a matrix, what is a suitable graphic rendering of a network that properly visualizes the underlying chemical reactions? Although we can not expect uniqueness, the goal is to prove existence of such a graph for any matrix. Specifically, we study Kirchhoff graphs, originally introduced by Fehribach. Mathematically, Kirchhoff graphs represent the orthocomplementarity of the row space and null space of integer-valued matrices. After introducing the definition of Kirchhoff graphs, we will survey Kirchhoff graphs in the context of several diverse branches of mathematics. Beginning with combinatorial group theory, we consider Cayley graphs of the additive group of vector spaces, and resolve the existence problem for matrices over finite fields. Moving to linear algebra, we draw a number of conclusions based on a purely matrix-theoretic definition of Kirchhoff graphs, specifically regarding the number of vector edges. Next we observe a geometric approach, reviewing James Clerk Maxwell\u27s theory of reciprocal figures, and presenting a number of results on Kirchhoff duality. We then turn to algebraic combinatorics, where we study equitable partitions, quotients, and graph automorphisms. In addition to classifying the matrices that are the quotient of an equitable partition, we demonstrate that many Kirchhoff graphs arise from equitable edge-partitions of directed graphs. Finally we study matroids, where we review Tutte\u27s algorithm for determining when a binary matroid is graphic, and extend this method to show that every binary matroid is Kirchhoff. The underlying theme throughout each of these investigations is determining new ways to both recognize and construct Kirchhoff graphs