Structurally Parameterized d-Scattered Set

In $d$-Scattered Set we are given an (edge-weighted) graph and are asked to select at least $k$ vertices, so that the distance between any pair is at least $d$, thus generalizing Independent Set. We provide upper and lower bounds on the complexity of this problem with respect to various standard graph parameters. In particular, we show the following: - For any $d\ge2$, an $O^*(d^{\textrm{tw}})$-time algorithm, where $\textrm{tw}$ is the treewidth of the input graph. - A tight SETH-based lower bound matching this algorithm's performance. These generalize known results for Independent Set. - $d$-Scattered Set is W[1]-hard parameterized by vertex cover (for edge-weighted graphs), or feedback vertex set (for unweighted graphs), even if $k$ is an additional parameter. - A single-exponential algorithm parameterized by vertex cover for unweighted graphs, complementing the above-mentioned hardness. - A $2^{O(\textrm{td}^2)}$-time algorithm parameterized by tree-depth ($\textrm{td}$), as well as a matching ETH-based lower bound, both for unweighted graphs. We complement these mostly negative results by providing an FPT approximation scheme parameterized by treewidth. In particular, we give an algorithm which, for any error parameter $\epsilon > 0$, runs in time $O^*((\textrm{tw}/\epsilon)^{O(\textrm{tw})})$ and returns a $d/(1+\epsilon)$-scattered set of size $k$, if a $d$-scattered set of the same size exists

Cluster synchronization in networks of coupled non-identical dynamical systems

In this paper, we study cluster synchronization in networks of coupled non-identical dynamical systems. The vertices in the same cluster have the same dynamics of uncoupled node system but the uncoupled node systems in different clusters are different. We present conditions guaranteeing cluster synchronization and investigate the relation between cluster synchronization and the unweighted graph topology. We indicate that two condition play key roles for cluster synchronization: the common inter-cluster coupling condition and the intra-cluster communication. From the latter one, we interpret the two well-known cluster synchronization schemes: self-organization and driving, by whether the edges of communication paths lie at inter or intra-cluster. By this way, we classify clusters according to whether the set of edges inter- or intra-cluster edges are removable if wanting to keep the communication between pairs of vertices in the same cluster. Also, we propose adaptive feedback algorithms on the weights of the underlying graph, which can synchronize any bi-directed networks satisfying the two conditions above. We also give several numerical examples to illustrate the theoretical results