10,310 research outputs found
Finding Near-Optimal Independent Sets at Scale
The independent set problem is NP-hard and particularly difficult to solve in
large sparse graphs. In this work, we develop an advanced evolutionary
algorithm, which incorporates kernelization techniques to compute large
independent sets in huge sparse networks. A recent exact algorithm has shown
that large networks can be solved exactly by employing a branch-and-reduce
technique that recursively kernelizes the graph and performs branching.
However, one major drawback of their algorithm is that, for huge graphs,
branching still can take exponential time. To avoid this problem, we
recursively choose vertices that are likely to be in a large independent set
(using an evolutionary approach), then further kernelize the graph. We show
that identifying and removing vertices likely to be in large independent sets
opens up the reduction space---which not only speeds up the computation of
large independent sets drastically, but also enables us to compute high-quality
independent sets on much larger instances than previously reported in the
literature.Comment: 17 pages, 1 figure, 8 tables. arXiv admin note: text overlap with
arXiv:1502.0168
A Framework for Structured Quantum Search
A quantum algorithm for general combinatorial search that uses the underlying
structure of the search space to increase the probability of finding a solution
is presented. This algorithm shows how coherent quantum systems can be matched
to the underlying structure of abstract search spaces, and is analytically
simpler than previous structured search methods. The algorithm is evaluated
empirically with a variety of search problems, and shown to be particularly
effective for searches with many constraints. Furthermore, the algorithm
provides a simple framework for utilizing search heuristics. It also exhibits
the same phase transition in search difficulty as found for sophisticated
classical search methods, indicating it is effectively using the problem
structure.Comment: 18 pages, Latex, 7 figures, further information available at
ftp://parcftp.xerox.com/pub/dynamics/quantum.htm
Conditionals in Homomorphic Encryption and Machine Learning Applications
Homomorphic encryption aims at allowing computations on encrypted data
without decryption other than that of the final result. This could provide an
elegant solution to the issue of privacy preservation in data-based
applications, such as those using machine learning, but several open issues
hamper this plan. In this work we assess the possibility for homomorphic
encryption to fully implement its program without relying on other techniques,
such as multiparty computation (SMPC), which may be impossible in many use
cases (for instance due to the high level of communication required). We
proceed in two steps: i) on the basis of the structured program theorem
(Bohm-Jacopini theorem) we identify the relevant minimal set of operations
homomorphic encryption must be able to perform to implement any algorithm; and
ii) we analyse the possibility to solve -- and propose an implementation for --
the most fundamentally relevant issue as it emerges from our analysis, that is,
the implementation of conditionals (requiring comparison and selection/jump
operations). We show how this issue clashes with the fundamental requirements
of homomorphic encryption and could represent a drawback for its use as a
complete solution for privacy preservation in data-based applications, in
particular machine learning ones. Our approach for comparisons is novel and
entirely embedded in homomorphic encryption, while previous studies relied on
other techniques, such as SMPC, demanding high level of communication among
parties, and decryption of intermediate results from data-owners. Our protocol
is also provably safe (sharing the same safety as the homomorphic encryption
schemes), differently from other techniques such as
Order-Preserving/Revealing-Encryption (OPE/ORE).Comment: 14 pages, 1 figure, corrected typos, added introductory pedagogical
section on polynomial approximatio
Symmetry-Based Search Space Reduction For Grid Maps
In this paper we explore a symmetry-based search space reduction technique
which can speed up optimal pathfinding on undirected uniform-cost grid maps by
up to 38 times. Our technique decomposes grid maps into a set of empty
rectangles, removing from each rectangle all interior nodes and possibly some
from along the perimeter. We then add a series of macro-edges between selected
pairs of remaining perimeter nodes to facilitate provably optimal traversal
through each rectangle. We also develop a novel online pruning technique to
further speed up search. Our algorithm is fast, memory efficient and retains
the same optimality and completeness guarantees as searching on an unmodified
grid map
A simheuristic for routing electric vehicles with limited driving ranges and stochastic travel times
Green transportation is becoming relevant in the context of smart cities, where the use of electric vehicles represents a promising strategy to support sustainability policies. However the use of electric vehicles shows some drawbacks as well, such as their limited driving-range capacity. This paper analyses a realistic vehicle routing problem in which both driving-range constraints and stochastic travel times are considered. Thus, the main goal is to minimize the expected time-based cost required to complete the freight distribution plan. In order to design reliable Routing plans, a simheuristic algorithm is proposed. It combines Monte Carlo simulation with a multi-start metaheuristic, which also employs biased-randomization techniques. By including simulation, simheuristics extend the capabilities of metaheuristics to deal with stochastic problems. A series of computational experiments are performed to test our solving approach as well as to analyse the effect of uncertainty on the routing plans.Peer Reviewe
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