Related papers: Collecting Coupons with Random Initial Stake
The $n$-queens puzzle is to place $n$ mutually non-attacking queens on an $n \times n$ chessboard. We present a simple two stage randomized algorithm to construct such configurations. In the first stage, a random greedy algorithm constructs…
PARITY is the problem of determining the parity of a string $f$ of $n$ bits given access to an oracle that responds to a query $x\in\{0,1,...,n-1\}$ with the $x^{\rm th}$ bit of the string, $f(x)$. Classically, $n$ queries are required to…
The problem of ranking can be described as follows. We have a set of combinatorial objects $S$, such as, say, the k-subsets of n things, and we can imagine that they have been arranged in some list, say lexicographically, and we want to…
In a seminal paper on finding large matchings in sparse random graphs, Karp and Sipser proposed two algorithms for this task. The second algorithm has been intensely studied, but due to technical difficulties, the first algorithm has…
Effective and reliable data retrieval is critical for the feasibility of DNA storage, and the development of random access efficiency plays a key role in its practicality and reliability. In this paper, we study the Random Access Problem,…
We consider the following game. A deck with $m$ copies of each of $n$ distinct cards is shuffled in a perfectly random way. The Guesser sequentially guesses the card from top to bottom. After each guess, the Guesser is informed whether the…
We investigate a stochastic search process in one, two, and three dimensions in which $N$ diffusing searchers that all start at $x_0$ seek a target at the origin. Each of the searchers is also reset to its starting point, either with rate…
We solve the dynamic Predecessor Problem with high probability (whp) in constant time, using only $n^{1+\delta}$ bits of memory, for any constant $\delta > 0$. The input keys are random wrt a wider class of the well studied and practically…
We consider the problem of sampling and approximately counting an arbitrary given motif $H$ in a graph $G$, where access to $G$ is given via queries: degree, neighbor, and pair, as well as uniform edge sample queries. Previous algorithms…
Motivated by the need for robust and fast distributed computation in highly dynamic Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks, we study algorithms for the fundamental distributed agreement problem. P2P networks are highly dynamic networks that experience…
We consider the single-source (or single-sink) buy-at-bulk problem with an unknown concave cost function. We want to route a set of demands along a graph to or from a designated root node, and the cost of routing x units of flow along an…
Randomized parallel algorithms for many fundamental problems achieve optimal linear work in expectation, but upgrading this guarantee to hold with high probability (whp) remains a recurring theoretical challenge. In this paper, we address…
The aim of this thesis is to determine classes of NP relations for which random generation and approximate counting problems admit an efficient solution. Since efficient rank implies efficient random generation, we first investigate some…
We study the complexity of solving two-player infinite duration games played on a fixed finite graph, where the control of a node is not predetermined but rather assigned randomly. In classic random-turn games, control of each node is…
In this paper we consider a scenario where there are several algorithms for solving a given problem. Each algorithm is associated with a probability of success and a cost, and there is also a penalty for failing to solve the problem. The…
Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes (POMDPs) are powerful models for sequential decision making under transition and observation uncertainties. This paper studies the challenging yet important problem in POMDPs known as the…
Randomized algorithms and data structures are often analyzed under the assumption of access to a perfect source of randomness. The most fundamental metric used to measure how "random" a hash function or a random number generator is, is its…
We consider a settings of hierarchical reinforcement learning, in which the reward is a sum of components. For each component we are given a policy that maximizes it and our goal is to assemble a policy from the individual policies that…
As DNA data storage moves closer to practical deployment, minimizing sequencing coverage depth is essential to reduce both operational costs and retrieval latency. This paper addresses the recently studied Random Access Problem, which…
In coding and information theory, it is desirable to construct maximal codes that can be either variable length codes or error control codes of fixed length. However deciding code maximality boils down to deciding whether a given NFA is…