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Explicit Reversible Resolution proofs for Sink-or-Clash CNF

Construct explicit efficient proofs in the Reversible Resolution proof system for the unsatisfiable CNF encoding the Sink-or-Clash total search problem (and related UEOPL^dt-complete problems such as Cube-OPDC), thereby providing concrete SOPL^dt proofs consistent with known class containments.

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Background

The authors give an explicit efficient resolution proof (characterizing PLSdt) for the CNF corresponding to Sink-or-Clash. Since Sink-or-Clash lies in UEOPLdt ⊂ SOPLdt, efficient proofs in weaker systems (e.g., Reversible Resolution, which characterizes SOPLdt) are known to exist in principle.

However, no explicit Reversible Resolution proofs are currently known for the Sink-or-Clash CNF, motivating the construction of such concrete proofs to better understand proof-system characterizations of UEOPLdt and SOPLdt.

References

Although efficient proofs in weaker proof systems are known to exist, for example using Reversible Resolution, the proof system that characterizes SOPLdt (as Sink-or-Clash ∈ UEOPLdt ⊂ SOPLdt), we do not know concrete proofs.

Non-Promise Version of Unique Sink Orientations (2408.17283 - Marques, 30 Aug 2024) in Section 7 (Future Work)