SD-Solver: Towards a “multidirectional” CLP-based simulation tool

SD-Solver is a general purpose simulation environment grounded on the Constraint Logic Programming technology. Its main aim is to facilitate the development of Decision Support Systems based on dynamic models. Using SD-Solver, forward and backward simulations can be performed -to some extent- on the basis of a single model. This paper outlines the underlying framework and presents the most important aspects of SD-Solver using two elementary financial examples.[/p]     

Deontic logic in the representation of law: Towards a methodology

There seems to be no clear consensus in the existing literature about the role of deontic logic in legal knowledge representation — in large part, we argue, because of an apparent misunderstanding of what deontic logic is, and a misplaced preoccupation with the surface formulation of legislative texts. Our aim in this paper is to indicate, first, which aspects of legal reasoning are addressed by deontic logic, and then to sketch out the beginnings of a methodology for its use in the analysis and representation of law.The essential point for which we argue is that deontic logic — in some form or other —needs to be taken seriously whenever it is necessary to make explicit, and then reason about, the distinction between what ought to be the case and what is the case, or as we also say, between the ideal and the actual. We take the library regulations at Imperial College as the main illustration, and small examples from genuinely legal domains to introduce specific points. In conclusion, we touch on the role of deontic logic in the development of the theory of normative positions.Deontic logic and the theory of normative positions are of relevance to legal knowledge representation, but also to the analysis and. representation of normative systems generally. The emphasis of the paper is on legal knowledge representation, but we seek to place the discussion within the context of a broader range of issues concerning the role of deontic logic in Computer Science.     

Towards a probability theory based on Moisil logic

 In this paper a concept of probability defined on a Lukasiewicz-Moisil algebra is proposed. We take some steps in developing the theory, including an extension theorem and some results related to conditional probabilities on Lukasiewicz-Moisil algebras.     

Modifiers based on some t-norms in fuzzy logic

Modifiers generated by n-placed functions are considered. The subject matter of modifiers are fuzzy sets, i.e. membership functions defined on the unit interval I = [0, 1]. Two sets of modifiers are considered as example cases. One of them is a set of modifiers generated by t-norms and t-conorms. Here different dual pairs of norms create modifiers of different grade of strength. These norms are examples of two-placed functions. Another case is to generate a series of modifiers using only one DeMorgan class of norms. Norms are generalized to be n-placed functions. The place number n takes effect to the strength of a modifier. Two different DeMorgan classes are taken into the consideration. The first steps to the direction of many-valued modifier logics are taken.     

Fault detection and identification based on combining logic and model in a wall-climbing robot

A combined logic- and model-based approach to fault detection and identification （FDI） in a suction foot control system of a wall-climbing robot is presented in this paper. For the control system, some fault models are derived by kinematics analysis. Moreover, the logic relations of the system states are known in advance. First, a fault tree is used to analyze the system by evaluating the basic events （elementary causes）, which can lead to a root event （a particular fault）. Then, a multiple-model adaptive estimation algorithm is used to detect and identify the model-known faults. Finally, based on the system states of the robot and the results of the estimation, the model-unknown faults are also identified using logical reasoning. Experiments show that the proposed approach based on the combination of logical reasoning and model estimating is efficient in the FDI of the robot.     

基于对象关系模式的XML转换

本文讨论关系模式集合上的包含依赖与组合依赖，提出了基于对象类之间的继承和组合关系的XML文档的一般转换思路，这种转换方法可以减少转换过程中嵌套结构的随意性和具体问题的依赖性，同时由于通过XML文档本身保存了关系文件的语义信息，有利于问题的逆转换。     

Assessment of programming language learning based on peer code review model: Implementation and experience report

The traditional assessment approach, in which one single written examination counts toward a student’s total score, no longer meets new demands of programming language education. Based on a peer code review process model, we developed an online assessment system called EduPCR and used a novel approach to assess the learning of computer programming languages. Using this approach, students peer review programs written by other students, share ideas and make suggestions to achieve an objective of collaborative and interactive learning. Teachers assess and give scores to students based on their performance in writing, reviewing and revising programs and their abidance to a peer code review process. After using this approach in two courses in two consecutive semesters, we observed significant improvements of student learning in various aspects. We also conducted two questionnaire surveys and two interviews. The survey data and the interview report indicated that this assessment approach demonstrates high practical values in assessing student learning outcomes in programming languages. Additionally, this approach leads to several interesting research topics for future research in this field.     

Building a financial diagnosis system based on fuzzy logic production system

The purpose of this study is to build a financial expert system based on fuzzy theory and Fuzzy LOgic Production System (FLOPS), which is an expert tool for processing the ambiguity. The study consists if four parts. For the first part, the basic features of expert systems are presented. For the second part, fizzy concepts and the evaluation of classical expert systems to fuzzy expert systems will be presented. For the third part, the expert system shell (FLOPS) used in this study will be described. For the last part, it will be presented the financial diagnosis system, developed by using the Wall's seven ratios, traditional seven ratios and also 34 ratios selected by a financial expert. After analyzing and investigating these three kinds of methods, financial diagnosis system will be developed as a fuzzy expen system which used a membership function based on averages and standard deviation. At the last step, the new approach will be tried by increasing the fuzzy sets for five membership functions. Some practical examples will be given. Throughout the paper, the way of building a financial diagnosis system based on fuzzy expert system is stressed.     

CMX RTOS在嵌入式系统设计中的应用

介绍了一种嵌入式实时多任务操作系统----CMX RTOS的结构及工作原理,特别是它的调度管理、中断管理、任务与任务间的通信管理及常用的API函数。以基于CMX API函数设计的程序代码为例,给出了CMX RTOS在嵌入式系统中程序设计的过程与思路。     

Solving for a quadratic programming with a quadratic constraint based on a neural network frame

In many applications, a class of optimization problems called quadratic programming with a special quadratic constraint (QPQC) often occurs, such as in the fields of maximum entropy spectral estimation, FIR filter design with time–frequency constraint and design of an FIR filter bank with perfect reconstruction property. In order to deal with this kind of optimization problems and be inspired by the computational virtue of analog or dynamic neural networks, a feedback neural network is proposed for solving for this class of QPQC computation problems in real time in this paper. The stability, convergence and computational performance of the proposed neural network have also been analyzed and proved in detail so as to theoretically guarantee the computational effectiveness and capability of the network. From the theoretical analyses it turns out that the solution of a QPQC problem is just the generalized minimum eigenvector of the objective matrix with respect to the constrained matrix. A number of simulation experiments have been given to further support our theoretical analysis and illustrate the computational performance of the proposed network.     

Implementing an emerging mobility model for a fleet of UAVs based on a fuzzy logic inference system

In this paper, we design and implement a novel generic mobility model, named Alpha-based, for a fleet of small interconnected UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) that collaborate to explore a geographic area (battle field, research and rescue missions, surveillance applications, etc.). In fact, due to the significant impact of mobility models on the networking performance, the mobility models must realistically capture the UAV’s attributes. Hence, we propose to use a combination of energy level, coverage-area and network connectivity for mobility decision-making, in contrast to the literature where only network connectivity and area coverage are investigated. On the one hand, these two metrics are very important, especially for applications where achieving the best area-coverage and maintaining network connectivity represent an essential requirement. On the other hand, energy is another equally noteworthy constraint that should be taken into account. In fact, being a crucial resource for all mobile devices and especially for UAVs, the energy becomes vital to ensure the network lifetime and mission success. As far as we know, Alpha-based mobility model is the first to ever consider a combination of these three metrics within the same decision-making criterion. A distributed scheme is adopted, where each UAV determines locally its future movement based on the information it receives from its neighbors. Moreover, a novel fuzzy inference system is implemented in order to compute the values of a followship weighting parameter, named Alpha. This latter is used to choose the most suitable neighboring UAV to follow. To validate the proposed mobility model, rigorous testing has been accomplished, through simulation work. Compared to Random-based and Forces-based mobility models, the Alpha-based mobility model achieves good coverage rate while maintaining connectivity.     

Towards an ecological account of media choice: a case study on pluralistic reasoning while choosing email

The discourse around media choice has generated a diverse array of media choice factors originating from both the media‐based and social interaction‐based approaches. The multitude of these factors hints at the adaptive nature of media choice. Alas, how a user engages with such factors and adaptively carries out media choice has remained understudied. We undertake a field study to explore the role of a plurality of choice factors and their interactions in shaping media choice processes and outcomes. In particular, we focus on how a user identifies relationships among plural choice factors while he or she works on his or her particular choice resulting in a similar outcome – email – given a large number of alternatives. Drawing upon a theory of affordances, we propose a systemic way of narrating the dynamics of media choice as a multi‐dimensional process where a user explores her or his surroundings – a niche – as to establish media affordances that will then help her or him achieve a communication goal. We identify five relational patterns of interactions among specific choice factors: reciprocity, emergence, complementarity, re‐exploration and actualisation. These patterns are shown to be emergent and highly interdependent. We conclude by reviewing future research avenues to formulate richer ‘ecological’ accounts of media choice.     

A model of a decision support system based on case-based reasoning for third-party logistics evaluation

The social demands for third‐party logistics (3PL) are further developing the model of supply chain management. The analysis of an effective approach for 3PL service supplier evaluation is given in terms of its direct relation to the operational efficiency and benefit of the service‐demanding enterprise as well as its supply chain management. An analysis of the traditional academic theoretical results and practical methods for 3PL supplier selection indicates the deficiencies of this approach. In this paper, a case‐based reasoning model framework is postulated for a 3PL evaluation and selection system. This work further expands upon the theoretical basis of this system and its reasoning process by discussing the advantages and practical value of this framework.     

A note on a new method based on the dispersion of weights in data envelopment analysis

In a very recent paper by Bal et al. (Bal, H., Örkcü, H. H., & Çelebioğlu, S. (2008). A new method based on the dispersion of weights in data envelopment analysis. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 54(3), 502–512), a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model which incorporates the coefficients of variations (CVs) of input–output weights was proposed to improve the discrimination power of DEA and balance input–output weights. This note points out that the input and output weights in DEA are of different dimensions and units. The weights with different dimensions and units cannot be simply added together and averaged. In other words, the DEA model with the inclusion of CVs of input–output weights, which was referred to as CVDEA model for short, makes no sense if input and output data are not normalized to eliminate their dimensions and units. This note also illustrates the facts that the CVDEA model can cause significant efficiency changes when a scale transformation is performed for an input or output and may produce multiple local optimal solutions due to its nonlinearity, leading to totally different assessment conclusions. These facts reveal that the CVDEA model suffers from serious drawbacks and its applications for efficiency assessment should be very cautious.     

A novel communication system approach for a Smart City based on the human nervous system

The massive introduction of internet, architect of the Internet of Thingsparadigm, was expected to facilitate the spread of people out of the urban spaces. However, the reality is that increasingly people are moving to cities, which generates many challenges for the cities of tomorrow. In this context, the Smart Cityconcept emerges, where Information and Communication Technologies have a key role. This situation has revealed an important issue that needs to be addressed: the lack of an ubiquitous communication architecture able to deal with the expected requirements of a SC. To this end, a wide review of the existing communication frameworks and city services have been performed, which showed that existing proposals are classical fixed ad-hocsolutions for very specific problems with no resilience and common thread. By rethinking the nature of cities and considering them as living organisms, it is possible to relate the nervous systems with the communication architecture of a city. Therefore, this work proposes a novel communication architecture, ubiquitous and resilient, inspired in the human nervous system by the definition of Smart Gateways, able to satisfy the needs of a real SCand adaptable to the growing and specific requirements of every single city. Additionally, the research also includes the simulation of the communication channel with different technologies.     

基于供水全生命周期管控的智慧水务平台研建

为解决供水全流程、各环节的有效管控,确保城乡居民用水安全,应用新科技和互联网思维促进和带动水务现代化,提升水务行业社会管理和公共服务能力,提出基于供水全生命周期管控的智慧水务平台解决方案。该平台充分利用物联网、大数据、移动互联网等新技术,汇聚生产、输配、运营、管理各类关键数据,进行多源信息融合处理、存储、分析,实现水源监管、生产管理、管网监控、营收管理、河湖长制、智慧应用等各类业务的供水全生命周期智慧化管控,平台的投入使用提高水务公司日常的运营效率,有效降低供水管网爆管率及漏损率,提升水务公司公共服务能力和水平,增强供水各环节多源异构数据的融合共享及智慧应用。     

A broadband out‐of‐phase gysel power divider based on a dual‐band circuit with a single fixed isolation resistor

Based on the double‐sided parallel‐strip lines with an inserted conductor as a virtual ground, a high power divider with dual‐band/broadband response and frequency‐independent 180° phase difference between the output ports is implemented in this paper. The circuit topology employs a single commercially available external isolation resistor as well as moderate line impedances (15–100 ohm), making it suitable for high‐power applications. Precise closed‐form design equations on the basis of even‐ and odd‐mode analysis are derived. In addition to the wide range of frequency band ratios from 1 to 2.65, broadband response is also obtained by selecting the proper value of frequency band ratios. To substantiate the design equations and theory, a circuit with 2:1 frequency ratio and 84.5% bandwidth referring to 16 dB isolation and 12 dB return loss values is developed. To the authors' knowledge, this is the widest bandwidth reported for out‐of‐phase high power dividers. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2016.     

Numerical simulation of two-dimensional sine-Gordon solitons via a local weak meshless technique based on the radial point interpolation method (RPIM)

In this paper the meshless local radial point interpolation method (LRPIM) is adopted to simulate the two-dimensional nonlinear sine-Gordon (S-G) equation. The meshless LRPIM is one of the “truly meshless” methods since it does not require any background integration cells. In this case, all integrations are carried out locally over small quadrature domains of regular shapes, such as circles or squares in two dimensions and spheres or cubes in three dimensions. A technique is proposed to construct shape functions using radial basis functions. These shape functions which are constructed by point interpolation method using the radial basis functions have delta function property. The time derivatives are approximated by the time-stepping method. In order to eliminate the nonlinearity, a simple predictor-corrector scheme is performed. Numerical results are obtained for various cases involving line and ring solitons. Also the conservation of energy in undamped sine-Gordon equation is investigated.     

Deterministic and probabilistic ship pitch prediction using a multi-predictor integration model based on hybrid data preprocessing,reinforcement learning and improved QRNN

The deterministic and probabilistic prediction of ship motion is important for safe navigation and stable real-time operational control of ships at sea. However, the volatility and randomness of ship motion, the non-adaptive nature of single predictors and the poor coverage of quantile regression pose serious challenges to uncertainty prediction, making research in this field limited. In this paper, a multi-predictor integration model based on hybrid data preprocessing, reinforcement learning and improved quantile regression neural network (QRNN) is proposed to explore the deterministic and probabilistic prediction of ship pitch motion. To validate the performance of the proposed multi-predictor integrated prediction model, an experimental study is conducted with three sets of actual ship longitudinal motions during sea trials in the South China Sea. The experimental results indicate that the root mean square errors (RMSEs) of the proposed model of deterministic prediction are 0.0254°, 0.0359°, and 0.0188°, respectively. Taking series #2 as an example, the prediction interval coverage probabilities (PICPs) of the proposed model of probability predictions at 90%, 95%, and 99% confidence levels (CLs) are 0.9400, 0.9800, and 1.0000, respectively. This study signifies that the proposed model can provide trusted deterministic predictions and can effectively quantify the uncertainty of ship pitch motion, which has the potential to provide practical support for ship early warning systems.