Invariant-driven specifications in Maude

This work presents a general mechanism for executing specifications that comply with given invariants, which may be expressed in different formalisms and logics. We exploit Maude’s reflective capabilities and its properties as a general semantic framework to provide a generic strategy that allows us to execute Maude specifications taking into account user-defined invariants. The strategy is parameterized by the invariants and by the logic in which such invariants are expressed. We experiment with different logics, providing examples for propositional logic, (finite future time) linear temporal logic and metric temporal logic.     

A hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model for firms competence evaluation

In this paper, we present a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model to evaluate the competence of the firms. According to the competence-based theory reveals that firm competencies are recognized from exclusive and unique capabilities that each firm enjoy in marketplace and are tightly intertwined within different business functions throughout the company. Therefore, competence in the firm is a composite of various attributes. Among them many intangible and tangible attributes are difficult to measure. In order to overcome the issue, we invite fuzzy set theory into the measurement of performance. In this paper first we calculate the weight of each criterion through adaptive analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach (A³) method, and then we appraise the performance of firms via linguistic variables which are expressed as trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. In the next step we transform these fuzzy numbers into interval data by means of α-cut. Then considering different values for α we rank the firms through TOPSIS method with interval data. Since there are different ranks for different α values, we apply linear assignment method to obtain final rank for alternatives.     

Necessary optimality conditions for fuzzy variational problems

The main aims of this study are to derive the fuzzy Euler-Lagrange conditions for both fuzzy unconstrained and constrained variational problems based on the concepts of differentiability and integrability of a fuzzy mapping that may be parameterized by the left and right-hand functions of its α-level sets.     

Application of fuzzy sets to manufacturing/distribution planning decisions in supply chains

In the real-world manufacturing/distribution planning decision (MDPD) integration problems in supply chains, the environmental coefficients and parameters are normally imprecise due to incomplete and/or unavailable information. This work presents a fuzzy linear programming approach based on the possibility theory. It applies this approach to solve multi-product and multi-time period MDPD problems with imprecise goals and forecast demand by considering the time value of money of related operating cost categories. The proposed approach attempts to minimize the total manufacturing and distribution costs by considering the levels of inventory, subcontracting and backordering, the available machine capacity and labor levels at each source, forecast demand and available warehouse space at each destination. This study utilizes an industrial case study to demonstrate the feasibility of applying the proposed approach to practical MDPD problems. The primary contribution of this paper is a fuzzy mathematical programming methodology for solving the MDPD integration problems in uncertain environments.     

Minimizing a linear objective function under a fuzzy max-t norm relation equation constraint

The work examines the feasibility of minimizing a linear objective function subject to a max-t fuzzy relation equation constraint, where t is a continuous/Archimedean t-norm. Conventional methods for solving this problem are significantly improved by, first separating the problem into two sub-problems according to the availability of positive coefficients. This decomposition is thus more easily handled than in previous literature. Next, based on use of the maximum solution of the constraint equation, the sub-problem with non-positive coefficients is solved and the size of the sub-problem with positive coefficients reduced as well. This step is unique among conventional methods, owing to its ability to determine as many optimal variables as possible. Additionally, several rules are developed for simplifying the remaining problem. Finally, those undecided optimal variables are obtained using the covering problem rather than the branch-and-bound methods. Three illustrative examples demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms conventional schemes. Its potential applications are discussed as well.     

Decision support for Cybersecurity risk planning

Security countermeasures help ensure the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of information systems by preventing or mitigating asset losses from Cybersecurity attacks. Due to uncertainty, the financial impact of threats attacking assets is often difficult to measure quantitatively, and thus it is difficult to prescribe which countermeasures to employ. In this research, we describe a decision support system for calculating the uncertain risk faced by an organization under cyber attack as a function of uncertain threat rates, countermeasure costs, and impacts on its assets. The system uses a genetic algorithm to search for the best combination of countermeasures, allowing the user to determine the preferred tradeoff between the cost of the portfolio and resulting risk. Data collected from manufacturing firms provide an example of results under realistic input conditions.     

Formal modelling of organisational goals based on performance indicators

Every organisation exists or is created for the achievement of one or more goals. To ensure continued success, the organisation should monitor its performance with respect to the formulated goals. In practice the performance of an organisation is often evaluated by estimating its performance indicators. In most existing approaches for organisation modelling the relation between performance indicators and goals remains implicit. This paper proposes a formal framework for modelling goals based on performance indicators and defines mechanisms for establishing goal satisfaction, which enable evaluation of organisational performance. Methodological and analysis issues related to goals are also discussed in the paper. The described framework is a part of a general framework for organisation modelling and analysis.     

对DAG-MAP算法的研究

DAG－MAP是一个面向延迟优化的FPGA工艺映射算法,其中的标记过程是该算法的核心.文章对原算法中的标记过程进行了研究,并且提出了一个改进的标记方法.通过对MCNC标准测试电路的实验结果表明该算法比原算法更为有效,并且算法所用时间没有明显的增加.