588086
Calculating normalization constants of closed queueing networks by numerically inverting their generating functions
A new algorithm is developed for calculating normalization constants (partition functions) and moments of product-form steady-state distributions of closed queuing networks and related models. The essential idea is to numerically invert the generating function of the normalization constant and related generating functions appearing in expressions for the moments. It is known that the generating function of the normalization constant often has a remarkably simple form, but numerical inversion evidently has not been considered before. For p-dimensional transforms, as occur with queuing networks having p closed chains, the algorithm recursively performs p one-dimensional inversions. The required computation grows exponentially in the dimension, but the dimension can often be reduced by exploiting conditional decomposition based on special structure. For large populations, the inversion algorithm is made more efficient by computing large sums using Euler summation. The inversion algorithm also has a very low storage requirement. A key ingredient in the inversion algorithm is scaling. An effective static scaling is developed for multichain closed queuing networks with only single-server and (optionally) infinite-server queues. An important feature of the inversion algorithm is a self-contained accuracy check, which allows the results to be verified in the absence of alternative algorithms.
43168296
Traffic models for wireless communication networks
The authors introduce a deterministic fluid model and two stochastic traffic models for wireless networks. The setting is a highway with multiple entrances and exits. Vehicles are classified as calling or non-calling, depending on whether they have calls in progress. The deterministic model ignores the behavior of individual vehicles and treats them as a continuous fluid, whereas the stochastic traffic models consider the random behavior of each vehicle. However, all three model's use the same two coupled partial (or ordinary) differential equations to describe the system evolution. The call density and call handoff rate (or their expected values in the stochastic models) are readily computable by solving these equations. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate how the models can be used to investigate various aspects of time and space dynamics in wireless networks. These examples also show that the models can serve as useful tools for system engineering and planning.<<ETX>>
39521573
An inversion algorithm for loss networks with state-dependent rates
We extend our recently developed algorithm for computing (exact) steady-state blocking probabilities for each class in product-form loss networks to cover general state-dependent arrival and service rates. This generalization allows us to consider, for the first time, a wide variety of buffered and unbuffered resource-sharing models with non-Poisson traffic as may arise with overflows in the context of alternative routing. As before, we consider non-complete-sharing policies involving upper-limit and guaranteed-minimum bounds for the different classes, but here we consider both bounds simultaneously. Major features of the algorithm are: dimension reduction by conditional decomposition based on special structure, an effective scaling algorithm to control errors in the inversion, the efficient treatments of multiple classes with identical parameters and the truncation of large sums.
18850432
A hybrid approach to discover Bayesian networks from databases using evolutionary programming
Describes a data mining approach that employs evolutionary programming to discover knowledge represented in Bayesian networks. There are two different approaches to the network learning problem. The first one uses dependency analysis, while the second one searches good network structures according to a metric. Unfortunately, both approaches have their own drawbacks. Thus, we propose a hybrid algorithm of the two approaches, which consists of two phases, namely, the conditional independence test and the search phases. A new operator is introduced to further enhance the search efficiency. We conduct a number of experiments and compare the hybrid algorithm with our previous algorithm, MDLEP, which uses EP for network learning. The empirical results illustrate that the new approach has better performance. We apply the approach to data sets of direct marketing and compare the performance of the evolved Bayesian networks obtained by the new algorithm with the models generated by other methods. In the comparison, the induced Bayesian networks produced by the new algorithm outperform the other models.
19552180
A Fuzzy Expert Database System
Abstract Fuzzy concepts always exist in much of human reasoning as well as decision making. This paper presents a fuzzy expert database system which is an integration of a fuzzy expert system building tool called SYSTEM Z-II and a database management system called Rdb/VMS. This system is able to extract fuzzy data and terms stored in a database and used in the fuzzy reasoning in an expert system. It can also retrieve information by fuzzy database-queries which are generated by the expert system automatically. Many expert systems in different domain areas such as decision making can be constructed. Sample applications are described to demonstrate the flexibility and power of this system. The fuzzy query language defined and used in the system can also be used independently as a fuzzy enquiry tool in database applications.
320235
Handling signature purposes in workflow systems
Abstract In paper-based workflow systems, signatures of individuals or groups of people have been used extensively for different purposes. Currently there are numerous studies on computerizing workflow systems. Also there are studies on implementing digital signatures in electronic media. But the diversified purposes of a signature in workflow makes a straightforward implementation of digital signature schemes inadequate. There are few studies on the implication of different signature purposes on electronic workflow systems. The purposes of signature are closely associated with the two modes of decision making, namely single and group. These two modes of decision making in turn lead to single and group signatures. This paper reports our comprehensive studies on signature purposes. These include the analysis of common signature purposes in workflow, classification of these purposes, classification of modes of decision making associated with these signature purposes, signing and validation requirements for handling these signature purposes, and finally an architecture to be incorporated in workflow engines for handling these signature purposes. In summary, this paper addresses a commonly neglected problem in information systems research: management control by signature in workflow.
17959915
An Enhanced Annealing Genetic Algorithm For Multi-objective Optimization Problems
In this paper, we present a new algorithm — an Enhanced Annealing Genetic Algorithm for Multi-Objective Optimization problems (MOPs). The algorithm tackles the MOPs by a new quantitative measurement of the Pareto front coverage quality — Coverage Quotient. We then correspondingly design an energy function, a fitness function and a hybridization framework, and manage to achieve both satisfactory results and guaranteed convergence.
11001415
Automatic refinement of knowledge bases with fuzzy rules
Abstract The knowledge-acquisition bottleneck obstructs the development of expert systems. Refinement of existing knowledge bases is a subproblem of the knowledge-acquisition problem. The paper presents a HEuristic REfinement System (HERES), which refines rules with mixed fuzzy and nonfuzzy concepts represented in a variant of the rule representation language Z-II automatically. HERES employs heuristics and analytical methods to guide its generation of plausible refinements. The functionality and effectiveness of HERES are verified through various case studies. It has been verified that HERES can successfully refine knowledge bases. The refinement methods can handle imprecise and uncertain examples and generate approximate rules. In this aspect, they are better than other famous learning algorithms such as ID3 15–18 , AQ11, and INDUCE 14, 19, 20 because HERES' methods are currently unique in processing inexact examples and creating approximate rules.