The relationship between Heyting algebras (HA) and semirings is explored. A new class of HAs called Symmetric Heyting algebras (SHAs) is proposed, and a necessary condition on SHAs to be consider semirings is given. We define a new mathematical famil
y called Heyting structures, which are similar to semirings, but with Heyting-algebra operators in place of the usual arithmetic operators usually seen in semirings. The impact of the zero-sum free property of semirings on Heyting structures is shown as also the condition under which it is possible to extend one Heyting structure to another. It is also shown that the union of two or more sets forming Heyting structures is again a Heyting structure, if the operators on the new structure are suitably derived from those of the component structures. The analysis also provides a sufficient condition such that the larger Heyting structure satisfying a monotony law implies that the ones forming the union do so as well.
Degradation analysis is used to analyze the useful lifetimes of systems, their failure rates, and various other system parameters like mean time to failure (MTTF), mean time between failures (MTBF), and the system failure rate (SFR). In many systems,
certain possible parallel paths of execution that have greater chances of success are preferred over others. Thus we introduce here the concept of probabilistic parallel choice. We use binary and $n$-ary probabilistic choice operators in describing the selections of parallel paths. These binary and $n$-ary probabilistic choice operators are considered so as to represent the complete system (described as a series-parallel system) in terms of the probabilities of selection of parallel paths and their relevant parameters. Our approach allows us to derive new and generalized formulae for system parameters like MTTF, MTBF, and SFR. We use a generalized exponential distribution, allowing distinct installation times for individual components, and use this model to derive expressions for such system parameters.
A cellular automata (CA) configuration is constructed that exhibits emergent failover. The configuration is based on standard Game of Life rules. Gliders and glider-guns form the core messaging structure in the configuration. The blinker is represent
ed as the basic computational unit, and it is shown how it can be recreated in case of a failure. Stateless failover using primary-backup mechanism is demonstrated. The details of the CA components used in the configuration and its working are described, and a simulation of the complete configuration is also presented.
We propose a new class of mathematical structures called (m,n)-semirings} (which generalize the usual semirings), and describe their basic properties. We also define partial ordering, and generalize the concepts of congruence, homomorphism, ideals, e
tc., for (m,n)-semirings. Following earlier work by Rao, we consider a system as made up of several components whose failures may cause it to fail, and represent the set of systems algebraically as an (m,n)-semiring. Based on the characteristics of these components we present a formalism to compare the fault tolerance behaviour of two systems using our framework of a partially ordered (m,n)-semiring.
The market economy deals with many interacting agents such as buyers and sellers who are autonomous intelligent agents pursuing their own interests. One such multi-agent system (MAS) that plays an important role in auctions is the combinatorial aucti
oning system (CAS). We use this framework to define our concept of fairness in terms of what we call as basic fairness and extended fairness. The assumptions of quasilinear preferences and dominant strategies are taken into consideration while explaining fairness. We give an algorithm to ensure fairness in a CAS using a Generalized Vickrey Auction (GVA). We use an algorithm of Sandholm to achieve optimality. Basic and extended fairness are then analyzed according to the dominant strategy solution concept.
This paper proposes the Potluck Problem as a model for the behavior of independent producers and consumers under standard economic assumptions, as a problem of resource allocation in a multi-agent system in which there is no explicit communication among the agents.
This paper illustrates the relationship between boolean propositional algebra and semirings, presenting some results of partial ordering on boolean propositional algebras, and the necessary conditions to represent a boolean propositional subalgebra a
s equivalent to a corresponding boolean propositional algebra. It is also shown that the images of a homomorphic function on a boolean propositional algebra have the relationship of boolean propositional algebra and its subalgebra. The necessary and sufficient conditions for that homomorphic function to be onto-order preserving, and also an extension of boolean propositional algebra, are explored.
One of the Multi-Agent Systems that is widely used by various government agencies, buyers and sellers in a market economy, in such a manner so as to attain optimized resource allocation, is the Combinatorial Auctioning System (CAS). We study another
important aspect of resource allocations in CAS, namely fairness. We present two important notions of fairness in CAS, extended fairness and basic fairness. We give an algorithm that works by incorporating a metric to ensure fairness in a CAS that uses the Vickrey-Clark-Groves (VCG) mechanism, and uses an algorithm of Sandholm to achieve optimality. Mathematical formulations are given to represent measures of extended fairness and basic fairness.
A new 2-parameter family of central structures in trees, called central forests, is introduced. Miniekas $m$-center problem and McMorriss and Reids central-$k$-tree can be seen as special cases of central forests in trees. A central forest is defined
as a forest $F$ of $m$ subtrees of a tree $T$, where each subtree has $k$ nodes, which minimizes the maximum distance between nodes not in $F$ and those in $F$. An $O(n(m+k))$ algorithm to construct such a central forest in trees is presented, where $n$ is the number of nodes in the tree. The algorithm either returns with a central forest, or with the largest $k$ for which a central forest of $m$ subtrees is possible. Some of the elementary properties of central forests are also studied.
