Symbolic Model Checking for Dynamic Epistemic Logic

Dynamic Epistemic Logic (DEL) can model complex information scenarios in a way that appeals to logicians. However, existing DEL implementations are ad-hoc, so we do not know how the framework really performs. For this purpose, we want to hook up with the best available model-checking and SAT techniques in computational logic. We do this by first providing a bridge: a new faithful representation of DEL models as so-called knowledge structures that allow for symbolic model checking. Next, we show that we can now solve well-known benchmark problems in epistemic scenarios much faster than with existing DEL methods. Finally, we show that our method is not just a matter of implementation, but that it raises significant issues about logical representation and update

Framework for Agent-Based Buying Decision Process

In traditional business model, the buying decision process is poorly coordinated among the human decision-makers. Therefore, a long-lived, adaptive, and autonomous application called software agents, that can perform tasks such as personalization, brokering, and negotiation in e-commerce is much needed. These applications reside at the buyers’ side or at the sellers’ servers. The purpose of this paper is to research into possible deployment of software agents in a framework for e-commerce buying decision process. This paper overviews the traditional business model, the Consumer Buying Behavior (CBB) model, and also covers the requirements needed for minimizing human interactions in buying decision processes. The research proposes a software agent’s framework in which, two main approaches, namely Automated Collaborative Filtering (ACF) and Better Business Bureau (BBB), are merged to produce better agents in assisting buying decision process. The framework will enable the agents to get the best price for a good product from a reputable merchant

On Obligations and Abilities

In this paper, we combine deontic logic with Alternating-time Temporal Logic (ATL) into a framework that makes it possible to model and reason about obligations and abilities of agents. The way both frameworks are combined is technically straightforward: we add deontic accessibility relations to ATL models (concurrent game structures), and deontic operators to the language of ATL (an additional operator $\mathcal{UP}$ is proposed for ldquounconditionally permittedrdquo properties, similar to the ldquoall I knowrdquo operator from epistemic logic). Our presentation is rather informal: we focus on examples of how obligations (interpreted as requirements) can be confronted with ways of satisfying them by actors of the game. Though some formal results are presented, the paper should not be regarded as a definite statement on how logics of obligation and strategic ability must be combined; instead, it is intended for stimulating discussion about such kinds of reasoning, and the models that can underpin it.\ud Keywords: deontic logic, alternating-time logic, multi-agent systems

Professeur Fritz Zadow, Die deutschen Handelsmessen

Baumont Maurice. Professeur Fritz Zadow, Die deutschen Handelsmessen. In: Annales d'histoire économique et sociale. 2ᵉ année, N. 5, 1930. p. 147