26964761
Relating Z and First-Order Logic
Abstract. Despite being widely regarded as a gloss on first-order logic and set theory, Z has not been found to be very supportive of proof. This paper attempts to distinguish between the different philosophies of proof in Z. It discusses some of the issues which must be addressed in creating a proof technology for Z, namely schemas, undefinedness, and what kind of logic to use.
34718551
Encoding W: A Logic for Z in 2OBJ
A prototype proof system for “\(\mathcal{W}\): A Logic for Z” has been produced using the 2OBJ metalogical theorem-prover. 2OBJ permits an encoding which is very similar in structure to that of \(\mathcal{W}\), and the details are presented here. Like \(\mathcal{W}\)the encoding assumes that all its inputs are well-typed. The structure of the encoding is enhanced by a meta-rule on the lifting of proof rules and tactics. There is some discussion of how tactics can make \(\mathcal{W}\)more easily usable.
14174107
Lifting in Z
Formal notations such as Z provide powerful support for writing clear specifications, and for undertaking proofs of properties of those specifications. In this paper, we explore one particular style of specification, with applications in control theory and real-time specification. The notation we define permits the accurate description of concepts in these fields without significant overhead or notational clutter. This notation has long been used by practitioners in these fields; we demonstrate that it may be defined within Draft Standard Z, and that the resulting specifications are amenable to proof.
265154
A Set-Theoretic Model for Real-Time Specification and Reasoning
Timed-trace formalisms have emerged as a powerful method for specifying and reasoning about concurrent real-time systems. We present a simple variant which builds methodically on set theory, and is thus suitable for use by programmers with little formal methods experience.
14876206
E-science experiences: software engineering practice and the EU DataGrid
The conduct of collaborative scientific study mediated by the internet -e-science - is giving rise to a new type of large distributed software project. This paper reports initial experiences of one such project: the European DataGrid. We record observations about the intended lifecycle and process, compared with actual practice. The paper explores the applicability of current software development practices from academic, commercial, and open source sectors in the context of such Grid projects.
6469757
Teaching Formal Methods in Context
The Software Engineering Programme at Oxford teaches formal methods as an integral part of its programme of professional education in software engineering. This paper explains how the methods are taught—in the context of emerging trends in software development, and in the context of existing practice—and how their use is promoted through course design and motivating examples.
10352274
The AMPERE Algorithm - Area-Based Masking with the Performance Equation
The18th International Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Symposium (FLAIRS-2005), May 16th-18th, Clearwater Beach, Florida
16635941
Packing Steiner trees: a cutting plane algorithm and computational results
In this paper we describe a cutting plane algorithm for the Steiner tree packing problem. We use our algorithm to solve some switchbox routing problems of VLSI-design and report on our computational experience. This includes a brief discussion of separation algorithms, a new LP-based primal heuristic and implementation details. The paper is based on the polyhedral theory for the Steiner tree packing polyhedron developed in our companion paper (this issue) and meant to turn this theory into an algorithmic tool for the solution of practical problems.
15221918
Maintaining the Identity of Dynamically Embodied Agents
Virtual agents are traditionally constrained in their embodiment, as they are restricted to one form of body. We propose allowing them to change their embodiment in order to expand their capabilities. This presents users with a number of difficulties in maintaining the identity of the agents, but these can be overcome by using identity cues, certain features that remain constant across embodiment forms. This paper outlines an experiment that examines these identity cues, and shows that they can be used to help address this identity problem.
145836
Packing Steiner trees: polyhedral investigations
LetG=(V, E) be a graph andT⊆V be a node set. We call an edge setS a Steiner tree forT ifS connects all pairs of nodes inT. In this paper we address the following problem, which we call the weighted Steiner tree packing problem. Given a graphG=(V, E) with edge weightswe, edge capacitiesce,e∈E, and node setT1,…,TN, find edge setsS1,…,SN such that eachSk is a Steiner tree forTk, at mostce of these edge sets use edgee for eache∈E, and the sum of the weights of the edge sets is minimal. Our motivation for studying this problem arises from a routing problem in VLSI-design, where given sets of points have to be connected by wires. We consider the Steiner tree packing problem from a polyhedral point of view and define an associated polyhedron, called the Steiner tree packing polyhedron. The goal of this paper is to (partially) describe this polyhedron by means of inequalities. It turns out that, under mild assumptions, each inequality that defines a facet for the (single) Steiner tree polyhedron can be lifted to a facet-defining inequality for the Steiner tree packing polyhedron. The main emphasis of this paper lies on the presentation of so-called joint inequalities that are valid and facet-defining for this polyhedron. Inequalities of this kind involve at least two Steiner trees. The classes of inequalities we have found form the basis of a branch & cut algorithm. This algorithm is described in our companion paper (in this issue).
5379517
Packing Steiner Trees: Further Facets
Abstract In this paper we continue the investigations in [3] for the Steiner tree packing polyhedron. We present several new classes of valid inequalities and give sufficient (and necessary) conditions for these inequalities to be facet-definining. It is intended to incorporate these inequalities into an existing cutting plane algorithm that is applicable to practical problems arising in the design of electronic curcuits.