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Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa

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12 Papers

Online Learning of non-Markovian Reward Models

Topics: Machine Learning; Planning and Scheduling; Model-Based Reasoning

Authors: Gavin Rens ¹ , Jean-François Raskin ² , Raphaël Reynouard ² and Giuseppe Marra ¹

Affiliations: ¹ DTAI Group, KU Leuven, Belgium , ² Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0010212000740086

Proceedings of ICAART 2021, ISBN: 978-989-758-484-8

Quick Abstract

There are situations in which an agent should receive rewards only after having accomplished a series of previous tasks, that is, rewards are non-Markovian. One natural and quite general way to represent history- dependent rewards is via a Mealy machine. In our formal setting, we consider a Markov decision process (MDP) that models the dynamics of the environment in which the agent evolves and a Mealy machine synchronized with this MDP to formalize the non-Markovian reward function. While the MDP is known by the agent, the reward function is unknown to the agent and must be learned. Our approach to overcome this challenge is to use Angluin’s L∗ active learning algorithm to learn a Mealy machine representing the underlying non-Markovian reward machine (MRM). Formal methods are used to determine the optimal strategy for answering so-called membership queries posed by L∗. Moreover, we prove that the expected reward achieved will eventually be at least as much as a given, reasonable value provided by a domain expert. We evaluate our framework on two problems. The results show that using L∗ to learn an MRM in a non-Markovian reward decision process is effective.

A Modal Logic for the Decision-Theoretic Projection Problem

Topics: Knowledge Representation and Reasoning; Uncertainty in AI ; Knowledge-Based Systems

Authors: Gavin Rens ¹ , Thomas Meyer ¹ and Gerhard Lakemeyer ²

Affiliations: ¹ University of KwaZulu-Natal and CSIR Meraka, South Africa , ² Aachen University, Germany

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0005168200050016

Proceedings of ICAART 2015, ISBN: 978-989-758-074-1

Quick Abstract

We present a decidable logic in which queries can be posed about (i) the degree of belief in a propositional sentence after an arbitrary finite number of actions and observations and (ii) the utility of a finite sequence of actions after a number of actions and observations. Another contribution of this work is that a POMDP model specification is allowed to be partial or incomplete with no restriction on the lack of information specified for the model. The model may even contain information about non-initial beliefs. Essentially, entailment of arbitrary queries (expressible in the language) can be answered. A sound, complete and terminating decision procedure is provided.

Related Ontology Subjects/Areas/Topics (5)

Artificial Intelligence		Knowledge-Based Systems		Uncertainty in AI
Knowledge Representation and Reasoning		Symbolic Systems

Hybrid POMDP-BDI - An Agent Architecture with Online Stochastic Planning and Desires with Changing Intensity Levels

Topics: Agent Models and Architectures; Task Planning and Execution

Authors: Gavin Rens and Thomas Meyer

Affiliation: University of KwaZulu-Natal and CSIR Meraka, South Africa

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0005185000050014

Proceedings of ICAART 2015, ISBN: 978-989-758-073-4

Quick Abstract

Partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs) and the belief-desire-intention (BDI) framework have several complimentary strengths. We propose an agent architecture which combines these two powerful approaches to capitalize on their strengths. Our architecture introduces the notion of intensity of the desire for a goal’s achievement. We also define an update rule for goals’ desire levels. When to select a new goal to focus on is also defined. To verify that the proposed architecture works, experiments were run with an agent based on the architecture, in a domain where multiple goals must continually be achieved. The results show that (i) while the agent is pursuing goals, it can concurrently perform rewarding actions not directly related to its goals, (ii) the trade-off between goals and preferences can be set effectively and (iii) goals and preferences can be satisfied even while dealing with stochastic actions and perceptions. We believe that the proposed architecture furthers the theory of high-level autonomous agent reasoning.

Related Ontology Subjects/Areas/Topics (4)

Agent Models and Architectures		Artificial Intelligence		Task Planning and Execution
Agents

Speeding up Online POMDP Planning - Unification of Observation Branches by Belief-state Compression Via Expected Feature Values

Topics: Planning and Scheduling; Uncertainty in AI ; Reactive AI

Author: Gavin Rens

Affiliation: University of KwaZulu-Natal and CSIR Meraka, South Africa

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0005165802410246

Proceedings of ICAART 2015, ISBN: 978-989-758-074-1

Quick Abstract

A novel algorithm to speed up online planning in partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs) is introduced. I propose a method for compressing nodes in belief-decision-trees while planning occurs. Whereas belief-decision-trees branch on actions and observations, with my method, they branch only on actions. This is achieved by unifying the branches required due to the nondeterminism of observations. The method is based on the expected values of domain features. The new algorithm is experimentally compared to three other online POMDP algorithms, outperforming them on the given test domain.

Related Ontology Subjects/Areas/Topics (10)

Artificial Intelligence	Planning and Scheduling	Soft Computing
Formal Methods	Reactive AI	Symbolic Systems
Informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics	Simulation and Modeling	Uncertainty in AI
Intelligent Control Systems and Optimization

ACCEPTANCE OF ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING SYSTEMS BY SMALL MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES

Topics: HCI on Enterprise Information Systems; Human Factors; Enterprise Resource Planning; Accessibility and Usability; Business-It Allignment

Authors: Rubina Adam ¹ , Paula Kotzé ² and Alta van der Merwe ³

Affiliations: ¹ SAP Research Pretoria/Meraka Unit of Technology Development and University of South Africa, South Africa , ² Meraka Institute of the CSIR and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa , ³ Meraka Institute of the CSIR and University of South Africa, South Africa

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0003500302290238

Proceedings of ICEIS 2011, ISBN: 978-989-8425-53-9

Quick Abstract

ERP systems are widely used by large enterprises for managing functional areas of the enterprise. However, recently ERP systems have also been introduced to the small enterprise market. ERP systems are now considered an important small enterprise management aid that may contribute to the sustainability and growth of the small enterprise. Although there are several acceptance factors that may impact on the acceptance of ERP systems, limited research has been done to understand the acceptance of ERP systems by small enterprises. This paper addresses this gap by considering the strategic, business, technical and human factors that influence the acceptance of ERP systems in small manufacturing enterprises in South Africa. The consultative list of acceptance factors flowing from this research may guide future initiatives aiming to ensure the acceptance of ERP systems by small manufacturing enterprises.

Related Ontology Subjects/Areas/Topics (12)

Accessibility and Usability	Enterprise Software Technologies	Physiological Computing Systems
Databases and Information Systems Integration	HCI on Enterprise Information Systems	Simulation and Modeling
Enterprise Information Systems	Human Factors	Simulation Tools and Platforms
Enterprise Resource Planning	Human-Computer Interaction	Software Engineering

SECURE VIRTUALIZATION - Benefits, Risks and Controls

Topics: Cloud Risk, Challenges, and Governance; Virtualization Technologies

Authors: Mariana Carroll ¹ , Paula Kotzé ² and Alta van der Merwe ¹

Affiliations: ¹ Meraka Institute of the CSIR and University of South Africa, South Africa , ² Meraka Institute of the CSIR and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0003390400150023

Proceedings of CLOSER 2011, ISBN: 978-989-8425-52-2

Quick Abstract

Cloud computing is changing the IT delivery model to provide on-demand self-service access to a shared pool of computing resources (physical and virtual) via broad network access to offer reduced costs, scalability, flexibility, capacity utilization, higher efficiencies and mobility. In many instances cloud computing builds on the capabilities of a virtualized computing infrastructure enabling multi-tenancy, scalability and a highly abstracted cloud model. Even though cloud computing provides compelling benefits and cost-effective options for IT hosting and expansion, security of applications and data remains a number one business objective. It is therefore essential to ensure adequate security not only for cloud computing, but also for the underlying technologies enabling cloud computing. Management should understand and analyse risks in order to safeguard systems and data. The focus of this paper is on mitigation for virtualization security risks as a fundamental step towards secure cloud computing environments.

Related Ontology Subjects/Areas/Topics (5)

Cloud Computing		Cloud Risk, Challenges, and Governance		Virtualization Technologies
Cloud Computing Enabling Technology		Fundamentals

USING FORMAL ONTOLOGIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONSISTENT AND UNAMBIGUOUS FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Topics: Ontology Engineering; Knowledge Representation; Domain Analysis and Modeling

Authors: Marthinus C. Gerber ¹ , Aurona J. Gerber ² and Alta van der Merwe ³

Affiliations: ¹ University of Pretoria, South Africa , ² Meraka-CSIR and University of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa , ³ Meraka-CSIR, South Africa

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0003658404190424

Proceedings of KEOD 2011/IC3K, ISBN: 978-989-8425-80-5

Quick Abstract

The purpose of accounting is to gather financial data of a business or entity, to interpret this data and to report the results in financial statements to the different users thereof. The interpretation of financial data is regulated by financial accounting standards including a conceptual framework that were developed to facilitate the reporting of financial information of entities. Due to the history of standards development as well as the mechanisms used, inconsistencies in the standards, framework and interpretations are part of the common legacy accountants are confronted with every day. The development of unambiguous and principle based financial accounting standards is therefore a key initiative at present of international accounting standards bodies such as the FASB and the IASB. This paper is concerned with the question of how recently developed computer science technologies could assist in dealing with and eliminating inconsistencies and ambiguities within and between different financial accounting standards. In our research we developed a formal ontology for some of the basic elements, and in this paper we report on our findings as well as make some suggestions for a formal approach to the conceptual framework and financial accounting standards development.

Related Ontology Subjects/Areas/Topics (11)

Artificial Intelligence	Information Systems Analysis and Specification	Ontologies and the Semantic Web
Data Engineering	Knowledge Engineering and Ontology Development	Ontology Engineering
Domain Analysis and Modeling	Knowledge Representation	Symbolic Systems
Enterprise Information Systems	Knowledge-Based Systems

GOING VIRTUAL - Popular Trend or Real Prospect for Enterprise Information Systems

Topic: Organisational Issues on Systems Integration

Authors: Mariana Carroll ¹ , Paula Kotzé ² and Alta van der Merwe ²

Affiliations: ¹ Meraka Institute of the CSIR, South Africa , ² School of Computing, University of South Africa, South Africa

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0002899202140222

Proceedings of ICEIS 2010, ISBN: 978-989-8425-04-1

Quick Abstract

Organisations are faced with a number of challenges and issues in decentralised, multiple-server, physical, non-virtualized IT environments. Virtualization in recent years has had a significant impact on computing environments and has introduced benefits, including server consolidation, server and hardware utilization and reduced costs. Virtualization’s popularity has led to its growth in many IT environments. This paper provides an overview of the IT challenges in non-virtualized environments and addresses the question of whether virtualization provides the solution to these IT challenges.

Related Ontology Subjects/Areas/Topics (3)

Databases and Information Systems Integration

Enterprise Information Systems

Organisational Issues on Systems Integration

TOWARDS THE FORMALISATION OF THE TOGAF CONTENT METAMODEL USING ONTOLOGIES

Topics: Modeling Concepts and Information Integration Tools; Information Engineering Methodologies; Ontology Engineering; Knowledge-Based Systems Engineering; Knowledge Management

Authors: Aurona Gerber , Paula Kotzé and Alta van der Merwe

Affiliation: School of Information Technology, North-West University, South Africa

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0002903200540064

Proceedings of ICEIS 2010, ISBN: 978-989-8425-05-8

Quick Abstract

Metamodels are abstractions that are used to specify characteristics of models. Such metamodels are generally included in specifications or framework descriptions. A metamodel is for instance used to inform the generation of enterprise architecture content in the Open Group’s TOGAF 9 Content Metamodel description. However. the description of metamodels is usually done in an ad-hoc manner with customised languages and this often results in ambiguities and inconsistencies. We are concerned with the question of how the quality of metamodel descriptions, specifically within the enterprise architecture domain, could be enhanced. Therefore we investigated whether formal ontology technologies could be used to enhance metamodel construction, specification and design. For this research, we constructed a formal ontology for the TOGAF 9 Content Metamodel, and in the process, gained valuable insight into metamodel quality. In particular, the current TOGAF 9 Content Metamodel contains ambiguities and inconsistencies, which could be eliminated using ontology technologies. In this paper we argue for the integration of formal ontologies and ontology technologies as tools into metamodel construction and specification. Ontologies allow for the construction of complex conceptual models, but more significant, ontologies can assist an architect by depicting all the consequences of a model, allowing for more precise and complete artifacts within enterprise architectures, and because these models use standardized languages, they should promote integration and interoperability.

Related Ontology Subjects/Areas/Topics (22)

Artificial Intelligence	Information Systems Analysis and Specification	Modeling Concepts and Information Integration Tools
Artificial Intelligence and Decision Support Systems	Intelligent Control Systems and Optimization	Ontologies and the Semantic Web
Biomedical Engineering	Knowledge Engineering	Ontology Engineering
Data Engineering	Knowledge Engineering and Ontology Development	Society, e-Business and e-Government
Enterprise Information Systems	Knowledge Management	Software Engineering
Health Information Systems	Knowledge-Based Systems	Symbolic Systems
Informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics	Knowledge-Based Systems Applications	Web Information Systems and Technologies
Information Engineering Methodologies

Towards an Enterprise Repository Framework

Authors: Dina Jacobs ¹ , Paula Kotzé ² and Alta van der Merwe ²

Affiliations: ¹ triVector; University of South Africa, South Africa , ² Meraka Institute; University of South Africa, South Africa

Digital Object Identifier: 10.5220/0002193300770089

Proceedings of AER 2009/ICEIS, ISBN: 978-989-8111-93-7

Quick Abstract

The enterprise architect is dependent on the functionality of the enterprise repository to define and maintain the enterprise architecture. Two of the specific functionalities are typical ‘warehouse’ related functionalities. The one requirement is to integrate multiple business process reference models as source models, similar to the reuse of data from different sources in a data warehouse environment. The second requirement is the flexible visualization of business process models that has a ‘slice-and-dice’ flavour as used in the data warehouse domain. By means of analogical reasoning, our research investigates using the theoretical foundation of the data warehouse domain to contribute to the definition of an enterprise repository framework. Based on the similarities found, an enterprise repository framework is derived.