In this paper we study the moment generating function order and the new better than used in the moment generating function order (NBUmg) life distributions. A closure property of this order under an independent random sum is deduced, and stochastic comparisons among the block replacement policy, the age replacement policy, the complete repair policy, and the minimal repair policy of an NBUmg co...

We consider the problem of computing optimal generalised policies for relational Markov decision processes. We describe an approach combining some of the benefits of purely inductive techniques with those of symbolic dynamic programming methods. The latter reason about the optimal value function using first-order decisiontheoretic regression and formula rewriting, while the former, when provide...

Within a framework for enriched on-line discussion forums for e-government policy-making, pro and con statements for positions are input, structurally related, then logically represented and evaluated. The framework builds on current technologies for multi-threaded discussion, natural language processing, ontologies, and formal argumentation frameworks. This paper focuses on the natural languag...

A logistics system that involves a supplier who produces and delivers a single product and a buyer who receives and sells the product to the final customers was analyzed. A mathematical model was developed to describe the behavior of the system and to derive the optimal cycle length and order-up-to levels for the two parties. An analysis of the obtained results revealed that the methods were ab...

Online trading invariably involves dealings between strangers, so it is important for one party to be able to judge objectively the trustworthiness of the other. In such a setting, the decision to trust a user may sensibly be based on that user’s past behaviour. We introduce a specification language based on linear temporal logic for expressing a policy for categorising the behaviour patterns o...