Adaptive fuzzy control for a class of chaotic systems with nonaffine inputs

A robust adaptive fuzzy control scheme is presented for a class of chaotic systems with nonaffine inputs, modeling uncertainties and external disturbances by using backstepping approach. Fuzzy logic systems (FLS) are employed to approximate the unknown parts of the virtual control and practical controls. The main characteristics of the scheme are that the number of the online adaptive parameters is no more than two times of the order of chaotic system and the tracking errors are guaranteed to be uniformly asymptotically stable with the aid of additional adaptive compensation terms. Lorenz system, Chen system, Lü system and Liu system are presented to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control technique.     

Modeling complex systems macroscopically: Case/agent-based modeling,synergetics, and the continuity equation

Recently, the continuity equation (also known as the advection equation) has been used to study stability properties of dynamical systems, where a linear transfer operator approach was used to examine the stability of a nonlinear equation both in continuous and discrete time (Vaidya and Mehta, IEEE Trans Autom Control 2008, 53, 307–323; Rajaram et al., J Math Anal Appl 2010, 368, 144–156). Our study, which conducts a series of simulations on residential patterns, demonstrates that this usage of the continuity equation can advance Haken's synergetic approach to modeling certain types of complex, self-organizing social systems macroscopically. The key to this advancement comes from employing a case-based approach that (1) treats complex systems as a set of cases and (2) treats cases as dynamical vsystems which, at the microscopic level, can be conceptualized as k dimensional row vectors; and, at the macroscopic level, as vectors with magnitude and direction, which can be modeled as population densities. Our case-based employment of the continuity equation has four benefits for agent-based and case-based modeling and, more broadly, the social scientific study of complex systems where transport or spatial mobility issues are of interest: it (1) links microscopic (agent-based) and macroscopic (structural) modeling; (2) transforms the dynamics of highly nonlinear vector fields into the linear motion of densities; (3) allows predictions to be made about future states of a complex system; and (4) mathematically formalizes the structural dynamics of these types of complex social systems.     

Case-based modeling and the SACS Toolkit: a mathematical outline

Researchers in the social sciences currently employ a variety of mathematical/computational models for studying complex systems. Despite the diversity of these models, the majority can be grouped into one of three types: agent (rule-based) modeling, dynamical (equation-based) modeling and statistical (aggregate-based) modeling. The purpose of the current paper is to offer a fourth type: case-based modeling. To do so, we review the SACS Toolkit: a new method for quantitatively modeling complex social systems, based on a case-based, computational approach to data analysis. The SACS Toolkit is comprised of three main components: a theoretical blueprint of the major components of a complex system (social complexity theory); a set of case-based instructions for modeling complex systems from the ground up (assemblage); and a recommended list of case-friendly computational modeling techniques (case-based toolset). Developed as a variation on Byrne (in Sage Handbook of Case-Based Methods, pp.?260?C268, 2009), the SACS Toolkit models a complex system as a set of k-dimensional vectors (cases), which it compares and contrasts, and then condenses and clusters to create a low-dimensional model (map) of a complex system??s structure and dynamics over time/space. The assembled nature of the SACS Toolkit is its primary strength. While grounded in a defined mathematical framework, the SACS Toolkit is methodologically open-ended and therefore adaptable and amenable, allowing researchers to employ and bring together a wide variety of modeling techniques. Researchers can even develop and modify the SACS Toolkit for their own purposes. The other strength of the SACS Toolkit, which makes it a very effective technique for modeling large databases, is its ability to compress data matrices while preserving the most important aspects of a complex system??s structure and dynamics across time/space. To date, while the SACS Toolkit has been used to study several topics, a mathematical outline of its case-based approach to quantitative analysis (along with a case study) has yet to be written?Chence the purpose of the current paper.     

Partial difference equation based model reference control of a multiagent network of underactuated aquatic vehicles with strongly nonlinear dynamics

In a recent work, the authors presented an extension of robust model reference adaptive control (MRAC) laws for spatially varying partial differential equations (PDEs) proposed by them earlier for the decentralized adaptive control of heterogeneous multiagent networks with agent parameter uncertainty using the partial difference equations (PdEs) on graphs framework. The examples provided demonstrated the capabilities of this approach under the assumption that individual vehicles executing coordinated maneuvers were fully actuated and characterized by linear dynamics. However, detailed models for autonomous vehicles–whether terrestrial, aerial, or aquatic–are often underactuated and strongly nonlinear. Using this approach, but assuming the plant parameters to be known, this work presents the model reference (MR) control laws without adaptation for the coordination of underactuated aquatic vehicles modeled individually in terms of strongly nonlinear dynamic equations arising from ideal planar hydrodynamics. The case of unknown plant parameters for this class of underactuated agents with complex dynamics is an open problem. The paper is based on an invited talk on adaptive control presented at the 2008 World Congress of Nonlinear Analysts.     

Validation and verification of social processes within agent-based computational organization models

The use of simulation modeling in computational analysis of organizations is becoming a prominent approach in social science research. However, relying on simulations to gain intuition about social phenomena has significant implications. While simulations may give rise to interesting macro-level phenomena, and sometimes even mimic empirical data, the underlying micro and macro level processes may be far from realistic. Yet, this realism may be important to infer results that are relevant to existing theories of social systems and to policy making. Therefore, it is important to assess not only predictive capability but also explanation accuracy of formal models in terms of the degree of realism reflected by the embedded processes. This paper presents a process-centric perspective for the validation and verification (V&V) of agent-based computational organization models. Following an overview of the role of V&V within the life cycle of a simulation study, emergent issues in agent-based organization model V&V are outlined. The notion of social contract that facilitates capturing micro level processes among agents is introduced to enable reasoning about the integrity and consistency of agent-based organization designs. Social contracts are shown to enable modular compositional verification of interaction dynamics among peer agents. Two types of consistency are introduced: horizontal and vertical consistency. It is argued that such local consistency analysis is necessary, but insufficient to validate emergent macro processes within multi-agent organizations. As such, new formal validation metrics are introduced to substantiate the operational validity of emergent macro-level behavior. Levent Yilmaz is Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering at Auburn University and co-founder of the Auburn Modeling and Simulation Laboratory of the M&SNet. Dr. Yilmaz received his Ph.D. and M.S. degrees from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). His research interests are on advancing the theory and methodology of simulation modeling, agent-directed simulation (to explore dynamics of socio-technical systems, organizations, and human/team behavior), and education in simulation modeling. Dr. Yilmaz is a member of ACM, IEEE Computer Society, Society for Computer Simulation International, and Upsilon Pi Epsilon. URL: http://www.eng.auburn.edu/~yilmaz     

Fuzzy adaptive network in presidential elections

Several scientific forecasting models for presidential elections have been suggested. However, most of these models are based on traditional statistics approaches. Since the system is linguistic, vague, and dynamic in nature, the traditional rigorous mathematical approaches are inappropriate for the modeling of this kind of humanistic system. This paper presents a combined neural fuzzy approach, namely a fuzzy adaptive network, to model and forecast the problem of a presidential election. The fuzzy adaptive network, which is ideally suited for the modeling of vaguely defined humanistic systems, combines the advantages of the representation ability of fuzzy sets and the learning ability of a neural network. To illustrate the approach, experiments were carried out by first formulating the problem, then training the network, and, finally, predicting the election results based on the trained network. The experimental results show that a fuzzy adaptive network is an ideal approach for the modeling and forecasting of national presidential elections.     

On the modeling of nonlinear interactions in large complex systems

This work deals with the modeling of large systems of interacting entities in the framework of the mathematical kinetic theory for active particles. The contents are specifically focused on the modeling of nonlinear interactions which is one of the most important issues in the mathematical approach to modeling and simulating complex systems, and which includes a learning–hiding dynamics. Applications are focused on the modeling of complex biological systems and on immune competition.     

A dynamic parameter estimator to control chaos with distinct feedback schemes

A dynamic strategy is proposed to estimate parameters of chaotic systems. The dynamic estimator of parameters can be used with diverse control functions; for example, those based on: (i) Lie algebra, (ii) backstepping, or (iii) variable feedback structure (sliding-mode). The proposal has adaptive structure because of interaction between dynamic estimation of parameters and a feedback control function. Without lost of generality, a class of dynamical systems with chaotic behavior is considered as benchmark. The proposed scheme is compared with a previous low-parameterized robust adaptive feedback in terms of execution and performance. The comparison is motivated to ask: What is the suitable adaptive scheme to suppress chaos in an specific implementation? Experimental results of proposed scheme are discussed in terms of control execution and performance and are relevant in specific implementations; for example, in order to induce synchrony in complex networks.     

Arithmetic Brownian motion and real options

We treat real option value when the underlying process is arithmetic Brownian motion (ABM). In contrast to the more common assumption of geometric Brownian motion (GBM) and multiplicative diffusion, with ABM the underlying project value is expressed as an additive process. Its variance remains constant over time rather than rising or falling along with the project’s value, even admitting the possibility of negative values. This is a more compelling paradigm for projects that are managed as a component of overall firm value. After outlining the case for ABM, we derive analytical formulas for European calls and puts on dividend-paying assets as well as a numerical algorithm for American-style and other more complex options based on ABM. We also provide examples of their use.     

Boosting cultural algorithms with a heterogeneous layered social fabric influence function

In this paper we investigate the emergence and power of a complex social system based upon principles of cultural evolution. Cultural Algorithms employ a basic set of knowledge sources, each related to knowledge observed in various social species. Here we extend the influence and integration function in Cultural Algorithms by adding a mechanism by which knowledge sources can spread their influence throughout a population in the presence of a heterogeneous layered social network. The interaction (overlapping) of the knowledge sources, represented as bounding boxes on the landscape, at the right level projects how efficient the cooperation is between the agents in the resultant ??Social Network??. The inter-related structures that emerge with this approach are critical to the effective functioning of the approach. We view these structures as constituting a ??normal form?? for Cultures within these real-valued optimization landscapes. Our goal will be to identify the minimum social structure needed to solve problems of certain complexities. If this can be accomplished, it means that there will be a correspondence between the social structure and the problem environment in which it emerged. An escalating sequence of complex benchmark problems to our system will be presented. We conclude by suggesting the emergent features are what give cultural systems their power to learn and adapt.     

Nonlinear microscale interactions in the kinetic theory of active particles

The aim of this note is to examine the sources of nonlinearity arising in the kinetic theory of active particles. We show how nonlinearities enter the different terms of the theory, giving rise to possible developments toward the modeling of different types of complex systems, mainly living and social ones, where proliferative–destructive processes must be included. Finally, some research perspectives are discussed.     

Applications of resource assignment and scheduling with Petri Nets and heuristic search

This paper introduces a new Petri Net based approach for resource allocation and scheduling. The goals are (i) minimize the number of required resources given a set of jobs, (ii) find both an assignment for all jobs in the span of a predefined shift and (iii) the sequence in which such jobs are executed. The studied problem was inspired from a complex real life manufacturing shop as described in this document. The modeling of the processes and jobs is carried out with Petri Nets due to their capability of representing dynamic, concurrent discrete-event dynamic systems. The resource assignment starts with an initial feasible solution (initial number of resources) and then follows with a re-optimization process aimed to further reduce the resource requirements. The algorithm is based on a modified Heuristic Search method previously presented. The algorithm was tested first on a number of instances from the literature and then on the aforementioned system (a car seat cover manufacturer). The proposed approach shows not only good results in terms of performance but also shows the potential of Petri Nets for modeling and optimizing real-life systems. An implementation phase at the first stages of the process is underway at the time of writing.     

The Effect of Organizational Communication Media on Organizational Culture and Performance: An Agent-Based Simulation Model

This paper examines the mutual relationship between the communication richness of media used for conducting organizational communication and organizational culture. The richness of the media influences how well the organization might maintain its culture. On the other hand, a strong organizational culture allows a more effective use of the media by providing members with some of the necessary common ground to better understand the information exchanged. These relationships are investigated using an agent-based simulation model (ABM). Our ABM incorporates many partial theories into a coherent and fully defined model, which helps formalize and integrate those theories. Our model allows us to analyze non-linearities and interaction effects, which are difficult to investigate using other techniques. Additionally, the ABM allows us to investigate the dynamics of the phenomenon and generate hypotheses that could then be tested using empirical studies. Given the substantial resources necessary to conduct empirical studies, we think that the present ABM is valuable in helping guide data collection efforts. In this paper, we present results that show that organizational culture can influence the effectiveness of the media used for organizational communication and that a high media richness can help maintain and stabilize a culture. The effect of media richness on organizational culture depends on the initial strength of the culture. In general, for a given richness of the media, an initially strong culture stabilizes faster and becomes stronger through time than an initially weak culture. Additionally, the model suggests that a stable network of contacts among agents fosters a high achievement of organizational tasks. Conversely, when agents are forced to establish contacts with agents outside the usual network for doing their work, the accomplishment of tasks decreases.     

Computationally modeling organizational learning and adaptability as resource allocation: An artificial adaptive systems approach

A framework for and a computational model of organizational behavior based on an artificial adaptive system (AAS) is presented. An AAS, a modeling approach based on genetic algorithms, enables the modeling of organizational learning and adaptability. This learning can be represented as decisions to allocate resources to the higher performing organizational agents (i.e., individuals, groups, departments, or processes, depending on the level of analysis) critical to the organization's survival in different environments. Adaptability results from the learning function enabling the organizations to change as the environment changes. An AAS models organizational behavior from a micro-unit perspective, where organizational behavior is a function of the aggregate actions and interactions of each of the individual agents of which the organization is composed. An AAS enables organizational decision making in a dynamic environment to be modeled as a satisficing process and not as a maximization process. To demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of such an approach, a financial trading adaptive system (FTAS) organization is computationally modeled based on the AAS framework. An FTAS is an example of how the learning mechanism in an AAS can be used to allocate resources to critical individuals, processes, functions, or departments within an organization.     

ISSUE INFORMATION

Modeling social‐ecological systems is difficult due to the complexity of ecosystems and of individual and collective human behavior. Key components of the social‐ecological system are often over‐simplified or omitted. Generalized modeling is a dynamical systems approach that can overcome some of these challenges. It can rigorously analyze qualitative system dynamics such as regime shifts despite incomplete knowledge of the model's constituent processes. Here, we review generalized modeling and use a recent study on the Baltic Sea cod fishery's boom and collapse to demonstrate its application to modeling the dynamics of empirical social‐ecological systems. These empirical applications demand new methods of analysis suited to larger, more complicated generalized models. Generalized modeling is a promising tool for rapidly developing mathematically rigorous, process‐based understanding of a social‐ecological system's dynamics despite limited knowledge of the system.     

A study on the modeling ability of the IDS method: A soft computing technique using pattern-based information processing

The ink drop spread (IDS) method is a modeling technique developed by algorithmically mimicking the information-handling processes of the human brain. This method has been proposed as a new approach to soft computing. IDS modeling is characterized by processing that uses intuitive pattern information instead of complex formulas, and it is capable of stable and fast convergences. This paper investigates the modeling ability of the IDS method based on three typical benchmarks. Experimental results demonstrated that the IDS method can handle various modeling targets, ranging from logic operations to complex nonlinear systems, and that its modeling performance is satisfactory in comparison with that of feedforward neural networks.     

Mean-field modeling approach for understanding epidemic dynamics in interconnected networks

Modern systems (e.g., social, communicant, biological networks) are increasingly interconnected each other formed as ‘networks of networks’. Such complex systems usually possess inconsistent topologies and permit agents distributed in different subnetworks to interact directly/indirectly. Corresponding dynamics phenomena, such as the transmission of information, power, computer virus and disease, would exhibit complicated and heterogeneous tempo-spatial patterns. In this paper, we focus on the scenario of epidemic spreading in interconnected networks. We intend to provide a typical mean-field modeling framework to describe the time-evolution dynamics, and offer some mathematical skills to study the spreading threshold and the global stability of the model. Integrating the research with numerical analysis, we are able to quantify the effects of networks structure and epidemiology parameters on the transmission dynamics. Interestingly, we find that the diffusion transition in the whole network is governed by a unique threshold, which mainly depends on the most heterogenous connection patterns of network substructures. Further, the dynamics is highly sensitive to the critical values of cross infectivity with switchable phases.     

Computational and mathematical organization theory: Perspective and directions

Computational and mathematical organization theory is an interdisciplinary scientific area whose research members focus on developing and testing organizational theory using formal models. The community shares a theoretical view of organizations as collections of processes and intelligent adaptive agents that are task oriented, socially situated, technologically bound, and continuously changing. Behavior within the organization is seen to affect and be affected by the organization's, position in the external environment. The community also shares a methodological orientation toward the use of formal models for developing and testing theory. These models are both computational (e.g., simulation, emulation, expert systems, computer-assisted numerical analysis) and mathematical (e.g., formal logic, matrix algebra, network analysis, discrete and continuous equations). Much of the research in this area falls into four areas: organizational design, organizational learning, organizations and information technology, and organizational evolution and change. Historically, much of the work in this area has been focused on the issue how should organizations be designed. The work in this subarea is cumulative and tied to other subfields within organization theory more generally. The second most developed area is organizational learning. This research, however, is more tied to the work in psychology, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence than to general organization theory. Currently there is increased activity in the subareas of organizations and information technology and organizational evolution and change. Advances in these areas may be made possible by combining network analysis techniques with an information processing approach to organizations. Formal approaches are particularly valuable to all of these areas given the complex adaptive nature of the organizational agents and the complex dynamic nature of the environment faced by these agents and the organizations.This paper was previously presented at the 1995 Informs meeting in Los Angeles, CA.     

Numerical Modelling of Autonomous Agent Movement and Conflict

The world that we live in is filled with large scale agent systems, from diverse fields such as biology, ecology or finance. Inspired by the desire to better understand and make the best out of these systems, we propose to build stochastic mathematical models, in particular G-networks models. With our approach, we aim to provide insights into systems in terms of their performance and behavior, to identify the parameters which strongly influence them, and to evaluate how well individual goals can be achieved. Through comparing the effects of alternatives, we hope to offer the users the possibility of choosing an option that address their requirements best. We have demonstrated our approach in the context of urban military planning and analyzed the obtained results. The results are validated against those obtained from a simulator (Gelenbe et al. in simulating the navigation and control of autonomous agents, pp 183–189, 2004a; in Enabling simulation with augmented reality, pp 290–310, 2004b) that was developed in our group and the observed discrepancies are discussed. The results suggest that the proposed approach has tackled one of the classical problems in modeling multi-agent systems and is able to predict the systems’ performance at low computational cost. In addition to offering the numerical estimates of the outcome, these results help us identify which characteristics most impact the system. We conclude the paper with potential extensions of the model.This work was supported by a contract from General Dynamics UK Ltd. to Imperial College London under DIF DTC Project 6.8.