Web services provide a standardized means of publishing diverse, distributed applications. Increasingly, corporations are providing services or programs within and between organizations either on corporate intranets or on the cloud. Many of these services can be composed together, ideally automatically, to provide value-added service. Automated Web service composition is an example of such automation where given a specification of an objective to be realized and some knowledge of the state of the world, the problem is to automatically select, integrate, and invoke multiple services to achieve the specified objective. A popular approach to the Web service composition problem is to conceive it as an Artificial Intelligence planning task. This enables us to bring to bear many of the theoretical and computational advances in reasoning about actions to the task of Web service composition. However, Web service composition goes far beyond the reaches of classical planning, presenting a number of interesting challenges relevant to a large body of problems related to the composition of actions, programs, and services. Among these, an important challenge is generating not only a composition, but a high-quality composition tailored to user preferences. In this thesis, we present an approach to the Web service composition problem with a particular focus on the customization of compositions. We claim that there is a correspondence between generating a customized composition of Web services and non-classical Artificial Intelligence planning where the objective of the planning problem is specified as a form of control knowledge, such as a workflow or template, together with a set of constraints to be optimized or enforced. We further claim that techniques in (preference-based) planning can provide a computational basis for the development of effective, state-of-the-art techniques for generating customized compositions of Web services. To evaluate our claim, we characterize the Web service composition problem with customization as a non-classical planning problem, exploit and advance preference specification languages and preference-based planning, develop algorithms tailored to the Web service composition problem, prove formal properties of these algorithms, implement proof-of-concept systems, and evaluate these systems experimentally. While our research has been motivated by Web services, the theory and techniques we have developed are amenable to analogous problems in such diverse sectors as multi-agent systems, business process modeling, component software composition, and social and computational behaviour modeling and verification.

Web services provide a standardized means of publishing diverse, distributed applications. Increasingly, corporations are providing services or programs within and between organizations either on corporate intranets or on the cloud. Many of these services can be composed together, ideally automatically, to provide value-added service. Automated Web service composition is an example of such automation where given a specification of an objective to be realized and some knowledge of the state of the world, the problem is to automatically select, integrate, and invoke multiple services to achieve the specified objective. A popular approach to the Web service composition problem is to conceive it as an Artificial Intelligence planning task. This enables us to bring to bear many of the theoretical and computational advances in reasoning about actions to the task of Web service composition. However, Web service composition goes far beyond the reaches of classical planning, presenting a number of interesting challenges relevant to a large body of problems related to the composition of actions, programs, and services. Among these, an important challenge is generating not only a composition, but a high-quality composition tailored to user preferences. In this thesis, we present an approach to the Web service composition problem with a particular focus on the customization of compositions. We claim that there is a correspondence between generating a customized composition of Web services and non-classical Artificial Intelligence planning where the objective of the planning problem is specified as a form of control knowledge, such as a workflow or template, together with a set of constraints to be optimized or enforced. We further claim that techniques in (preference-based) planning can provide a computational basis for the development of effective, state-of-the-art techniques for generating customized compositions of Web services. To evaluate our claim, we characterize the Web service composition problem with customization as a non-classical planning problem, exploit and advance preference specification languages and preference-based planning, develop algorithms tailored to the Web service composition problem, prove formal properties of these algorithms, implement proof-of-concept systems, and evaluate these systems experimentally. While our research has been motivated by Web services, the theory and techniques we have developed are amenable to analogous problems in such diverse sectors as multi-agent systems, business process modeling, component software composition, and social and computational behaviour modeling and verification.

Current propogation models are no longer sufficient for wireless network planning. They are neither accurate (empirical) nor fast enough (deterministic) to be applicable in the applications of Automated Cell Planning. This thesis focuses on the development of a new method, namely Intelligent Ray Launching Algorithm (IRLA), which is based on a fast, accurate and robust algorithm that is especially suitable for wireless network planning. The infrastructure of IRLA is thoroughly analysed in this thesis and the results are presented. Foster's design methodology has been used to parallelise the new model. Various scenarios for outdoor, indoor, indoor-to-outdoor and outdoor-to-indoor settings have been employed to test the effectiveness and efficiency of IRLA. The field strengths (path loss) and multipath information were calculated, which were used to demonstrate the application of IRLA. The accuracy of IRLA is guaranteed via the use of a meta-based heuristics calibration procedure. In order to achieve a simulation within a realistic time scale, acceleration techniques such as avoid double marking, multi-threading and the use of Parallel Object-Oriented Programming C++ have been employed. Since multipath for a large number of receiver locations can be easily obtained via IRLA, the study of delay spread has been presented. The success of the integration with a wireless network planning platform exemplifies that IRLA is suitable for wireless network planning and optimisation, which is beneficial to relevant academics and industries. Testing demonstrated that depending on various scenarios, IRLA obtains industrially-recognised accuracy ranging from 5 to 8 dB Root-Mean-Square-Error. This model is highly-efficient because its required runtime for most simulations is from a few seconds to a few minutes.

A estrutura tributária brasileira proporciona uma dificuldade a mais no planejamento de redes logísticas, principalmente no caso do Imposto sobre Circulação de Mercadorias e Serviços (ICMS). A omissão do fator tributário na modelagem de redes logísticas no cenário brasileiro atual poderá resultar em cenários não ótimos, devido à marcante influência da mesma na localização das instalações e na definição dos fluxos de origem e destino. Devido aos impactos da legislação brasileira na perda de competitividade das empresas brasileiras atualmente, a Reforma Tributária se faz necessária por estas e outras razões não logísticas, alterando a forma como este imposto é cobrado. Alguns estudos foram realizados para avaliar o impacto da reforma tributária no planejamento de redes logísticas, porém o presente estudo atualizou a demanda e os custos logísticos para os valores atuais de mercado, buscando aprofundar a compreensão sobre as principais modificações da rede. Além disso, procurou-se avaliar o impacto da modificação da alíquota interna e externa na configuração de redes logísticas. Para estudar o impacto do ICMS na rede logística de uma empresa, recorreu-se ao modelo de Programação Linear Inteira Mista (PLIM). Os resultados do estudo evidenciam que a reforma tributária irá trazer melhorias significativas no aspecto de fluxo origem e destino e na localização das instalações. Porém, a estruturação da rede logística ainda irá sofrer interferência do ICMS, contribuindo assim para o aumento do Custo Brasil pela permanência do turismo fiscal. / The Brazilian tax structure provides a further difficulty in the planning of logistics networks, especially in the case of the Tax on Circulation of Goods and Services. The omission of the tax factor in modeling logistics networks in the current Brazilian scenario could result in non-optimal, due to the strong influence in the same location of facilities and on defining the flows of origin and destination. Due to the impacts of the Brazilian legislation in the loss of competitiveness of Brazilian companies currently the Tax Reform is needed for these and other logistical reasons not changing the way this tax is levied. Some studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of tax reform in the planning of logistics networks, but the present study updated the demand and logistics costs for the current market values, seeking to deepen the understanding of the main changes to the network. In addition, we sought to evaluate the impact of changes of the internal rate in the configuration of logistics networks. To study the impact of the ICMS in the logistics network of a company, we used the model of Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP). The study results show that tax reform will bring significant improvements in the appearance of flow origin and destination and the location of facilities. However, the structuring of the logistics network will still suffer interference from the ICMS, thus contributing to the increase in Brazil cost the tax residence of tourism.

O objetivo deste trabalho é a otimização da distribuição dos divisores de potência utilizados em redes ópticas passivas, baseados na técnica de algoritmos genéticos, onde cada divisor possui uma única entrada e diversas saídas. O cenário prático de distribuição compreende uma determinada cidade, onde as ruas são as possíveis vias e as casas ou prédios são os possíveis terminais. Partindo de um ponto inicial (OLT - Optical Line Terminator), em geral a central de distribuição, chega-se aos usuários finais (ONUs - Optical Network Units) passando pelos divisores. Observa-se que temos pelo menos um ponto inicial (OLT) e diversos pontos de chegada (as ONUs) - dependendo da quantidade de saídas que o divisor óptico possui, cada uma destas representa um possível usuário ou outro divisor. O posicionamento dos divisores de potência e os caminhos utilizados que usaremos fazem parte de nossa solução. O conjunto destes elementos forma as redes de acesso óptico passivo (PON). Aspectos importantes considerados na otimização: (i) os comprimentos dos cabos desde a OLT até as ONUs, uma vez que ocorrem maiores degradações do sinal à medida que a distância aumenta, bem como aumentam os custos de implantação em proporção direta ao comprimento utilizado; e (ii) margem de potência no enlace e (iii) custo do enlace. Durante o processo de otimização, o algoritmo genético desenvolvido propõe um novo procedimento de busca de caminho denominado nó cíclico. Os resultados obtidos foram validados por comparações obtidas manualmente em redes de menor escala. Interfaces gráficas para carregamento de mapas urbanos a partir de aplicativos como Google map foram desenvolvidas. / This study, based on a genetic algorithm, optimizes the distribution of power dividers used, in the access, by passive optical networks, where each splitter has one input and several outputs. The practical scenario of distribution includes a particular city where the streets are the possible ways and the houses or buildings are the possible terminals. Starting from the OLT (Optical Line Terminal), in general the distribution center, the end users (ONUs - Optical Network Units) are connected to the OLT by a path with power divisions. Observe that we have at least one starting point (OLT) and several points of arrival (the ONUs) - depending on the amount of the optical splitter outputs, each of these representing a user. The positioning of the OLT, ONUs and power dividers are part of the solution we are seeking for and all these elements form the access passive optical network (PON). Important aspects considered: (i) the lengths of the cables from the OLT to the ONUs, once there are more signal degradation as the distance increases, (ii) link power budget and (iii) link cost. During the optimization process, the developed genetic algorithm proposes a new procedure for finding the optimum path which is called cyclic node. The obtained results have been validated by comparison with manual optimization in a smaller scale network. Graphical interfaces have been developed for uploading city maps from aplicatives Google maps.

網路科技的演進，解決了許多地域、時間的隔閡，並激發出許多新的應用。在這樣的環境下，資訊部門人員在網路的規劃與運用方面必須要承擔比以往更大的壓力，這些壓力除了來自組織內不斷增加的各式應用需求外，也來自企業外部的客戶及供應商。於是不斷有新的應用被引入企業網路，面對負擔、責任日益重大的企業網路，網路相關業者也紛紛針對企業需求或增進網路效率提出新的解決方案。 本研究嘗試由應用程式部署規劃及解決方案的選用兩方面著手，透過規劃模型的建立，來解決企業在規劃網路資源時所面臨的難題，並以個案的實作來瞭解此規劃模型所能達成的目標以及限制。 研究結果發現，此網路資源規劃模型可達到下列四項目標： 一、使企業瞭解本身網路架構的能力。 二、預估引入新應用程式後的頻寬耗用狀況。 三、評估解決方案對網路環境所造成的影響。 四、瞭解目前企業網路是否足以承擔這些新應用與新方案。

Diversification of the energy mix is one of the main challenges in the energy agenda of governments worldwide. Technology advances together with environmental concerns have paved the way for the increasing integration of Distributed Generation (DG) seen over recent years. Combined heat and power and renewable technologies are being encouraged and their penetration in distribution networks is increasing. This scenario presents Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) with several technical challenges in order to properly accommodate DG developments. However, depending on various factors, such as location, size, technology and robustness of the network, DG might also be beneficial to DNOs. In this thesis, the impact of DG on network planning is analysed and the implications for DNOs in incorporating DG within the network planning process are identified. In the first part, various impacts of DG to the network, such as network thermal capacity release, security of supply and on voltage, are quantified through network planning by using a modified successive elimination method and voltage sensitivity analysis. The results would potentially assist DNOs in assessing the possibilities and effort required to utilise privately-owned DG to improve network efficiency and save investment. The quantified values would also act as a fundamental element in deriving effective distribution network charging schemes. In the second part, a novel balanced genetic algorithm is introduced as an efficient means of tackling the problem of optimum network planning considering future uncertainties. The approach is used to analyse the possibilities, potential benefits and challenges to strategic network planning by considering the presence of DG in the future when the characteristics of DG are uncertain.

Avoiding the negative effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity is especially challenging when also the management institutions are spatially and administratively distributed. This doctoral thesis introduces five case studies that investigate ecological, social and social-ecological relations in fragmented landscapes. I present new approaches in which research and governance can detect and manage mismatches between landscape ecology and planning. The case studies include urban and forested landscapes where an intense land-use is limiting the connectivity, i.e., the potential for many species to disperse between the remaining patches of habitat. Graph-theoretic (network) models are applied to map connectivity patterns and to estimate the outcome for dispersing species at the patch level and for the whole study system. In particular, the network models are applied to evaluate the spatial complexity and the potential mismatches between ecological connectivity and geographically distributed management institutions like protected areas and municipalities. Interviews with municipal ecologists complement the spatial analysis; revealing some problems and ways forward regarding the communication and integration of ecological knowledge within local spatial-planning agencies. The results also show that network models are useful to identify and communicate critical ecological and social-ecological patterns that call for management attention. I suggest some developments of network models as to include interactions between species and across governance levels. Finally, I conclude that more effort is needed for network models to materialize into ecological learning and transformation in management processes. / <p>At the time of the doctoral defence the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 1: Manuscript. Paper 2: Manuscript.</p>

abstract: The critical infrastructures of the nation are a large and complex network of human, physical and cyber-physical systems. In recent times, it has become increasingly apparent that individual critical infrastructures, such as the power and communication networks, do not operate in isolation, but instead are part of a complex interdependent ecosystem where a failure involving a small set of network entities can trigger a cascading event resulting in the failure of a much larger set of entities through the failure propagation process. Recognizing the need for a deeper understanding of the interdependent relationships between such critical infrastructures, several models have been proposed and analyzed in the last few years. However, most of these models are over-simplified and fail to capture the complex interdependencies that may exist between critical infrastructures. To overcome the limitations of existing models, this dissertation presents a new model -- the Implicative Interdependency Model (IIM) that is able to capture such complex interdependency relations. As the potential for a failure cascade in critical interdependent networks poses several risks that can jeopardize the nation, this dissertation explores relevant research problems in the interdependent power and communication networks using the proposed IIM and lays the foundations for further study using this model. Apart from exploring problems in interdependent critical infrastructures, this dissertation also explores resource allocation techniques for environments enabled with cyber-physical systems. Specifically, the problem of efficient path planning for data collection using mobile cyber-physical systems is explored. Two such environments are considered: a Radio-Frequency IDentification (RFID) environment with mobile “Tags” and “Readers”, and a sensor data collection environment where both the sensors and the data mules (data collectors) are mobile. Finally, from an applied research perspective, this dissertation presents Raptor, an advanced network planning and management tool for mitigating the impact of spatially correlated, or region based faults on infrastructure networks. Raptor consolidates a wide range of studies conducted in the last few years on region based faults, and provides an interface for network planners, designers and operators to use the results of these studies for designing robust and resilient networks in the presence of spatially correlated faults. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Computer Science 2016

A estrutura tributária brasileira proporciona uma dificuldade a mais no planejamento de redes logísticas, principalmente no caso do Imposto sobre Circulação de Mercadorias e Serviços (ICMS). A omissão do fator tributário na modelagem de redes logísticas no cenário brasileiro atual poderá resultar em cenários não ótimos, devido à marcante influência da mesma na localização das instalações e na definição dos fluxos de origem e destino. Devido aos impactos da legislação brasileira na perda de competitividade das empresas brasileiras atualmente, a Reforma Tributária se faz necessária por estas e outras razões não logísticas, alterando a forma como este imposto é cobrado. Alguns estudos foram realizados para avaliar o impacto da reforma tributária no planejamento de redes logísticas, porém o presente estudo atualizou a demanda e os custos logísticos para os valores atuais de mercado, buscando aprofundar a compreensão sobre as principais modificações da rede. Além disso, procurou-se avaliar o impacto da modificação da alíquota interna e externa na configuração de redes logísticas. Para estudar o impacto do ICMS na rede logística de uma empresa, recorreu-se ao modelo de Programação Linear Inteira Mista (PLIM). Os resultados do estudo evidenciam que a reforma tributária irá trazer melhorias significativas no aspecto de fluxo origem e destino e na localização das instalações. Porém, a estruturação da rede logística ainda irá sofrer interferência do ICMS, contribuindo assim para o aumento do Custo Brasil pela permanência do turismo fiscal. / The Brazilian tax structure provides a further difficulty in the planning of logistics networks, especially in the case of the Tax on Circulation of Goods and Services. The omission of the tax factor in modeling logistics networks in the current Brazilian scenario could result in non-optimal, due to the strong influence in the same location of facilities and on defining the flows of origin and destination. Due to the impacts of the Brazilian legislation in the loss of competitiveness of Brazilian companies currently the Tax Reform is needed for these and other logistical reasons not changing the way this tax is levied. Some studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of tax reform in the planning of logistics networks, but the present study updated the demand and logistics costs for the current market values, seeking to deepen the understanding of the main changes to the network. In addition, we sought to evaluate the impact of changes of the internal rate in the configuration of logistics networks. To study the impact of the ICMS in the logistics network of a company, we used the model of Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP). The study results show that tax reform will bring significant improvements in the appearance of flow origin and destination and the location of facilities. However, the structuring of the logistics network will still suffer interference from the ICMS, thus contributing to the increase in Brazil cost the tax residence of tourism.