Volume 195, Issues 1-4: Relational and Algebraic Methods in Computer Science 2024


1. Comer Schemes, Relation Algebras, and the Flexible Atom Conjecture

Jeremy F. Alm ; David A. Andrews ; Michael Levet.
In this paper, we consider relational structures arising from Comer's finite field construction, where the cosets need not be sum free. These Comer schemes generalize the notion of a Ramsey scheme and may be of independent interest. As an application, we give the first finite representation of $34_{65}$. This leaves $33_{65}$ as the only remaining relation algebra in the family $N_{65}$ with a flexible atom that is not known to be finitely representable. Motivated by this, we complement our upper bounds with some lower bounds. Using a SAT solver, we show that $33_{65}$ is not finitely representable on fewer than $24$ points, and that $33_{65}$ does not admit a cyclic group representation on fewer than $120$ points. We also employ a SAT solver to show that $34_{65}$ is not representable on fewer than $24$ points.

2. The Index and Core of a Relation. With Applications to the Axiomatics of Relation Algebra

Roland Backhouse ; Ed Voermans.
We introduce the general notions of an index and a core of a relation. We postulate a limited form of the axiom of choice -- specifically that all partial equivalence relations have an index -- and explore the consequences of adding the axiom to standard axiom systems for point-free reasoning. Examples of the theorems we prove are that a core/index of a difunction is a bijection, and that the so-called ``all or nothing'' axiom used to facilitate pointwise reasoning is derivable from our axiom of choice.

3. Translating Three-Variable First-Order Predicate Logic to Relation Algebra, Implemented using Z3

Anthony Brogni ; Sebastiaan J. C. Joosten.
This paper presents the development of a software tool that enables the translation of first-order predicate logic with at most three variables into relation algebra. The tool was developed using the Z3 theorem prover, leveraging its capabilities to enhance reliability, generate code, and expedite development. The resulting standalone Python program allows users to translate first-order logic formulas into relation algebra, eliminating the need to work with relation algebra explicitly. This paper outlines the theoretical background of first-order logic, relation algebra, and the translation process. It also describes the implementation details, including validation of the software tool using Z3 for testing correctness. By demonstrating the feasibility of utilizing first-order logic as an alternative language for expressing relation algebra, this tool paves the way for integrating first-order logic into tools traditionally relying on relation algebra as input.

4. The fork and its role in unification of closure algebras

Ivo Düntsch ; Wojciech Dzik.
We consider the two-pronged fork frame $F$ and the variety $\mathbf{Eq}(B_F)$ generated by its dual closure algebra $B_F$. We describe the finite projective algebras in $\mathbf{Eq}(B_F)$ and give a purely semantic proof that unification in $\mathbf{Eq}(B_F)$ is finitary and not unitary.

5. Locally Integral Involutive PO-Semigroups

José Gil-Férez ; Peter Jipsen ; Melissa Sugimoto.
We show that every locally integral involutive partially ordered semigroup (ipo-semigroup) $\mathbf A = (A,\le, \cdot, \sim,-)$, and in particular every locally integral involutive semiring, decomposes in a unique way into a family $\{\mathbf A_p : p\in A^+\}$ of integral ipo-monoids, which we call its integral components. In the semiring case, the integral components are unital semirings. Moreover, we show that there is a family of monoid homomorphisms $Φ= \{φ_{pq}: \mathbf A_p\to \mathbf A_q : p\le q\}$, indexed over the positive cone $(A^+,\le)$, so that the structure of $\mathbf A$ can be recovered as a glueing $\int_Φ\mathbf A_p$ of its integral components along $Φ$. Reciprocally, we give necessary and sufficient conditions so that the Płonka sum of any family of integral ipo-monoids $\{\mathbf A_p : p\in D\}$, indexed over a join-semilattice $(D,\lor)$ along a family of monoid homomorphisms $Φ$ is an ipo-semigroup.

6. Note on a Translation from First-Order Logic into the Calculus of Relations Preserving Validity and Finite Validity

Yoshiki Nakamura.
In this note, we give a linear-size translation from formulas of first-order logic into equations of the calculus of relations preserving validity and finite validity. Our translation also gives a linear-size conservative reduction from formulas of first-order logic into formulas of the three-variable fragment of first-order logic.

7. A Theory of Conversion Relations for Prefixed Units of Measure

Baltasar Trancón y Widemann ; Markus Lepper.
Units of measure with prefixes and conversion rules are given a formal semantic model in terms of categorial group theory. Basic structures and both natural and contingent semantic operations are defined. Conversion rules are represented as a class of ternary relations with both group-like and category-like properties. A hierarchy of subclasses is explored, each satisfying stronger useful algebraic properties than the preceding, culminating in a direct efficient conversion-by-rewriting algorithm.