Multiobjective clustering algorithm for complex data in learning management systemsRamadan, Rabie A.; Alhaisoni, Majed Mohaia; Khedr, Ahmed Y.
doi: 10.1186/s40294-020-00071-9pmid: N/A
Learning Management Systems (LMS) is now an emergent technology where massive data are collected and requires handling. This data comes from different sources with multiple features which represents another complex paradigm. However, as part of business intelligence and decision support, this data needs to be classified and analyzed for the management, teachers, as well as students to make the appropriate decisions. Thus, one of the effective data analysis methods is clustering. However, LMS data encompasses multi-features, which are not sufficient to make appropriate decisions. Therefore, single feature clustering algorithms would not help LMS decision-makers. Consequently, multifeatured/multiobjective clustering algorithms could be one of the proposed solutions. Thus, looking at different multiobjective clustering algorithms as compared to the LMS nature of data, those algorithms do not satisfy the clustering purpose. In addition, the LMS data could be huge, complex, and sequential algorithms would not help as well. Thus, this paper is a step forward towards clustering LMS data for better decision making. The paper proposes a new clustering framework based upon distributed systems and a new multiobjective algorithm for the purpose of LMS clustering. The algorithm has been examined experimentally in order to answer some of the questions that help taking decision based upon LMS collected data.[graphic not available: see fulltext]
Self-organizing topology for energy-efficient ad-hoc communication networks of mobile devicesBanerjee, Indushree; Warnier, Martijn; Brazier, Frances M. T.
doi: 10.1186/s40294-020-00073-7pmid: N/A
When physical communication network infrastructures fail, infrastructure-less communication networks such as mobile ad-hoc networks (MANET), can provide an alternative. This, however, requires MANETs to be adaptable to dynamic contexts characterized by the changing density and mobility of devices and availability of energy sources. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a decentralized context-adaptive topology control protocol. The protocol consists of three algorithms and uses preferential attachment based on the energy availability of devices to form a loop-free scale-free adaptive topology for an ad-hoc communication network. The proposed protocol has a number of advantages. First, it is adaptive to the environment, hence applicable in scenarios where the number of participating mobile devices and their availability of energy resources is always changing. Second, it is energy-efficient through changes in the topology. This means it can be flexibly combined with different routing protocols. Third, the protocol requires no changes on the hardware level. This means it can be implemented on all current phones, without any recalls or investments in hardware changes. The evaluation of the protocol in a simulated environment confirms the feasibility of creating and maintaining a self-adaptive ad-hoc communication network, consisting of multitudes of mobile devices for reliable communication in a dynamic context.
A modular multi-agent framework for innovation diffusion in changing business environments: conceptualization, formalization and implementationJohanning, Simon; Scheller, Fabian; Abitz, Daniel; Wehner, Claudius; Bruckner, Thomas
doi: 10.1186/s40294-020-00074-6pmid: N/A
Understanding how innovations are accepted in a dynamic and complex market environment is a crucial factor for competitive advantage. To understand the relevant factors for this diffusion and to predict success, empirically grounded agent-based models have become increasingly popular in recent years. Despite the popularity of these innovation diffusion models, no common framework that integrates their diversity exists. This article presents a flexible, modular and extensible common description and implementation framework that allows to depict the large variety of model components found in existing models. The framework aims to provide a theoretically grounded description and implementation framework for empirically grounded agent-based models of innovation diffusion. It identifies 30 component requirements to conceptualize an integrated formal framework description. Based on this formal description, a java-based implementation allowing for flexible configuration of existing and future models of innovation diffusion is developed. As a variable decision support tool in decision-making processes on the adoption of innovations the framework is valuable for the investigation of a range of research questions on innovation diffusion, business model evaluation and infrastructure transformation.
Evolutionary understanding of the conditions leading to estimation of behavioral properties through system dynamicsPark, Chulwook
doi: 10.1186/s40294-019-0066-xpmid: N/A
One of the basic approaches in science views behavioral products as a process within a dynamic system. The mechanism might be seen as a representation of many instances of centralized control in real time. Many real systems, however, exhibit autonomy by denying statically treated mechanisms. This study addresses the issues related to the identification of dynamic systems and suggests how determining the basic principles of a collective structure may be the key to understanding complex behavioral processes. A fundamental model is derived to assess the advantages of this perspective using a basic methodology. The connection between perspective and technique demonstrates certain aspects within their actual context while also clearly including the framework of actual dynamic system identification.[graphic not available: see fulltext]
Formal approach to model complex adaptive computing systemsJarrar, Abdessamad; Ait Wakrime, Abderrahim; Balouki, Youssef
doi: 10.1186/s40294-020-0069-7pmid: N/A
Complex adaptive systems provide a significant number of concepts such as reaction, interaction, adaptation, and evolution. In general, these concepts are modelled employing different techniques which give an inexplicit vision on the system. Therefore, all concepts must be carefully modelled using the same approach to avoid contradiction and guarantee system homogeneity and correctness. However, developing a computing system that includes all these concepts using the same approach is not an easy task and requires a perfect understanding of the system’s behaviour. In this paper, we contribute as stepwise towards proposing an approach to model the most important concepts of complex adaptive systems while ensuring homogeneity and the correctness of models. For this aim, we present five standard agent-based models formalizing agent properties, reaction, interaction, adaptation, and evolution. These models are adapted to all cases of complex adaptive systems since they include an abstract description of these concepts. To implement our approach formally, we choose the Event-B method due to the strong assurance of bugs’ absence that it guarantees. Besides, it supports horizontal and vertical refinement which facilitates the specification process. Furthermore, the approach of this paper addresses the very abstract level of modelling which expand the use of this approach to other formal methods and tools.[graphic not available: see fulltext]
False data injection attack (FDIA): an overview and new metrics for fair evaluation of its countermeasureAhmed, Mohiuddin; Pathan, Al-Sakib Khan
doi: 10.1186/s40294-020-00070-wpmid: N/A
The concept of false data injection attack (FDIA) was introduced originally in the smart grid domain. While the term sounds common, it specifically means the case when an attacker compromises sensor readings in such tricky way that undetected errors are introduced into calculations of state variables and values. Due to the rapid growth of the Internet and associated complex adaptive systems, cyber attackers are interested in exploiting similar attacks in other application domains such as healthcare, finance, defense, governance, etc. In today’s increasingly perilous cyber world of complex adaptive systems, FDIA has become one of the top-priority issues to deal with. It is a necessity today for greater awareness and better mechanism to counter such attack in the cyberspace. Hence, this work presents an overview of the attack, identifies the impact of FDIA in critical domains, and talks about the countermeasures. A taxonomy of the existing countermeasures to defend against FDIA is provided. Unlike other works, we propose some evaluation metrics for FDIA detection and also highlight the scarcity of benchmark datasets to validate the performance of FDIA detection techniques.[graphic not available: see fulltext]