bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Models and Optimization Techniques of Machining Parameters in Turning Operations
Authors: Xie Shutong , Zhang Zidong
Published: January 2012

Machining parameters optimization is one of the most essential and interesting problems in manufacturing world. Efficient optimization of machining parameters can produce high-quality products with low cost and high productivity. Thus, many process optimization models of the turning operations with one or two tools are established in order to realize various machining aims. Due to the complexity of optimization models, many new optimization techniques are proposed to solve them. Major optimization techniques include genetic algorithms, simulated annealing, ant colony optimization, particle swarm optimization, et cetera. In this chapter, a comprehensive discussion on various soft computing techniques are presented, especially meta-heuristic algorithms concerning optimization of machining parameters in both single-tool and multi-tools turning operations. In addition, some future challenges and research trends are also discussed in this chapter.
Simulation of Grinding by Means of the Finite Element Method and Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Markopoulos A.P.
Published: January 2012

Simulation of grinding is a topic of great interest due to the wide application of the process in modern industry. Several modeling methods have been utilized in order to accurately describe the complex phenomena taking place during the process, the most common being the Finite Element Method (FEM) and the Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). In the present work, a FEM model and an ANN model for precision surface grinding, are presented. Furthermore, a new approach, a combination of the aforementioned methods, is proposed, and a hybrid model is presented. This model comprises the advantages of both FEM and ANN models. The three kinds of models described in this work are able to accurately predict several grinding features that define the outcome of the process and the quality of the final product.
Developments in Finite Element Technology and Optimization Formulations for Sheet Metal Forming
Authors: Valente Robertt A. F. , Alves de Sousa Ricardo J. , Andrade-Campos António , de-Carvalho Raquel , Henriques Marisa P. , Sena José I. V. , Caseiro João F.
Published: January 2012

This contribution aims to provide a comprehensive overview of some research developments in the field of computational mechanics and numerical simulations applied to metal forming processes. More specifically, this chapter’s goal is to encompass three main fields of research applied to plastic forming processes: (i) the development of alternative finite element formulations for the simulation of sheet metal forming processes; (ii) the development and discussion of distinct optimization procedures and formulations suitable for the characterization of constitutive parameters to be used in numerical simulations, relying on experimental result data; (iii) the study of non-conventional forming processes, particularly the case of single-point incremental forming operations. For each of these topics, a summary of the formulations and main ideas is provided, as well as a list of references for the interested reader. The main goal of this chapter is, therefore, to provide a comprehensive source of information for researchers from both academia and industrial worlds, about some recent achievements and future trends in the numerical simulation field.
Joining Sheets to Tubular Profiles by Tube Forming
Authors: Alves Luis M. M. , Martins Paulo A. F.
Published: January 2012

This chapter presents an innovative forming process for joining sheet panels to tubular profiles at room temperature. Finite element analysis and experimentation are utilized to understand the deformation mechanics of the process, to identify the operational feasibility window, and to discuss the capabilities across the useful range of working conditions. The feasibility of the proposed joining process is demonstrated by presenting conceptual applications and industrial prototypes comprising a seat-back bottom frame and an automotive hand-brake system. Results show that joining sheets to tubular profiles by means of tube forming can successfully replace conventional joining technologies based on mechanical fixing with fasteners, welding, or structural adhesive bonding.
Modeling and Optimization of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Process
Authors: Rao R. Venkata
Published: January 2012

Weld quality is greatly affected by the operating process parameters in the gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process. The quality of the welded material can be evaluated by many characteristics, such as bead geometric parameters, deposition efficiency, weld strength, weld distortion, et cetera. These characteristics are controlled by a number of welding process parameters, and it is important to set up proper process parameters to attain good quality. Various optimization methods can be applied to define the desired process output parameters through developing mathematical models to specify the relationship between the input parameters and output parameters. The method capable of accurate prediction of welding process output parameters would be valuable for rapid development of welding procedures and for developing control algorithms in automated welding applications. This chapter presents the details of various techniques used for modeling and optimization of GMAW process parameters. The optimization methods covered in this chapter are appropriate for modeling and optimizing the GMAW process. It is found that there is high level of interest in the adaptation of RSM and ANN techniques to predict responses and to optimize the GMAW process. Combining two optimization techniques, such as GA and RSM, would reveal good results for finding out the optimal welding conditions. Furthermore, efforts are required to apply advanced optimization techniques to find out the optimal parameters for GMAW process at which the process could be considered safe and more economical.
The Transformative Power of Social Media on Emergency and Crisis Management
Authors: For-mukwai Gideon F.
Published: January 2012

There is a wind of transformation blowing across the world today. It is changing the face of emergency management and every field of human endeavor. It is called “social media”. These days, social media is redefining crisis preparedness through the increasing participation of the masses in the creation and distribution of content in ways that surpass the capacity of the mass media and public authorities. Public-generated content has been found to be useful in all phases of preparedness. Unfortunately, most public safety authorities are still suspicious of using social media in engaging and disseminating information. This paper examines this new area of transformation that is having significant consequences on public safety and public life. As the scenario unfolds, emergency managers have a tough time choosing between the mass media and social media. Metaphorically, it is a race between a ‘hippo’ (mass media) and cheetah (social media).
The Use of Social Media in Disaster Situations
Authors: Lang Guido , Benbunan-Fich Raquel
Published: January 2012

Recent disasters highlight the importance of social media supporting critical information gathering and dissemination efforts by members of the public. Given that disasters pose unique challenges and social media are evolving rapidly, how can one compare the effectiveness of social media in different disaster situations? Drawing from prior work on e-participation, this paper proposes a novel framework for social media use based on four key modules: selection, facilitation, deliberation, and aggregation. A comparative analysis of social media use following a man-made disaster (the 2007 Virginia Tech tragedy) and during a natural disaster (the 2009 Britain blizzard) exemplifies the value of the proposed framework. Future research can build on and leverage the present work by analyzing and incorporating additional cases on the use of social media in disaster situations.
Building Community Resilience through Social Networking Sites
Authors: Belblidia Miriam S.
Published: January 2012

Online Social Networking Sites (SNS) enable collaborative information sharing and help build resilient communities in areas exposed to risk. This paper reviews existing research on community vulnerability and resilience, and explores the role of communication in fostering strong community networks. The paper draws upon examples of SNS used to share information and explores how such technology may be leveraged more effectively to provide communities with robust communication networks, thereby creating more resilient communities in areas at high risk of natural disasters.
Wiki Technology and Emergency Response
Authors: Raman Murali , Ryan Terry , Jennex Murray E. , Olfman Lorne
Published: January 2012

This paper is about the design and implementation of a wiki-based knowledge management system for improving emergency response. Most organizations face difficult challenges in managing knowledge for emergency response, but it is crucial for response effectiveness that such challenges be overcome. Organizational members must share the knowledge needed to plan for emergencies. They also must be able during an emergency to access relevant plans and communicate about their responses to it. This study, which employed action research methods, suggests that wiki technology can be used to manage knowledge for emergency response. It also suggests that effective use of a knowledge management system for emergency response requires thorough training, a knowledge-sharing culture, and a good fit between emergency-response tasks and system capabilities.
A Normative Enterprise Architecture for Guiding End-to-End Emergency Response Decision Support
Authors: Marich Michael J. , Schooley Benjamin L. , Horan Thomas A.
Published: January 2012

This article examines the underlying architecture guiding the development and use of enterprise decision support systems that maintain the delivery of time critical public services. A normative architecture, developed from comparative cases involving San Mateo County and Mayo Clinic Emergency Medical Services systems, provides a collection of characteristics meant to guide an emergency response system toward a high level of performance and enable optimal decision-making. At a national symposium, academics and practitioners involved in promoting effective emergency response information systems provided validation for the architecture and next steps for enhancing emergency response information systems. Normative architecture characteristics and expert perspectives from the symposium are integrated into a framework that offers an enterprise approach for delivering time-critical emergency response services. This article provides recommendations for navigating toward a more incremental approach in developing enterprise-oriented emergency information services and examines future trends involving the application of normative architectural concepts to real-world emergency medical settings.
Lessons Learned on the Operation of the LoST Protocol for Mobile IP-Based Emergency Calls
Authors: Goulart Ana , Zacchi Anna , Chintapatla Bharath , Magnussen Walt
Published: January 2012

The technology used in citizen-to-authority emergency calls is based on traditional telephony, that is, circuit-switched systems. However, new standards and protocols are being developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) to allow emergency communications over packet switched networks, such as the Internet. This architecture is known as Next Generation-9-1-1 (NG-911). In this paper, the authors present lessons learned from experiments on the IETF standard called Location to Service Translation protocol (LoST). LoST maps the user’s location to the address of the emergency call center that serves that location. After implementing the standards in a test-bed with real-world systems, spatial databases, and communication networks, the authors observed performance issues that users may experience. Based on their observations, the authors propose practical ideas to improve the performance of the NG-911 system and LoST protocol operation for mobile users.
Factors that Influence Crisis Managers and their Decision-Making Ability during Extreme Events
Authors: White Connie , Turoff Murray
Published: January 2012

This paper reviews crisis literature, identifying factors that most challenge decision makers during extreme events. The objectives are to understand the environment in which the emergency manager is working; isolate factors that hinder the decision maker’s ability to implement optimum solutions; and identify structures that best fit the problem type. These objectives are important because extreme events are not well managed. Extreme events are best characterized as wicked problems. Stress, information overload, bias, and uncertainty create an environment that challenges even the best decision makers. Factors must be better understood so that policies, systems, and technologies can be created to better fit the needs of the decision maker. The authors discuss ongoing research efforts and describe systems being designed and implemented that provide a variety of web based collaborative tools, as well as solutions to these wicked problems.
A Methodology for Inter-Organizational Emergency Management Continuity Planning
Authors: Lindström John , Harnesk Dan , Laaksonen Elina , Niemimaa Marko
Published: January 2012

This paper extends emergency management literature by developing a methodology for emergency management continuity planning (EmCP). In particular, the methodology focuses on inter-organizational continuous and coordinated planning among emergency management organizations. The authors draw on Soft Systems Methodology (Checkland & Scholes, 1999; Checkland, 2000), using it as a base for better understanding of EmCP. Barriers that must be overcome before the methodology can be introduced and established, as well as potential benefits, are also discussed.
Managing Crises in the Healthcare Service Chain
Authors: Constantinides Panos
Published: January 2012

This paper explores the strategic importance of information systems for managing such crises as the H1N1 outbreak and the Haiti earthquake in the healthcare service chain. The paper synthesizes the literature on crisis management and information systems for emergency response and draws some key lessons for healthcare service chains. The paper illustrates these lessons by using data from an empirical case study in the region of Crete in Greece. The author concludes by discussing some future directions in managing crises in the healthcare service chain, including the importance of distributive, adaptive crisis management through new technologies like mashups.
Designing Evaluations for K-12 Robotics Education Programs
Authors: Stubbs Kristen , Casper Jennifer , Yanco Holly A.
Published: January 2012

While a large number of robotics programs for K-12 students have been developed and deployed in the past twenty years, the effect that these programs have on students’ motivations to enter science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers has yet to be fully determined. In order to demonstrate the value of these programs, researchers must make a concerted effort to measure their impact. Based on prior work in the evaluation of educational robotics programs, the authors of this chapter present frequently-utilized evaluation and measurement methods as well as guidelines for selecting these methods based on factors such as a program’s duration, size, and maturity. This chapter is intended for use as a reference guide for designing evaluations of K-12 educational robotics programs.
Generating Transferable Skills in STEM through Educational Robotics
Authors: Nelson Carl A.
Published: January 2012

This chapter aims to present guidelines, suggestions, and ideas for designing educational robotics programs, which help participants generate skills useful in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as well as in other career paths. A list of skills areas is presented, categorized either as highly STEM-relevant or more universal, and each skills area is discussed in the context of the content and delivery methods of robotics programs. Examples are provided from several existing curricula to demonstrate how robotics can be leveraged for generating these useful skills. A set of suggestions is then presented for guiding future robotics curriculum development, in formal or informal settings.
In and out of the School Activities Implementing IBSE and Constructionist Learning Methodologies by Means of Robotics
Authors: Demo G. Barbara , Moro Michele , Pina Alfredo , Arlegui Javier
Published: January 2012

In this chapter, the authors describe an inquiry-based science education (IBSE) theoretical framework as it was applied to robotics activities carried out in European K-12 classrooms during the last six years. Interactions between IBSE, problem-based learning, constructivist/constructionist learning theories, and technology are discussed. Example activities demonstrate that educational robotics capitalizes on the digital curiosity of young people. This leads to concrete experiences in STEM content areas and spreads computational thinking to all school types and levels. Cooperation among different stakeholders (students, teachers, scientific and disseminating institutions, families) is emphasized in order to exploit in and out of the classroom school resources, competencies, and achievements and for implementing peer-to-peer education among students and teachers in the same class/school or from different schools.
Robotics and Problem-Based Learning in STEM Formal Educational Environments
Authors: Grandgenett Neal , Ostler Elliott , Topp Neal , Goeman Robert
Published: January 2012

Some of the best learning may occur in the context of a problem, whether in life or in the formal educational classroom. This chapter focuses on the use of educational robotics as a rich context for real-life applications and problems that can encourage the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in formal K-12 educational environments. The chapter presents research related to the compatibility of educational robotics with problem-based learning, as well as two years of field test results from a National Science Foundation (NSF) project that is developing, testing, and refining an educational robotics curriculum. This curriculum has a foundation of problem-based learning strategies. The national curriculum effort uses an open-source programmable, robot platform and a Web-based cyber-infrastructure delivery system that provides teachers with a flexible lesson structure, compatible with national standards and engaging students in problem-based learning.
Medical Robotics in K-12 Education
Authors: Rockland Ronald , Kimmel Howard , Carpinelli John , Hirsch Linda S. , Burr-Alexander Levelle
Published: January 2012

Medibotics, the merging of medicine, robotics, and Information Technology, is a program that uses LEGO™ Mindstorms for school kits with NXT software to introduce students and teachers to engineering and Information Technology through the use of robotics. The curriculum, developed for the Medibotics program, was a collaboration of university faculty and secondary school teachers, incorporating Information Technology, engineering, and robotics into classroom lessons by teaching students to design and build robots to solve biomedical engineering problems. Teachers receive intensive professional development in the integration of the Medibotics curriculum and the robotics kits into their classroom instruction and in methods to develop standards-based lesson plans as the curricula are aligned with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards (NJCCCS) and national standards in science and mathematics. A workbook of lessons for building robots to perform simulated computer-assisted surgeries, with elements of actual medical procedures, has been developed. This chapter describes the rationale behind this program, its structure, and evaluation.
Programming Robots in Kindergarten to Express Identity
Authors: Bers Marina U. , Ettinger Alyssa B.
Published: January 2012

This chapter presents a research program that uses robotics as a powerful tool to engage Kindergarten children in developing computational thinking and learning about the engineering design process. Using an ethnographic analysis of an experience in a Kindergarten classroom at the Jewish Community Day School (JCDS), a pluralistic school in Watertown, MA, in which children worked with robotics as a way to explore issues of identity, the chapter highlights both developmental and technological considerations that need to be addressed when engaging young children with robotic activities. This project used an innovative hybrid tangible programming system composed of interlocking wooden blocks, called CHERP, specifically designed to meet the developmental needs of young children. While many robotic programs highlight building aspects and their relationship to engineering education, the approach presented in this chapter complements this by focusing on programming by teaching powerful ideas from computer science at a very early age.
The Impact of Educational Robotics on Student STEM Learning, Attitudes, and Workplace Skills
Authors: Nugent Gwen , Barker Bradley S. , Grandgenett Neal
Published: January 2012

This chapter discusses findings from a National Science Foundation (NSF) project funded by the Innovative Technologies Experiences for Student and Teachers (ITEST) program. The project has an ongoing research agenda focusing on the impact of robotics summer camps and competitions targeted at middle school youth. The research focused on the impact of the interventions on youth a) learning of computer programming, mathematics, and engineering concepts, b) science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) attitudes, c) workplace skills, and d) STEM career interest. Results show that robotics camps and competitions appear to be viable strategies to increase student STEM learning, robotics self-efficacy, and problem solving skills.
Educational Robotics and Broadening Participation in STEM for Underrepresented Student Groups
Authors: Ludi Stephanie
Published: January 2012

Engaging students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is of particular interest to educators at all levels. Participation in these fields at the university level and beyond has decreased in recent years, and the issue is of particular interest in terms of the low representation of girls, minorities, and students with disabilities. This chapter will discuss the current state of research in the area of inclusive robotics at the pre-college level. In addition, strategies will be presented to help educators integrate robotics for diverse learners. Both pre-existing programs such as FIRST and self-developed activities will be discussed, including the selection of the robotics platform and programming software.
Simulating Game Applications in Mobile IPv6 Protocol
Authors: Raoof Omar , Al-Raweshidy Hamed
Published: January 2012

This chapter proposes a novel game-based green interface/network selection mechanism that is an extension to the multi-interface fast-handover mobile IPv6 protocol and works when the mobile node has more than one wireless interface. The mechanism controls the handover decision process by deciding whether a handover is needed or not and helps the node to choose the right access point at the right time. Additionally, the mechanism switches the mobile nodes interfaces “ON” and “OFF” when needed to control the mobile node’s energy consumption and improves the handover latency.
Evaluation Model for Vertical Handoff Algorithms
Authors: D. Alexander Garcia , P. Lina Escobar , C. Andres Navarro , Guerrero Fabio G. , Stevens-Navarro Enrique
Published: January 2012

This chapter begins by introducing the problem of vertical handoff in heterogeneous wireless networks and illustrates the lack of a proper evaluation model to compare the different Vertical Handoff Algorithms (VHAs) that have been proposed in the literature over the last few years. In the following sections, a novel evaluation model for VHAs is introduced and described. The design of the new evaluation model is based on the multi-criteria evaluation methodology and criticality analysis, which permitted the model to be developed as a software component. The new proposed evaluation model is flexible in terms of the number of evaluation parameters and facilitates the analysis of VHAs by researchers. A specific case study considering some VHAs is presented, analyzed, and discussed in detail. The case study is used to compare the proposed evaluation model with another evaluation model (Ordinal Model) for VHAs. The comparison of the new evaluation model with an alternative evaluation model was an important exercise because it gave feedback on both models, enabling the authors to refine them and to propose extensions to their capabilities and features. The obtained results show that both models are valid and effective for the evaluation of the VHAs and each one has his advantages and disadvantages.
Simulation of Vertical Handoff Algorithms for Heterogeneous Wireless Networks
Authors: D. Alexander Garcia , C. Andres Navarro , A. Adriana Arteaga , Guerrero Fabio G. , Stevens-Navarro Enrique
Published: January 2012

Computer simulation is an important tool for the study and analysis of communication networks. In the case of simulation of Vertical Handoff Algorithms (VHAs) for heterogeneous wireless networks there are two approaches: using a network simulator or using general purpose programming languages. The objective of this chapter is to present and compare both approaches, by means of two study cases. The first case considers the use of network simulator NCTUns (National Chiao Tung University Network Simulator), while the second case considers the use of MATLAB.
OPNET Simulation Setup for QoE Based Network Selection
Authors: Toseef Umar , Khan Manzoor Ahmed
Published: January 2012

In its most generic sense, the user-centric view in telecommunications considers that the users are free from subscription to any one network operator and can instead dynamically choose the most suitable transport infrastructure from the available network providers for their terminal and application requirements. In this approach, the decision of interface selection is delegated to the mobile terminal enabling end users to exploit the best available characteristics of different network technologies and network providers, with the objective of increased satisfaction. In order to more accurately express the user satisfaction in telecommunications, a more subjective and application-specific measure, namely, the Quality-of-Experience (QoE) is introduced. QoE is the core requirement in future wireless networks and provisions. It is a framework that optimizes the global system of networks and users in terms of efficient resource utilization and meeting user preferences (guaranteeing certain Quality-of-Service [QoS] requirements). A number of solution frameworks to address the mentioned problems using different theoretical approaches are proposed in the research literature. Such scholarly approaches need to be evaluated using simulation platforms (e.g., OPNET, NS2, OMNET++, etc.). This chapter focuses on developing the simulation using a standard discrete event network simulator, OPNET. It outlines the general development procedures of different components in simulation and details the following important aspects: Long Term Evolution (LTE) network component development, impairment entity development, implementing IPv6 flow management, developing an integrated heterogeneous scenario with LTE and WLAN, implementing an example scenario, and generating and analyzing the results.
Simulation of Multihop Wireless Networks in OMNeT++
Authors: Ariza Alfonso , Triviño Alicia
Published: January 2012

In this chapter, the authors present a brief description of the OMNeT++ network simulator with the main emphasis on the InetManet framework. This framework is especially oriented to the simulation of MANET and wireless mesh networks. It offers all the basic models and tools necessary to begin the simulation of this type of network. Since the source code is offered, the researcher can modify and include their models and they can simulate their own protocols. The InetManet is specifically oriented to the simulation of MANET over IPv4 networks. The flexibility of the code and the oriented based model of OMNeT++ (and its frameworks) allow reusing the wireless model with other types of networks.
Simulation of a Dynamic-Noise-Dependent Probabilistic Algorithm in MANETs
Authors: Al-Bahadili Hussein , Sabri Alia
Published: January 2012

In the current dynamic probabilistic algorithm, the retransmission probability (pt) has always been formulated as a linear/non-linear function of a single variable, namely, the number of first-hop neighbors (k), and therefore denoted as pt(k). The performance of the probabilistic algorithm has severely suffered in the presence of noise due to the reduction in the probability of reception (pc) of route request packets by receiving nodes. This chapter presents a detailed description of a new dynamic probabilistic algorithm in which pt is determined as a function of k and pc, and therefore, it is referred to as the Dynamic Noise-Dependent Probabilistic (DNDP) algorithm. The DNDP algorithm is implemented using the Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) Simulator (MANSim), which is used to simulate a number of scenarios to evaluate and compare the performance of the algorithm with pure flooding and fixed and dynamic probabilistic algorithms. The simulation’s results demonstrated that the DNDP algorithm provides an excellent performance in various network conditions, where it almost maintains the same network reach-ability in noiseless and noisy environments, with the noisy environments inflicting an insignificant increase in the number of redundant retransmissions.
Comparing Various Route Discovery Algorithms in Ad Hoc Wireless Networks
Authors: Al-Bahadili Hussein , Alzoubaidi Abdel Rahman , Al-Khalidi Ali
Published: January 2012

Dynamic (reactive or on-demand) routing protocols used in wireless ad hoc networks suffer from transmitting a huge number of control packets during the route discovery phase of the protocols, which increases the overhead significantly. Therefore, a number of optimization protocols have been developed throughout the years. This chapter compares the performance of various route discovery algorithms in ad hoc wireless networks, namely, pure flooding, probabilistic, Location-Aided Routing scheme 1 (LAR-1), LAR-1-Probabilsitic (LAR-1P), and Optimal Multipoint Relying (OMPR). The results obtained through the different simulations are analyzed and compared. This chapter will help practitioners of various kinds (academics, professionals, researchers, and students) grasp a solid understanding of the behavior of ad hoc wireless network route discovery algorithms and develop an appreciation for flooding optimization mechanisms. It also substantiates the case of experimenting via simulation with such models and shows how the different simulation parameters interplay.
Modeling of TCP Reno with Packet-Loss and Long Delay Cycles
Authors: Al-Bahadili Hussein , Adarbah Haitham Y.
Published: January 2012

The Transport Control Protocol (TCP) is the dominant transport layer protocol in the Internet Protocol (IP) suite, as it carries a significant amount of the Internet traffic, such as Web browsing, file transfer, e-mail, and remote access. Therefore, huge efforts have been devoted by researchers to develop suitable models that can help with evaluating its performance in various network environments. Some of these models are based on analytical or simulation approaches. This chapter presents a description, derivation, implementation, and comparison of two well-known analytical models, namely, the PFTK and PLLDC models. The first one is a relatively simple model for predicting the performance of the TCP protocol, while the second model is a comprehensive and realistic analytical model. The two models are based on the TCP Reno flavor, as it is one of the most popular implementations on the Internet. These two models were implemented in a user-friendly TCP Performance Evaluation Package (TCP-PEP). The TCP-PEP was used to investigate the effect of packet-loss and long delay cycles on the TCP performance, measured in terms of sending rate, throughput, and utilization factor. The results obtained from the PFTK and PLLDC models were compared with those obtained from equivalent simulations carried-out on the widely used NS-2 network simulator. The PLLDC model provides more accurate results (closer to the NS-2 results) than the PFTK model.
Wireless Identity Management
Authors: Rashed Abdullah , Santos Henrique M.D.
Published: January 2012

In the wireless era, digital users in the electronic world (e-world) are represented by sets of data called Digital Identities (ID), which they use, among other functions, for authentication purposes. Within the e-world it is risky to lose an identity and so security solutions are required to protect IDs. Information security should provide the necessary Identity Management (IDM) process to mitigate that threat. Moreover, efficient protection of digital identities would encourage users to enter the digital world without worries. The suggested solution depends on three dimensions: management, security solution, and security dimensions. The proposed model appears as a multi-layered security approach, since it tries to integrate different security technologies and multimodal biometrics tools and practices, such as wireless management, policies, procedures, guidelines, standards, and legislation. The advantages, limitations, and requirements of the proposed model are discussed.
Security Management and Simulation of Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANET)
Authors: Al-Bayatti Ali H. , Al-Bayatti Hilal M.
Published: January 2012

This chapter provides a detailed description of a framework for designing, analyzing, deploying, and enforcing high level security management for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs). The framework, which can be used by researchers, academics, security administrators, network designers, and post-graduate students, is designed and simulated using the object oriented Network Simulator-2 (NS-2). In this chapter, the authors also provide a full illustration of how to design and implement a secure MANET, while maintaining the security essentials using NS-2. Then, they describe the characteristics, applications, design, coding style, advantages/disadvantages, and implementation of the NS-2 simulator. Finally, this chapter provides a description of the future trend NS-3, which is the “eventual replacement” of NS-2.
A Hybrid Port-Knocking Technique for Host Authentication
Authors: Hadi Ali H. , Al-Bahadili Hussein
Published: January 2012

This chapter presents the detail description of a Port-Knocking (PK) technique, which should avert all types of port attacks and meets all other network security requirements. The new technique utilizes four well-known concepts, these are: PK, cryptography, steganography, and mutual authentication; therefore, it is referred to as the Hybrid Port-Knocking (HPK) technique. It is implemented as two separate modules. One is installed and run on the server computer, either behind the network firewall or on the firewall itself, and the other one is installed and run on the client computer. The first module is referred to as the HPK server, while the second is the HPK client. In terms of data processing, the technique consists of five main processes; these are: request packetization and transmission, traffic monitoring and capturing, mutual authentication, request extraction and execution, and port closing. The HPK technique demonstrates immunity against two vital attacks, namely, the TCP replay and Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks.
The State of the Art and Future Prospective of the Network Security
Authors: Al-Hamami Alaa Hussein
Published: January 2012

The continuous deployment of network services over the wide range of public and private networks has led to transactions and services that include personal, and sometimes quite sensitive, data. Examples of services include: pay-per-view, cable telephony, bill payments by phone, credit card charging, and Internet banking. Such services require significant effort not only to protect the sensitive data involved in the transactions and services but to ensure integrity and availability of network services as well. The requirement for employing heterogeneous networks and systems becomes increasingly important, and as the view of traditional distributed systems has changed to a network centric view in all types of application networks, therefore, the complexity of these systems has led to significant security flaws and problems. Existing conventional approaches for security service development over such complex and most often heterogeneous networks and systems are not satisfying and cannot meet users and applications needs; therefore, several approaches have been developed to provide security at various levels and degrees, such as: secure protocols, secure protocol mechanisms, secure services, firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and later Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), etc. This chapter considers and addresses several aspects of network security in an effort to provide a publication that summarizes the current status and the promising and interesting future directions and challenges. The authors try to present the state-of-the-art in this chapter for the following topics: Internet security, secure services, security in mobile systems and trust, anonymity, and privacy.
Toward Distributed QoS Driven Wireless Messaging Infrastructure
Authors: Khaddaj Souheil , Makoond Bippin
Published: January 2012

The Telecoms market is demanding more services which involve an increased mobile accessibility to the Internet, real time video transmission, real time games, Voice over IP (VOIP), and business critical transactions such as billing transactions and banking services. Meeting these challenges requires the mobile operators to change the way they design their telephony and messaging systems. As the mobile market moves to become more service centric, rather than technology centric, Quality of Service (QoS) has grown to become imperative, since in the Telecoms innovative services are very often short lived, where the quality aspects of a system and the provided services contribute as key differentiators. Thus, the main focus of this chapter is based around the QoS issues which have led to the consideration of a distributed messaging model to address the challenges faced in the Telecoms industry.
A Simulation Model for Large Scale Distributed Systems
Authors: Dobre Ciprian
Published: January 2012

The use of discrete-event simulators in the design and development of Large Scale Distributed Systems (LSDSs) is appealing due to their efficiency and scalability. Their core abstractions of process and event map neatly to the components and interactions of modern-day distributed systems and allow designing realistic simulation scenarios. MONARC 2, a multithreaded, process oriented simulation framework designed for modeling LSDSs, allows the realistic simulation of a wide-range of distributed system technologies, with respect to their specific components and characteristics. This chapter presents the design characteristics of the simulation model proposed in MONARC 2. It starts by first analyzing existing work, outlining the key decision points taken in the design of the MONARC’s simulation model. The model includes the necessary components to describe various actual distributed system technologies and provides the mechanisms to describe concurrent network traffic, evaluate different strategies in data replication, and analyze job scheduling procedures.
Future Approach of Next Generation Cellular Mobile Communications
Authors: Al-Ani Muzhir Shaban
Published: January 2012

The tremendous use of telecommunication services and the existence of various types of mobile devices and networks impose a huge need for a new technology that can integrate these devices and networks to provide adequate services and applications to satisfy the user’s needs. The new technology tries to eliminate all boundaries of telecommunications and leads to a universal approach that is able to demonstrate an easy and efficient technique to overcome all technical and managerial issues. This chapter, first, studies and analyzes the performance of existing mobile systems and their services and estimates the future aspects of next generation mobile communications. Second, a new approach is proposed and investigated. The new approach is based on using the abilities of satellite communications as part of the mobile communication systems. Such an approach introduces advanced communication solutions that could be set up anywhere/anytime subject to the existence of satellite coverage.
Human-Computer Interaction and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Peres Sarajane Marques , Boscarioli Clodis , Bidarra Jorge , Fantinato Marcelo
Published: January 2012

Nowadays, efforts in computer game development have been concerned to overcome entertainment objectives. In fact, there has been much effort aiming at finding, in Computer Science, resources to improve games in order to allow their application into education, business or politics processes. The effective introduction of these products in society requires that they are designed as accessible as possible to all individuals, including those ones belonging to minorities with special needs. In order to reach accessibility requirements, it is desirable to attend adaptability and usability requirements to provide products with higher quality and acceptance rate. In this chapter, we discuss the potential of combining the Human-Computer Interaction and the Artificial Intelligence areas aiming at promoting accessibility in games and, as a result, making them more democratic and useful for society, particularly for people who depend on the assistive technology resources.
Geospatial Technology
Authors: Boehm Richard G. , Mohan Audrey
Published: January 2012

Research into the nature and function of curricular matters in applied geography has provided an opportunity to assess the penetration and relative importance of geospatial technology to the discipline of geography. Departments of Geography with degree programs in applied geography were surveyed to find out how important geospatial technology was in the preparation of students for meaningful jobs and careers. The Applied Geography Specialty Group of the Association of American Geographers (AAG) was also surveyed about the value of geospatial technology, as was the 95 academic programs that listed applied geography as a “program specialty” in the AAG Guide to Geography Programs in the Americas. There was a uniform agreement across these various groups that geospatial technology occupied an extremely important position in their overall course offerings, and if you are watching the workplace, such courses are not only sensible but offer critical employable skills for students upon graduation. It is widely known that geospatial technology education and training require a large commitment of departmental resources, including faculty lines, equipment expenditures, space, and technical support. A geography department and its university’s administration have to understand these unique requirements and allocate resources, more akin to a computer science department than a traditional academic unit. This reality is of immediate importance to geography departments because almost one quarter of all academic jobs advertised in geography over the last six years have been in the broad area of geospatial technology. A final conclusion to this research is a policy matter that suggests geography departments take a strong proprietorial position toward providing education in geospatial technology because other disciplines and training programs see opportunities in a rapidly expanding workplace skill and they are aggressively pursuing a niche of their own.
Blind User Interfacing
Authors: Alonso Fernando , Fuertes José , González Ángel , Martínez Loïc
Published: January 2012

There are specific usability requirements for developing dual interfaces, that is, graphical user interfaces that are also adapted for blind users. These include task adequacy, dimensional trade-off, behavior equivalence, semantic loss avoidance and device-independence. Consequently, the development of human-computer interfaces based on task, domain, dialog, presentation, platform and user models has to be modified to take into account these requirements. This paper presents the requirements for blind user interfacing, the changes to be made to the human-computer interface models and a framework that improves the development of dual user interfaces. The framework includes a set of guidelines for interface design, a toolkit for the low effort implementation of dual user interfaces, and a programming library for the inclusion of speech and Braille in applications. A case study of the development of one such dual interface application is also presented.
Service Composition Based Software Solution Design
Authors: Mo Tong , Xu Jingmin , Wang Zhongjie , Ma Yufei , Huang Heyuan , Wang Yuan , Liu Ying , Zhu Jun , Xu Xiaofei
Published: January 2012

Service composition and Web mash-up are promising for meeting specific business requirements by integrating multiple distributed services and SaaS (Software as a Service) has become a popular way of software development and delivery paradigm. An application that meets the business challenges the customer faces in managing its supply chain by integrating two existing SaaS offerings into a newly developed technology presented to validate the service composition technologies. This paper contributes with a practice of a light weight approach of the problems that are inevitable in SaaS integration such as data synchronization, process control, and identification. The purpose of this paper tries to provide a reference for researchers and engineers in this domain.
Parallel Programming and Its Architectures Based on Data Access Separated Algorithm Kernels
Authors: Liu Dake , Sohl Joar , Wang Jian
Published: January 2012

A novel master-multi-SIMD architecture and its kernel (template) based parallel programming flow is introduced as a parallel signal processing platform. The name of the platform is ePUMA (embedded Parallel DSP processor architecture with Unique Memory Access). The essential technology is to separate data accessing kernels from arithmetic computing kernels so that the run-time cost of data access can be minimized by running it in parallel with algorithm computing. The SIMD memory subsystem architecture based on the proposed flow dramatically improves the total computing performance. The hardware system and programming flow introduced in this article will primarily aim at low-power high-performance embedded parallel computing with low silicon cost for communications and similar real-time signal processing.
How to Develop Intelligent Agents in an Easy Way with FAIA
Authors: Roa Jorge , Pividori Milton , Gutiérrez Ma. De los Milagros , Stegmayer Georgina
Published: January 2012

In Artificial Intelligence courses, the development of intelligent agents is a common practical work. However, it is a programming extensive and consumed time practice that much of the time the student cannot solve in full and in time. In this work the authors present FAIA, a framework to develop intelligent agents giving a partially design solution. With FAIA the teacher and student will have benefits. On the one hand, it helps to guide in the correct design and learning process. On the other hand, it helps in the teaching and evaluation process.