Guest editorial : In Journal of networks, v7 n.6

This special issue mainly focuses on the timely topic of “Data and Security in Web Service”. More specially, from the perspective of service construction, the future Web service should address issues such as how to construct an intelligent service which can effectively perceive the individual behavior, identify and satisfy individual requirements. On the other hand, from the perspective of service utilization, in the dynamic environment, Web services should address issues such as how to utilizing security-related techniques. In this JNW special issue, we select and edit 6 most relevant papers with higher reviewer scores from 16 submissions, which give effective discussion about Web service management methodologies from different perspective.

Guest editorial : In Journal of networks, v.7 n.3

Networking of computing devices has been going through rapid evolution and thus continuing to be an ever expanding area of importance in recent years. New technologies, protocols, services and usage patterns have contributed to the major research interests in this area of computer science. The current special issue is an effort to bring forward some of these interesting developments that are being pursued by researchers at present in different parts of the globe. Our objective is to provide the readership with some insight into the latest innovations in computer networking through this. This Special Issue presents selected papers from the thirteenth conference of the series (ICCIT 2010) held during December 23-25, 2010 at the Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology. The first ICCIT was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 1998. Since then the conference has grown to be one of the largest computer and IT related research conferences in the South Asian region, with participation of academics and researchers from many countries around the world. Starting in 2008 the proceedings of ICCIT are included in IEEExplore. In 2010, a total of 410 full papers were submitted to the conference of which 136 were accepted after reviews conducted by an international program committee comprising 81 members from 16 countries. This was tantamount to an acceptance rate of 33%. From these 136 papers, 14 highly ranked manuscripts were invited for this Special Issue. The authors were advised to enhance their papers significantly and submit them to undergo review for suitability of inclusion into this publication. Of those, eight papers survived the review process and have been selected for inclusion in this Special Issue. The authors of these papers represent academic and/or research institutions from Australia, Bangladesh, Japan, Korea and USA. These papers address issues concerning different domains of networks namely, optical fiber communication, wireless and interconnection networks, issues related to networking hardware and software and network mobility. The paper titled “Virtualization in Wireless Sensor Network: Challenges and Opportunities” argues in favor of bringing in different heterogeneous sensors under a common virtual framework so that the issues like flexibility, diversity, management and security can be handled practically. The authors Md. Motaharul Islam and Eui-Num Huh propose an architecture for sensor virtualization. They also present the current status and the challenges and opportunities for further research on the topic. The manuscript “Effect of Polarization Mode Dispersion on the BER Performance of Optical CDMA” deals with impact of polarization mode dispersion on the bit error rate performance of direct sequence optical code division multiple access. The authors, Md. Jahedul Islam and Md. Rafiqul Islam present an analytical approach toward determining the impact of different performance parameters. The authors show that the bit error rate performance improves significantly by the third order polarization mode dispersion than its first or second order counterparts. The authors Md. Shohrab Hossain, Mohammed Atiquzzaman and William Ivancic of the paper “Cost and Efficiency Analysis of NEMO Protocol Entities” present an analytical model for estimating the cost incurred by major mobility entities of a NEMO. The authors define a new metric for cost calculation in the process. Both the newly developed metric and the analytical model are likely to be useful to network engineers in estimating the resource requirement at the key entities while designing such a network. The article titled “A Highly Flexible LDPC Decoder using Hierarchical Quasi-Cyclic Matrix with Layered Permutation” deals with Low Density Parity Check decoders. The authors, Vikram Arkalgud Chandrasetty and Syed Mahfuzul Aziz propose a novel multi-level structured hierarchical matrix approach for generating codes of different lengths flexibly depending upon the requirement of the application. The manuscript “Analysis of Performance Limitations in Fiber Bragg Grating Based Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer due to Crosstalk” has been contributed by M. Mahiuddin and M. S. Islam. The paper proposes a new method of handling crosstalk with a fiber Bragg grating based optical add drop multiplexer (OADM). The authors show with an analytical model that different parameters improve using their proposed OADM. The paper “High Performance Hierarchical Torus Network Under Adverse Traffic Patterns” addresses issues related to hierarchical torus network (HTN) under adverse traffic patterns. The authors, M.M. Hafizur Rahman, Yukinori Sato, and Yasushi Inoguchi observe that dynamic communication performance of an HTN under adverse traffic conditions has not yet been addressed. The authors evaluate the performance of HTN for comparison with some other relevant networks. It is interesting to see that HTN outperforms these counterparts in terms of throughput and data transfer under adverse traffic. The manuscript titled “Dynamic Communication Performance Enhancement in Hierarchical Torus Network by Selection Algorithm” has been contributed by M.M. Hafizur Rahman, Yukinori Sato, and Yasushi Inoguchi. The authors introduce three simple adapting routing algorithms for efficient use of physical links and virtual channels in hierarchical torus network. The authors show that their approaches yield better performance for such networks. The final title “An Optimization Technique for Improved VoIP Performance over Wireless LAN” has been contributed by five authors, namely, Tamal Chakraborty, Atri Mukhopadhyay, Suman Bhunia, Iti Saha Misra and Salil K. Sanyal. The authors propose an optimization technique for configuring the parameters of the access points. In addition, they come up with an optimization mechanism in order to tune the threshold of active queue management system appropriately. Put together, the mechanisms improve the VoIP performance significantly under congestion. Finally, the Guest Editors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the 15 reviewers besides the guest editors themselves (Khalid M. Awan, Mukaddim Pathan, Ben Townsend, Morshed Chowdhury, Iftekhar Ahmad, Gour Karmakar, Shivali Goel, Hairulnizam Mahdin, Abdullah A Yusuf, Kashif Sattar, A.K.M. Azad, F. Rahman, Bahman Javadi, Abdelrahman Desoky, Lenin Mehedy) from several countries (Australia, Bangladesh, Japan, Pakistan, UK and USA) who have given immensely to this process. They have responded to the Guest Editors in the shortest possible time and dedicated their valuable time to ensure that the Special Issue contains high-quality papers with significant novelty and contributions.

An online pruning strategy for supervised ARTMAP-based neural networks

Identifying an appropriate architecture of an artificial neural network (ANN) for a given task is important because learning and generalisation of an ANN is affected by its structure. In this paper, an online pruning strategy is proposed to participate in the learning process of two constructive networks, i.e. fuzzy ARTMAP (FAM) and fuzzy ARTMAP with dynamic decay adjustment (FAMDDA), and the resulting hybrid networks are called FAM/FAMDDA with temporary nodes (i.e. FAM-T and FAMDDA-T, respectively). FAM-T and FAMDDA-T possess a capability of reducing the network complexity online by removing unrepresentative neurons. The performances of FAM-T and FAMDDA-T are evaluated and compared with those of FAM and FAMDDA using a total of 13 benchmark data sets. To demonstrate the applicability of FAM-T and FAMDDA-T, a real fault detection and diagnosis task in a power plant is tested. The results from both benchmark studies and real-world application show that FAMDDA-T and FAM-T are able to yield satisfactory classification performances, with the advantage of having parsimonious network structures.

Integration of supervised ART-based neural networks with a hybrid genetic algorithm

In this paper, two evolutionary artificial neural network (EANN) models that are based on integration of two supervised adaptive resonance theory (ART)-based artificial neural networks with a hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) are proposed. The search process of the proposed EANN models is guided by a knowledge base established by ART with respect to the training data samples. The EANN models explore the search space for “coarse” solutions, and such solutions are then refined using the local search process of the HGA. The performances of the proposed EANN models are evaluated and compared with those from other classifiers using more than ten benchmark data sets. The applicability of the EANN models to a real medical classification task is also demonstrated. The results from the experimental studies demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed EANN models in undertaking pattern classification problems.

Managing manufacturing technology investments: An intelligent learning system approach

This paper proposes an intelligent decision-support system for managing manufacturing technology investments. The intelligent system is a hybrid integration of two information processing modules: case-based reasoning and fuzzy ARTMAP – a supervised adaptive resonance theory (ART) neural network with a multi-dimensional map. The developed system captures a company's strategic information, provides facilities to quantify qualitative attributes and analyses them alongside the quantitative attributes in an evaluation framework. Through the system, similar cases can be retrieved to enable managers to make effective use of their knowledge and experience of previously delivered technologies and projects as an input to the prioritization of future projects. Other salient features of the system include its ability to adapt and absorb new knowledge and responses pertaining to significant events in the business environment, as well as to extract and elucidate information from the knowledge database for explaining and justifying its analysis. The applicability of the developed system is evaluated using a real case study in collaboration with a pharmaceutical manufacturing firm.

Adaptation of LEACH routing protocol to cognitive radio sensor networks

One of the drawbacks of LEACH protocol is the uncontrolled selection of cluster heads which, in some rounds, leads to the concentration of them in a limited area due to the randomness of the selection procedure. LEACH-C is a variant of LEACH that uses a centralized clustering algorithm and forms good clusters through sink control. According to experimental results, the IEEE 802.15.4 packets are damaged by WLAN interferences in ISM band. It seems that, sensor nodes equipped with cognitive radio capabilities can overcome this problem. In cognitive radio sensor networks (CRSN), routing must be accompanied by channel allocation. This requires spectrum management which can be devolved to cluster heads. For this networks, new duty cycle mechanisms must be designed that jointly consider neighbor discovery, and spectrum sensing/allocation. Cluster-based network architecture is a good choice for effective dynamic spectrum management. In such architecture, cluster heads have a proper spatial distribution and are optimally located all over the network. In this paper, using the physical layer information and preserving the feature of random cluster head selection in LEACH, it has been tried to both move the position of cluster heads to appropriate locations and make their quantity optimal. The simulation results show that the transferal of cluster heads to appropriate locations increases the network lifetime significantly though this comes at the price of early instability appearance. By considering the energy level in cluster head election algorithm, one can overcome the network stability issues too. However, this will move the cluster heads away from their appropriate locations. © 2012 IEEE.

A sequence based dynamic SOM model for text clustering

Text clustering can be considered as a four step process consisting of feature extraction, text representation, document clustering and cluster interpretation. Most text clustering models consider text as an unordered collection of words. However the semantics of text would be better captured if word sequences are taken into account.

In this paper we propose a sequence based text clustering model where four novel sequence based components are introduced in each of the four steps in the text clustering process.

Experiments conducted on the Reuters dataset and Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) news archives demonstrate the advantage of the proposed sequence based model, in terms of capturing context with semantics, accuracy and speed, compared to clustering of documents based on single words and n-gram based models.

Dynamic control of skilled and unskilled labour task assignments

Efficient allocation of skilled and non-skilled workers allow a company to improve productivity and usually requires an understanding of personnel capability, operating conditions and resource availability. This paper examines a labour control strategy that optimises labour skill level, utilisation, task execution time and processing error. The proposed controller manages different labour groups in a multiple work cell environment, providing real-time job assignment, as well as guiding and navigation features. These features can be used to enhance the performance of existing MRP-based or Just-In-Time production systems. A discrete event simulation-based manufacturing model has been developed to assess the performance of the labour controller. Experiments conducted for the selected production scenarios have demonstrated a productivity improvement when using the proposed control. A second experiment has shown that when a skilled labour uses the labour controller to guide them through the job, their utilisation also increases. The proposed controller also has potential application in other domains, such as minimising the shopping time at a supermarket

Modeling malware propagation in smartphone social networks

Smartphones have become an integral part of our everyday lives, such as online information accessing, SMS/MMS, social networking, online banking, and other applications. The pervasive usage of smartphones also results them in enticing targets of hackers and malware writers. This is a desperate threat to legitimate users and poses considerable challenges to network security community. In this paper, we model smartphone malware propagation through combining mathematical epidemics and social relationship graph of smartphones. Moreover, we design a strategy to simulate the dynamic of SMS/MMS-based worm propagation process from one node to an entire network. The strategy integrates infection factor that evaluates the propagation degree of infected nodes, and resistance factor that offers resistance evaluation towards susceptible nodes. Extensive simulations have demonstrated that the proposed malware propagation model is effective and efficient.

A control methodology for DFIG type wind turbines connected to distribution networks

This paper proposes a decentralised controller design for doubly-fed induction generators (DFIGs) to enhance dynamic performance of distribution networks. The change in the output power due to the variable nature of wind is considered as an uncertain term in the design algorithm. In addition, the interconnection effect of the other subsystems are considered in the design process. The H norm of the uncertain system is found out and simultaneous output-feedback linear controllers are designed based controller is verified on a 16 bus distribution test system for severe disturbances. Simulation results indicate that the designed controller is robust against uncertainties in operating conditions

D-STATCOM control in distribution networks with composite loads to ensure grid code compatible performance of photovoltaic generators

This paper proposes an optimal linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) controller for D-STATCOM to improve the dynamic performance of distribution networks with photovoltaic generators. The controller is designed based on the H∞ norm of the uncertain system. The change in system model due to the variation of load compositions in the composite load is considered as an uncertain term in the design algorithm. The performance of the designed controller is demonstrated on a widely used test system. Simulation results indicate that the proposed controller can be a potential solution for improving the voltage stability of distribution networks.

Bloom filter based secure and anonymous DSR protocol in wireless ad hoc networks

Wireless ad hoc networks, especially in the hostile environment, are vulnerable to traffic analysis which allows the adversary to trace the routing messages and the sensitive data packets. Anonymity mechanism in ad hoc networks is a critical securing measure method employed to mitigate these problems. In this paper, we propose a novel secure and anonymous source routing protocol, called SADSR, based on Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) for wireless ad hoc networks. In the proposed scheme, we use the pseudonym, pseudonym based cryptography and the bloom filter to establish secure and anonymous routing in wireless ad hoc networks. Compared to other anonymous routing protocol, SADSR is not only anonymous but also the secure in the routing discover process and data transmission process.

Byzantine-resilient secure software-defined networks with multiple controllers

Software-defined network (SDN) is the next generation of networking architecture that is dynamic, manageable, cost-effective, and adaptable, making it ideal for the high-bandwidth, dynamic nature of today's applications. In SDN, network management is facilitated through software rather than low-level device configurations. However, the centralized control plane introduced by SDN imposes a great challenge for the network security. In this paper, we present a secure SDN structure, in which each device is managed by multiple controllers rather than a single one as in a traditional manner. It can resist Byzantine attacks on controllers and the communication links between controllers and SDN switches. Furthermore, we design a cost-efficient controller assignment algorithm to minimize the number of required controllers for a given set of switches. Extensive simulations have been conducted to show that our proposed algorithm significantly outperforms random algorithms. © 2014 IEEE.