Muaz A. Niazi

Waseem Akram, Muaz A. Niazi

Smart grid can be considered as the next step in the evolution of power systems. It comprises of different entities and objects ranging from smart appliances, smart meters, generators, smart storages, and more. One key problem in modeling smart grid is that while currently there is a considerable focus on the practical aspects of smart grid, there are very few modeling attempts and even lesser attempts at formalization. To the best of our knowledge, among other formal methods, formal specification has previously not been applied in the domain of smart grid. In this paper, we attempt to bridge this gap by presenting a novel approach to modeling smart grid components using a formal specification approach. We use a state-based formal specification language namely Z (pronounced as `Zed') since we believe Z is particularly suited for modeling smart grid components.We demonstrate the application of Z on key smart grid components. The presented formal specification can be considered as first steps towards modeling of smart grid using a Software Engineering formalism. It also demonstrates how complex systems, such as the smart grid, can be modeled elegantly using formal specification.

Haider Kamal, Muaz A. Niazi, Hammad Afzal

Reinforcement learning generates policies based on reward functions and hyperparameters. Slight changes in these can significantly affect results. The lack of documentation and reproducibility in Reinforcement learning research makes it difficult to replicate once-deduced strategies. While previous research has identified strategies using grounded maneuvers, there is limited work in more complex environments. The agents in this study are simulated similarly to Open Al's hider and seek agents, in addition to a flying mechanism, enhancing their mobility, and expanding their range of possible actions and strategies. This added functionality improves the Hider agents to develop a chasing strategy from approximately 2 million steps to 1.6 million steps and hiders

Ayesha Muqaddas, Muaz A. Niazi

The human brain is one of the most complex living structures in the known Universe. It consists of billions of neurons and synapses. Due to its intrinsic complexity, it can be a formidable task to accurately depict brain's structure and functionality. In the past, numerous studies have been conducted on modeling brain disease, structure, and functionality. Some of these studies have employed Agent-based approaches including multiagent-based simulation models as well as brain complex networks. While these models have all been developed using agent-based computing, however, to our best knowledge, none of them have employed the use of Agent-Oriented Software Engineering (AOSE) methodologies in developing the brain or disease model. This is a problem because without due process, developed models can miss out on important requirements. AOSE has the unique capability of merging concepts from multiagent systems, agent-based modeling, artificial intelligence, besides concepts from distributed systems. AOSE involves the various tested software engineering principles in various phases of the model development ranging from analysis, design, implementation, and testing phases. In this paper, we employ the use of three different AOSE methodologies for modeling the Multiple Sclerosis brain disease namely GAIA, TROPOS, and MASE. After developing the models, we further employ the use of Exploratory Agent-based Modeling (EABM) to develop an actual model replicating previous results as a proof of concept. The key objective of this study is to demonstrate and explore the viability and effectiveness of AOSE methodologies in the development of complex brain structure and cognitive process models. Our key finding include demonstration that AOSE methodologies can be considerably helpful in modeling various living complex systems, in general, and the human brain, in particular.

Yasir R. Darr, Muaz A. Niazi

Swarm robotic systems are currently being used to address many real-world problems. One interesting application of swarm robotics is the self-organized formation of structures and shapes. Some of the key challenges in the swarm robotic systems include swarm size constraint, random motion, coordination among robots, localization, and adaptability in a decentralized environment. Rubenstein et al. presented a system ("Programmable self-assembly in a thousand-robot swarm", Science, 2014) for thousand-robot swarm able to form only solid shapes with the robots in aggregated form by applying the collective behavior algorithm. Even though agent-based approaches have been presented in various studies for self-organized formation, however these studies lack agent-based modeling (ABM) approach along with the constraints in term of structure complexity and heterogeneity in large swarms with dynamic localization. The cognitive agent-based computing (CABC) approach is capable of modeling such self-organization based multi-agents systems (MAS). In this paper, we develop a simulation model using ABM under CABC approach for self-organized shape formation in swarm robots. We propose a shape formation algorithm for validating our model and perform simulation-based experiments for six different shapes including hole-based shapes. We also demonstrate the formal specification for our model. The simulation result shows the robustness of the proposed approach having the emergent behavior of robots for the self-organized shape formation. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated by robots convergence rate.

Waseem Akram, Muaz A. Niazi, Laszlo Barna Iantovics

A smart grid can be considered as a complex network where each node represents a generation unit or a consumer. Whereas links can be used to represent transmission lines. One way to study complex systems is by using the agent-based modeling (ABM) paradigm. An ABM is a way of representing a complex system of autonomous agents interacting with each other. Previously, a number of studies have been presented in the smart grid domain making use of the ABM paradigm. However, to the best of our knowledge, none of these studies have focused on the specification aspect of ABM. An ABM specification is important not only for understanding but also for replication of the model. In this study, we focus on development as well as specification of ABM for smart grid. We propose an ABM by using a combination of agent-based and complex network-based approaches. For ABM specification, we use ODD and DREAM specification approaches. We analyze these two specification approaches qualitatively as well as quantitatively. Extensive experiments demonstrate that DREAM is a most useful approach as compared with ODD for modeling as well as for replication of models for smart grid.

Komal Batool, Muaz A. Niazi

Networks are important storage data structures now used to store personal information of individuals around the globe. With the advent of personal genome sequencing, networks are going to be used to store personal genomic sequencing of people. In contrast to social media networks, the importance of relationships in this genomic network is extremely significant. Losing connections between individuals thus implies losing relationship information (E.g. father or son etc.). There currently exists a considerably serious problem in the current approach to storing network data. Simply stated, network data is not tamper-evident. In other words, if some links or nodes were changed/removed/added by a malicious attacker, it would be impossible for the administrator to detect such changes. While, in the current age of social media networks, change in node characteristics and links can be bad in terms of relationships, in the case of networks for storing personal genomes, the results could be truly devastating. Here we present a scheme for building tamper-evident networks using a combination of Cryptographic and Ego-based Network analytic methods. Using actual published data-sets, we also demonstrate the utility and validity of the scheme besides demonstrating its working in various possible scenarios of usage. Results from the extensive experiments demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach.

Muaz A. Niazi, Amir Hussain

In this paper we present a novel Formal Agent-Based Simulation framework (FABS). FABS uses formal specification as a means of clear description of wireless sensor networks (WSN) sensing a Complex Adaptive Environment. This specification model is then used to develop an agent-based model of both the wireless sensor network as well as the environment. As proof of concept, we demonstrate the application of FABS to a boids model of self-organized flocking of animals monitored by a random deployment of proximity sensors.

Muaz A. Niazi, Amir Hussain

Agent-Based Computing is a diverse research domain concerned with the building of intelligent software based on the concept of "agents". In this paper, we use Scientometric analysis to analyze all sub-domains of agent-based computing. Our data consists of 1,064 journal articles indexed in the ISI web of knowledge published during a twenty year period: 1990-2010. These were retrieved using a topic search with various keywords commonly used in sub-domains of agent-based computing. In our proposed approach, we have employed a combination of two applications for analysis, namely Network Workbench and CiteSpace - wherein Network Workbench allowed for the analysis of complex network aspects of the domain, detailed visualization-based analysis of the bibliographic data was performed using CiteSpace. Our results include the identification of the largest cluster based on keywords, the timeline of publication of index terms, the core journals and key subject categories. We also identify the core authors, top countries of origin of the manuscripts along with core research institutes. Finally, our results have interestingly revealed the strong presence of agent-based computing in a number of non-computing related scientific domains including Life Sciences, Ecological Sciences and Social Sciences.

Muaz A. Niazi

Rubenstein et al. present an interesting system of programmable self-assembled structure formation using 1000 Kilobot robots. The paper claims to advance work in artificial swarms similar to capabilities of natural systems besides being highly robust. However, the system lacks in terms of matching motility and complex shapes with holes, thereby limiting practical similarity to self-assembly in living systems.

Muaz A. Niazi, Amir Hussain, Mario Kolberg

Agent Based Models are very popular in a number of different areas. For example, they have been used in a range of domains ranging from modeling of tumor growth, immune systems, molecules to models of social networks, crowds and computer and mobile self-organizing networks. One reason for their success is their intuitiveness and similarity to human cognition. However, with this power of abstraction, in spite of being easily applicable to such a wide number of domains, it is hard to validate agent-based models. In addition, building valid and credible simulations is not just a challenging task but also a crucial exercise to ensure that what we are modeling is, at some level of abstraction, a model of our conceptual system; the system that we have in mind. In this paper, we address this important area of validation of agent based models by presenting a novel technique which has broad applicability and can be applied to all kinds of agent-based models. We present a framework, where a virtual overlay multi-agent system can be used to validate simulation models. In addition, since agent-based models have been typically growing, in parallel, in multiple domains, to cater for all of these, we present a new single validation technique applicable to all agent based models. Our technique, which allows for the validation of agent based simulations uses VOMAS: a Virtual Overlay Multi-agent System. This overlay multi-agent system can comprise various types of agents, which form an overlay on top of the agent based simulation model that needs to be validated. Other than being able to watch and log, each of these agents contains clearly defined constraints, which, if violated, can be logged in real time. To demonstrate its effectiveness, we show its broad applicability in a wide variety of simulation models ranging from social sciences to computer networks in spatial and non-spatial conceptual models.

Muaz A. Niazi

Literature on the modeling and simulation of complex adaptive systems (cas) has primarily advanced vertically in different scientific domains with scientists developing a variety of domain-specific approaches and applications. However, while cas researchers are inher-ently interested in an interdisciplinary comparison of models, to the best of our knowledge, there is currently no single unified framework for facilitating the development, comparison, communication and validation of models across different scientific domains. In this thesis, we propose first steps towards such a unified framework using a combination of agent-based and complex network-based modeling approaches and guidelines formulated in the form of a set of four levels of usage, which allow multidisciplinary researchers to adopt a suitable framework level on the basis of available data types, their research study objectives and expected outcomes, thus allowing them to better plan and conduct their respective re-search case studies.

Faisal Riaz, Muaz A. Niazi

Background Road collisions and casualties pose a serious threat to commuters around the globe. Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) aim to make the use of technology to reduce the road accidents. However, the most of research work in the context of collision avoidance has been performed to address, separately, the rear end, front end and lateral collisions in less congested and with high inter-vehicular distances. Purpose The goal of this paper is to introduce the concept of a social agent, which interact with other AVs in social manners like humans are social having the capability of predicting intentions, i.e. mentalizing and copying the actions of each other, i.e. mirroring. The proposed social agent is based on a human-brain inspired mentalizing and mirroring capabilities and has been modelled for collision detection and avoidance under congested urban road traffic. Method We designed our social agent having the capabilities of mentalizing and mirroring and for this purpose we utilized Exploratory Agent Based Modeling (EABM) level of Cognitive Agent Based Computing (CABC) framework proposed by Niazi and Hussain. Results Our simulation and practical experiments reveal that by embedding Richardson's arms race model within AVs, collisions can be avoided while travelling on congested urban roads in a flock like topologies. The performance of the proposed social agent has been compared at two different levels.

Faisal Riaz, Muaz A. Niazi

Rear end collisions are deadliest in nature and cause most of traffic casualties and injuries. In the existing research, many rear end collision avoidance solutions have been proposed. However, the problem with these proposed solutions is that they are highly dependent on precise mathematical models. Whereas, the real road driving is influenced by non-linear factors such as road surface situations, driver reaction time, pedestrian flow and vehicle dynamics, hence obtaining the accurate mathematical model of the vehicle control system is challenging. This problem with precise control based rear end collision avoidance schemes has been addressed using fuzzy logic, but the excessive number of fuzzy rules straightforwardly prejudice their efficiency. Furthermore, these fuzzy logic based controllers have been proposed without using proper agent based modeling that helps in mimicking the functions of an artificial human driver executing these fuzzy rules. Keeping in view these limitations, we have proposed an Enhanced Emotion Enabled Cognitive Agent (EEEC_Agent) based controller that helps the Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) to perform rear end collision avoidance with less number of rules, designed after fear emotion, and high efficiency. To introduce a fear emotion generation mechanism in EEEC_Agent, Orton, Clore & Collins (OCC) model has been employed. The fear generation mechanism of EEEC_Agent has been verified using NetLogo simulation. Furthermore, practical validation of EEEC_Agent functions has been performed using specially built prototype AV platform. Eventually, the qualitative comparative study with existing state of the art research works reflect that proposed model outperforms recent research.

Faisal Riaz, Muaz A. Niazi

Blind spots are one of the causes of road accidents in the hilly and flat areas. These blind spot accidents can be decreased by establishing an Internet of Vehicles (IoV) using Vehicle-2-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-2-Infrastrtructure (V2I) communication systems. But the problem with these IoV is that most of them are using DSRC or single Radio Access Technology (RAT) as a wireless technology, which has been proven to be failed for efficient communication between vehicles. Recently, Cognitive Radio (CR) based IoV have to be proven best wireless communication systems for vehicular networks. However, the spectrum mobility is a challenging task to keep CR based vehicular networks interoperable and has not been addressed sufficiently in existing research. In our previous research work, the Cognitive Radio Site (CR-Site) has been proposed as in-vehicle CR-device, which can be utilized to establish efficient IoV systems. H In this paper, we have introduced the Emotions Inspired Cognitive Agent (EIC_Agent) based spectrum mobility mechanism in CR-Site and proposed a novel emotions controlled spectrum mobility scheme for efficient syntactic interoperability between vehicles. For this purpose, a probabilistic deterministic finite automaton using fear factor is proposed to perform efficient spectrum mobility using fuzzy logic. In addition, the quantitative computation of different fear intensity levels has been performed with the help of fuzzy logic. The system has been tested using active data from different GSM service providers on Mangla-Mirpur road. This is supplemented by extensive simulation experiments which validate the proposed scheme for CR based high-speed vehicular networks. The qualitative comparison with the existing-state-of the-art has proven the superiority of the proposed emotions controlled syntactic interoperable spectrum mobility scheme within cognitive radio based IoV systems.

Faisal Riaz, Muaz A. Niazi

Humans are going to delegate the rights of driving to the autonomous vehicles in near future. However, to fulfill this complicated task, there is a need for a mechanism, which enforces the autonomous vehicles to obey the road and social rules that have been practiced by well-behaved drivers. This task can be achieved by introducing social norms compliance mechanism in the autonomous vehicles. This research paper is proposing an artificial society of autonomous vehicles as an analogy of human social society. Each AV has been assigned a social personality having different social influence. Social norms have been introduced which help the AVs in making the decisions, influenced by emotions, regarding road collision avoidance. Furthermore, social norms compliance mechanism, by artificial social AVs, has been proposed using prospect based emotion i.e. fear, which is conceived from OCC model. Fuzzy logic has been employed to compute the emotions quantitatively. Then, using SimConnect approach, fuzzy values of fear has been provided to the Netlogo simulation environment to simulate artificial society of AVs. Extensive testing has been performed using the behavior space tool to find out the performance of the proposed approach in terms of the number of collisions. For comparison, the random-walk model based artificial society of AVs has been proposed as well. A comparative study with a random walk, prove that proposed approach provides a better option to tailor the autopilots of future AVS, Which will be more socially acceptable and trustworthy by their riders in terms of safe road travel.

Aisha D. Farooqui, Muaz A. Niazi

In the real world, agents or entities are in a continuous state of interactions. These inter- actions lead to various types of complexity dynamics. One key difficulty in the study of complex agent interactions is the difficulty of modeling agent communication on the basis of rewards. Game theory offers a perspective of analysis and modeling these interactions. Previously, while a large amount of literature is available on game theory, most of it is from specific domains and does not cater for the concepts from an agent- based perspective. Here in this paper, we present a comprehensive multidisciplinary state-of-the-art review and taxonomy of game theory models of complex interactions between agents.

Faisal Riaz, Muaz A. Niazi

Making roads safer by avoiding road collisions is one of the main reasons for inventing Autonomous vehicles (AVs). In this context, designing agent-based collision avoidance components of AVs which truly represent human cognition and emotions look is a more feasible approach as agents can replace human drivers. However, to the best of our knowledge, very few human emotion and cognition-inspired agent-based studies have previously been conducted in this domain. Furthermore, these agent-based solutions have not been validated using any key validation technique. Keeping in view this lack of validation practices, we have selected state-of-the-art Emotion Enabled Cognitive Agent (EEC_Agent), which was proposed to avoid lateral collisions between semi-AVs. The architecture of EEC_Agent has been revised using Exploratory Agent Based Modeling (EABM) level of the Cognitive Agent Based Computing (CABC) framework and real-time fear emotion generation mechanism using the Ortony, Clore & Collins (OCC) model has also been introduced. Then the proposed fear generation mechanism has been validated using the Validated Agent Based Modeling level of CABC framework using a Virtual Overlay MultiAgent System (VOMAS). Extensive simulation and practical experiments demonstrate that the Enhanced EEC_Agent exhibits the capability to feel different levels of fear, according to different traffic situations and also needs a smaller Stopping Sight Distance (SSD) and Overtaking Sight Distance (OSD) as compared to human drivers.

Muaz A. Niazi, Amir Hussain

Agent-based modeling and simulation tools provide a mature platform for development of complex simulations. They however, have not been applied much in the domain of mainstream modeling and simulation of computer networks. In this article, we evaluate how and if these tools can offer any value-addition in the modeling & simulation of complex networks such as pervasive computing, large-scale peer-to-peer systems, and networks involving considerable environment and human/animal/habitat interaction. Specifically, we demonstrate the effectiveness of NetLogo - a tool that has been widely used in the area of agent-based social simulation.