Azim Akhtarshenas

Azim Akhtarshenas, Mohammad Ali Vahedifar, Navid Ayoobi et al.

Robust machine learning (ML) models can be developed by leveraging large volumes of data and distributing the computational tasks across numerous devices or servers. Federated learning (FL) is a technique in the realm of ML that facilitates this goal by utilizing cloud infrastructure to enable collaborative model training among a network of decentralized devices. Beyond distributing the computational load, FL targets the resolution of privacy issues and the reduction of communication costs simultaneously. To protect user privacy, FL requires users to send model updates rather than transmitting large quantities of raw and potentially confidential data. Specifically, individuals train ML models locally using their own data and then upload the results in the form of weights and gradients to the cloud for aggregation into the global model. This strategy is also advantageous in environments with limited bandwidth or high communication costs, as it prevents the transmission of large data volumes. With the increasing volume of data and rising privacy concerns, alongside the emergence of large-scale ML models like Large Language Models (LLMs), FL presents itself as a timely and relevant solution. It is therefore essential to review current FL algorithms to guide future research that meets the rapidly evolving ML demands. This survey provides a comprehensive analysis and comparison of the most recent FL algorithms, evaluating them on various fronts including mathematical frameworks, privacy protection, resource allocation, and applications. Beyond summarizing existing FL methods, this survey identifies potential gaps, open areas, and future challenges based on the performance reports and algorithms used in recent studies. This survey enables researchers to readily identify existing limitations in the FL field for further exploration.

Azim Akhtarshenas, German Svistunov, Matteo Bernabè et al.

High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) offer a promising solution for wide-area wireless coverage in maritime regions lacking terrestrial infrastructure. However, maintaining reliable performance is challenging due to dynamic ship mobility and atmospheric disturbances, particularly stratospheric wind effects on HAPS positioning. This paper proposes a deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based framework for dynamic positioning of wind-disturbed HAPS-mounted base stations in maritime networks. A centralized DRL agent deployed on a coordinator HAPS controls multiple serving HAPS using radio measurements and network feedback, capturing realistic channel conditions and user mobility. A Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) algorithm is employed to learn robust positioning policies that enhance coverage stability and system throughput under wind disturbances. Simulation results show that the proposed approach effectively mitigates wind-induced positioning deviations while ensuring reliable wide-area connectivity for maritime users.

Mohammad Ali Vahedifar, Azim Akhtarshenas, Mohammad Mohammadi Rafatpanah et al.

The K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) algorithm is widely used for classification and regression; however, it suffers from limitations, including the equal treatment of all samples. We propose Information-Modified KNN (IM-KNN), a novel approach that leverages Mutual Information ($I$) and Shapley values to assign weighted values to neighbors, thereby bridging the gap in treating all samples with the same value and weight. On average, IM-KNN improves the accuracy, precision, and recall of traditional KNN by 16.80%, 17.08%, and 16.98%, respectively, across 12 benchmark datasets. Experiments on four large-scale datasets further highlight IM-KNN's robustness to noise, imbalanced data, and skewed distributions.

Mario Rico Ibanez, Azim Akhtarshenas, David Lopez-Perez et al.

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based base stations offer a promising solution in emergencies where the rapid deployment of cutting-edge networks is crucial for maximizing life-saving potential. Optimizing the strategic positioning of these UAVs is essential for enhancing communication efficiency. This paper introduces an automated reinforcement learning approach that enables UAVs to dynamically interact with their environment and determine optimal configurations. By leveraging the radio signal sensing capabilities of communication networks, our method provides a more realistic perspective, utilizing state-of-the-art algorithm -- proximal policy optimization -- to learn and generalize positioning strategies across diverse user equipment (UE) movement patterns. We evaluate our approach across various UE mobility scenarios, including static, random, linear, circular, and mixed hotspot movements. The numerical results demonstrate the algorithm's adaptability and effectiveness in maintaining comprehensive coverage across all movement patterns.

Azim Akhtarshenas, Afshin Dini, Navid Ayoobi

Large Language Models (LLMs) have revo lutionized natural language processing Natural Language Processing (NLP), with Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) standing out as a notable exampledue to its advanced capabilities and widespread applications. This survey provides a comprehensive analysis of ChatGPT, exploring its architecture, training processes, and functionalities. We examine its integration into various domains across industries such as customer service, education, healthcare, and entertainment. A comparative analysis with other LLMs highlights ChatGPT's unique features and performance metrics. Regarding benchmarks, the paper examines ChatGPT's comparative performance against other LLMs and discusses potential risks such as misinformation, bias, and data privacy concerns. Additionally, we offer a number of figures and tables that outline the backdrop of the discussion, the main ideas of the article, the numerous LLM models, a thorough list of datasets used for pre-training, fine-tuning, and evaluation, as well as particular LLM applications with pertinent references. Finally, we identify future research directions and technological advancements, underscoring the evolving landscape of LLMs and their profound impact on artificial intelligence Artificial Intelligence (AI) and society.

Azim Akhtarshenas, Ramin Toosi, David López-Pérez et al.

Malicious Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) present a significant threat to next-generation networks (NGNs), posing risks such as unauthorized surveillance, data theft, and the delivery of hazardous materials. This paper proposes an integrated (AE)-classifier system to detect malicious UAVs. The proposed AE, based on a 4-layer Tri-orientated Spatial Mamba (TSMamba) architecture, effectively captures complex spatial relationships crucial for identifying malicious UAV activities. The first phase involves generating residual values through the AE, which are subsequently processed by a ResNet-based classifier. This classifier leverages the residual values to achieve lower complexity and higher accuracy. Our experiments demonstrate significant improvements in both binary and multi-class classification scenarios, achieving up to 99.8 % recall compared to 96.7 % in the benchmark. Additionally, our method reduces computational complexity, making it more suitable for large-scale deployment. These results highlight the robustness and scalability of our approach, offering an effective solution for malicious UAV detection in NGN environments.