Arshad Ali

Bio: Arshad Ali is an academic researcher from National University of Science and Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Grid computing & Grid. The author has an hindex of 9, co-authored 27 publications receiving 228 citations. Previous affiliations of Arshad Ali include NIIT & National University of Sciences and Technology.

AgentWeb Gateway - a middleware for dynamic integration of multi agent system and Web services framework

Abstract: Web services framework has been evolved in context of convergence of Web and service oriented computing and then to Web services resource framework acting as basis for grid computing. It provides a loose coupled and implementation neutral infrastructure for distributed applications. On the other hand, multi agent systems has evolved as distributed system in context of autonomic computing having ultimate aim of self-managing systems to overcome their rapidly growing complexity and to enable their further growth. In this paper, we present our solution for dynamic and seamless integration of type the distributed systems. It would help in facilitating the requirements of next generation distributed applications requiring higher demands and complexity. The AgentWeb Gateway acts as middleware between both the technologies for dynamic integration and provides protocol transformations including service discovery, service description and service invocation.

A semantic grid-based e-learning framework (SELF)

Abstract: E-learning can be loosely defined as a wide set of applications and processes, which uses available electronic media (and tools) to deliver vocational education and training. With its increasing recognition as an ubiquitous mode of instruction and interaction in the academic as well as corporate world, the need for a scaleable and realistic model is becoming important. In this paper, we introduce SELF; a semantic grid-based e-learning framework. SELF aims to identify the key-enablers in a practical grid-based e-learning environment and to minimize technological reworking by proposing a well-defined interaction plan among currently available tools and technologies. We define a dichotomy with e-learning specific application layers on top and semantic grid-based support layers underneath. We also map the latest open and freeware technologies with various components in SELF.

The Clarens Web service framework for distributed scientific analysis in grid projects

Abstract: Large scientific collaborations are moving towards service oriented architectures for implementation and deployment of globally distributed systems. Clarens is a high performance, easy to deploy Web service framework that supports the construction of such globally distributed systems. This paper discusses some of the core functionality of Clarens that the authors believe is important for building distributed systems based on Web services that support scientific analysis.

Autonomous Semantic Grid: Principles of Autonomous Decentralized Systems for Grid Computing

Abstract: Grid computing is an open, heterogeneous and highly dynamic environment based on the principles of service oriented computing. It focuses on basic infrastructure for coordinated resource sharing among virtual organizations to achieve high performance and availability. However, use of existing Grid computing environment is quite complex and requires a lot of human intervention. In order to avoid this intervention, enhancements are required in bringing autonomy and semantics in existing Grid infrastructure. Semantics would act as glue for autonomy in the process of efficient resource discovery and utilization. Several ontologies and ontology languages have been proposed in this regard which not only have some shortcoming but also poses a sort of overhead for the Grid environment. On the other hand, agents are autonomous problem solving entities, and can negotiate semantically for interoperation with each other in dynamic environments. Inspired from the concept of Autonomous Decentralized Systems, we propose that the above mentioned goals can be achieved by integrating FIPA Multi Agent Systems with the Grid Service Architecture and hence to lay the foundation for Autonomous Semantic Grid. Autonomous Semantic Grid system architecture is aimed to provide an improved infrastructure by bringing autonomy, semantic interoperability and decentralization in the Grid computing for emerging applications. This paper then presents implementation details of first milestone toward Autonomous Semantic Grid realization based on a middleware, namely AgentWeb Gateway for integration of Multi Agent Systems and Grid Service Architecture. Evaluation of the system has also been performed over a number of application scenarios.

Persuasive Healthcare Self-Management in Intelligent Environments

Abstract: An important feature of the intelligent environments is that they monitor user activities and help them in making decisions based on their progress in activities. Many such environments have been designed previously for healthcare management. However, more than often users are reluctant to consider the feedback from the environment alone. So we consider expert's recommendations and social network of the user as additional entities that form part of the intelligent environment. However, unlike traditional approaches, they influence the user indirectly through various persuasion techniques. The main idea is to change the behavior of the user for improving healthcare management. In this article we identify salient features of our framework for healthcare self-management in intelligent environments that combines ubiquitous and social computing as persuasion media. The framework enables social interactions between the patients, doctors, and other users in their online social community through a web portal as well as through their smart phones. Both user's behavior and preferences are taken into account to help them in adopting healthy behavior. This is done by using different persuasion strategies created on the basis of the user's behavior model. As a case study we consider diabetes self-management in this article.

A survey: algorithms simulating bee swarm intelligence

Abstract: Swarm intelligence is an emerging area in the field of optimization and researchers have developed various algorithms by modeling the behaviors of different swarm of animals and insects such as ants, termites, bees, birds, fishes. In 1990s, Ant Colony Optimization based on ant swarm and Particle Swarm Optimization based on bird flocks and fish schools have been introduced and they have been applied to solve optimization problems in various areas within a time of two decade. However, the intelligent behaviors of bee swarm have inspired the researchers especially during the last decade to develop new algorithms. This work presents a survey of the algorithms described based on the intelligence in bee swarms and their applications.

Computing with the collective intelligence of honey bees – A survey

Abstract: Over past few decades, families of algorithms based on the intelligent group behaviors of social creatures like ants, birds, fishes, and bacteria have been extensively studied and applied for computer-aided optimization. Recently there has been a surge of interest in developing algorithms for search, optimization, and communication by simulating different aspects of the social life of a very well-known creature: the honey bee. Several articles reporting the success of the heuristics based on swarming, mating, and foraging behaviors of the honey bees are being published on a regular basis. In this paper we provide a brief but comprehensive survey of the entire horizon of research so far undertaken on the algorithms inspired by the honey bees. Starting with the biological perspectives and motivations, we outline the major bees-inspired algorithms, their prospects in the respective problem domains and their similarities and dissimilarities with the other swarm intelligence algorithms. We also provide an account of the engineering applications of these algorithms. Finally we identify some open research issues and promising application areas for the bees-inspired computing techniques.

MobSens: Making Smart Phones Smarter

Abstract: In this article, we discuss experiences and lessons learned from deploying four mobile sensing applications on off-the-shelf mobile phones within a recreational framework called MobSens that contains elements of health, social, and environmental sensing at both individual and community levels. We describe the main components of our applications, which facilitate logging and external communications. We also outline the challenges faced when building and testing these applications and describe our strategies for overcoming them.