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ICT Education @ DISI
Postgraduate Research Grants
DISI - Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science

Topics 2005

Heuristic methods (Reactive Search) for the wireless Internet

Research programmes: The proposed internship project(s) will be focused within the research programs on Computer Networks and Mobility and Industrial Diagnostics and Monitoring.
Research areas
: Wireless (high bandwidth) Internet is a topic of growing interest. In particular the IEEE 802.11b and related protocols allow nomadic users to connect to the Internet at specific locations (called "hot spots") where a certain number of access points (APs) bridge from the wired to the wireless access.
The design and management of hot spots entails solving problems related to optimal placement of the APs, optimal allocation of frequencies to minimize interference. The candidate will build upon the know-how developed previously to extend methods and software tools in order to challenge complex problems in a coordinated manner.
Qualifications
: good programming skills (in particular C++), solid knowledge of basics of computer networks, appropriate level of autonomy in managing complex problems

Research programmes:
Research areas:
Qualifications:

Design and Verification of Trust and Reputation Management Protocols

Research programmes: The proposed internship project(s) will be focused within the research programs on Network and Mobility and Software Engineering.
Research areas: The area of Trust and Reputation Management for P2P networks and Virtual Organizations has recently been the focus of considerable research interest. However, while the huge potential of P2P networks as information and knowledge-sharing environments (e.g., in virtual organizations and enterprises) is widely recognized both by the users and the research community, their practical applicability has been hindered by lack of security and accountability. The research activity at UNITN addresses this problem focusing on the design of robust trust management and reputation services. The main goal is the design, verification and implementation of a general architecture and protocols that will satisfy security requirements and will be adapted to the P2P networks and Virtual Organizations that are currently emerging. Topics for the stage are:

  • design/verification of trust & security management protocols
  • design/verification of security features for reputation protocols
  • integration of trust management/privilege management infrastructure into reputation protocols

The interested student is requested to select one or more topics from the above list.
Qualifications:

  • good programming skills
  • knowledge of basics of computer and network security
  • the student wishing to work on Verification should have a good background in logic, process algebras, or formal verification
  • the students wishing to work on design should have a good background in network protocols and services (the higher layers of ISO stack), or collaborative ranking algorithms

Machine Learning Algorithms for ranking documents

The goal is to implement, test and modify algorthms for ranking documents.

Integration of Machine Learning and Agents technologies

The visiting student will partecipate to the development of a module of an existing platform aimed to sharing the patterns of use of documents within a group of users.

C-OWL

Goal of this work will be to work on C-OWL a new language which allows to represent multiple ontologies and multiple mappings among them. In particular, the work, starting from the work done so far (see publications on the topic on Prof. Giunchiglia's Web site) will extend the formalism allowing for a richer set of mappings.

Formal verification of complex systems by integrated SAT & Mathematical solvers

Goals: The student will work on the usage of combined SAT (propositional satisfiability) and mathematical solving techniques (e.g., simplex, computer algebra) for the efficient verification of complex systems (possibly including timed and hybrid systems and circuit designs at RTL level). The work will involve both theoretical study, implementation and empirical testing efforts.
The proposed internship project will be focused within the research program on Distributed Systems and Service-Oriented Computing. Service-Oriented Computing (SOC) is the computing paradigm that utilizes services as fundamental elements for developing loosely coupled distributed applications/solutions.
Services are self-contained, modular applications - deployed over standard middleware platforms, e.g., J2EE or .NET- that can be described, published, located, and invoked over a network

Prerequisiti:

  • Knowledge and experience in programming languages C++/C is essential.
  • Knowledge of basic boolean logic is essential too.
  • Any background on SAT, automated reasoning, formal verification & model checking, computer algebra will be very useful.

Topics:

  • SOC based supply-chain management
  • service and objects: design, composition, tools
  • service request languages
  • web service security
  • service development methodologies
  • service registry management
  • SOC architectures for domotics
  • QoS modeling for web services

The interested student is requested to select one or more topics from the above list.
Required Competences
: Object Oriented Programming (Java, C++, .Net or similar)

Distributed Systems and Service-Oriented Computing

The proposed internship project will be focused within the research program on Distributed Systems and Service-Oriented Computing.
Service-Oriented Computing (SOC) is the computing paradigm that utilizes services as fundamental elements for developing loosely coupled distributed applications/solutions. Services are self-contained, modular applications - deployed over standard middleware platforms, e.g., J2EE or .NET- that can be described, published, located, and invoked over a network.

Topics:

  • SOC based supply-chain management
  • service and objects: design, composition, tools
  • service request languages
  • web service security
  • service development methodologies
  • service registry management
  • SOC architectures for domotics
  • QoS modeling for web services

The interested student is requested to select one or more topics from the above list.
Required Competences:Object Oriented Programming (Java, C++, .Net or similar)
plus: Distributed Systems Programming, Web Services: architectures and programming XML

Analysis and Evaluation of the Potentialities of three-dimensional approaches to microwave circuits synthesis and optimization

Abstract: the student will analyse the capabilities and the limitations of the most recent developments in the field of computational electromagnetics. In particular he will consider:

  • the numerical solution of three-dimensional electromagnetic "direct" problems. The computational capabilities of moderm computer systems is growing so quickly that today the numerical solution of many problems of great practical interest (indoor electromagnetic fields, bioelectromagnetic interactions, electromagnetic compatibility, antennas and electromagnetic scattering). The limits and the capabilities have to be clarified taking account of the possibilities of cluster of computers
  • synthesis of three-dimensional electromagnetic devices and the solution of three-dimensional inverse problems. These types of problems are more complex than those considered above. In this context the possible exploitation of clusters of computers seems to be necessary in order to obtain the solution of more realistic problems. Parallelism, in this case can be exploited in an easier way but its possibilities and limitations have to be pointed out

Classification of Multitemporal Remote-Sensing Images with Support Vector Machines

Abstract: Recently, particular attention has been dedicated to Support Vector Machines (SVMs) for the classification of remote sensing images. SVMs have often been found to provide higher classification accuracies than other widely used pattern-recognition techniques, such as the Maximum Likelihood and the Multilayer Perceptron neural network classifiers. However, a major drawback of SVMs is that, from a theoretical point of view, they were originally developed to solve binary classification problems. The objective of this work is to assess the effectiveness of SVMs for multiclass classification problems defined over a series of multitemporal remote-sensing images.
Keywords:multitemporal analysis; classification; Support Vector Machines; multiclass problem; pattern recognition.

Development of Regression Methodologies for Hyperdimensional Spectral Spaces

Abstract: Hyperspectral sensors allow an accurate spectral analysis of a physical phenomenon under investigation since they provide a large number of observations (features), each coming from a very narrow spectral band. However, the automatic analysis of data acquired with such sensors is somewhat challenging since it should be carried out in hyperdimensional spectral spaces.In the regression context where it is often desired to find a continuous relationship between the features and one or more parameters of the investigated physical phenomenon, the huge size of the feature space involves the so-called curse of dimensionality. The classical approach adopted in the literature to deal with this issue consists in reducing the hyperdimensional feature space into a subspace of smaller dimension where the curse of dimensionality disappears. This is done however at the expense of a loss of information and, accordingly, of a negative impact on the regression accuracy. The goal of this work consists of developing alternative regression methodologies that are capable to exploit the whole information available in the original hyperdimensional feature space.
Keywords: hyperspectral sensors; regression; curse of dimensionality; feature selection; data fusion; neural networks; pattern recognition.

Watermarking di immagini digitali

Abstract: Digital watermarking technologies are gaining notable attention due to the need of protecting the copyright of huge amounts of multimedia information distributed through telematic systems. Although no international standards have been issued at present, several technologies have been developed and tested, with different level of complexity and survivability to attacks and manipulations. Objective of the stage is to gain better knowledge on the problem, and to experiment a new methodology that integrates encryption techniques with watermarking to achieve a more reliable result.

Tropos project: protype tool for analyze and restructure dependency diagrams

Tropos is an agent-oriented methodology for developing software systems (see http://www.troposproject.org for more details). The methodology uses the agent paradigm and agents. mentalistic notions (such as goals, intentions, beliefs, plans, and social dependency) for analyzing, design and develop software systems. The methodology uses a set of diagrams, such as goal diagrams (in which goals are decomposed and analyzed) and dependency diagrams (where the soacial dependencies among actors/agents are specified analyzed). The objective of the stage is developing a first protype tool for analyzing and restructuring Tropos dependency diagrams. The tool will support and drive the user during the requirements engineering phases of the methodology. The tool will be used for a first (simple) real-life case study (to be defined). The stager will work and collaborate with the Tropos team.

Tropos prject: protype tool for secure Tropos

Tropos is an agent-oriented methodology for developing software systems (see http://www.troposproject.org for more details). The methodology uses the agent paradigm and agents. mentalistic notions (such as goals, intentions, beliefs, plans, and social dependency) for analyzing, design and develop software systems. The methodology uses a set of diagrams, such as goal diagrams (in which goals are decomposed and analyzed) and dependency diagrams (where the soacial dependencies among actors/agents are specified analyzed). Secure Tropos extends Tropos methodology in order to accommodate security in the requirements engineering phases. The key intuition that underlies secure Tropos is the identification of distinct roles for actors that manipulate resources, accomplish goals or execute tasks (functional requirements), and actors that own or permit usage of resources or goals (non-functional requirements). Objective of the stage is developing a protype tool for secure Tropos. In particular, the tool should support and drive the analyst during the requirements analysis phase. The tool will be used for a first(simple) real-life case study (to be defined). The stager will work and collaborate with the Tropos team.

Peer-to-Peer Data Management: Protype tool for Coordinating peer databases

Peer-to-Peer Data Management offers a practical framework for building heterogeneous multi-database systems (P2P MDBSs). Conventional multi-database systems are defined in terms of concepts such as a global schema, central administrative authority, data integration, global access to multiple databases, etc. Instead, our proposal assumes total absence of any central authority or control, no global schema, transient participation of peer databases, and constantly evolving coordination rules among databases. In addition, we are interested in extending facilities provided by existing P2P systems (e.g., Gnutella or Chord) by associating each peer with a database and by supporting content management. Objective of the stage is developing a protype tool for P2P databases coordination.

The tool will be used for a first (simple) real-life case study (to be defined). The stager will work and collaborate with Prof. John Mylopoulos and the Tropos team (http://www.troposproject.org).

SIMI-Pro (Semantic Information Management system for Innovative Product design

That will be involved in the project SIMI-Pro (Semantic Information Management system for Innovative Product design), a network system that implements smart learning spaces enhanced by Semantic Web Technologies.

This research targets one of the most naively technologically supported stages of the product development process in industry: the early design phase. The main functionalities of SIMI-Pro will include the customized access of information for Industrial Designers and Product Engineers. Data types include multimedia content and 3D models that should be also accessible from VR-Based design systems.

Companies. current sources of information are proprietary, in-house databases, off-line and on-line catalogues, and the World Wide Web (the Web). Although these sources have proved to be difficult to use efficiently, they are poorly integrated and do not address the knowledge sharing problem between designers and engineers, yet they represent the way most organizations conceive the provision of a knowledge management environment. The final goal of SIMI-Pro is to address specific needs for designers and engineers, thus ultimately minimize their effort to retrieve multimedia content and 3D models.

It is truly a multidisciplinary project where we aim at solving integration problems of various nature, both at a theoretical and technical level.

Theoretical issues concern:

  • the establishment of procedures for creating and managing semantic descriptions of multimedia content and 3D models
  • minimizing the effort for the creation of metadata for content, trying to exploit knowledge and information that are already formalized during the creation and the editing of content in authoring tools
  • the definition of different requirements for retrieval of knowledge and information for designers and product engineers
  • definition of a specific language domain that is used during the conceptual design phase

Technical issues concern the implementation of communication bridges between different programming languages (Java/C++), the implementation or customization of a platform for knowledge management, which allows SIMI-Pro to access and to retrieve content from multiple sources, the adaptation of a virtual design environment for allowing communication with the knowledge management system.

The newly opened position will focus on:

  • Enhancement of the metadata layer using MPEG7 ISO standards for description and annotation of multimedia data for the automotive industrial design process
  • Creation of web-based customized profiles to be used by designers and engineers for accessing the knowledge management system
  • Integration of Virtual reality design system with the knowledge management system

The tool will be used for a first (simple) real-life case study (to be defined). The stager will work and collaborate with Prof. John Mylopoulos and the Tropos team (http://www.troposproject.org).

InSIDe

That will be involved in the project InSIDe. The goal of the project is to promote a user-centred approach to computer-aided design within the design process. This is done increasing the designer.s acceptance of computer-aided tools through an innovative Multimodal interface that makes use of immersive technologies. The project will deliver a computer-based design environment that will provide smart integration of tools to create and manipulate shapes with recognition of voice and gesture. The support for a more natural interface based on interactions that mimic the human pattern will deliver both a higher level of user-friendliness and improved ergonomics within the design workplace.

The newly opened position will focus on:

  • the development of a component for a camera-based gaze recognition system
  • the development of a component for gesture recognition and interpretation through use of multiple cameras
  • optimisation of a self-reconfigurable, semantic-aware speech-recognition library

The candidate, a young graduate or a student of computer science, is expected to have knowledge of C++, XML, image processing/computer vision (where applicable). Knowledge of English language is required (spoken and written).

VirtualCity - development of integrated databases on urban scale

That will be involved in the project VirtualCity related with the development of integrated databases on urban scale. The goal of the project is to provide a solution for the current need of an integrated form of database which can be used as a common platform for the management of the activities related with the territory. Such database must be interfaced through a 3D representation of the urban territory and must provide, in a user-friendly way, access to a wide range of information which is geo-referenced to the local territory. Such an integrated platform could then become the backbone for e-government purposes, for uses targeted to the economic promotion of the territory, for the analysis of complex localised factors involving integration of several layers of information.

The project then aims at the creation of a portal, which is the user-friendly interface to the system, accessible through a wide range of devices (fixed and portables e.g. PDAs, mobile phones), which integrates the function necessary to highlight, show, filter and cross process relevant information coming from different (digital) databases.

The newly opened position will focus on:

  • the development of an integrated database for geo-referenced urban-related datasets.
  • the development of a front-end interface to access databases of geo-referenced data from a wide range of devices including PCs, PDAs and Smartphones.
  • development of dynamic visualisation datasets which can be used to create on-the-fly 3D representations of urban datasets
  • the development of 3D interface for interactive urban analysis and planning

The candidate, a young graduate or a student of computer science, is expected to have knowledge of databases and of C++ language and/or Java, JavaScript, VRML, XML. Knowledge of some the following technologies is favourably considered and it is considered a very important additional skill: GIS-related technologies, scenegraph-based visualisation libraries (Java3D, OpenInventor, OpenSceneGraph), programming experience with mobile devices. Knowledge of English language is required (spoken and written).

S.E.S.A. S.p.A.

S.E.S.A. is a vertically structured software and systems firm specialising in designing and integrating bespoke software solutions. Consultancy, project management, and R&D outsourcing complete the range of services available.

S.E.S.A.'s clients are predominantly active in the telecommunications sector, the automobile industry and corresponding supply industries. Furthermore, S.E.S.A. also develops complete solutions for the sectors of medical technology, mechanical engineering and transport.

For more information see http://www.sesa.de

Formal Ontology and Conceptual Modeling for Social Interactions

Research Area: The internship project will focus on the application of foundational ontologies and related methodologies for modeling social relationships like trust, delegation, ownership and security at large. The proposed research is part of a wider study of organizations and social interactions. The work will involve theoretical study and modeling of specific cases (depending on the interest of the applicants). On the theoretical side, the topics may vary from the evaluation and comparison of ontological primitives needed to model the above notions (including the rationale for which they have been proposed) to the study of approaches to agency and action that are ontologically sound. On the applicative side, the case studies will be related to the project MOSTRO (Modeling Security and Trust Relationships within Organizations) whose focus is on capturing security requirements at the high organizational level.
Prerequisites: basic knowledge of formal logic (in particular first order logic), general notions on ontologies and the ways they are applied.

For further information on the research subject please contact Claudio Masolo (http://www.loa-cnr.it/masolo.html)