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A special issue of Future Internet (ISSN 1999-5903). This special issue belongs to the section "Smart System Infrastructure and Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 41048

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Agostino Poggi

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Guest Editor

Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, I-43124 Parma, Italy
Interests: distributed systems; software engineering; multi-agent systems; agent-based simulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Martin Kenyeres

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Institute of Informatics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 07 Bratislava, Slovakia
Interests: data aggregation; distributed computing; consensus; information fusion; multi-agent systems; wireless sensor networks
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Dr. Ivana Budinská

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Guest Editor

Institute of Informatics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 07 Bratislava, Slovakia
Interests: applied informatics; discrete systems modeling and simulation; multi agent systems; artificial intelligence; ontology engineering
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Dr. Ladislav Hluchy

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Institute of Informatics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 07 Bratislava 45, Slovakia
Interests: grid architecture and grid computing; multi-agent systems and virtual networking; HPCN applications; parallel and distributed computing; architecture models; software technologies
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In general, the term "multi-agent system" (referred to as MAS) is understood as an interconnected set of independent entities that are able to effectively solve complex and time-consuming problems exceeding the individual abilities of common problem solvers. The coordinated entities forming MAS regularly interact with each other in order to solve various problems in numerous technical/non-technical applications. In many modern MASs, the entities are required to be fully autonomous, to provide global decisions based on local knowledge, and to be able to work effectively in a decentralized way. The design of robust, energy-efficient, and high-performance algorithms for MASs, therefore, poses a demanding challenge for the wider scientific community. Thus, significant attention has been paid by many scientists to optimizing the operation of MASs in many respects (e.g., routing, data aggregation, communication, coordination, consensus achievement, synchronization, etc.) over recent decades. This special issue is dedicated to the analysis and the optimization of MASs from a wide point of view (including also branches potentially applicable in MASs); therefore, potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

wireless networks
Internet of Things
distributed and parallel computing
cloud computing
data aggregation, sensor fusion
signal processing
modeling by the big data from the multi-sensor systems
possibility theory
remote sensing data processing
artificial intelligence for the multi-sensor fusion systems
routing protocols
communication protocols
optical systems

Prof. Dr. Agostino Poggi
Dr. Martin Kenyeres
Dr. Ivana Budinská
Dr. Ladislav Hluchy
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Future Internet is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

multi-agent systems
Internet of Things
wireless sensor networks
data aggregation
remote sensing
distributed computing
parallel computing
cloud computing
artificial intelligence

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

3 pages, 155 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Modern Trends in Multi-Agent Systems

by Martin Kenyeres, Ivana Budinská, Ladislav Hluchý and Agostino Poggi

Future Internet 2024, 16(2), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi16020054 - 8 Feb 2024

Viewed by 2648

Abstract

The term “multi-agent system” is generally understood as an interconnected set of independent entities that can effectively solve complex and time-consuming problems exceeding the individual abilities of common problem solvers [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Trends in Multi-Agent Systems)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

25 pages, 1933 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dealing with Deadlocks in Industrial Multi Agent Systems

by František Čapkovič

Future Internet 2023, 15(3), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi15030107 - 9 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5498

Abstract

Automated Manufacturing Systems (AMS) consisting of many cooperating devices incorporated into multiple cooperating production lines, sharing common resources, represent industrial Multi-Agent Systems (MAS). Deadlocks may occur during operation of such MAS. It is necessary to deal with deadlocks (more precisely said, to prevent them) to ensure the correct behavior of AMS. For this purpose, among other methods, methods based on Petri nets (PN) are used too. Because AMS are very often described by PN models, two PN-based methods will be presented here, namely based on (i) PN place invariants (P-invariants); and (ii) PN siphons and traps. Intended final results of usage these methods is finding a supervisor allowing a deadlock-free activity of the global MAS. While the former method yields results in analytical terms, latter one need computation of siphons and traps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Trends in Multi-Agent Systems)

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27 pages, 1149 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multi-Agent Approach to Binary Classification Using Swarm Intelligence

by Sean Grimes and David E. Breen

Future Internet 2023, 15(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi15010036 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2403

Abstract

Wisdom-of-Crowds-Bots (WoC-Bots) are simple, modular agents working together in a multi-agent environment to collectively make binary predictions. The agents represent a knowledge-diverse crowd, with each agent trained on a subset of available information. A honey-bee-derived swarm aggregation mechanism is used to elicit a collective prediction with an associated confidence value from the agents. Due to their multi-agent design, WoC-Bots can be distributed across multiple hardware nodes, include new features without re-training existing agents, and the aggregation mechanism can be used to incorporate predictions from other sources, thus improving overall predictive accuracy of the system. In addition to these advantages, we demonstrate that WoC-Bots are competitive with other top classification methods on three datasets and apply our system to a real-world sports betting problem, producing a consistent return on investment from 1 January 2021 through 15 November 2022 on most major sports. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Trends in Multi-Agent Systems)

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25 pages, 2657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pedestrian Simulation with Reinforcement Learning: A Curriculum-Based Approach

by Giuseppe Vizzari and Thomas Cecconello

Future Internet 2023, 15(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi15010012 - 27 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4421

Abstract

Pedestrian simulation is a consolidated but still lively area of research. State of the art models mostly take an agent-based perspective, in which pedestrian decisions are made according to a manually defined model. Reinforcement learning (RL), on the other hand, is used to train an agent situated in an environment how to act so as to maximize an accumulated numerical reward signal (a feedback provided by the environment to every chosen action). We explored the possibility of applying RL to pedestrian simulation. We carefully defined a reward function combining elements related to goal orientation, basic proxemics, and basic way-finding considerations. The proposed approach employs a particular training curriculum, a set of scenarios growing in difficulty supporting an incremental acquisition of general movement competences such as orientation, walking, and pedestrian interaction. The learned pedestrian behavioral model is applicable to situations not presented to the agents in the training phase, and seems therefore reasonably general. This paper describes the basic elements of the approach, the training procedure, and an experimentation within a software framework employing Unity and ML-Agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Trends in Multi-Agent Systems)

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16 pages, 1897 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Co-Simulation of Multiple Vehicle Routing Problem Models

by Sana Sahar Guia, Abdelkader Laouid, Mohammad Hammoudeh, Ahcène Bounceur, Mai Alfawair and Amna Eleyan

Future Internet 2022, 14(5), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi14050137 - 29 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2803

Abstract

Complex systems are often designed in a decentralized and open way so that they can operate on heterogeneous entities that communicate with each other. Numerous studies consider the process of components simulation in a complex system as a proven approach to realistically predict the behavior of a complex system or to effectively manage its complexity. The simulation of different complex system components can be coupled via co-simulation to reproduce the behavior emerging from their interaction. On the other hand, multi-agent simulations have been largely implemented in complex system modeling and simulation. Each multi-agent simulator’s role is to solve one of the VRP objectives. These simulators interact within a co-simulation platform called MECSYCO, to ensure the integration of the various proposed VRP models. This paper presents the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) simulation results in several aspects, where the main goal is to satisfy several client demands. The experiments show the performance of the proposed VRP multi-model and carry out its improvement in terms of computational complexity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Trends in Multi-Agent Systems)

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16 pages, 3148 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Use of the Multi-Agent Environment for Mobility Applications

by Mahdi Zargayouna

Future Internet 2022, 14(5), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi14050132 - 27 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2526

Abstract

The multi-agent environment is now widely recognised as a key design abstraction for constructing multi-agent systems, equally important as the agents. An explicitly designed environment may have several roles, such as the inter-mediation between agents, the support for interaction, the embodiment of rules and constraints, etc. Mobility applications fit perfectly with a design in the form of a multi-agent system with an explicit environment model. Indeed, in these applications, the components of the system are autonomous and intelligent (drivers, travellers, vehicles, etc.), and the transportation network is a natural environment that they perceive and on which they act. However, the concept of the multi-agent environment may be profitably used beyond this specific geographical context. This paper discusses the relevance of the multi-agent environment in mobility applications and describes different use cases in simulation and optimisation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Trends in Multi-Agent Systems)

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23 pages, 41814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Performance Computing and ABMS for High-Resolution COVID-19 Spreading Simulation

by Mattia Pellegrino, Gianfranco Lombardo, Stefano Cagnoni and Agostino Poggi

Future Internet 2022, 14(3), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi14030083 - 11 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3203

Abstract

This paper presents an approach for the modeling and the simulation of the spreading of COVID-19 based on agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS). Our goal is not only to support large-scale simulations but also to increase the simulation resolution. Moreover, we do not assume an underlying network of contacts, and the person-to-person contacts responsible for the spreading are modeled as a function of the geographical distance among the individuals. In particular, we defined a commuting mechanism combining radiation-based and gravity-based models and we exploited the commuting properties at different resolution levels (municipalities and provinces). Finally, we exploited the high-performance computing (HPC) facilities to simulate millions of concurrent agents, each mapping the individual’s behavior. To do such simulations, we developed a spreading simulator and validated it through the simulation of the spreading in two of the most populated Italian regions: Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. Our main achievement consists of the effective modeling of 10 million of concurrent agents, each one mapping an individual behavior with a high-resolution in terms of social contacts, mobility and contribution to the virus spreading. Moreover, we analyzed the forecasting ability of our framework to predict the number of infections being initialized with only a few days of real data. We validated our model with the statistical data coming from the serological analysis conducted in Lombardy, and our model makes a smaller error than other state of the art models with a final root mean squared error equal to 56,009 simulating the entire first pandemic wave in spring 2020. On the other hand, for the Emilia-Romagna region, we simulated the second pandemic wave during autumn 2020, and we reached a final RMSE equal to 10,730.11. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Trends in Multi-Agent Systems)

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29 pages, 1440 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Graphol: A Graphical Language for Ontology Modeling Equivalent to OWL 2

by Domenico Lembo, Valerio Santarelli, Domenico Fabio Savo and Giuseppe De Giacomo

Future Internet 2022, 14(3), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi14030078 - 28 Feb 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4821

Abstract

In this paper we study Graphol, a fully graphical language inspired by standard formalisms for conceptual modeling, similar to the UML class diagram and the ER model, but equipped with formal semantics. We formally prove that Graphol is equivalent to OWL 2, i.e., it can capture every OWL 2 ontology and vice versa. We also present some usability studies indicating that Graphol is suitable for quick adoption by conceptual modelers that are familiar with UML and ER. This is further testified by the adoption of Graphol for ontology representation in several industrial projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Trends in Multi-Agent Systems)

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17 pages, 528 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Topology Inference and Link Parameter Estimation Based on End-to-End Measurements

by Grigorios Kakkavas, Vasileios Karyotis and Symeon Papavassiliou

Future Internet 2022, 14(2), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi14020045 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2797

Abstract

This paper focuses on the design, implementation, experimental validation, and evaluation of a network tomography approach for performing inferential monitoring based on indirect measurements. In particular, we address the problems of inferring the routing tree topology (both logical and physical) and estimating the links’ loss rate and jitter based on multicast end-to-end measurements from a source node to a set of destination nodes using an agglomerative clustering algorithm. The experimentally-driven evaluation of the proposed algorithm, particularly the impact of the employed reduction update scheme, takes place in real topologies constructed in an open large-scale testbed. Finally, we implement and present a motivating practical application of the proposed algorithm that combines monitoring with change point analysis to realize performance anomaly detection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Trends in Multi-Agent Systems)

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25 pages, 1199 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Architecting an Agent-Based Fault Diagnosis Engine for IEC 61499 Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems

by Barry Dowdeswell, Roopak Sinha and Stephen G. MacDonell

Future Internet 2021, 13(8), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi13080190 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3358

Abstract

IEC 61499 is a reference architecture for constructing Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems (ICPS). However, current function block development environments only provide limited fault-finding capabilities. There is a need for comprehensive diagnostic tools that help engineers identify faults, both during development and after deployment. This article presents the software architecture for an agent-based fault diagnostic engine that equips agents with domain-knowledge of IEC 61499. The engine encourages a Model-Driven Development with Diagnostics methodology where agents work alongside engineers during iterative cycles of design, development, diagnosis and refinement. Attribute-Driven Design (ADD) was used to propose the architecture to capture fault telemetry directly from the ICPS. A Views and Beyond Software Architecture Document presents the architecture. The Architecturally-Significant Requirement (ASRs) were used to design the views while an Architectural Trade-off Analysis Method (ATAM) evaluated critical parts of the architecture. The agents locate faults during both early-stage development and later provide long-term fault management. The architecture introduces dynamic, low-latency software-in-loop Diagnostic Points (DPs) that operate under the control of an agent to capture fault telemetry. Using sound architectural design approaches and documentation methods, coupled with rigorous evaluation and prototyping, the article demonstrates how quality attributes, risks and architectural trade-offs were identified and mitigated early before the construction of the engine commenced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Trends in Multi-Agent Systems)

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22 pages, 1980 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study of Distributed Consensus Gossip Algorithms for Network Size Estimation in Multi-Agent Systems

by Martin Kenyeres and Jozef Kenyeres

Future Internet 2021, 13(5), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi13050134 - 18 May 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3826

Abstract

Determining the network size is a critical process in numerous areas (e.g., computer science, logistic, epidemiology, social networking services, mathematical modeling, demography, etc.). However, many modern real-world systems are so extensive that measuring their size poses a serious challenge. Therefore, the algorithms for determining/estimating this parameter in an effective manner have been gaining popularity over the past decades. In the paper, we analyze five frequently applied distributed consensus gossip-based algorithms for network size estimation in multi-agent systems (namely, the Randomized gossip algorithm, the Geographic gossip algorithm, the Broadcast gossip algorithm, the Push-Sum protocol, and the Push-Pull protocol). We examine the performance of the mentioned algorithms with bounded execution over random geometric graphs by applying two metrics: the number of sent messages required for consensus achievement and the estimation precision quantified as the median deviation from the real value of the network size. The experimental part consists of two scenarios—the consensus achievement is conditioned by either the values of the inner states or the network size estimates—and, in both scenarios, either the best-connected or the worst-connected agent is chosen as the leader. The goal of this paper is to identify whether all the examined algorithms are applicable to estimating the network size, which algorithm provides the best performance, how the leader selection can affect the performance of the algorithms, and how to most effectively configure the applied stopping criterion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Trends in Multi-Agent Systems)

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