Computer Sciences Commons^™

Open Multi-Agent Systems: The Free-Range-Zoo Framework And Moasei Competition, Ceferino J. Patino Iv

School of Computing: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The field of multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) has made significant strides in addressing sequential decision-making problems under uncertainty. However, traditional MARL frameworks assume closed-world settings with fixed agent sets, static task distributions, and unchanging environment dynamics. This thesis presents two complementary contributions that advance the state of open-world multi-agent systems research: (1) the free-range-zoo framework, an open-source environment suite for MARL in open environments featuring dynamic agent populations, evolving task sets, and changing operational frames; and (2) the MOASEI Competition, an international benchmarking event that leverages free-range-zoo to evaluate how artificial agents handle openness in complex, partially observable domains. The …

Spatial Computing With The Apple Vision Pro In Minimally Invasive Procedure Simulation: A Randomized Crossover Feasibility Study, Sydney Cooper, Aaron Kyle Jones, Rahul Anil Sheth, Koustav Pal, Bruno Odisio, Mark Blaylock, Shelita Kimble, Justin Bird, David Rice, Daniel Shoenthal, Emil Patel, Vipin Kamath, Sanjay Gupta, Jeffrey Siewerdsen, Joshua Kuban

Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of wearing the Apple Vision Pro (AVP), a mixed-reality headset that integrates augmented and virtual reality, while performing minimally invasive procedures. While studies have demonstrated that spatial computing technology can improve surgical precision and reduce the risks of surgical complications, to our knowledge, no studies have specifically addressed the impact of the AVP on task performance during simulated image-guided procedures.

Materials and Methods: Thirteen diagnostic and interventional radiology residents performed image-guided central venous catheter placement, thoracentesis, and paracentesis on simulation models. Each participant completed a non-timed practice followed by the procedures once …

Review On Optimization Of Simulation Modeling Strategies For Spacecraft Orbit Avoidance, Guozheng Li, Rui Wang, Shichao Fan, Xintong Cai, Xinyue Zhai

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: The number of on-orbit spacecraft increases exponentially; the space environment becomes more complex, and the collision risk of on-orbit spacecraft increases significantly. On-orbit safety is thus severely threatened, posing higher requirements for orbit avoidance methods. The costs and risks of space activities are extremely high, making simulation an effective method to solve complex problems of orbit avoidance. The modeling, solution, and simulation methods for the two core issues of spacecraft orbit avoidance, "collision avoidance" and "pursuit-evasion games", were systematically reviewed, and the existing shortcomings were analyzed. The applications of technologies such as deep reinforcement learning in promoting orbit avoidance …

Modelling Method Of Unmanned Vehicle Dynamics Based On Neural Network, Jun Wang, Min Liu, Xiaochuan Zhang, Yishan Ding, Juhui Feng, Ye Zhuang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To address the challenges of high data acquisition costs of test data on dynamic characteristics between tires and soft terrain and low speed of numerical calculation for unmanned vehicles in complex terrestrial environments, a modeling method of unmanned vehicle dynamics based on a neural network was proposed. Tire-terrain contact dynamics models were built by using discrete element method (DEM) simulations for tire-terrain contact and experimental data, thereby creating a dataset of tire contact forces for various tire materials in terrestrial environments. The neural network was applied to regressively learn the dataset, and a nonlinear neural network tire model was …

Method For Testing And Evaluating Intelligence Level Of Virtual Forces Based On Operational Experiments, Dayong Liu, Zhiming Dong, Weidong Zhang, Wenjun Zhang, Jiancheng Gao

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: The intelligence level of virtual forces is a key factor affecting the credibility and effectiveness of tactical confrontation simulations. To address the current lack of a testing and evaluation system, a method for testing and evaluating the intelligence level of virtual forces based on operational experiments is proposed. Guided by operational experiment theory, the method stimulates the intelligent behavior of virtual forces by constructing dynamic confrontation environments, and collects, calculates, analyzes, and evaluates their intelligence performance data according to a systematic process. The overall architecture, logical functional modules, and basic evaluation process of the method are designed. A "4M" …

Model-Based System Verification: Theoretical Framework, Key Technologies, And Future Prospects, Bo Sun, Yi Ren, Silin Wang, Qi Liu, Zhidong Li

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Traditional system verification methods face significant challenges in terms of efficiency, coverage, and traceability. To address these issues, this paper introduced model-based system verification (MBSV), which deeply integrated verification activities within the model-based systems engineering model system and evolution process. It presented the foundational logic of MBSV and proposed a multiview unified verification modeling strategy based on system modeling language (SysML), integrating requirements, structure, behavior, and constraints. The paper discussed the algorithms for selecting representative paths and reducing equivalent classes to enhance verification efficiency, the principles of test path search, as well as the intelligent path search mechanism based …

Large Language Model For X Language Simulation: Architecture, Key Technologies, And Typical Applications, Laichunyang Peng, Fei Ye, Xiaoming Guo, Jinglin Zhou

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: General-purpose large language models lack training on X language-specific corpora, and traditional fine-tuning methods lack targeted adaptation to the interdisciplinary integration and multimodule coupling of X language, resulting in problems such as non-standard syntax and semantic deviation in generated code. To address these issues, this paper systematically proposed the definition and integrated architecture of a large language model for X language simulation. Modeling subclasses were defined according to the disciplines and classes of X language, and dedicated adapters were constructed for each subclass. By merging their weights during the inference phase, the incremental integration of multi-domain modeling skills was …

Space-Ground Integrated Collaborative Positioning Algorithm And Simulation For Trajectory Enhancement, Juhui Wei, Xinyong Zhang, Jiongqi Wang, Xuanying Zhou, Zhangming He

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To address the challenges of low credibility, weak consistency, and poor accuracy in the information of trajectory results from space-based and ground-based passive time difference positioning simulation systems, a space-ground integrated collaborative positioning method was proposed for trajectory enhancement. By analyzing the operating principle of the time difference positioning system, the influencing factors that measure positioning accuracy in different feature dimensions were obtained; spline smoothing was employed for data alignment between space-based and ground-based systems; a spline-constrained parametric trajectory model was proposed to further enhance the stability; an error-sensitive feature selection framework for improving simulation consistency was constructed to …

Large-Scale Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm Based On Multi-Region Dynamic Grouping, Binhao Liang, Jingxuan Wei, Fengqin Liang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: The decision variable dimension of large-scale multi-objective optimization problems can reach hundreds or even thousands. For existing large-scale multi-objective evolutionary algorithms based on decision variable analysis, which usually consume a large amount of computational resources for grouping and fail to consider the interactions between convergence-related variables and diversity-related variables, a large-scale multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on multi-region adaptive dynamic grouping was proposed. The algorithm employed a Gaussian mixture model to partition the decision space into multiple regions; within each region, feature vectors were constructed for each decision variable, and spectral clustering was utilized to perform grouping. To validate …

Intelligent Competition Platform And Mode Driven By Cloud-Native Simulation, Long Qin, Hesong Huang, Lujia Yin, Chuan Ai, Qi Zhang, Xinmeng Li

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To solve the problems faced by the adversarial competition mode of agents, including difficult development and deployment, low resource utilization, poor reusability, and difficulty in accessing reinforcement learning algorithms, a new agent simulation training platform was designed. The software components of the competition platform were decoupled based on cloud-native technology; a high-performance simulation engine for the competition environment was proposed; a new method of an embedded reinforcement learning model for an intelligent control terminal was designed, with multiple online and offline policy-based reinforcement learning algorithms set. The experiment demonstrates that the development and deployment of the system is efficient, …

State Monitoring Of Nuclear Power Connection Sleeve Quality Inspection Equipment Driven By Digital Twin, Yandong Nan, Jinda Zhu, Xinbin Lu, Zhiying Qin, Dandan Qi, Zhiheng Ding

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To address the problems of delayed state perception, single monitoring dimension, and insufficient visualization in the quality inspection equipment for nuclear power connection sleeves, a state monitoring method driven by digital twin was proposed. A digital twin-based collaborative state monitoring framework for the inspection equipment was constructed. Based on the OPC UA technology, a multi-source information interconnection model was established. A finite state machine model was employed to discretize and logically drive the inspection process, and a hierarchical verification strategy was proposed to establish a multi-dimensional motion state monitoring mechanism. A surrogate model coupling the radial basis interpolation function …

Dynamic Model-Driven Verification Framework For Modular Aerial Bomb Systems, Wenlong Li, Shuhan Sang, Yusheng Liu, Haiyan He, Zan Liang, Wenqiang Yuan, Biao Niu, Weifeng Luo

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To address the problems of high verification costs, difficulty in covering dynamic behaviors, and lack of quantitative closed loops in the design stage of modular complex equipment, a dynamic model-driven modular system verification framework was proposed. Based on model-based systems engineering (MBSE) modeling, a structural coupling quantification model was constructed using the number of interfaces, signal interaction frequency, and dependency intensity. Dynamic tests were conducted in high-fidelity virtual simulation to collect data; performance rating for indicators such as accuracy, response, and stability, as well as system's comprehensive rating, were obtained, and the rating feedback was used for iterative optimization. …

Simulation On Water Hammer Characteristics Of Bipropellant Attitude And Orbit Control Propulsion System, Xianwei Lang, Yantao Wang, Fang Zhang, Yizhen Zu, Xinyu Zhang, Weibin Xiang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To address the water hammer problem in bipropellant attitude and orbit control propulsion systems during start-up, shutdown, and periodic operation, the water hammer characteristics under different operating conditions are investigated using simulation methods. The water hammer characteristics of annular and branched propellant delivery lines are compared, and the effects of multiengine interactions under various operating conditions, as well as the influence of water hammer on engine performance, are analyzed. The results show that the attenuation rate of pressure fluctuation in the annular pipeline system is significantly higher than that in the branch pipeline system. Under the condition of multi-cycle …

Intersection Positioning Algorithm With Spatial Translation Based On Sar Scene Matching, Cheng'en Pu, Yumin Lai, Rui Shi, Yan Liao, Kezi Meng, Lifeng Qu

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To address the problem that the positioning precision of the inertial navigation system cannot meet the requirements of autonomous positioning when the aircraft flies, an autonomous positioning method with spatial translation based on circular scanning scene matching of SAR was proposed. The spatial translation positioning model of the aircraft was established according to the position of the ground matching points obtained by single point and single circular scanning scene matching of SAR, the oblique distance between the matching points and the aircraft, and the inertial measurement information of the aircraft. The characteristic information of the matching point sequence was …

Design And Application Of Collaborative Simulation System For Satellite Constellation Flight Missions, Dong Yan, Hanzhe Yang, Fangfang Jiang, Chengbao Liu, Peng Zhang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To meet the requirements of the collaborative drill for the ground operation and control system of the satellite constellation, as well as the verification and evaluation of in-orbit complex missions, the design ideas and implementation methods of the collaborative simulation system for satellite constellation flight missions were proposed. By adopting the time correction mechanism of the time-scale distributor, the time synchronization problem among the simulation nodes and the operation and control simulation system was solved. By adopting the communication technology based on improved PDXP + UDP, the problem of cross-node data interface and inter-satellite communication simulation was resolved. A …

Optimization Of Air Defense And Antimissile Firepower Resource Allocation Based On Adaptive Hybrid Evolution, Wei Liu, Delong Chen, Ze Liu, Rui Wang, Kaiwen Li, Tao Zhang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Air defense and antimissile firepower resource allocation is a core optimization problem in modern defense systems. Under complex conditions such as spatiotemporal constraints and firepower resource limitations, this problem involves the optimal configuration of limited interceptors and belongs to the class of NP-hard multi-constrained combinatorial optimization problems. This paper established a comprehensive mathematical model encompassing range constraints, time window constraints, feasibility matrices, and interception probability models. To address the high-dimensional nonlinearity of the problem, an adaptive hybrid evolutionary algorithm (AHEA) was proposed. The algorithm integrated problem-aware initialization, adaptive parameter control, seven specialized neighborhood search operators, and an adaptive strategy …

Research On Control Of Coaxial Dual-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Based On Improved Reaching Law, Xinhang Chen, Xiaodong Ling, Chengchang Lang, Shijun Zheng, Yiqi Tang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To address the issues of significant chattering, slow convergence speed, and large overshoot in the control system of a coaxial dual-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle, a control method based on an improved double-power and hyperbolic function integral sliding mode reaching law was proposed. A novel reaching law was designed to achieve fast convergence when the system state is far from the sliding surface and smooth transition when approaching the sliding surface, thereby enhancing the overall convergence speed of the system and ensuring that the system reaches the sliding surface within a finite time. The saturation characteristic of the hyperbolic function …

Mechanism Analysis Of Parasitic Torque In Electric Loading Systems, Xiaozhe Sun, Zhenyu Fu, Zhaoke Xu, Jianxin Li

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To address the issues of sources and mechanisms of parasitic torque in electric loading systems for aircraft actuator loads, a functional model of the electric loading system was established. Numerical simulations and Monte Carlo methods were employed to analyze the sources of parasitic torque and its primary influencing factors. The influence mechanisms and degrees of the system's external inputs and internal disturbances on parasitic torque were analyzed and validated through single-parameter and multi-parameter analyses. The results indicate that parasitic torque is predominantly influenced by factors such as loading command frequency, sensor signal bias, and loading motor parameters. In particular, …

Auv Path Planning Integrating Local-Global Strategies In Unknown Environments, Wenlong Meng, Yanbo Pu, Ya Gong

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Existing path planning algorithms often struggle to efficiently explore and generate high-quality trajectories. To address this issue, this paper proposes a path planning algorithm that integrates local-global strategies. By employing the rolling window technique, the global one-time path planning problem is transformed into an iterative process of multiple local planning stages. During the global exploration phase, the rolling window is used to determine high-level path branches and to identify branch waypoints, thereby refining the calculation of local paths. In the local exploration phase, an improved RRT-Connect algorithm is proposed, which combines adaptive circular sampling with dynamic step length to …

Modeling And Simulation Of Target Characteristic Architecture Of Target Missile Based On Dodaf, Tuo Zhao, Yuqiao Liu, Yuan Ma, Yun Cheng, Shen Li

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: In view of the problems of incomplete elements and missing architecture in the research of target characteristics of target missiles, this paper introduced the panoramic view, operational view, and capability view models in the DoDAF from the perspective of system engineering. According to the view development sequence of "panoramic description, operational decomposition, and capability matching", a target characteristic architecture of the target missile was constructed, which included target elements such as maneuvering characteristics and infrared radiation characteristics. The mapping relationship among "operational layer, capability layer, and target characteristic layer" of the target missile was obtained, and the architecture was …

Overall Design Method Of Low Earth Orbit Communication Satellite Based On Mbse, Jiace Shang, Rui Zhang, Ya Dai, Hua Zhu, Siqi Hu, Linqiang Ge, Chenguang Shi

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Drawing on the model-centric design philosophy of model-based systems engineering (MBSE), this study constructs a model architecture suitable for the design and analysis of low Earth orbit communication satellites. This architecture adopts a multi-dimensional matrix approach. Vertically, it traverses the mission layer, system layer, satellite general design layer, and subsystem layer, achieving top-down hierarchical decoupling. Horizontally, it establishes a comprehensive view mapping mechanism covering the domains of requirements, functions, structure, and performance. Integrating the characteristics of product development, a modeling process covering the entire lifecycle—from mission demonstration and overall design to subsystem design and integration verification—has been established. The …

Vehicle Routing Optimization For Underground Mines Considering Fuzzy Demand And Time Tolerance, Guorong Wang, Haishun Deng, Ziming Kou, Xuanxuan Yan, Zhixiang Huang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To solve the problem of material demand fluctuation and different time windows in auxiliary transportation of underground mines, a routing optimization method for material distribution considering fuzzy demand and time tolerance was proposed. Based on the fuzzy credibility theory, uncertain demand was constrained by fuzzy chance constraints, and a multi-objective routing optimization model for underground mine auxiliary transportation was constructed with the objectives of minimizing the total operating cost of vehicles and maximizing time tolerance. A multi-objective genetic algorithm with mixed dominance strength was designed to solve the model. By calculating the deviation difference of Pareto frontier solutions, …

A Bilstm+Attention Method For Predicting The Intentions Of Air Combat Targets Based On Multi-Feature Continuous Time Series, Qiuni Li, Dong Wang, Chaozhe Wang, Zongcheng Liu

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To achieve advance prediction of enemy target intention, a three-layer air combat intention prediction method based on multi-feature continuous time series and BiLSTM+Attention, including trajectory prediction, threat assessment, and intention prediction was proposed. To prevent the onesidedness of intention prediction results caused by state information at a single moment, prediction was carried out from multiple state features and trajectory information in a continuous time series. An LSTM neural network was used to predict the trajectory of the target aircraft, and the threat assessment of the target aircraft before and after the prediction was conducted. The BiLSTM + Attention model …

The Digital Neuron: Neural Cellular Automata For Neural–Symbolic Translation, Nicole Assenza

SMU Data Science Review

A neural cellular automata (NCA) architecture, referred to as Pluto’s NCA, was developed to characterize bilateral communication and semantic reciprocity between symbolic representations and a spatially distributed update field. The architecture employs an encoder–automata–decoder pipeline that maps symbolic inputs into a multichannel state field and reconstructs them through agreement-driven attractor convergence within a stable semantic attractor landscape. System behavior was evaluated under controlled perturbations, including rhythmic desynchronization, graded ablations, correlated and independent noise, and percolation-based structural degradation. Quantities such as Agreement(t), internal coherence Aᵢ(t), the recovery time constant τ, and the critical percolation threshold pc were measured to assess stability, …

Leveraging Convolutional Neural Networks For Through-The-Wall Radar Imaging: Challenges, Impacts, And Future Directions, Tumaini Edgar, Abdulla F. Ally, Abdi T. Abdalla

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Through-the-wall radar imaging (TWRI) is an essential technology for military and rescue applications; however, its performance in detecting and visualizing high-quality images of targets behind walls is significantly degraded by multipath reflections and signal attenuation. This paper reviews the current state of TWRI and its challenges, and explores the transformative potential of deep learning, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), in addressing these challenges. Peer-reviewed articles published from 2018 to 2024 were analysed to examine CNN applications in addressing TWRI challenges. The analysis reveals that using CNNs, TWRI systems can be more effective by filtering wall distortions, reducing noise, lowering computational …

Limitations Of Signature-Based Network Intrusion Detection Under Modern Traffic Conditions, Henry Guidry

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

Network Intrusion Detection Systems are tools used to monitor network traffic and alert to suspicious or harmful activity before it can cause harm. Signature-based versions of these systems are a foundation for intrusion detection, operating by finding common patterns and forming malicious signatures. However, three developments in modern network environments have greatly impacted the significance of Network Intrusion Detection Systems. These three developments are the near-complete adoption of end-to-end encryption, the use of sophisticated packet fragmentation techniques, and the processing demands of high-throughput networks. Encryption makes deep packet inspection practically infeasible by transforming inspectable payloads into ciphertext, forcing NIDS to …

Escaping Isolation: An Analysis Of Virtual Machine And Container Breakout Vulnerabilities, Felix Iov

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

Cloud computing providers rely on multi-tenant architectures to maximize resource efficiency. This infrastructure depends on virtualization, which provides isolation between clients. This comes primarily in the form of Virtual Machines (VMs) and Containers. However, “breakout attacks” or “escapes” are a critical threat where attackers bypass these isolation layers to gain unauthorized access to the host system and neighboring environments. This paper surveys virtualization escape threats and analyzes three case studies: a runc container escape (Leaky Vessels), a VMware ESXi VM escape (VSOCKPuppet), and an NVIDIA GPU container escape (NVIDIAScape). Each demonstrates different attack surfaces, including file descriptor misuse, kernel driver …

Aiw26s: Applied Llms, Chengjie Zheng

Paul English Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute Publications

This workshop introduces the concept of applied large language models (LLMs), focusing on how users can move from simple prompt-based interaction to building structured, repeatable AI-driven workflows. Participants explore how AI enables faster prototyping, lowers barriers to entry, and expands who can participate in building technology. Through a hands-on demonstration, attendees learn how to transform raw inputs into meaningful outputs such as summaries, key concepts, and actionable steps. The session emphasizes the importance of clear problem definition, iterative refinement, and critical evaluation when working with AI systems.

Ai Method For Classification Of Diagnosis Of Near-Infrared Breast Lesion Images, Kaiquan Chen, Fangyang Shen, Honggang Wang, Zhengchao Dong, Jizhong Xiao, Ming Ma, Afroza Aktar, Christopher Chow, Wenxiong Zhang

Publications and Research

In near-infrared optical breast lesion screening and diagnosis systems, high-speed four-dimensional scanners can dynamically acquire tens of thousands of lesion images within a five-minute period. Currently, manual computer annotation is required to generate standard samples from these scanned breast lesion images, a process that depends heavily on physicians with clinical expertise. On average, a single physician can annotate only approximately ten samples per working day. As a result, this process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and the collected samples often suffer from low accuracy, large variability, and limited diagnostic reliability. Several AI-based annotation tools, such as QuPath, HALO AI™, and X-AnyLabeling, …

Threat-Analysis Oriented Digital Twinning Of Ml-Powered Future Autonomous Weapon Systems, Thomas Neubert

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Warfare is undergoing a rapid transformation with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into autonomous weapon systems (AWS) for perception, decision support, and control. As these systems become more software-defined, their cyber attack surface expands across sensing, communications, autonomy logic, and human-machine interfaces. As human oversight diminishes, ensuring the cybersecurity, resilience, and reliability of these systems becomes critical to mission success. This thesis investigates how a digital twin-driven threat modeling framework that integrates system-centric analysis with adversary-informed methodologies can support structured cybersecurity vulnerability evaluation and defensive strategy development associated with ML-powered AWS. First, the study analyzes …