Models and Analysis for Distributed Systems

This book presents a unified frequency-domain method for the analysis of distributed control systems. The following important topics are discussed by using the proposed frequency-domain method: (1) Scalable stability criteria of networks of distributed control systems; (2) Effect of heterogeneous delays on the stability of a network of distributed control system; (3) Stability of Internet congestion control algorithms; and (4) Consensus in multi-agent systems. This book is ideal for graduate students in control, networking and robotics, as well as researchers in the fields of control theory and networking who are interested in learning and applying distributed control algorithms or frequency-domain analysis methods.

Statistical Models and Methods for Reliability and Survival Analysis brings together contributions by specialists in statistical theory as they discuss their applications providing up-to-date developments in methods used in survival analysis, statistical goodness of fit, stochastic processes for system reliability, amongst others. Many of these are related to the work of Professor M. Nikulin in statistics over the past 30 years. The authors gather together various contributions with a broad array of techniques and results, divided into three parts – Statistical Models and Methods, Statistical Models and Methods in Survival Analysis, and Reliability and Maintenance. The book is intended for researchers interested in statistical methodology and models useful in survival analysis, system reliability and statistical testing for censored and non-censored data.

This text is based on a simple and fully reactive computational model that allows for intuitive comprehension and logical designs. The principles and techniques presented can be applied to any distributed computing environment (e.g., distributed systems, communication networks, data networks, grid networks, internet, etc.). The text provides a wealth of unique material for learning how to design algorithms and protocols perform tasks efficiently in a distributed computing environment.

This book focuses on the distinct but tightly inter-related areas of development for distributed sensing systems In this book, the authors discuss the technological developments lead by sensor technology, addressing viable new applications to inspire a technological evolution. Under the advanced and visionary approach of distributed intelligence, the authors focus on three distinct but tightly inter-related areas of developments for distributed sensing systems (DSS): firstly, the sensor technology embracing the conversion of the phenomena of interest into desirable form of signal such as electric, secondly, the interaction process between sensing points which requires immense intelligence loosely called networking, and finally, the adoption of useful maturing systems through potential applications for right impacts for a better life and a brighter economy. Furthermore, the book contains a number of case studies and typical applications illustrating the technical details, features and functions of the systems, as well as demonstrating their benefits and limitations. Key Features: Discusses the technological developments lead by sensor technology Addresses viable new applications Contains a number of case studies and typical applications illustrating the technical details, features and functions of the systems Demonstrates the benefits and limitations of distributed sensing Written by experts with vast experience in the field (both in academia and industry) This book will be an invaluable reference for postgraduates studying related courses (communication engineering, engineering management, computer systems, industrial process, automation, design, environmental, urban, surveillance), R&D engineers, system and application designers, researchers, industrial project managers and engineers, and technical and strategic managers planning new products.

Simplifies the treatment of statistical inference focusing on how to specify and interpret models in the context of testing causal theories. Simple bivariate regression, multiple regression, multiple classification analysis, path analysis, logit regression, multinomial logit regression and survival models are among the subjects covered. Features an appendix of computer programs (for major statistical packages) that are used to generate illustrative examples contained in the chapters.

How to solve security issues and problems arising in distributed systems. Security is one of the leading concerns in developing dependable distributed systems of today, since the integration of different components in a distributed manner creates new security problems and issues. Service oriented architectures, the Web, grid computing and virtualization – form the backbone of today’s distributed systems. A lens to security issues in distributed systems is best provided via deeper exploration of security concerns and solutions in these technologies. Distributed Systems Security provides a holistic insight into current security issues, processes, and solutions, and maps out future directions in the context of today’s distributed systems. This insight is elucidated by modeling of modern day distributed systems using a four-tier logical model –host layer, infrastructure layer, application layer, and service layer (bottom to top). The authors provide an in-depth coverage of security threats and issues across these tiers. Additionally the authors describe the approaches required for efficient security engineering, alongside exploring how existing solutions can be leveraged or enhanced to proactively meet the dynamic needs of security for the next-generation distributed systems. The practical issues thereof are reinforced via practical case studies. Distributed Systems Security: Presents an overview of distributed systems security issues, including threats, trends, standards and solutions. Discusses threats and vulnerabilities in different layers namely the host, infrastructure, application, and service layer to provide a holistic and practical, contemporary view of enterprise architectures. Provides practical insights into developing current-day distributed systems security using realistic case studies. This book will be of invaluable interest to software engineers, developers, network professionals and technical/enterprise architects working in the field of distributed systems security. Managers and CIOs, researchers and advanced students will also find this book insightful.

Survival analysis concerns sequential occurrences of events governed by probabilistic laws. Recent decades have witnessed many applications of survival analysis in various disciplines. This book introduces both classic survival models and theories along with newly developed techniques. Readers will learn how to perform analysis of survival data by following numerous empirical illustrations in SAS. Survival Analysis: Models and Applications: Presents basic techniques before leading onto some of the most advanced topics in survival analysis. Assumes only a minimal knowledge of SAS whilst enabling more experienced users to learn new techniques of data input and manipulation. Provides numerous examples of SAS code to illustrate each of the methods, along with step-by-step instructions to perform each technique. Highlights the strengths and limitations of each technique covered. Covering a wide scope of survival techniques and methods, from the introductory to the advanced, this book can be used as a useful reference book for planners, researchers, and professors who are working in settings involving various lifetime events. Scientists interested in survival analysis should find it a useful guidebook for the incorporation of survival data and methods into their projects.

Survival analysis concerns sequential occurrences of events governed by probabilistic laws. Recent decades have witnessed many applications of survival analysis in various disciplines. This book introduces both classic survival models and theories along with newly developed techniques. Readers will learn how to perform analysis of survival data by following numerous empirical illustrations in SAS. Survival Analysis: Models and Applications: Presents basic techniques before leading onto some of the most advanced topics in survival analysis. Assumes only a minimal knowledge of SAS whilst enabling more experienced users to learn new techniques of data input and manipulation. Provides numerous examples of SAS code to illustrate each of the methods, along with step-by-step instructions to perform each technique. Highlights the strengths and limitations of each technique covered. Covering a wide scope of survival techniques and methods, from the introductory to the advanced, this book can be used as a useful reference book for planners, researchers, and professors who are working in settings involving various lifetime events. Scientists interested in survival analysis should find it a useful guidebook for the incorporation of survival data and methods into their projects.

Build a critical and effective security program for DERs  This publication educates engineers on the design, implementation, and maintenance of a security program for distributed energy resources (DERs), smart grid, and industrial control systems.  Building an Effective Security Program for Distributed Energy Resources and Systems  provides a unified approach to establishing a critical security program for DER systems and Smart Grid applications. The methodology provided integrates systems security engineering principles, techniques, standards, and best practices.  The publication guides security professionals in learning the specific requirements of industrial control systems and real-time constrained applications. It also outlines the functions of the security program as well as the scope and differences between traditional IT system security requirements and those required for industrial control systems such as SCADA systems. This book:  Addresses the cybersecurity needs for DERs and power grid as critical infrastructure Explores the assessment and management of security risks and ethical concerns Offers a full array of resources— cybersecurity concepts, frameworks, and emerging trends. Security Professionals and Engineers can use  Building an Effective Security Program  as a reliable resource that’s dedicated to the essential topic of security for distributed energy resources and power grid. They will find standards, guidelines, and recommendations from standard organizations, such as ISO, IEC, NIST, IEEE, ENISA, ISA, ISACA, and ISF, conveniently included for reference within chapters.