A fuzzy semantic information retrieval system for transactional applications

In this paper, we present an information retrieval system based on the concept of fuzzy logic to relate vague and uncertain objects with un-sharp boundaries. The simple but comprehensive user interface of the system permits the entering of uncertain specifications in query forms. The system was modelled and simulated in a Matlab environment; its implementation was carried out using Borland C++ Builder. The result of the performance measure of the system using precision and recall rates is encouraging. Similarly, the smaller amount of more precise information retrieved by the system will positively impact the response time perceived by the users

An Improved Anomalous Intrusion Detection Model

The volume of cyber-attack targeting network resources within the cyberspace is steadily increasing and evolving. Network intrusions compromise the confidentiality, integrity or availability of network resources causing reputational damage and the consequential financial loss. One of the key cyber-defense tools against these attacks is the Intrusion Detection System. Existing anomalous intrusion detection models often misclassified normal network traffics as attacks while minority attacks go undetected due to an extreme imbalance in network traffic data. This leads to a high false positive and low detection rate. This study focused on improving the detection accuracy by addressing the class imbalanced problem which is often associated with network traffic dataset. Live network traffic packets were collected within the test case environment with Wireshark during normal network activities, Syncflood attack, slowhttppost attack and exploitation of known vulnerabilities on a targeted machine. Fifty-two features including forty-two features similar to Knowledge Discovery in Database (KDD ’99) intrusion detection dataset were extracted from the packet meta-data using Spleen tool. The features were normalized with min-max normalization algorithm and Information Gain algorithm was used to select the best discriminatory features from the feature space. An anomalous intrusion detection model was formulated by a cascade of k-means clustering algorithm and random-forest classifier. The proposed model was simulated and its performance was evaluated using detection accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity as metrics. The result of the evaluation showed 10% higher detection accuracy, 29% sensitivity, and 0.2% specificity than the existing model. Keywords— anomalous, cyber-attack, Detection, Intrusio

An adaptive fuzzy information retrieval model to improve response time perceived by e-commerce clients

In this paper, an adaptive fuzzy logic-based information retrieval model is presented to enable users retrieve exact and specific information they sort after. The proposed IR model takes into consideration the limited bandwidth between ISP and its users; and the characteristics (processor speed, memory size, resolution, availability of anti-virus, etc.) of clients' devices in ensuring that a customer has a fruitful and eventful session while conducting business online. The model was designed using unified modelling language and implemented using Borland JBuilder. A performance evaluation of the proposed information retrieval system using two evaluation measures was conducted. The experimental result indicated that the model has an acceptable performance. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

An intelligent Quality of Service brokering model for e-commerce

A fuzzy logic based Quality of Service (QoS) brokering model for e-commerce to manage system and network resources is presented in this study. This model takes into consideration limited bandwidth between clients and their Internet Service Providers; and similarly the client's system capabilities. The QoS brokering system was modelled, developed, and simulated using Matlab 7.0. Its performance was evaluated using two QoS performance metrics namely the response time and the throughput. The proposed QoS brokering model is simple to implement as well as robust due to the nature of fuzzy controller. Simulation results of the proposed QoS brokering system demonstrate the effectiveness of the model in managing resources optimally and also improving the user-perceived QoS of e-commerce application. © 2009

Adaptation of the Wound Healing Questionnaire universal-reporter outcome measure for use in global surgery trials (TALON-1 study): mixed-methods study and Rasch analysis

BackgroundThe Bluebelle Wound Healing Questionnaire (WHQ) is a universal-reporter outcome measure developed in the UK for remote detection of surgical-site infection after abdominal surgery. This study aimed to explore cross-cultural equivalence, acceptability, and content validity of the WHQ for use across low- and middle-income countries, and to make recommendations for its adaptation.MethodsThis was a mixed-methods study within a trial (SWAT) embedded in an international randomized trial, conducted according to best practice guidelines, and co-produced with community and patient partners (TALON-1). Structured interviews and focus groups were used to gather data regarding cross-cultural, cross-contextual equivalence of the individual items and scale, and conduct a translatability assessment. Translation was completed into five languages in accordance with Mapi recommendations. Next, data from a prospective cohort (SWAT) were interpreted using Rasch analysis to explore scaling and measurement properties of the WHQ. Finally, qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated using a modified, exploratory, instrumental design model.ResultsIn the qualitative phase, 10 structured interviews and six focus groups took place with a total of 47 investigators across six countries. Themes related to comprehension, response mapping, retrieval, and judgement were identified with rich cross-cultural insights. In the quantitative phase, an exploratory Rasch model was fitted to data from 537 patients (369 excluding extremes). Owing to the number of extreme (floor) values, the overall level of power was low. The single WHQ scale satisfied tests of unidimensionality, indicating validity of the ordinal total WHQ score. There was significant overall model misfit of five items (5, 9, 14, 15, 16) and local dependency in 11 item pairs. The person separation index was estimated as 0.48 suggesting weak discrimination between classes, whereas Cronbach's α was high at 0.86. Triangulation of qualitative data with the Rasch analysis supported recommendations for cross-cultural adaptation of the WHQ items 1 (redness), 3 (clear fluid), 7 (deep wound opening), 10 (pain), 11 (fever), 15 (antibiotics), 16 (debridement), 18 (drainage), and 19 (reoperation). Changes to three item response categories (1, not at all; 2, a little; 3, a lot) were adopted for symptom items 1 to 10, and two categories (0, no; 1, yes) for item 11 (fever).ConclusionThis study made recommendations for cross-cultural adaptation of the WHQ for use in global surgical research and practice, using co-produced mixed-methods data from three continents. Translations are now available for implementation into remote wound assessment pathways