Abstract:

?As usual, there are seven papers in this issue besides the review of three recently published books (by Springer and CRC Press). There is one short communication as well.

The first paper relates to the subject of encryption in wireless sensor networks (WSN). Since full encryption to secure the transmitted data is costly and often not practical, the authors suggest a Selective Hybrid Cipher-based mechanism, which integrates AES-based SE and Forward Error Correction codes to achieve both secure and reliable data transmission in WSN.

The second paper, relates to developing dependability models for architectural software systems using the AADL (Architecture Analysis and Design Language) which is a mature industry-standard well suited to address quality attributes. It presents reusable modeling patterns for fault-tolerant applications and demonstrates how these patterns can be used in the context of a subsystem of real-life applications. The authors apply this technique to evaluate two different architectures for French Air Traffic Control System.

The third paper elaborates how to manage risks associated with rail accidents involving legitimate pedestrians crossing, particularly at user-controlled crossings. It considers some issues contributing to the risks including human factors, some modeling approaches as well as some potential ways of addressing the problem. Human behaviour is the key factor and modifying this reliably and consistently is difficult, while designing out the risk can be prohibitively expensive.

The fourth paper deals with the subject of "risk governance", and indicates how one can deal with public risks and so-called complex, ambiguous and uncertain risks in an integrated manner besides providing a conceptual and theoretical basis to design a risk management program, based on risk reduction, resilience and discourse.

In the fifth paper, reliability (or safety) index is computed for a pressure vessel made of titanium alloy. This index is evaluated based on the data collected during manufacturing and operation. Design of Experiment (DOE) and Two Point Adaptive Nonlinear Approximations (TANA) are used to establish the performance functions. AFOSM approach is found to give better results.

The sixth paper provides a time-dependent probabilistic analysis of a structure. It is shown that the deterministic time dependent analysis can be done conveniently using lognormal probability model at every time instant. There is a good agreement with Monte Carlo simulation technique. The present study demonstrates that structural response in terms of deflection over a given life time is directly related to design criteria used by structural engineer.

The last paper relates to the design of Quantum Cellular Automata (QCA), which is emerging as a very interesting computational nanotechnology paradigm. The aim of the paper is to create interest in this area of research.

It is hoped that the readers of IJPE will find the coverage of this issue useful for their research and professional interest.