Abstract
Cellular Automata (CA) are discrete dynamical systems. The definition of relatively simple, local interactions results in complex global behaviors of the whole system. This makes it possible to create and study models of many complex systems in different fields such as physics, engineering, environment science, social science, and life sciences.
Such an approach is very promising, and during the past few decades CA-based modeling has attracted a growing number of researchers and practitioners interested in studying models of complex phenomena. In this special issue entitled “Simulation with Cellular Automata,” we have proceeded with an open-call announcement targeting novel simulation CA-based studies as well as revised and extended papers presented during the 11th International Conference on Cellular Automata for Research and Industry, held at AGH University of Science and Technology in September 2014. After a thorough and meticulous review process, we finally came up with seven (7) accepted papers dealing with various and, in most cases, interdisciplinary topics under the umbrella of CA-based simulation.
More specifically, in the first paper, “Modelling and Simulation of Complex Cellular Automata Using Cell-DEVS,” Gabriel Wainer and Joaquín Fernández present a discrete event formalism Cell-DEVS, which enables timing delay constructions. Cell-DEVS is introduced as a formalism supporting a discrete event approach to define cellular models with timing delay constructions and using a simple definition of complex timing. The application of the Cell-DEVS paradigm enables more efficient cell-shaped modeling by also supporting the inherent complexity of the proposed models.
The second paper is “Modeling Pedestrian Behavior with Cell-DEVS: Theory and Applications” co-authored by Ala'a Al-Habashna and Gabriel Wainer. On the basis of the Cell-DEVS approach, an entity-based modeling and simulation of crowd dynamics, applied in an analysis of evacuation and occupancy levels of multiple-floor buildings, is analytically described. Specifically, the authors present a practical application of Cell-DEVS formalism in the modeling and simulation of pedestrian dynamics and their behavior in different situations.
The third paper, entitled “The Spatial Reproduction Number in a Cellular Automaton Model for Vector-Borne Diseases Applied to the Transmission of Chagas Disease,” is co-authored by Baki Cissé, Samira El Yacoubi, and Sebastien Gourbière. The proposed approach is based on CA and applied to Chagas disease for homogeneous as well as heterogeneous landscapes. It refers to modeling of spatial changes in the basic reproduction number for vector-borne diseases. The main outcome from the performed simulations is an effect of local vector dispersal in a heterogeneous landscape for Chagas disease transmission.
The fourth paper, entitled “Graph Cellular Automata Approach to the Maximum Lifetime Coverage Problem in Wireless Sensor Networks” by Antonina Tretyakova, Franciszek Seredynski, and Pascal Bouvry, proposes the generalization of a CA concept called Graph Cellular Automata to solve the maximum lifetime coverage problem in wireless sensor networks (WSN). A new localized algorithm is presented, which uses only some knowledge about the neighboring sensors of WSNs, still able to self-reorganize in such a way to preserve a required coverage ratio and prolong lifetime of the WSN.
The fifth paper, “Cellular Automata Approach for Parallel Machine Scheduling Problem” authored by Edyta Kucharska, Katarzyna Grobler-Dębska, Krzysztof Rączka, and Lidia Dutkiewicz, deals with scheduling problems with parallel machines using the CA paradigm. An asynchronous non-homogenous cellular automaton is conceived as a framework for scheduling problems, where setup times depend on previously performed tasks, including specific precedence relation among tasks.
The sixth paper, “The Working Group Performance Modeled by a Bi-layer Cellular Automaton,” is co-authored by Krzysztof Malarz, Agnieszka Kowalska-Styczeń, and Krzysztof Kułakowski. The paper is devoted to modeling of working groups using CA. The authors analyze behaviors of group members during execution of incoming tasks. To accomplish this task, overloading of agents is taken into consideration while different strategies are performed by agents, including task redistribution among them.
Finally, the last paper entitled “Fracture Modeling in Dual-Phase Steel Grades Based on the Random Cellular Automata Finite Element Approach” by Konrad Perzynski and Lukasz Madej deals with failure of dual-phase steels on the basis of the developed discrete-continuum random CA finite element model. Conceptually, various fracture modes that can occur during deformation in the dual-phase steel grade microstructures are discussed in detail. Next, a random CA model embedded within the finite element framework is presented to simulate explicitly microstructure features that play a significant role during initiation and subsequent failure propagation the digital material representation.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to all the people involved in the publication process, for their precious collaboration and the endless hard work done for this Special Issue. Special thanks to the reviewers and the editorial officers, especially Mrs. Vicki Pate, who helped us during the review process to be in line with the journal principles and procedures of SIMULATION. Finally, we would like to extend our thanks to Journal Editor-in-Chief Prof. Levent Yilmaz for his timeless support.