ANNALS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CRAIOVA

V. Ababii, V. Sudacevschi

Abstract: In this paper a hardware implementation method of Safe Petri Nets (SaPN) models is proposed. Mapping of SaPN models into FPGA is based on creating of the connections between selected functional elements places P and transitions T according to the incidence matrix. The method allows the implementation of SaPN models of any complexity by reason of flexible architecture of functional elements. Proposed method makes possible the economical and structured FPGA implementation according to AHDL description of processing elements.
Keywords:

Jalal M. Al-Frihat

Abstract: Firewalls are safety-critical systems that secure most private networks. An error in a firewall either leaks secret information from its network or disrupts legitimate communication between its network and the rest of the Internet. Firewall filtering rules have to be carefully written and organized in order to correctly implement the security policy. In this paper, advanced techniques that provide automatic discovery of firewall policy anomalies and anomaly-free policy editing for rule insertion and modification are presented. These techniques significantly simplifies the management of firewall policy written as filtering rules, while minimizing network vulnerability due to wrong configurations of the firewall rules.
Keywords:

Lucian-Florentin Barbulescu, Ionut Resceanu

Abstract: In the last years the web services started to replace the old technologies used. When they were first intoroduced no security was added to the transfered messages and it was obvious that the web services will not be able to compete with the existing technologies in all the fields of the market. Adding security to web services proved to be a quite simple task mainly because of the technologis on which they are based: HTTP and XML. Securing the transport meant using the already standardised HTTPS (HTTP over SSL) and securing the data meant using XML Signature and Encryption. The present paper tryes to present the security mechanism used today for Web Serivces.
Keywords:

Simona Capatan

Abstract: In all sectors of education women are still clearly underrepresented in courses related to ICT, engineering and science. This is the case not only in the choice of courses in higher secondary education, but also at university level and in adult and vocational education. While a number of initiatives and projects have aimed at increasing the access of women to technically oriented education, the potential of using simulations and interactive games in this context has hardly been explored yet. This is rather surprising, as several studies conclude that simulations and games can create realistic, appealing and essentially motivating learning experiences. SITCOM-“Simulating IT-Careers for wOMen” is a EU financed Socrates/Minerva project which aims at using the considerable potential of simulations and games to motivate girls and young women at the age of 12 to 18 to enter educational pathways related to information and communication technologies (ICT), science and engineering.
Keywords:

Oleg Cernian

Abstract: The subject of multiple valued logic is gaining more and more interest due to the gradual approaching of the physical limits of the binary logic (Hurst, 1984). Having in view the advantages of information representation the ternary logic is occupying a central position of reserach. In this paper it is presented a combination between the simple multiple disjunctive decomposition of ternary logic functions and implementations with ternary T-gates. A comparison of complexity of implementations is carried out based on their costs.
Keywords:

Gabriel Dimitriu

Abstract: Three sequential data assimilation schemes (successive corrections, optimal interpolation and analysis correction) are applied to a model in atmospheric chemistry and oceanography. The model simulates the interaction of the various forms of carbon that are stored in three regimes: the atmosphere, the shallow ocean, and the deep ocean. Implementation issues and numerical results from some preliminary investigations are presented.
Keywords:

Radu Dobrescu

Abstract: The paper proposes a model that relieves the characteristics of several complex systems having a similar scale free network architecture. The properties of this kind of networks are compared with those of other methods which are specific for studying complex systems: nonlinear dynamics and statistical methods. We place particular emphasis on scale free network theory and its importance in augmenting the framework for the quantitative study of complex systems, by discussing three important applications: Internet topology and traffic characteristics, epidemics broadcast and cellular communication system in biological networks (in particular in Sepsis). Finally the new ways in modeling complex systems with scale-free networks are discussed.
Keywords:

Bogdan Groza, Dorina Petrica, Toma-Leonida Dragomir

Abstract: Information exchange has a tremendous impact on modern society. As information became more vital so does the need for stronger security. Security based on cryptographic techniques is commonly used in many applications from many fields. Using security based on cryptographic techniques in remote control systems is certainly a subject of great interest. This paper will try to bring some points of view on the security objectives present in remote control systems and on the cryptographic primitives used to ensure them. Two solutions will be presented to ensure an authentic and confidential channel between the controller and the remote controlled systems.
Keywords:

Daniel Hamburg and York Tuchelmann

Abstract: Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are favored security systems to detect malicious activities. Their efficiency highly depends upon the data they capture and analyze. Network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) must capture and handle data of all monitored systems, leading to high performance needs. In addition, NIDS are not able to exactly predict a system’s reaction to malicious data, as different systems tend to react different. We propose a new sensor framework called Multi-Layer Sensors (MLS) to capture network packets directly on a monitored host. The framework consists of three sensors, each capturing relevant parts of a packet at different levels of the network stack. The sensors improve IDS performance and the accuracy of analysis. To deal with encrypted data, we introduce the Transport Layer Security Sensor (TLSS) providing detection engines access to network data encrypted at Transport Layer.
Keywords:

Ileana Hamburg, Oleg Cernian, Dan Mancas and Adina Basandica

Abstract: Information system security teaching is very complex because of the wide range of domains involved: computer architecture, criminology/law, cryptography, database, human-computer interaction, information retrieval, information theory, management/business, mathematics, military science, mobile computing, networks, operating systems, philosophy/ethics, programming languages, software engineering, statistics/probability, and web programming. This paper synthesizes previous and existing approaches on teaching information system security (Section 2) and gives some examples of such approaches developed within the European Project ”ViReC e-Initiative” – University Virtual Resource Centre based on a DLE (Distributed Learning Environment) (Section3), developed in the framework of MINERVA Scheme funded by the European Commission.
Keywords:

I. Hamburg

Abstract: In order to allow opportunities and access to lifelong learning to become a reality also for staff in small and medium companies (SMEs) in order to be successful, national vocational education and training (VET) systems need to use more flexible structures also by using eLearning. Scenarios are suitable tools to develop and improve VET strategies by means of planning and strategic discussion. In this paper after a presentation of scenarios and strategies we give examples of scenarios about the future VET in Europe by using eLearning which have been developed within an European project.
Keywords:

Augustin-Iulian Ionescu, Gheorghe Marian, Mircea Mihaiu

Abstract: In this paper the architecture of a training system for the high tech products users is presented. The project is aiming at the realization of a multimedia program system for the training and self-testing for a large range of users regarding the use of a wide utility range of products. It is taken in view the realization of some programs for a easier configuration and development of some software modules oriented on categories of products. In the project, it is taken in consideration the development of a methodology of personalizing the presentations in different foreign languages, the realization of a class of graphic objects and presentation patterns, the development of some algorithms for auto test and computer assistance of using a product.
Keywords:

Dan Mancas, Adrian Neatu, Dan Tusaliu, Adina Basandica

Abstract: Quality of Service (QoS) is a fast growing area of technology, being driven by the growth of multimedia applications such as videoconference or voice over IP. In the first section of this paper there are presented different approaches for providing Quality of Services in networks with multimedia traffic. In the second section there are presented the results of the QoS performance evaluations performed on a test network based on Cisco routers.
Keywords:

Dan Mancas, Adrian Neatu, Dan Tusaliu

Abstract: The testbeds are not simply demonstrations or existence proofs. They are testing high-risk or cost-effective suppositions about new paradigms for learning and teaching, and they will not necessarily succeed in the manner originally envisioned. The testbeds are designed to advance our collective know-how and understanding in a way that builds upon the prior and current experience of other groups, and contributes systematic knowledge to the larger community. In this paper, the flexibility of the research testbeds and the ability to apply new concepts and architectures on a number of independent testbeds is considered the main motivation of the proposed research. Having the system open to the researchers and giving them the ability to modify the network platform itself would be one way to achieve such a goal.
Keywords:

Adrian Neatu, Dan-Costin Tusaliu

Abstract: At present, there is ascertained a tremendous research activity for implementation of the most recent ICT tools into changing the traditional way of educational platforms, as well as the evolution of research in the pedagogical field to discover the needs and effects of the engaged learning. Telecommunication and computer technologies are converging to make e-Learning one of the fastest moving trends in higher education. The e-learning supports a new paradigm in education, characterized by: flowing (interchangeable) roles, learner-centred curriculum, distributed/shared resources, virtual facilities, and asynchronous teaching/ learning. The biggest hurdle to meeting your eLearning goals is resources: money, people, and time. This paper approaches a facet of this endeavour through an international co-operation materialized in an EU Project, “ViReC e-Initiative” run within MINERVA scheme. The technologies used in the project and how there were implemented the outputs are detailed in this paper.
Keywords: ViReC project, communication tools, chat system, forum system, online lab sessions.

Sorin Nicola, Radu Solea, Ionut Dinulescu, Dan Dobriceanu, Romeo Tonca

Abstract: The tool described in this paper consist in an embedded system based on a cost effective thin-client PC (the e-Box) and running a software developed in Windows CE environment, using .NET compact framework and C# as programming language. External hardware used with e-Box is: a graphic tablet as pointing device, a VGA to TV converter for using a standard TV set as display, an USB memory stick and speakers. The application is developed for Romanian language but there is also provided necessary building blocks and interfaces to help other developers extend the platform for their own language and culture.
Keywords:

Sorin Nicola, George Catrina, Nicolae Neagu, Maria Vasilescu, Teofil Popa, Mihai Dumbrava

Abstract: This paper describes some preliminary work for a hardware and software retrofit of a bridge type coordinate measuring machine (CMM) with emphasis on system architecture. The target machine is a Granite-80 70-25-20 type of shop floor CMM, produced at the beginnings of the 80s by LK Tool Company, machine now owned by a major heavy equipment manufacturer. A general purpose CNC controller was adapted (hardware and software) for this purpose in order to obtain a cost effective solution for this machine but also applicable to other similar ones.
Keywords:

Virgil OLARU, Costin CEPISCA , Cosmin BANICA, George SERITAN , Anatol BOEV, Maria DOROBANTU, Radu VATASESCU, Mihaela ALBU

Abstract: The main objective of the project consists in the optimization of medical services for heart disorders introducing a new concept: INTELLIGENT TELE-ECG. This project is designed to facilitate the rapprochement between patients and specialized university clinics through a distributed non-invasive monitoring system which allows, even from family doctor’s office, the access to the ECG signal, data transmission in optimal safety conditions and electromagnetic compatibility, signal data processing at specific locations inside the clinics, high level diagnosis and fast transmission of the results back to the patient. The originality of the project consists in the achievement of on-line monitoring with continuous data processing.
Keywords:

Radi ROMANSKY

Abstract: The effective organization of distributed information environment requires actual information about system workload, type of informational flows and specific features of the distributed processes and resources. The program monitoring is a suitable method for obtaining experimental measures for analysis system parameters of distributed information servicing. The paper systematizes the types and special features of TCP/IP traffic and proposes a methodological scheme for organization and planning of program monitoring.
Keywords:

Gabriel Saulescu

Abstract: The use of the new technologies in education has become in the last years a common aspect and it is tried more and more to introduce them as a help tool for certain target groups. The Admission project aims at using the e-learning strategies in order to help the adult dyslexic perceive and overcome the problems raised by dyslexia by developing a screening-instrument that detects the main characteristics of dyslexia both primary and secondary symptoms and developing motivational intervention technique in counselling and supporting the dyslexics.
Keywords: