SNPD 2025-Summer IV Special Sessions/Workshops

Workshop I: The 6th International Workshop on Smart Media Theory and Application (SMTA 2025)

In conjunction with IEEE/ACIS SNPD2025-Summer IV

https://acisinternational.org/conferences/snpd-2025-summer-iv/

Toronto, Canada, July 23–25, 2025

Motivation

Smart media, as an application of artificial intelligence, has emerged as a prominent research topic in recent years. By leveraging context-aware computing, smart media analyzes users’ environments, behaviors, and preferences to deliver content, products, and services that align with their needs, enhancing user experiences. This innovative field integrates cutting-edge internet technologies with media applications, encompassing foundational theories, applied methodologies, critical technologies, and multi-level implementations. SMTA 2025 aims to foster the exchange of the latest advances in smart media technologies, systems, and applications from both research and development perspectives.

Topics

This workshop provides an interdisciplinary platform for academics and industry professionals to present and discuss the latest developments in the field. SMTA 2025 will feature high-quality oral and poster presentations to engage a diverse and extensive audience. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Advanced artificial intelligence research
  • Innovations in internet technology
  • Big data analytics
  • Enhanced interconnectivity of the Internet of Things (IoTs)
  • Cloud computing and edge computing in mobile networks
  • Extended applications of blockchain technology
  • Multi-dimensional modeling of digital humans
  • Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR)
  • VoIP and AoIP technologies
  • Intelligent recommendation systems
  • Generative artificial intelligence
  • Cloud broadcasting technology

Important Dates

Full Paper Submission: April 5, 2025

Acceptance Notification: April 19, 2025

Camera-Ready Papers & Registration Deadline: April 30, 2025

 

All submissions must be in English and follow the IEEE two-column template, including all tables, figures, andreferences (See   http://www.ieee.org/conferences_events/conferences/publishing/templates.html). Papers must be submitted in WORD or PDF format via email to  rebeccazhang@cuc.edu.cn with the subject line  “SMTA 2025Submission”.

Publications

Submitted papers must be original, unpublished, and not under consideration for publication elsewhere. Acceptedpapers will be included in the SNPD Proceedings (subject to registration fee payment) and indexed by EI. Exceptionalpapers will be recommended for publication in EI- or SCI-indexed journals.

Workshop Co-Chairs

Weiguo Lin

School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, Communication University of China, Beijing, 100024, China

Email: linwei@cuc.edu.cn

Jiefeng Liu

School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, Communication University of China, Beijing, 100024, China

Email: jfliu@cuc.edu.cn

Jing Zhou

School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, Communication University of China, Beijing, 100024, China

Email: zhoujing@cuc.edu.cn

Xin Zhang

School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, Communication University of China, Beijing, 100024, China

Email: rebeccazhang@cuc.edu.cn

Special Session 1: Generative AI in IoT Enhancing Intelligence and Scalability in Connected Systems

Overview:

The Internet of Things (IoT) continues to revolutionize industries by enabling connected devices and smart environments. However, the exponential growth of IoT ecosystems presents challenges such as data processing complexities, scalability issues, and the need for seamless integration across diverse systems. This special session explores the integration of Generative AI as a transformative technology to address these challenges and enhance IoT intelligence. Generative AI offers innovative methods for optimizing IoT data processing, enabling real-time decision-making, and enhancing system efficiency. By generating synthetic data, improving predictive modeling, and streamlining resource allocation, Generative AI provides powerful tools to advance the capabilities of IoT networks while addressing scalability and operational challenges.

Objective:

This special session aims to bring together researchers, practitioners, and industry experts to discuss how Generative AI can reshape IoT systems. The session will focus on innovative methods, real-world applications, and future directions in this area.

Topics of Interest:

The session will cover, but is not limited to: • Integration of Generative AI with edge computing for low-latency IoT applications. • Leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) for IoT data interpretation and decision-making. • Synthetic data generation to enhance IoT training datasets. • Generative AI for enhancing IoT resource allocation and system efficiency. • Decentralized generative models for IoT data synthesis and prediction. • Enhancing IoT device performance through AI-driven data analysis. • Healthcare IoT: Securing patient data and enabling collaborative intelligence using GenAI. • Generative AI applications for real-time anomaly detection in autonomous vehicles and robotics. • Using LLMs to address challenges in IoT scalability and latency in distributed environments. • Trust and interpretability in AI-driven IoT applications. • IoT threat modeling and detection using Generative AI. • Applications of Generative AI in smart cities, healthcare IoT, and industrial IoT.

Special Session Organizers:

Dr. Yazan Otoum (Chair) Email: otoum@algomau.ca

Dr. Arghavan Asad (C0-Chair) Email: arghavan.asad@algomau

Dr. Syed Muhammad Danish (Co-Chair) Email: danish@algomau.ca

List of Reviewers:

1. Dr. Yazan Otoum, otoum@algomau.ca , Algoma University, Canada

2. Dr. Arghavan Asad , arghavan.asad@algomau.ca , Algoma University, Canada

3. Dr. Syed Muhammad Danish, danish@algomau.ca , Algoma University, Canada

4. Zeping Zhang, zeping.zhang@uottawa.ca , University of Ottawa, Canada

5. Dr. Anas Bsoul, aabsoul1@just.edu.jo , Jordan University for Science and Technology, Jordan

6. Hamed Mohammadkazemi, hmohammadkazemi@torontomu.ca, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

7. Dr. Mohammad Al-hammouri, alhammouri@hu.edu.jo , Hashemite University, Jordan

8. Dr. Rashid Khokhar: rashid.khokhar@algomau.ca

9. Dr. Saba Asaad, asaads@yorku.ca, York University

10. Dr. Ali Bereyhi,ali.bereyhi@utoronto.ca, University of Toronto

11. Professor Farah Mohammdi, fmohamma@torontomu.ca, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

12. Seham Al Abdul Wahid, salabdulwahid@torontomu.ca, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

13. Rupinder Kaur, rupinder.kaur.ece@torontomu.ca, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

14. Marjan FatehiJananloo, mfatehijananloo@torontomu.ca, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

15. Jason Nguyen, bao1.nguyen@torontomu.ca, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

Special Session 2:Revolutionizing Software Engineering with AI: Recommender Systems and Beyond 

Scope of Topics:

Artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of software engineering by enabling smarter, more efficient, and highly personalized solutions. This special session explores the cutting-edge role of AI in revolutionizing software development, with a spotlight on recommender systems and their applications. Speakers will showcase case studies, emerging research, and practical tools, illustrating how AI-powered recommender systems are reshaping software engineering practices. The session will also explore broader horizons, discussing how AI can drive collaboration, ensure scalability, and address ethical challenges in the software development domain. Potential topics include, but are not limited to: 

 1. Recommender Systems in Software Engineering:

  • AI-driven code recommender systems for developers 
  •  Personalized learning systems for developer training and upskilling
  • Recommender systems for project or task allocation in software teams
  • Tools for suggesting software frameworks, libraries, and APIs 

 2. AI-Powered Software Development Tools:

  • AI for code completion, debugging, and refactoring 
  • Machine learning in version control and change prediction 
  • Automated testing frameworks enhanced by AI 
  • AI in software performance optimization

3. Domain-Specific AI Applications:

  • Recommender systems and other AI-driven solutions in healthcare, finance, e-commerce, and education 
  • AI for domain-specific software system design and implementation 
  • Ethical and social implications of deploying AI in domain-sensitive environments 

 4. Process Automation and Optimization: o AI for software project management and resource optimization 

  • Predictive analytics for software development timelines and risk management 
  • AI in DevOps, MLOps, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines 

 5. Emerging Trends and Challenges:

  • Advances in large language models (e.g., ChatGPT, Codex) for software development tasks
  • Recommender systems for knowledge sharing and documentation in teams 
  • Human-AI collaboration in modern software development workflows
  •  Security and ethical considerations for AI in software systems 

Session Goals

  • Foster collaboration between researchers, practitioners, and industry experts working in AI, Software Engineering and application-specific domains.
  • Share innovative ideas and methodologies that push the boundaries of recommendation systems. 
  • Highlight the challenges and opportunities in deploying recommendation systems in diverse real-world settings. 
  • Inspire interdisciplinary approaches that combine domain knowledge with cutting-edge technologies. 

Target Audience

  • This session is intended for academic researchers, data scientists, AI practitioners, domain experts, and industry professionals interested in the application of leveraging AI in Software Engineering with applications in Recommendation Systems and Beyond. 

Session Organizers:

Chair: Dr. Mahreen Nasir, Email: mahreen.nasir@algomau.ca 

Co-Chair: Dr. Zamilur Rahman, Email:zamilur.rahman@algomau.ca 

Co-Chair, Dr. Randy Lin, Email: randy.lin@algomau.ca

List of Reviewers: 

  • Dr. Mahreen Nasir, mahreen.nasir@algomau.ca , Algoma University, Canada 
  • Dr. Muhammad Azam, muhammad.azam@algomau.ca, Algoma University, Canada 
  • Dr. Rashid Khokhar, rashid.khokhar@algomau.ca, Algoma University, Canada 
  • Dr. Ping Lo, ping.lo@algomau.ca, Algoma University, Canada 
  • Dr. Faraz Zaidi, Advisor Workforce Analytics Corporate Services, Region of Peel, Canada
  • Dr. Ubaid Abbasi, Northwestern Polytechnic, Alberta, Canada
  • Dr. Razi Iqbal, Central Michigan University, MI, USA,
  • Dr. Glaucia Melo,Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada
  • Taha Sajjad, York University, Toronto, Canada 
  • Dr. Zeeshan Ahmad, Humber College, Canada
  • Dr. Zain Abbas, Director, Sun Life Canada
  • Dr Junaid Bhatti, Sr. Data Scientist, Manulife, Canada

Special Session 3:HCI and AI in the software development process: Opportunities and challenges

Goal of the workshop:

The workshop aims to introduce researchers to human-computer interaction (HCI), and its potential uses in the hardware and software development process. At the beginning of the workshop, the participants will be exposed to low-fidelity prototyping techniques. Prototyping and research in Extended Reality (XR) will also be highlighted. Then, we will discuss potential evaluation techniques for the prototype and how AI may be helpful. We introduce online cognitive computing services (e.g., Microsoft Azure) and how they can help to analyze qualitative data, and statistical packages like R to analyze quantitative data. As HCI studies often have small sample sizes, we also discuss the challenges of applying AI techniques to the results of HCI studies.

Workshop theme:

HCI is not just about designing the Graphic User Interface (GUI). It also plays a pivotal role in software and hardware development. While developers can invent artifacts (i.e. software, hardware), their products can often fail if they do not take users into account.

AI and HCI can be used to support each other. On one hand, AI can simplify tedious tasks that many HCI researchers find tedious. For instance, cloud AI services like Microsoft Azure can automatically transcribe audio recordings of the users – thus reducing the need for transcription. Machine learning techniques can also support more complex mathematical models representing user actions. On another, interfaces for AI systems will need to be evaluated so that the users can have an optimal experience. Poorly designed AI software, such as service chatbots on certain websites, can hamper user experience instead of helping them accomplish their tasks. HCI knowledge can also help us to create safer and ethical software for the users as ethical considerations are central to all HCI studies.

Scope of the workshop:

The workshop is aimed at the attendees of ACIS SNPD who may not be familiar with concepts within HCI themselves. This workshop serves as a quick introduction to HCI. While AI techniques are introduced, we assume that the attendees are already familiar with cloud computing services, machine learning techniques, and other AI-related topics. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Prototyping with sketches
  • HCI Instruments (e.g., questionnaire, interview)
  • Cognitive computing services
  • From ANOVA to regression models
  • Visualization techniques of user data
  • Evaluating XR data
  • Dealing with the lack of data

Workshop Organizers: 

Sathaporn “Hubert” Hu, Faculty of Computer Science & Technology, Algoma University, Email:hus@algomau.ca

Somang Nam, Faculty of Computer Science & Technology, Algoma University, Email: somang.nam@algomau.ca

List of Reviewers:

Sathaporn “Hubert” Hu, Faculty of Computer Science & Technology, Algoma University, Canada

Somang Nam, Faculty of Computer Science & Technology, Algoma University, Canada

 

Special Session 4:  Emerging Frontiers in Security: Innovations Across Diverse Technological Domains

 Goal of the special session: 

This session aims to foster cooperation among researchers and practitioners from various domains to discuss innovative approaches for securing systems, networks, and applications. 

Special session Theme: 

The theme of this special session is to explore cutting-edge advancements in security technologies across diverse domains. It focuses on integrating AI, quantum computing, blockchain, and other emerging technologies to secure systems, networks, and applications. The session aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative solutions to address evolving security challenges in areas such as IoT, healthcare, autonomous systems, and cloud computing. 

Scope of the special session: 

This special session focuses on the latest advancements in security technologies, addressing the challenges posed by an ever-evolving digital landscape. Topics include the integration of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain, and other cutting-edge technologies into security frameworks. It also explores how these technologies are applied in diverse fields such as IoT, cloud computing, healthcare, autonomous systems, and critical infrastructure. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, this seeks to identify novel solutions and set the stage for future research and development in security. 

 Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: 

  • AI-Driven Security: Machine learning and deep learning for anomaly detection, threat analysis, and real-time defense systems. 
  • Quantum-Safe Cryptography: Post-quantum cryptographic algorithms and quantum-enhanced security solutions. 
  • Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies: Applications for secure transactions, supply chain, and data provenance. 
  • IoT Security: Lightweight cryptography, intrusion detection, and secure communication protocols for constrained devices. 
  • Critical Infrastructure Protection: Cyber-physical system security, SCADA systems, and resilience in power grids and water networks. 
  • Healthcare Security: Safeguarding medical devices, electronic health records (EHRs), and telemedicine systems. 
  • Autonomous System Security: Threat detection and mitigation in autonomous vehicles, drones, and robotics. 
  • Cloud and Edge Computing Security: Secure data storage, access control, and privacy-preserving computation in distributed environments. 
  • Privacy-Preserving Technologies: Differential privacy, homomorphic encryption, and secure multi-party computation. 
  • Ransomware Detection and Mitigation: Advanced techniques for identifying and neutralizing ransomware threats. 
  • Biometric and Behavioral Security: Emerging methods for authentication and fraud detection using biometrics and behavioral patterns. 
  • Deceptive Defense Mechanisms: Honeypots, decoys, and proactive cybersecurity strategies. 
  • Security in Smart Cities: Securing smart grids, transportation systems, and connected urban infrastructure. 
  • Cybersecurity Education and Awareness: Innovative tools and methods for building awareness and training professionals. 

 Special Session organizer(s): 

Ajmery Sultana (Chair), Algoma University, Email: ajmery.sultana@algomau.ca 

Yazan Otoum (Co-chair), Algoma University, Email: yazan.otoum@algomau.ca 

Rashid Khokhar (Co-chair), Algoma University, Email: rashid.khokhar@algomau.ca 

Special Session Program Committee: 

1. Mohammad Ekramul Kabir, University Canada West, Canada, email: ekram.kabir@ucanwest.ca 

2. Moshfeka Rahman, University of Waterloo, Canada, email: moshfeka.rahman@uwaterloo.ca 

3. Sajjad Dadkhah, University of New Brunswick, Canada, Email: sdadkhah@unb.ca, 

4. Windhya Rankothge, University of New Brunswick, Canada, Email: Windhya.Rankothge@unb.ca 

5. Khalil Al Hussaeni, Rochester Institute of Technology, Dubai, Email: kxacad@rit.edu 

6. Yanal Alahmad, Yarmouk University, Jordan, Email: yanal.alahmad@yu.edu.jo 

7. Ali Algumaei, Concordia University, Montreal, OC, Canada, Email: ali.algumaei@mail.concordia.ca 

8. Tsega Weldu Araya, Concordia University, Montreal, OC, Canada (email: tsega.araya@mail.concordia.ca) 

9. Saikat Das, Utah Valley University, Utah, USA, Email: Saikat.das@uvu.edu 

10. Zeping Zhang, University of Ottawa, Canada, zeping.zhang@uottawa.ca. 

11. Anas Bsoul, Jordan University for Science and Technology, Jordan, aabsoul1@just.edu.jo 

12. Reza Nourmohammadi, reza.nourmohammadi.1@ens.etsmtl.ca, ETS Montreal, Canada 

Special Session 5: Enhancing Quality of Service (QoS) in Edge Computing for Next-Generation Networks

Overview:

Edge computing has been widely deployed in recent years as a distributed computing paradigm to bring computation and data storage closer to the data sources while reducing the large volume of data transmissions to the central cloud servers. Edge computing is widely utilized across various domains, including telecommunications, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, smart healthcare systems, and emergency response. Both academia and industry have witnessed a significant rise in research on edge computing, particularly in areas such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs), augmented reality (AR), and hybrid systems integrating cloud and edge paradigms. Edge computing integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models into edge devices, enabling real-time decision-making and supporting faster, efficient, and intelligent systems across various applications.

Objective:

This special session highlights innovative strategies to enhance Quality of Service (QoS) across the edge-cloud continuum. It invites research contributions from the researchers, practitioners, and industry experts in areas such as Edge-Cloud computing paradigms, Resource management techniques to improve QoS in edge computing, Edge intelligence, and Software Engineering for edge computing to design and develop next-generation communication technologies.

Topics of Interest:

This special session covers, but is not limited to: Cloud-Edge integration, Task offloading and task scheduling in edge, Edge caching, Edge intelligence, AI-assisted edge caching, Mobile edge Large Language Models (LLMs) Services, Generative AI model deployment in edge, Digital Twin-assisted edge computing, Leveraging edge computing for Emergency Service With Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Enhancing QoS in resource allocation in edge computing, AI-driven resource optimization in edge, Security in edge computing, Reliable resource management in edge computing, and Software Engineering in edge computing.

Submissions exploring other relevant themes are also highly encouraged.

Special Session Organizers:

Chair: Dr. Faria Khandaker, Algoma University, Canada, Email: faria.khandaker@algomau.ca

Co-Chair: Dr. A B M Bodrul Alam, Algoma University, Canada, Email: bodrul.alam@algomau.ca

List of Reviewers:

Dr. Faria Khandaker, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Computer Science & Technology, Algoma   University, Canada. Email: faria.khandaker@algomau.ca

Dr. A B M Bodrul Alam, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Computer Science & Technology, Algoma University, Canada. Email: bodrul.alam@algomau.ca

Dr. Nashid Anjum, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Computer Science & Technology, Algoma University, Canada. Email: nashid.anjum@algomau.ca

Dr. Mahzabeen Emu, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science, Lakehead University, Canada. Email: memu@lakeheadu.ca

Dr. Lilatul Ferdouse, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics and Computer Science, Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada. Email: lferdouse@wlu.ca

Dr. Bahauddin Kazi, Professor, Humber Polytechnic, Canada. Email: bahauddin.kazi@humber.ca

 

Special Session 6: Applied Modelling and Quantitative Methods

Description:

The focus of the special session is on the techniques and results of modelling and analysis for various application areas including but not limited to networking, dynamical system, information technology, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Both theoretical and empirical methodologies are discussed. In particular, modelling ideas with differential and difference equations, neural networks, computer simulation and numerical solutions are communicated.

Organizers:

Wenying Feng