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Distributed Computer and Communication Networks: 25th International Conference, DCCN 2022, Moscow, Russia, September 26–29, 2022, Revised Selected Papers (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #13766)
by Vladimir M. Vishnevskiy Konstantin E. Samouylov Dmitry V. KozyrevThis book constitutes the refereed post-conference proceedings of the 25th International Conference on Distributed and Computer and Communication Networks, DCCN 2022, held in Moscow, Russia, in September 26–29, 2022. The 31 revised full papers and 2 revised short papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 130 submissions. The papers cover the following topics: computer and communication networks; analytical modeling of distributed systems; and distributed systems applications.
Distributed Computer and Communication Networks: 26th International Conference, DCCN 2023, Moscow, Russia, September 25–29, 2023, Revised Selected Papers (Communications in Computer and Information Science #2129)
by Vladimir M. Vishnevskiy Konstantin E. Samouylov Dmitry V. KozyrevThe proceedings constitute papers presented in the 26th International Conference, DCCN 2023, held in Moscow, Russia, during September 25–29, 2023. The 8 full papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 122 submissions. They cover variety of topics including networks architecture, network protocols, distributed computer systems, distributed communication systems, simulation, stochastic processes, queueing and reliability theory, Internet and web applications and services, wireless networks, Internet of things, performance analysis, and high-altitude communication platforms.
Distributed Computer and Communication Networks: 26th International Conference, DCCN 2023, Moscow, Russia, September 25–29, 2023, Revised Selected Papers (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #14123)
by Vladimir M. Vishnevskiy Konstantin E. Samouylov Dmitry V. KozyrevThis book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 26th International Conference on Distributed Computer and Communication Networks: Control, Computation, Communications, DCCN 2023, held in Moscow, Russia, during September 25–29, 2023. The 37 full papers and 4 short papers included in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 122 submissions. They were organized in topical sections as follows: Distributed Systems Applications; Analytical Modeling of Distributed Systems; Computer and Communication Networks.
Distributed Computer and Communication Networks: 27th International Conference, DCCN 2024, Moscow, Russia, September 23-27, 2024, Revised Selected Papers (Communications in Computer and Information Science #2484)
by Vladimir M. Vishnevskiy Konstantin E. Samouylov Dmitry V. KozyrevThe proceedings constitute papers presented in the 27th International Conference, DCCN 2024, held in Moscow, Russia, during September 23–27, 2024. The 11 full papers and 1 short paper included in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 90 submissions. They were organized in topical sections as follows: Computer and Communication Networks; Analytical Modeling of Distributed Systems; Distributed Systems Applications.
Distributed Computer and Communication Networks: 27th International Conference, DCCN 2024, Moscow, Russia, September 23–27, 2024, Revised Selected Papers (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #15460)
by Konstantin E. Samouylov Dmitry V. Kozyrev Vladimir M. VishnevskyThis book constitutes the refereed post-conference proceedings of the 27th International Conference, on Distributed and Computer and Communication Networks, DCCN 2024, held in Moscow, Russia, during September 23-27, 2024.The 34 full papers and 2 short papers included in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 107 submissions. They are organized in these topical sections: Computer and Communication Networks; Analytical Modeling of Distributed Systems; and Distributed Systems Applications.
Distributed Computer-Aided Engineering
by Sanjay Kumar Hojjat AdeliNetworking of personal computers and workstations is becoming commonplace in academic and industrial environments. A cluster of workstations provides engineers with a familiar, cost-effective environment for high performance computing. However, workstations often have no dedicated link and communicate slowly on a local area network (LAN), such as the Ethernet. Thus, to effectively harness the parallel processing or distributed computing capabilities of workstations, new algorithms need to be developed with a higher computation-to-communication ratio.Distributed Computer-Aided Engineering presents distributed algorithms for three fundamental areas: finite element analysis, design optimization, and visualization - providing a new direction in high performance structural engineering computing.
Distributed Computing
by Ajay D. Kshemkalyani Mukesh SinghalDesigning distributed computing systems is a complex process requiring a solid understanding of the design problems and the theoretical and practical aspects of their solutions. This comprehensive textbook covers the fundamental principles and models underlying the theory, algorithms and systems aspects of distributed computing. Broad and detailed coverage of the theory is balanced with practical systems-related issues such as mutual exclusion, deadlock detection, authentication, and failure recovery. Algorithms are carefully selected, lucidly presented, and described without complex proofs. Simple explanations and illustrations are used to elucidate the algorithms. Important emerging topics such as peer-to-peer networks and network security are also considered. With vital algorithms, numerous illustrations, examples and homework problems, this textbook is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of electrical and computer engineering and computer science. Practitioners in data networking and sensor networks will also find this a valuable resource. Additional resources are available online at www. cambridge. org/9780521876346.
Distributed Computing
by Cyril Gavoille David IlcinkasThis book constitutes the proceedings of the 30th International Symposium on Distributed Computing, DISC 2016, held in Paris, France, in September 2016. The 32 full papers, 10 brief annoucements and 3 invited lectures presented in this volume were carefully reviewed and selected from 145 submissions. The focus of the conference is on following topics: theory, design, implementation, modeling, analysis, or application of distributed systems and networks.
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, 15th International Conference (Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing #800)
by Antonio Fernández-Caballero Fernando De La Prieta Sigeru OmatuThe 15th International Symposium on Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence 2018 (DCAI 2018) is a forum to present applications of innovative techniques for studying and solving complex problems. The exchange of ideas between scientists and technicians from both the academic and industrial sector is essential to facilitate the development of systems that can meet the ever-increasing demands of today’s society. The present edition brings together past experience, current work and promising future trends associated with distributed computing, artificial intelligence and their application in order to provide efficient solutions to real problems.This symposium is organized by the University of Castilla-La Mancha, the Osaka Institute of Technology and the University of Salamanca. The present edition was held in Toledo, Spain, from 20th – 22nd June, 2018.
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, 16th International Conference (Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing #1003)
by Francisco Herrera Sara Rodríguez-González Kenji MatsuiThis book features the outcomes of the 16th International Conference on Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence 2019 (DCAI 2019), which is a forum to present applications of innovative techniques for studying and solving complex problems in artificial intelligence and computing. The exchange of ideas between scientists and technicians from both the academic and industrial sectors is essential to facilitate the development of systems that can meet the ever-increasing demands of today’s society. This book brings together lessons learned, current work and promising future trends associated with distributed computing, artificial intelligence and their application to provide efficient solutions to real-world problems.The book includes 29 high-quality and diverse contributions in established and emerging areas of research presented at the symposium organized by the Osaka Institute of Technology, Hiroshima University, University of Granada and University of Salamanca, which was held in Ávila, Spain, from 26th–28th June 2019
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, 16th International Conference, Special Sessions (Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing #1004)
by Zita Vale Enrique Herrera-Viedma Peter Nielsen Angel Martin Del Rey Roberto Casado VaraThis book presents the outcomes of the special sessions of the 16th International Conference on Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence 2019, a forum that brought together ideas, projects and lessons associated with distributed computing and artificial intelligence, and their applications in various areas. Artificial intelligence is currently transforming our society. Its application in distributed environments, such as the internet, electronic commerce, environmental monitoring, mobile communications, wireless devices, and distributed computing, to name but a few, is continuously increasing, making it an element of high added value and tremendous potential. These technologies are changing constantly as a result of the extensive research and technical efforts being pursued at universities and businesses alike. The exchange of ideas between scientists and technicians from both the academic and industrial sectors is essential to facilitating the development of systems that can meet the ever-growing demands of today’s society. This year’s technical program was characterized by high quality and diversity, with contributions in both well-established and evolving areas of research. More than 120 papers were submitted to the main and special sessions tracks from over 20 different countries (Algeria, Angola, Austria, Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Oman, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the United Kingdom and United States), representing a truly “wide area network” of research activity. The symposium was jointly organized by the Osaka Institute of Technology and the University of Salamanca. This year’s event was held in Avila, Spain, from 26th to 28th June, 2019. The authors wish to thank the sponsors: the IEEE Systems Man and Cybernetics Society, Spain Section Chapter and the IEEE Spain Section (Technical Co-Sponsor), IBM, Indra, Viewnext, Global Exchange, AEPIA, APPIA and AIR institute.
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, 17th International Conference (Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing #1237)
by Yucheng Dong Kenji Matsui Enrique Herrera-Viedma Sara Rodríguez González Shigeru Omatsu Alfonso González BrionesThis book brings together past experience, current work and promising future trends associated with distributed computing, artificial intelligence and their application in order to provide efficient solutions to real problems. DCAI 2020 is a forum to present applications of innovative techniques for studying and solving complex problems in artificial intelligence and computing areas. This year’s technical program will present both high quality and diversity, with contributions in well-established and evolving areas of research. Specifically, 83 papers were submitted to main track and special sessions, by authors from 26 different countries representing a truly “wide area network” of research activity. The DCAI’20 technical program has selected 35 papers and, as in past editions, it will be special issues in ranked journals. This symposium is organized by the University of L'Aquila (Italy). We would like to thank all the contributing authors, the members of the Program Committee and the sponsors (IBM, Armundia Group, EurAI, AEPIA, APPIA, CINI, OIT, UGR, HU, SCU, USAL, AIR Institute and UNIVAQ).
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, 19th International Conference (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #583)
by Sara Rodríguez Rashid Mehmood Sigeru Omatu Pawel Sitek Serafino CiceroneDCAI 2022 is a forum to present applications of innovative techniques for studying and solving complex problems in artificial intelligence and computing areas. The present edition brings together past experience, current work and promising future trends associated with distributed computing, artificial intelligence and their application in order to provide efficient solutions to real problems. This year’s technical program will present both high quality and diversity, with contributions in well-established and evolving areas of research. Specifically, 61 papers were submitted, by authors from 28 different countries representing a truly “wide area network” of research activity. The DCAI’22 technical program has selected 32 full papers and, as in past editions, it will be special issues in ranked journals. This symposium is organized by the University of L'Aquila (Italy). We would like to thank all the contributing authors, the members of the Program Committee and the sponsors (IBM, Indra, Dipartimento di Ingegneria e Scienze dell'Informazione e Matematica dell'Università degli Studi dell'Aquila, Armundia Group, Whitehall Reply, T.C. Technologies And Comunication S.R.L., LCL Industria Grafica, AIR Institute, AEPIA, APPIA).
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, 20th International Conference (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #740)
by Sascha Ossowski Cesar Analide Sara Rodríguez Goreti Marreiros Pablo Chamoso Pawel SitekThe present book brings together experience, current work, and promising future trends associated with distributed computing, artificial intelligence, and their application in order to provide efficient solutions to real problems. DCAI 2023 is a forum to present applications of innovative techniques for studying and solving complex problems in artificial intelligence and computing areas. This year’s technical program presents both high quality and diversity, with contributions in well-established and evolving areas of research. Specifically, 108 papers were submitted, by authors from 31 different countries representing a truly “wide area network” of research activity. The DCAI 23 technical program has selected 36 full papers in the main track and, as in past editions, there will be special issues in ranked journals. This symposium is organized by the LASI and Centro Algoritmi of the University of Minho (Portugal). The authors like to thank all the contributing authors, the members of the Program Committee, National Associations (AEPIA, APPIA), and the sponsors (AIR Institute).
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, 21st International Conference (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #1259)
by Sascha Ossowski Sara Rodríguez Kenji Matsui Pawel Sitek Ravikumar Chinthaginjala Nasro Min-AllahThis book serves as a forum to present applications of innovative techniques for studying and solving complex problems in artificial intelligence and computing. This edition brings together experience, current work, and promising future trends related to distributed computing, artificial intelligence, and their applications to provide efficient solutions to real-world problems. The technical program this year is both high in quality and diverse, featuring contributions from well-established and evolving research areas. Specifically, 138 papers were submitted by authors from 43 different countries, representing a truly global network of research activity. The DCAI’24 technical program has selected 36 full papers for the main track, and as in previous editions, there will be special issues in ranked journals. This symposium is organized by the University of Salamanca (Spain). The authors would like to thank all the contributing authors, the program committee members, National Associations (AEPIA, APPIA, LASI), and the sponsors (AIR Institute).
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, Special Sessions I, 20th International Conference (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #741)
by Ricardo Nunes Tiago Pinto Rashid Mehmood Roussanka Loukanova Michela Ricca Isabel Praça Victor Alves Jarosław Wikarek Javier Parra-Domínguez Ignacio De MiguelThe present book brings together experience, current work, and promising future trends associated with distributed computing, artificial intelligence, and their application in order to provide efficient solutions to real problems. DCAI 2023 is a forum to present applications of innovative techniques for studying and solving complex problems in artificial intelligence and computing areas. This year’s technical program presents both high quality and diversity, with contributions in well-established and evolving areas of research. Specifically, 108 papers were submitted, by authors from 31 different countries representing a truly “wide area network” of research activity. The DCAI’23 technical program has selected 50 full papers in the Special Sessions (ASET, AIMPM, AI4CS, CLIRAI, TECTONIC, PSO-ML, SmartFoF, IoTalentum) and, as in past editions, it will be special issues in ranked journals. This symposium is organized by the LASI and Centro Algoritmi of the University of Minho (Portugal). The authors like to thank all the contributing authors, the members of the Program Committee, National Associations (AEPIA, APPIA), and the sponsors (AIR Institute).
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, Special Sessions I, 21st International Conference (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #1198)
by Antonio Skarmeta Rashid Mehmood Roussanka Loukanova Isabel Praça Jaroslaw Wikarek Guillermo Hernández Arsénio Monteiro dos Reis Eleonora LombardiThis book presents applications of innovative techniques for studying and solving complex problems in artificial intelligence and computing. This edition brings together experience, current work, and promising future trends related to distributed computing, artificial intelligence, and their applications to provide efficient solutions to real-world problems. Given the conference's success, this edition features twelve special sessions covering a wide range of topics related to AI and other areas of interest. These sessions were carefully curated to address the latest advancements and challenges in fields such as machine learning, neural networks, IoT, big data, and blockchain, among others. The accepted papers from these sessions are presented in two volumes, showcasing the diverse and innovative research being conducted in these domains. This is the first volume, which includes the sessions: Artificial intelligence for enhanced cyber security (AI4CS), AI-driven methods for multimodal networks and processes modeling (AIMPM), computational linguistics, information, reasoning, and AI (CLIRAI), novel technologies for smart industry and mobility (SmartMob), intelligent Internet of things security and privacy (WISP) and revolutionizing carbon farming by nature-based business models and emerging innovations in the field of artificial intelligence, satellite and green technologies (INNO4CFIS), each focusing on specific themes within the broader scope of AI and its applications. The DCAI’24 technical program has selected 74 papers in special sessions and, as in past editions, it will be special issues in ranked journals. This symposium is organized by the University of Salamanca (Spain). The authors would like to thank all the contributing authors, the program committee members, national associations (AEPIA, APPIA, LASI), and the sponsors (AIR Institute).
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, Special Sessions II - Intelligent Systems Applications, 20th International Conference (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #742)
by Esteban Jove Francisco Zayas-Gato Álvaro Michelena José Luis Calvo-RolleThis book of LNNS contains accepted papers presented at DCAI conference in the Special Session on Intelligent Systems Applications (ISA), Guimarães (Portugal), July 2023. ISA is a major forum for presentation of development and applications of innovative techniques in the fields of building management, assistive technologies, the applied engineering, and industry. The scientific committee of the ISA has selected 8 full papers for its publication. This year ISA Special Session has teamed up with “Logic Journal of the IGPL” (Oxford University Press) for one special issue including selected papers from ISA Special Session 2023. We would like to thank all the contributing authors, the members of the Program Committee, the Organizing Committee of the Universities of Minho, and Salamanca for their hard and highly valuable work, which has been essential for the success of ISA 2023.
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, Special Sessions II, 15th International Conference (Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing #802)
by Paulo Novais Mohd Saberi Mohamad Sigeru Omatu Enrique Díaz-Plaza Sanz José Alberto García CoriaThis book addresses a broad range of topics, from newly proposed techniques in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning to various applications such as decision-making, pattern classification for data, image and signals, robotics, and control systems. Big data applications are discussed, while improved methods and wholly new methods for using deep learning technologies are also presented. The topics covered are comprehensive and reflect a wide range of technologies in the area. In particular, the latest methods in deep learning approaches and applications are discussed in many parts of the book, providing a better understanding of these new technologies. The book’s general scope includes the latest methods in the areas of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for use in distributed computing as well as decision support systems. As the book covers a rather wide area, its intended readership ranges from those working in AI and machine learning technologies to those working on applications utilizing these technologies, researchers new to these areas who need background information on the technologies and applications, and more experienced researchers looking for new methods and applications.
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, Special Sessions II, 21st International Conference (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #1151)
by Goreti Marreiros Michela Ricca Laura Grande Juan Pedro Llerena Luís Conceição Hoon Ko Marta PlazaDCAI 2024 serves as a forum to present applications of innovative techniques for studying and solving complex problems in artificial intelligence and computing. This edition brings together experience, current work, and promising future trends related to distributed computing, artificial intelligence, and their applications to provide efficient solutions to real-world problems. Given the conference's success, this edition features twelve special sessions covering a wide range of topics related to AI and other areas of interest. These sessions were carefully curated to address the latest advancements and challenges in fields such as machine learning, neural networks, IoT, big data, and blockchain, among others. The accepted papers from these sessions are presented in two volumes, showcasing the diverse and innovative research being conducted in these domains. This is the first volume, which includes the sessions: Advanced AI-based Data Annotation Tools (AI-DAT), Digital Heritage Contents (DHC), female technopreneurs and early career researchers in distributed computing and AI organised by the Gendered Innovation Living Labs (GILL), New perspectives and solutions in Cultural Heritage (TECTONIC), Artificial Intelligence trends in Health & Care (AItHeC) & Doctoral Consortiums), each focusing on specific themes within the broader scope of AI and its applications. The DCAI’24 technical program has selected 74 papers in special sessions and, as in past editions, it will be special issues in ranked journals. This symposium is organized by the University of Salamanca (Spain). We would like to thank all the contributing authors, the Program Committee members, National Associations (AEPIA, APPIA, LASI), and the sponsors (AIR Institute).
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, Special Sessions III - Intelligent Systems Applications, 21st International Conference (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #1173)
by Esteban Jove Francisco Zayas-Gato Antonio Díaz-Longueira José-Luis Casteleiro-RocaThis volume of LNNS contains accepted papers presented at DCAI conference in the Special Session on Intelligent Systems Applications (ISA), Salamanca (Spain), June 2024. ISA is a major forum for presentation of development and applications of innovative techniques in the fields of building management, assistive technologies, the applied engineering, and industry. The scientific committee of the ISA has selected 9 full papers for its publication. This year ISA Special Session has teamed up with “Logic Journal of the IGPL” (Oxford University Press) for one special issue including selected papers from ISA Special Session 2024. We would like to thank all the contributing authors, National Associations (AEPIA, APPIA), and sponsors (AIR Institute). Finally, we are grateful and value the hard work of the Program Committee members and the Organizing Committee of the University of Salamanca which has been essential for the success of the ISA Special Session 2024.
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, Special Sessions, 15th International Conference (Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing #801)
by Sara Rodríguez María N. Moreno Alberto Fernández Pedro Faria Javier Prieto Sławomir Kłos Santiago Mazuelas M. Dolores Jiménez-López Elena M. NavarroThis book presents the outcomes of the 15th International Conference on Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, held in Toledo (Spain) from 20th to 22nd June 2018 and hosted by the UCLM, and which brought together researchers and developers from industry, education and the academic world to report on the latest scientific research, technical advances and methodologies. Highlighting multi-disciplinary and transversal aspects, the book focuses on the conferences Special Sessions, including Advances in Demand Response and Renewable Energy Sources in Smart Grids (ADRESS); AI- Driven Methods for Multimodal Networks and Processes Modeling (AIMPM); Social Modelling of Ambient Intelligence in Large Facilities (SMAILF); Communications, Electronics and Signal Processing (CESP); Complexity in Natural and Formal Languages (CNFL); and Web and Social Media Mining (WASMM).
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, Special Sessions, 17th International Conference (Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing #1242)
by Javier Prieto Alfonso González-Briones Roussanka Loukanova Sara Rodríguez González Arkadiusz Gola George Katranas Michela RiccaThis book brings together past insights, current research and promising future trends associated with distributed computing, artificial intelligence and their application in order to provide efficient solutions to real-world problems. The book is based on the International Conference on Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence 2020 (DCAI 2020), which provided a forum to present applications of innovative techniques for studying and solving complex problems in artificial intelligence and computing areas. It includes contributions on well-established and evolving areas of research, by authors from 26 countries, representing a truly “wide area network” of research activity
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, Special Sessions, 19th International Conference (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #585)
by Pablo Chamoso Grzegorz Bocewicz Roussanka Loukanova Michela Ricca José Manuel Machado Guillermo Hernández Esteban Jove Angel Martin del ReyDCAI 2022 is a forum to present applications of innovative techniques for studying and solving complex problems in artificial intelligence and computing areas. The present edition brings together past experience, current work and promising future trends associated with distributed computing, artificial intelligence and their application in order to provide efficient solutions to real problems. This year’s technical program will present both high quality and diversity, with contributions in well-established and evolving areas of research. Specifically, 46 papers were submitted, by authors from 28 different countries representing a truly “wide area network” of research activity. The DCAI’22 Special Sessions technical program has selected 22 papers (12 full papers) and, as in past editions, it will be special issues in ranked journals. This symposium is organized by the University of L'Aquila (Italy). We would like to thank all the contributing authors, the members of the Program Committee and the sponsors (IBM, Indra, Dipartimento di Ingegneria e Scienze dell'Informazione e Matematica dell'Università degli Studi dell'Aquila, Armundia Group, Whitehall Reply, T.C. Technologies And Comunication S.R.L., LCL Industria Grafica, AIR Institute, AEPIA, APPIA).
Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence, Volume 1: 18th International Conference (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #327)
by Sigeru Omatu Tan Yigitcanlar Kenji Matsui Sara Rodríguez GonzálezThis book offers the exchange of ideas between scientists and technicians from both the academic and industrial sector which is essential to facilitate the development of systems that can meet the ever-increasing demands of today’s society. The 18th International Symposium on Distributed Computing and Artificial Intelligence 2021 (DCAI 2021) is a forum to present the applications of innovative techniques for studying and solving complex problems in artificial intelligence and computing areas. The present edition brings together past experience, current work, and promising future trends associated with distributed computing, artificial intelligence, and their application in order to provide efficient solutions to real problems. This year’s technical program presents both high quality and diversity, with contributions in well-established and evolving areas of research. Specifically, 55 papers were submitted to main track and special sessions, by authors from 24 different countries, representing a truly “wide area network” of research activity. The DCAI’21 technical program has selected 21 papers, and, as in past editions, it will be special issues in ranked journals such as Electronics, Sensors, Systems, Robotics, Mathematical Biosciences and ADCAIJ. These special issues cover extended versions of the most highly regarded works. Moreover, DCAI'21 special sessions have been a very useful tool to complement the regular program with new or emerging topics of particular interest to the participating community.