Automated Software Engineering - Call for papers: Implications of Fuzzy techniques for developing quantum software systems

Guest Editors

Shahid Hussain
Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering
School of Engineering
Penn State University, Behrend, USA
Email: sjh6561@psu.edu 
 

Lianyong Qi
College of Computer Science and Technology
China University of Petroleum (East China), China
Email: lianyongqi@upc.edu.cn 
 

Wen-Li Wang
Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering
School of Engineering
Penn State University, Behrend, USA
 

Quantum computing systems have emerged as a technology to address computation-specific challenges. Several technology companies like IBM, Google, and Microsoft have invested in the research and development of quantum systems. Lately, the software engineering community has started focusing on developing techniques and tools for quantum software models, algorithmic specifications, and simulation evaluations to benefit from quantum hardware.

Fuzzy techniques are playing a significant role in studying science and engineering complex systems. Fuzzy techniques have broad application spectrum in different areas including wireless communication, consumer appliances, transportation, healthcare, aerospace, automobile, power engineering etc. However, the applications of fuzzy techniques in quantum software are far from being mature, which appears to be more suitable field for its application. Different intelligent techniques and approaches are required to tackle challenges related to the quantum software development practices. Quantum software systems are complex and challenging due to lack of mature quantum computing infrastructure.

There are multiple applications of fuzzy techniques methods and concepts which can be used in software engineering projects in industry and research. Fuzzy techniques are used for many conventional applied software engineering challenges including defect prediction, estimation and reusable software engineering and classification. However, the applications of fuzzy techniques in developing quantum software system are not yet considered and further investigation is required in their suitability in the domain of quantum software practices. The modern-day conventional Fuzzy techniques can be used to engineer a quantum software system.

The fuzzy techniques like fuzzy logic, neural networks (NNs), case base reasoning and evolutionary computation could provide a novel roadmap to manage and develop quantum software systems. The mature quantum software processes and capabilities could assist in achieving the promising benefits of quantum computing - efficient artificial intelligence, better batteries, cleaner fertilization, cybersecurity, drug development, electronic materials discovery, financial modeling, solar capture, traffic optimization, weather forecasting and climate change.

The aim of this special issue is to provide a platform for both practitioners and researchers to discuss the suitability of fuzzy techniques for managing the technical, managerial organizational and economical aspects of quantum software. This issue will provide an opportunity to present the empirical evidence and technical strategies for developing the quantum software, as well propose new techniques, tools, frameworks, and approaches to maximize the significance of quantum software with the application of conventual fuzzy techniques. We welcome the articles where the authors report research studies for the applications of fuzzy techniques in the domain of software processes.

Suggested Topics and quality control
Papers in the field of applied computing for quantum software engineering on (but not limited to) the following topics are invited for submission:

• State-of-the-art and state-of-the-practice of fuzzy techniques for quantum software engineering.
• Systematic literature reviews and mapping studies on quantum software engineering and fuzzy techniques.
• Case studies, surveys, observational studies, delphi studies, and field studies on fuzzy techniques and quantum applications.
• Fuzzy techniques for decision support system.
• Validation and simulation.
• Industrial findings and experience reports of developing quantum software.
• Fuzzy techniques for development environments, frameworks, and tools.
• Fuzzy techniques for quantum process improvement.
• AI for quantum software process management.
• Managing agile based quantum software process using fuzzy techniques concepts.
• Process risks management using fuzzy techniques.
• Quantum software process simulation modelling.
• Data science for quantum process management.

Requirements for SubmissionAll submissions should be in the domain of this special issue. The extended conference papers will be considered for submission. The papers should be extended not only be in terms of length but also in research content. As a rough guide, authors should ensure that the extended paper contains, at a very minimum 30% new material. In addition, the authors should write a brief note explaining the manner in which the extended version of the paper does, indeed, constitute an extension of the original version, pointing out, for example, areas where new text or results have been included, where text has been re-written and where extra depth is provided.Reviewing processThe reviewers (minimum two reviewers per paper) for this special issue/section will include well-known researchers and practitioners in the area of fuzzy techniques and quantum technology. A preliminary list of potential reviewers can be forwarded if required.Expected number of accepted papersWe will select papers to be included in the special issue based upon the referees' comments and make a recommendation to the editor in chief, who will make the final decision about acceptance or otherwise of each paper. It is possible that not all invited papers will necessarily reach the quality threshold for inclusion in Automated Software Engineering, so it should be anticipated that the number ultimately accepted would be sufficient to allow for, at least, a special issue of the journal. A complete special issue could include normally 10 to 15 papers maximum.Important DatesDeadline for submission: 30 November 2023 (tentative) Notification to authors: 90 days (3 months)