Communication Technologies Research Articles

Modal phase-matching in thin-film lithium niobate waveguides for efficient generation of entangled photon pairs

Thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) waveguides have emerged as a pivotal platform for on-chip spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC), serving as a crucible for the generation of entangled photon pairs. The periodic poling of TFLN, while capable of generating high-efficiency SPDC, demands intricate fabrication processes that can be onerous in terms of scalability and manufacturability. In this work, we introduce a novel approach to the generation of entangled photon pairs via SPDC within TFLN waveguides, harnessing the principles of modal phase-matching (MPM). To address the challenge of efficiently exciting pump light typically in a higher-order mode, we have engineered a mode converter that couples two asymmetrically dimensioned waveguides. This converter adeptly transforms the fundamental mode into a higher-order mode, demonstrating a conversion loss of 1.55 dB at 785 nm with a 3 dB bandwidth exceeding 30 nm. Subsequently, we have showcased the device’s capabilities by characterizing the pair generation rate (PGR), coincidences-to-accidentals ratio (CAR), and spectral profile of the entangled photon source. Our findings present a simplified and versatile method for the on-chip generation of entangled photon sources, which may pave the way for the application in the realms of quantum information processing and communication technologies.

Microsoft applications of 6G in V2X

Abstract. With the rapid advancement of intelligent transportation systems and autonomous driving technologies, 6G networks, as a key technology for future communications, are set to bring trans-formative changes to V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication. This paper explores the application prospects of 6G in V2X, with a focus on the critical technological support 6G provides to vehicular networks. The high transmission rates and ultra-low latency of 6G will significantly enhance real-time interactions between vehicles and between vehicles and infrastructure, improving traffic safety and efficiency. Additionally, 6G's broad connectivity and flexible network architecture will support a greater number of simultaneous device connections, facilitating the widespread adoption of intelligent transportation systems. However, 6G faces challenges in V2X applications, including security issues, privacy protection, and internet power supply concerns. The paper analyzes these challenges, proposes corresponding solutions, and envisions the future development of 6G technology in the V2X domain.

Transient Implantable Electronics for Postsurgery Preventive Medicine

AbstractThe field of postoperative care has seen a remarkable shift toward the utilization of electronic implantable devices, including sensors, biosensors, stimulators, and drug delivery systems, all designed with a biodegradable form factor and wireless data/power transmission capability. These technologies hold immense potential for postsurgery out‐of‐hospital monitoring during the postdischarged period, where continuous monitoring of physiological signals is lacking. Furthermore, these devices eliminate the need for secondary surgeries required for device retrieval as they can safely degraded in the body, thus enhancing patient recovery. This review delves into the latest advancements in biodegradable implantable devices, examining their application in monitoring vital signs, the innovative wireless communication and powering technologies they employ, and the biodegradable materials that enable their function. The analysis extends to evaluating the efficacy and limitations of these devices across various medical applications. Moreover, it explores future research directions, emphasizing material advancements, device miniaturization, customization, and the integration of artificial intelligence to create closed‐loop therapeutic systems. This comprehensive review underscores the transformative potential of these technologies in enhancing postoperative care and outlines the pathway for future innovations in this dynamic field.

Public Authentic-Replica Sampling Mechanism in Distributed Storage Environments

With the rapid development of wireless communication and big data analysis technologies, the storage of massive amounts of data relies on third-party trusted storage, such as cloud storage. However, once data are stored on third-party servers, data owners lose physical control over their data, making it challenging to ensure data integrity and security. To address this issue, researchers have proposed integrity auditing mechanisms that allow for the auditing of data integrity on cloud servers without retrieving all the data. To further enhance the availability of data stored on cloud servers, multiple replicas of the original data are stored on the server. However, in existing multi-replica auditing schemes, there is a problem of server fraud, where the server does not actually store the corresponding data replicas. To tackle this issue, this paper presents a formal definition of authentic replicas along with a security model for the authentic-replica sampling mechanism. Based on time-lock puzzles, identity-based encryption (IBE) mechanisms, and succinct proof techniques, we design an authentic replica auditing mechanism. This mechanism ensures the authenticity of replicas and can resist outsourcing attacks and generation attacks. Additionally, our schemes replace the combination of random numbers and replica correspondence tables with Linear Feedback Shift Registers (LFSRs), optimizing the original client-side generation and uploading of replica parameters from being linearly related to the number of replicas to a constant level. Furthermore, our schemes allow for the public recovery of replica parameters, enabling any third party to verify the replicas through these parameters. As a result, the schemes achieve public verifiability and meet the efficiency requirements for authentic-replica sampling in multi-cloud environments. This makes our scheme more suitable for distributed storage environments. The experiments show that our scheme makes the time for generating copy parameters negligible while also greatly optimizing the time required for replica generation. As the amount of replica data increases, the time spent does not grow linearly. Due to the multi-party aggregation design, the verification time is also optimal. Compared to the latest schemes, the verification time is reduced by approximately 30%.

Ta doping effect on microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of CoNb2O6‐based ceramics and mechanism study

AbstractAs communication technology continues to evolve, 5G technology is becoming more mature, and 6G technology is steadily advancing. Microwave equipment is moving toward high frequency, miniaturization, low loss and high temperature stability, and microwave dielectric ceramics have been deeply applied in this field. To elevate the Q × f value of CoNb2O6 system, Ta5+ was introduced into CoNb2O6, and CoNb2‐xTaxO6 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) ceramics were prepared by the traditional solid‐phase method. By X‐ray diffraction, it was observed that at x = 0.8, in addition to a single niobium ferrite phase, information of tantalate phase also appeared. Raman spectral detection and group theory analysis indicate that Ag(2) and Ag(3) modes are the dominant Raman vibrations at ≈873 cm−1. Furthermore, the polarization rate affects the εr value, and the bond energy of Nb/Ta‐O and the recovery force characterized by the average deformation of the [Nb/TaO6] octahedron are the key elements influencing the temperature coefficient of the resonance frequency (τf). The internal strain, ordered induced size, and chemical bonding valence of ionic valence states are the key factors that can increase the Q × f value. Moreover, the introduction of ions with lower electronegativity leads to an enhanced electronic compensation of oxygen vacancies, which also reduces the dielectric loss. This paper enriches the theory related to low dielectric loss and shows that CoNb1.8Ta0.2O6 (εr = 21.4832, Q × f = 100723 GHz, τf = ‐61.38 ppm/°C) ceramics with superior microwave dielectric properties are expected to be used in wireless communication devices.

Digital Communication Technology is not the Only Cause of Rapid Spread of Misinformation in Society

While achieving technological development in media communication, it is important to recognize the dual nature of technological advancement. This rapid development has led to a great threat of spreading misinformation, where ideas are no longer geographically restricted and spread globally at an unprecedented rate (Wang et al., 2019). Statistics from the Central Statistical Office (CSO) 2021 show that 62% of Internet users have seen untrue or suspicious content online Georgiev (2024). Many people believe that digital communication technologies are the only reason for the accelerated spread of misinformation. On the contrary, I believe that this view ignores the more complex political motivations, social, cultural, and psychological underpinnings. While technology itself is an important agent in the process of spreading misinformation, other factors are also integral. Therefore, I do not agree that the cause lies solely in digital communication technology, and this paper will illustrate how technological and social factors interact with each other through examples.

Blue Accounting Literacy Perspective on the Tourism Sector in Indonesia

This research aims to analyze the challenges, role of government, and understanding of stakeholders in managing marine and coastal resources in Indonesia through the Blue Accounting approach. This research uses qualitative methodology with literature analysis of twenty-five relevant articles. The data was analyzed to identify the main challenges, government role, and stakeholder understanding in implementing Blue Accounting. Management of marine and coastal resources in Indonesia faces various challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and low public awareness. The government's role is critical in developing regulations, coordinating conservation efforts, and involving stakeholders. Stakeholder understanding of Blue Accounting and multi-stakeholder collaboration have proven effective in overcoming these challenges and improving resource welfare. This research provides insight into the importance of strong regulation, public education, and collaboration between governments, communities, and the private sector in the management of marine and coastal resources. The practical implications are the need to develop a blue accounting model that is more integrated with information and communication technology to improve the effectiveness of environmental monitoring and management. The study emphasizes the importance of data-based Blue Accounting approaches and multi-stakeholder collaboration in marine and coastal resource management, which has not been much applied in previous research.

Utilising Blended Learning for Large Classes to Deliver an Introductory Programming Course

Higher education institutions are constantly pushed to increase the student intake and produce industry-ready graduates. The pressure generally arises from the governing bodies, originating from socio-political factors. It is particularly evident in the field of Information Communication Technology (ICT) where there is a growing need for quality graduates. Undergraduate programmes in the field of ICT generally offer introductory computer programming courses that are mandatory at early stages of the degree programme. Consequently, the number of students registering for such courses can increase drastically. The students are coming from diversified backgrounds. While some students may have prior experience in computer programming, a larger majority may not have any prior knowledge or experience. Increased class size meets the constraint of the limited availability of physical classroom space and would require the class to be separated into smaller groups for face-to-face activities. Large classes are also challenged with the increased man-power requirement in terms of lecturers, instructors, and teaching assistants. Maintaining student engagement and interactivity becomes increasingly difficult in a large class. Grading of assessments becomes time-consuming and needs and requires increased manpower. Based on the observations and learning from an ongoing introductory programming course, this study evaluates the procedure for overcoming the challenges faced by the teaching staff, especially with a class size exceeding 1000. To cover the theoretical components, recorded video lectures are provided. The class is divided into groups consisting of approximately 100 students and live, online, interactive group discussions are conducted. The live, online smaller group discussions allow students to clarify doubts regarding the content. This also allows the distribution of the limited teaching and assistant staff. Students who need further assistance are encouraged to meet the teaching assistants physically. Thus, the workload is distributed effectively, and it helps ensure the dedicated support and attention is provided to the students. Auto graded programming assignments are effectively employed for formative and summative assessments, which reduces the grading workload significantly. The findings of this study provide insights on course design to effectively deliver the content and conduct assessments overcoming the challenges presented by increased class size.

Mapping leadership, communication and collaboration in short-term distributed teams across various contexts: a scoping review

IntroductionIncreased globalisation and technological advancements have led to the emergence of distributed teams in various sectors, including healthcare. However, our understanding of how leadership, communication and collaboration influence distributed healthcare...

Adaptive Wireless Image Transmission Transformer Architecture for Image Transmission and Reconstruction

The advancement of 6G (6th Generation Mobile Networks) communication technology has posed challenges for traditional communication network architectures in meeting the demands for communication efficiency and quality. Semantic communication technology, characterized by its “understand before transmit” approach, has emerged as a pivotal technology driving the progress of 6G due to its ability to enhance communication efficiency and quality. The Wireless Image Transmission Transformer (WITT) model, which operates as a semantic communication system leveraging vision transformer technology for the transmission of semantic images, has shown efficacy in transmitting input images through processes of feature extraction and channel adaptation. This study introduces an advanced channel adaptive module that is informed by deep learning methodologies and the adaptive modulation principles of the Variational Information Bottleneck (VIB). This innovation enhances the original WITT model, resulting in the development of the Adaptive Wireless Image Transmission Transformer (ADWITT) architecture. Comprehensive experimental results have unequivocally shown that the transmission performance of the ADWITT architecture substantially surpasses that of the conventional WITT (Wavelet Image Transmission Technique) model, particularly in scenarios characterized by harsh and detrimental channel conditions. These findings underscore the robustness and adaptability of the ADWITT approach, which is poised to improve the field of image transmission by offering superior performance and resilience in environments where traditional methods falter.

Analyzing the Behavior Towards the Use of Interactive Digital Whiteboards for Educational Purposes: A Proposal Based on the Model of Goal-Directed Behavior and the Theory of Planned Behavior

Information and communication technologies have revolutionized the educational landscape, transforming teaching and learning processes across the globe, and this is the case for interactive digital whiteboards. In particular, this paper focuses on providing a research model to analyze the behavior towards the use of interactive digital whiteboards (IDWs) by teachers in the educational context, highlighting their impact on the intention to use IDWS. The proposed structural equation model is based on the model of goal-directed behavior and the theory of planned behavior, and it is formed by six constructs: (1) attitude, (2) subjective norms, (3) desire, (4) perceived behavioral control, (5) intentions, and (6) behavior. The methodology was adapted to two possible scenarios: (1) positive and (2) negative. The findings show that both theoretical frameworks offer a valid context to explain the motivations that drive the use of IDWs, although there are no significant differences between the two scenarios. Thus, the present article contributes to the existing body of knowledge and provides insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers to leverage the acceptance of IDWs in education. However, some limitations were identified, such as the absence of the point of view of students regarding the use of IDWs, among others.

Targeting telecommunications: Why do rebel groups target information and communication technology infrastructure?

Although there has been much interest in how communication technology can shape conflict, the deliberate targeting of the telecommunication infrastructure by rebel groups has been largely overlooked. This article demonstrates that while some rebel groups systematically target telecommunications, others do not. It is argued that this reflects deliberate choices, and that rebel groups adapt their strategies based on cost–benefit analyses. Given the aim of avoiding detection and being targeted themselves, rebels may be more likely to target the telecommunication infrastructure when faced with a government with a technologically sophisticated military. However, a further increase in the opponent’s technological capabilities beyond a certain tipping point may compel rebels to employ preventive measures other than targeting telecommunications. Marxist-socialist or religious groups are expected to be more likely to target telecommunications to maintain a homogeneous propaganda space directed at their constituency, facilitating indoctrination and propaganda. These expectations were evaluated in an analysis of all rebel groups for the period 1970–2013. The results showed a non-linear relationship between rebel targeting of telecommunication infrastructure and the technological capabilities of the government forces, while Marxist-socialist and ethno-religious groups were more likely to target telecommunications compared with other groups.

The Impact of Innovative Transportation Services on Travel Behaviors: A Case Study of Istanbul

There has been a paradigm shift in urban mobility around the developments in information and communication technologies, zero emission targets to reduce transport-related emissions. Hence, traditional transportation services are replaced by sustainable, shared, smart, innovative mobility services. It is crucial to understand what extent these services, which are increasingly used in the cities and have potential to become a part of the main transportation system of the city rather than serving as an alternative mode of transportation, affect people's travel behaviors and daily activity preferences to be aware of the trends in urban mobility, passenger and freight mobility. By this study, new mobility services such as micromobility, car and ride sharing services used in Istanbul examined in the context of (1) their effect on travel behavior (2) the relationship between people's demographic, socioeconomic status and new transportation service use (3) the conditions where the adoption of these services are higher. In this study, survey was conducted with a sample of 404 people in Istanbul and the results were interpreted using both explanatory analysis methods and the chi-square independence test as a statistical method. As a result of the study, questions such as what is the relationship between the demographics, travel behaviors and the use of new mobility services, the effect of these services on the total trips, transportation modes replaced by them, in which situations they are preferred or not and under what conditions those who do not use this service can use them were answered

Learning in the World of Information and Communication Technology through Online Videos: Developing the Ability to Edit videos for Teaching of Lecturers at Souphanouvong University

The purpose of this research study is to improve the basic skills of teaching video media production of teachers, to find problems in the production of teaching video media of Lecturers and to find factors that can motivate Lecturers to produce more of their own teaching video media. Findings revealed that lecturers significantly improved their basic skills in recording, editing, and website creation, achieving nearly 100% proficiency post-training. The Problems found that inadequate computer specifications (66.66%), slow internet connections (38.88%), and a lack of foundational computer knowledge (55.55%). These issues hindered effective practice, highlighting the need for better resources. The research also identified key motivational factors for lecturers, including access to fast, high-quality internet, the requirement for subject-specific teaching videos, and financial support for video production. These factors demonstrated a statistically significant correlation with lecturers' motivation to create and share educational content. Overall, the study underscores the importance of training and resource availability in fostering digital education and identifies specific barriers and motivators that can enhance lecturers' engagement with technology in teaching.

Institutions as a determinant of Foreign Direct Investment inflows into the Southern African Development Community

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Southern Africa has been one of the drivers of infrastructure development and economic growth especially in sectors such as mining, agriculture, energy, information, and communications technology (ICT). However, although important economic and institutional reforms have been undertaken by some SADC countries to encourage the inflow of FDI--particularly in low-income countries in the region, the flow of FDI to SADC member states remains low and concentrated in few countries and sectors and is still largely attracted to natural resources sectors. This paper examines the institutions and infrastructure development in the promotion of FDI inflows into the SADC region. Institutions and infrastructure development typically have a positive effect on FDI inflows through their impact on the investment climate. The paper uses panel data econometric analysis with OLS and PCSE to ascertain the impact of governance institutions on FDI inflows into the region. The results obtained reveal that the quality of governance, together with the level of economic development, market size, and openness to trade with the external world play a critical role in attracting FDI into SADC countries. There is however a need to control rampant corruption and reduce the political instability common in some of the countries of the region.

Conductive Polyethylene/Polyester Textiles with Temperature‐Strengthened Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Efficiency

The advancement of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials provides reliable protection for the communication technology. However, the performance of conventional EMI shielding materials is significantly diminished in high‐temperature conditions. Herein, an efficient method is proposed to prepare conductive fabrics with temperature‐strengthened EMI shielding performance via chemical plating technique. The as‐prepared polyethylene/polyester‐metallized fabric (PMF) coated with Ni–W–P alloy exhibits outstanding EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) in X band, which is strengthened from 16 to 59 dB with temperature raising from room temperature to 130 °C. Particularly, the corresponding temperature‐strengthened shielding behaviors are investigated through simulations in Computer Simulation Technology. Additionally, PMF presents excellent corrosion resistance (corrosion voltage [Ecoor] of −0.324 V and corrosion current [Icoor] of −6.760 A·cm−2) and admirable Joule heating performance, reaching maximum temperature of 74 °C at only 1.5 V. Therefore, the as‐prepared PMF endows enormous potential in EMI protection under high temperature and harsh environments.

Impact of the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) infrastructure on the returns to higher education in Mexico: A gender analysis

This paper aims to analyze the impact of access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on the private returns to higher education (HE) focusing on gender inequality in 2020. Methodology: To evaluate the above impact a set of Mincerian equations will be estimated. The proposed approach mitigates biases associated with self-selection and individual heterogeneity. Data: The database comes from the National Household Income and Expenditure Survey (Encuesta Nacional de Ingresos y Gastos de los Hogares, ENIGH) from 2020. Results: Empirical evidence suggests that individuals that have HE have a positive and greater impact on their salary income compared to those with a lower educational level, being women that do not have access to ICT those with the lowest wage return. Policy: Access to ICT should be considered as one of the criteria that integrate social deprivation in the measurement of multidimensional poverty. Likewise, it is necessary to design public policies that promote the strengthening and creation of educational and/or training systems in technological matters for women. Limitations: No distinction was made between individuals that graduated from public or private schools, nor was income from sources other than work considered. Originality: This investigation evaluates the impact of access to ICT on the returns to higher education in Mexico, in 2020, addressing gender disparity.

ICT and academic achievement in secondary education: A hierarchical linear modelling

AbstractBackgroundThe unprecedented access to information in the 21st century entails a deep understanding of information and communication technology (ICT)‐related factors in education and their impacts on learning and teaching. The role of attitudes towards ICT is a proven factor in student achievement. However, there is no consensus about the direction of this impact.ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the relationship between student attitudes towards ICT including interest in ICT (INTICT), perceived ICT competence (COMPICT), perceived autonomy related to ICT use (AUTICT) and ICT in social interaction (SOIAICT), and their achievement scores for mathematics, reading, and science by analysing student‐, school‐, and country‐level factors hierarchically in the quartiles of performance.MethodsThe study group was determined as 300,279 15‐year‐old students from 21,903 schools in 53 countries. Descriptive and correlational analyses were carried out in addition to the hierarchical linear modelling (HLM) employed to reveal the relationship between attitudes towards ICT and academic achievement in mathematics, reading, and science through the investigation of student‐, school‐, and country‐level factors hierarchically in the quartiles of performance.Results and ConclusionsThe results detected moderate to weak relationships among the constructs of INTICT, COMPICT, AUTICT and SOIAICT. Based on the HLM findings, complex interactions between ICT attitudes and academic performance were identified with a tendency towards positive associations between specific attitude components and high achievement levels, particularly in mathematics and science. The research identified the significance of considering student‐, school‐, and country‐level factors for high, above‐average, below‐average, and low achievers to comprehensively understand the role of ICT attitudes in shaping educational outcomes.TakeawaysPolicymakers should design educational policies, subject‐specific strategies and ICT‐related interventions by considering the multifaceted factors influencing student performance across different subjects and achievement quartiles. Particularly at the school and country levels, contextual factors should be evaluated when designing interventions to support low achievers.

Pedagogy and ICT in Crisis Situations or the Games and Issues of a Win-Win Relationship

"Let a micro-processor never become a micro-professor". This allegation by Francis Meynard (1989) certainly reflects the relationship of complementarity or conflict that may exist between teaching and digital technology. In fact, the present research is interested in the presumed or proven problematic between pedagogy and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). In a more subtle but demonstrative way, the aim is to study the tangible and/or alleged contributions of ICTs in the various teaching-learning methods of secondary school learners in priority education zones (PEZ), in a crisis situation. Three data collection tools allow us to carry out this work, namely non-participant observation, the semi- directed interview and finally the documentary exploitation. The results that emanate from this work reveal a triptych: firstly, convergent as well as divergent characteristics of the two notional approaches in these places, secondly, an incapacity of ICTs for a conjunctural pedagogy, and thirdly, a rigorous conditioning of ICTs for an improved and continuous pedagogy in a crisis situation in PEZs.

The Resource-Backed Lending Model: An Economic Limitation to Sovereignty of Developing States

The 21st century developing and under-developed economies are being relegated to the status of neo-colonial states. Developed economies like China, Russia and the United States of America are really in the scramble for more neo-colonial states, mostly in Africa. This has presented itself through the economic relationship among states. The economic relationship under consideration here is taking new turns with emerging global trends and the desire of developing states to alleviate or eradicate poverty. The economic relationship between developed and developing states has grown from exchange of goods and investment to the execution of infrastructure loans on the understanding that the receiving states (borrower in this instance) shall mortgage its local resources to secure the loan. This is clearly the greatest limitation to the sovereignty of developed states under the guise of business agreements. The objective of this article is to examine a number of resource-backed lending systems between developed and developing states, delving more into the business relationship between China and Nigeria; this examination is further related to the relationship between China and states like Angola and Congo. The question sought to be answered is whether this system has proved to be beneficial or detrimental to the sovereignty of developing states is considered in this study. This is done by examining the Nigeria-China Bilateral Investment Treaty and the $400 million Loan Agreement (“Loan Agreement”) executed by the Ministry of Finance on behalf of Nigeria and the Export –Import Bank of China for the Nigeria National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Infrastructure Backbone Phase II Project in 2018.