Complex Communication Systems Research Articles

Помещичьи библиотеки в провинциальной культуре Центрального Черноземья (обзор исследовательских трактовок и концепций)

The organization and existence of manor libraries in pre-revolutionary Russia as a condition for the transmission and dissemination of the culture of reading among the nobility remains an important issue of study and thus remains relevant at the present time. The pre-revolutionary historiography of the book collecting of estate owners, dedicated to estate libraries, both at the all-Russian and at the regional level, is considered. The features of the formation and development of book collections are characterized, the problems of studying the circle of reading of the nobles are indicated. The aspects of the influence of the socio-political situation on the study of book collections, which were most affected in the 20–60s of 20th century are indicated. The modern stage of development of the historiography of the noble manor libraries of the Central Black Earth Region, including the distribution of foreign book collections in them, is analyzed. The applied analytical and interpretive method made it possible to “inscribe” the personal libraries (or their fragments) of the region into the general panorama of scientific ideas about the phenomenon of a personal library. The structural-component method made it possible to present the owners’ meetings as a complex communication system, the basis of which was the “book-reader” relationship. An analysis of the historiography of the problem shows a variety of research approaches to the characteristics of private collections, a wide variety of author’s interpretations of the history of the formation of individual libraries of the nobility.

Path Tracing Method to Evaluate the Signature Reliability Function of a Complex System

This paper aims to compute the efficiency of a complex communication system (double-bridge). In this model, which applies the Path Tracing Method for evaluating the reliability function of the complex communication system, the process of analyzing the system’s reliability has been used to lower the failure rate of the complex system in order to optimize its competence. The illustrative system is subdivided into nine minimal paths that are arranged in series-parallel combinations. Using the Path Tracing Method, the system’s reliability, minimal signature, tail signature, signature, Barlow–Proschan index, expected time, expected cost, and sensitivity were determined. The results assist in the creation of a probabilistic approach to analyze and probabilistic method to evaluate the system signature and reliability in a way that is highly useful.

DEVELOPMENT OF A SYSTEM OF INDIVIDUAL CALF DRINKING BASED ON RFID TECHNOLOGIES

The problem of optimizing the breeding of calves in the first days of life, including their drinking, remains one of the main ones. The drinking of calves with colostrum of the mother timely and in sufficient quantity is fundamentally important for a healthy start of their life. Tracking the drinking of calves with colostrum is possible with the use of RFID technologies. They are relevant today with the emergence of an increasing number of new application contexts, more effective labels and integration of new features. (Research purpose) The research purpose is developing a system of individual drinking of calves with colostrum based on RFID technologies. (Materials and methods) During the research the methods based on testing the stable operation of components and software were used in order to simulate the operation of the system in laboratory conditions. (Results and discussion) The article presents a scheme for the distribution of milk colostrum through the delivery vehicles based on a robotic module. This technology will make it possible to deliver maternal colostrum to the calf, automate the process without the use of complex communication systems of high costs and difficulties when installed on farms. The article described a prototype of an automated system that allows registering RFID tags in a database for further information processing and software to obtain and summarize data from RFID tags obtained from a prototype of an automated system. (Conclusions) The use of low-frequency RFID-tags is preferred, as they have better noise immunity, resistant to liquids and metals. Due to the small detection distance (which is required), the probability of errors during reading of the neighboring label decreases.

Area and Energy Opimized QCA Based Shuffle-Exchange Network with Multicast and Broadcast Configuration

In any wide-range processing system, rapid interconnecting networks are employed between the processing modules and embedded systems. This study deals with the optimized design and implementation of Switching Element (SE) which operates in four modes, accepting two inputs and delivering two outputs. The Shuffle-Exchange Network (SEN) can be used as a single-stage as well as a multi-stage network. SEN is used as an interconnection architecture which is implemented with exclusive input-output paths with simple design. The SE acts as a building block to the Multi-stage Shuffle-Exchange Network (M-SEN) with facilities to perform unicast and multicast operation on the inputs. An 8x8 M-SEN model is also implemented, which works in three modes of communication, termed as "One-to-One", "One-to-Many" and "One-to-All" M-SEN configuration. All the QCA circuits have been implemented and simulated using CAD tool QCADesigner. The proposed QCA-based M-SEN design is better in terms of area occupied by 14.63%, average energy dissipation by 22.75% and cell count with a reduction of 84 cells when compared to reference M-SEN architecture. The optimization of the design in terms of cell count and area results in lesser energy dissipation and hence can be used in future-generation complex networks and communication systems.

Organ-on-a-Chip for Studying Gut-Brain Interaction Mediated by Extracellular Vesicles in the Gut Microenvironment.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a group of membrane vesicles that play important roles in cell-to-cell and interspecies/interkingdom communications by modulating the pathophysiological conditions of recipient cells. Recent evidence has implied their potential roles in the gut–brain axis (GBA), which is a complex bidirectional communication system between the gut environment and brain pathophysiology. Despite the evidence, the roles of EVs in the gut microenvironment in the GBA are less highlighted. Moreover, there are critical challenges in the current GBA models and analyzing techniques for EVs, which may hinder the research. Currently, advances in organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technologies have provided a promising solution. Here, we review the potential effects of EVs occurring in the gut environment on brain physiology and behavior and discuss how to apply OOCs to research the GBA mediated by EVs in the gut microenvironment.

Reflexivity, Functional Reference, and Modularity: Alternative Targets for Language Origins

Researchers of language origins typically try to explain how compositional communication might evolve to bridge the gap between animal communication and natural language. However, as an explanatory target, compositionality has been shown to be problematic for a gradualist approach to the evolution of language. In this article, I suggest that reflexivity provides an apt and plausible alternative target that does not succumb to the problems that compositionality faces. I further explain how protoreflexivity, which depends on functional reference, gives rise to complex communication systems via modular composition.

Does Social Complexity Drive Vocal Complexity? Insights from the Two African Elephant Species.

Simple SummaryThe social complexity hypothesis (SCH) for communication predicts that species with complex social systems exhibit complex communication systems. Testing the SHC in a broad range of species can contribute to a better understanding of human evolution because a co-evolutionary runaway process between social and vocal complexity may have shaped human language. Here we compare patterns of vocal complexity between the two species of African elephants: the savanna elephant exhibiting a complex social organization and the forest elephant exhibiting a simpler social organization. We review the existing literature and present novel insights into the vocal communication system of the elusive forest elephant, along with a first direct comparison with savanna elephants. Our findings suggest that the African elephants may contradict the SCH, as well as other factors potentially shaping patterns of vocal complexity across species. A better understanding of vocal complexity in the two species of African elephants will depend on continuing advancements in remote data collection technologies to overcome the challenges of observing forest elephants in their dense rainforest habitat, as well as the availability of comparable data quantifying both structural and contextual variability in the vocal production of both species of African elephants.The social complexity hypothesis (SCH) for communication states that the range and frequency of social interactions drive the evolution of complex communication systems. Surprisingly, few studies have empirically tested the SHC for vocal communication systems. Filling this gap is important because a co-evolutionary runaway process between social and vocal complexity may have shaped the most intricate communication system, human language. We here propose the African elephant Loxodonta spec. as an excellent study system to investigate the relationships between social and vocal complexity. We review how the distinct differences in social complexity between the two species of African elephants, the forest elephant L. cyclotis and the savanna elephant L. africana, relate to repertoire size and structure, as well as complex communication skills in the two species, such as call combination or intentional formant modulation including the trunk. Our findings suggest that Loxodonta may contradict the SCH, as well as other factors put forth to explain patterns of vocal complexity across species. We propose that life history traits, a factor that has gained little attention as a driver of vocal complexity, and the extensive parental care associated with a uniquely low and slow reproductive rate, may have led to the emergence of pronounced vocal complexity in the forest elephant despite their less complex social system compared to the savanna elephant. Conclusions must be drawn cautiously, however. A better understanding of vocal complexity in the genus Loxodonta will depend on continuing advancements in remote data collection technologies to overcome the challenges of observing forest elephants in their dense rainforest habitat, as well as the availability of directly comparable data and methods, quantifying both structural and contextual variability in the production of rumbles and other vocalizations in both species of African elephants.

Construction of complex environment speech signal communication system based on 5G and AI driven feature extraction techniques

Construction of complex environment speech signal communication system based on 5G and AI driven feature extraction techniques

A review of the social behaviour of the giraffeGiraffa camelopardalis: a misunderstood but socially complex species

AbstractUntil around 2000, giraffeGiraffa camelopardaliswere believed to have no social structure. Despite a resurgence of interest in giraffe behaviour in around 2010, most studies are of isolated populations, making it difficult to draw general conclusions. Although it is now well established that giraffe social organisation is non‐random, there is little consensus as to what influences preferred and avoided associations or the underpinning mechanisms.We test two hypotheses: first, giraffe have a complex cooperative social system, exhibited by 1) stable groups of females, 2) offspring that stay in their natal group for part or all of their lives, 3) support by non‐mothers in rearing young, and 4) non‐reproductive females in the group; and second, giraffe form matrilineal societies, evidenced by 1) male dispersal, 2) female philopatry, 3) assistance in raising or protecting offspring, and 4) individual benefits gained from social foraging.We reviewed 404 papers on giraffe behaviour and social organisation; captive studies were included where they supplemented information from free‐living populations.We show that giraffe exhibit many of the features typical of mammals with complex cooperative social systems and matrilineal societies. However, the social complexity hypothesis posits that such species also require complex communication systems to regulate interactions and relations among group members; giraffe communication systems are poorly understood.Quantifying the fitness and survival benefits of the giraffe’s social organisation is necessary to ensure its long‐term survival. Giraffe numbers have declined by 40% since 1985, they have been declared extinct in seven (possibly nine) countries and are listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. We identify research areas that will advance our understanding of giraffe behaviour and conservation requirements.

The Genetic Regulation of Secondary Metabolic Pathways in Response to Salinity and Drought as Abiotic Stresses

Global development has generated a plethora of unfavorable and adverse environmental factors for the living organisms in the ecosystem. Plants are sessile organisms, and they are crucial to sustain life on earth. Since plants are sessile, they face a great number of environmental challenges related to abiotic stresses, such as temperature fluctuation, drought, salinity, flood and metal contamination. Salinity and drought are considered major abiotic stresses that negatively affect the plants’ growth and production of useful content. However, plants have evolved various molecular mechanisms to increase their tolerance to these environmental stresses. There is a whole complex system of communication (cross-talk) through massive signaling cascades that are activated and modulated in response to salinity and drought. Secondary metabolites are believed to play significant roles in the plant’s response and resistance to salinity and drought stress. Until recently, attempts to unravel the biosynthetic pathways were limited mainly due to the inadequate plant genomics resources. However, recent advancements in generating high-throughput “omics” datasets, computational tools and functional genomics approach integration have aided in the elucidation of biosynthetic pathways of many plant bioactive metabolites. This review gathers comprehensive knowledge of plants’ complex system that is involved in the response and resistance to salinity and water deficit stresses as abiotic stress. Additionally, it offers clues in determining the genes involved in this complex and measures its activity. It covers basic information regarding the signaling molecules involved in salinity and drought resistance and how plant hormones regulate the cross-talking mechanism with emphasis on transcriptional activity. Moreover, it discusses many studies that illustrate the relationship between salinity and drought and secondary metabolite production. Furthermore, several transcriptome analysis research papers of medicinal plants are illustrated. The aim of this review is to be a key for any researcher that is aspiring to study the relationship between salinity and drought stresses and secondary metabolite production at the transcriptome and transcription level.

MODEL OF INTERACTIONS AND PHASE STATES IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE FREQUENCY RESOURCE IN THE GROUPING OF RADIO ELECTRONIC MEANS OF A 5G MOBILE COMMUNICATION NETWORK

Subject: interaction models and phase states in the distribution of the frequency resource in the grouping of radio electronic means of the 5G mobile communication network. Purpose: development of a dynamic model of multiple interactions of n-elements of a complex 5G mobile communication system, which takes into account the nature of inter-element connections and phase states in the group use of the frequency resource. Tasks: on the basis of a complex model of an n-element system with multiple interactions, to develop a mathematical model for describing the electromagnetic environment of a grouping of radio electronic means in a state space with a group use of a frequency resource; to analyze the phase states of interaction of the elements of the grouping system of radio-electronic means of the mobile communication system in which they can function without deteriorating the quality indicators, which reflect the total level of the group influence of the emitting elements on the receiving devices, under conditions of optimal distribution of the frequency resource. Methods: mathematical method of the state space of the system, which describes the nonlinear nature and phase states of the system, taking into account the intensity of the interaction of its elements. Results: A mathematical model of the electromagnetic environment of a grouping of radio-electronic devices based on the Volterra model has been developed, which characterizes their nonlinear nature of interactions in the group use of the frequency resource. A recurrent expression is obtained for modeling the assessment of the aggregate nature of electromagnetic interactions in a group of radio-electronic means. Modeling of the dynamics of interaction and phase states of the grouping of radioelectronic devices in the group use of the frequency resource has been carried out. Conclusions: It is shown that using a model that simulates the dynamics of interactions of a group of radioelectronic, it is possible to analyze its state in the future. This model makes it possible to analyze the grouping of radio-electronic means with different, specific parameters of individual types of radio electronic devices, the nature and intensity of their interaction in the grouping with the current distribution of resources.

Fuzzy clustering as a tool to differentiate between discrete and graded call types.

Animals may communicate potential information to conspecifics using stereotyped "discrete" calls and variable "graded" calls. However, animal vocal research often centers on identifying the number of call types in a repertoire rather than quantifying the amount of gradation. Here, fuzzy clustering was applied to the social call repertoire of a species with a complex communication system, the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). Of 26 call types, 6 were classified as discrete, 7 as graded, and 13 as intermediate. These results indicate that humpback whales have a graded call repertoire, and fuzzy clustering may be a useful approach to investigate this variability.

Airborne vocal communication in adult neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis).

Most aquatic mammals have complex social and communication systems. Interestingly, little is known about otters’ vocal communication compared to other aquatic mammals. Here, for the first time, we acoustically describe vocalizations of the neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis), a solitary and endangered New World otter species. We recorded vocalizations and behavioral contexts from six captive neotropical otters at Projeto Lontra, Santa Catarina Island, Brazil. Analysis of acoustic parameters were used to classify the vocalizations according to structure and context. We describe six call types with highly tonal as well as chaotic vocalizations with fundamental frequencies ranging from 90 to 2500 Hz. Additionally, we identified sex differences in the usage of calls. Results suggest that the neotropical river otter has a rich vocal repertoire, similar in complexity to other solitary otter species, but less complex than that of the social giant otter. Despite differences in sociality, phylogeny and ecology, L. longicaudis seems to possess vocalizations homologous to those found in other otters (e.g. hah and chirp), suggesting phylogenetic inertia in otter communicative repertoire. Otters thus offer an interesting but neglected group to explore the evolution of communication systems.

Control of autonomous vehicles flow using imposed speed profiles

The current non-connected autonomous vehicle scheme for speed changing along the road has limitations. Other alternatives require a central control or a complex communication system between the vehicles. We suggest a low cost and simple method for controlling the traffic of a line of autonomous vehicles using predetermined speed profiles imposed upon the vehicles along the road. We introduce a novel method to control autonomous vehicles traffic. Particularly, we investigate cases where specific velocities are required at some points along the road. This is done by comparing different velocity profiles for acceleration, deceleration or a combination of both. As traffic flow and speed limit may change due to upcoming road conditions, it is imperative to control vehicle line traffic, such that phantom jams will be prevented while preserving maximal traffic flow at minimum energy. We provide a comparison of these profiles for acceleration, deceleration, and for the combined case in terms of traffic flow, energy consumption, travel duration and the resulting jam characteristics. Following the comparison, we conclude that the best strategy would be to use linear speed profiles both to accelerate and to decelerate. Lastly, we suggest a tool to compare speed profiles for deceleration cases where the formation of an upstream propagated traffic congestion is inevitable.

Cuticular hydrocarbons as cues of caste and sex in the German wasp Vespula germanica

The complex system of communication used by social insects is responsible for their success on Earth. Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are considered the most commonly used form of communication among social insects. The best-known function of CHCs is to distinguish nestmates, providing cues to the whole colony to identify potential threats. In some species, CHCs function as queen pheromones, which contribute to the queens’ ability to regulate the reproductive division of labor. Additionally, differences of CHCs were described in castes and they are also important in sex recognition. Here, we reinvestigated the chemical composition on the cuticle of German wasp Vespula germanica and we found that proportions of linear alkanes were more abundant in the cuticle of queens than other castes. Chemical analysis between caste and sex, including data of virgin queens and males, showed that each group possesses different compositions on their cuticle, being mostly quantitative differences. Thus, individuals of V. germanica may recognize and discriminate caste and sex through subtle chemical variations, or alternatively, based on templates used in nestmate recognition. The chemical analysis provides correlative evidence of CHCs being used as cues in the chemical communication of this species.

Dinâmicas da inovação: automação integral da condução e agência humana na Linha 4 do metrô de São Paulo

Considero o metrô como um complexo sistema de comunicação, abrangendo dispositivos tecnológicos (que enviam mensagens operacionais para manter o fluxo dos trens) e pessoas (passageiros e operadores que interagem entre si e com mecanismos). Os circuitos comunicativos de um metrô são arranjos híbridos de interfaces que geram um ambiente midiático onde tecnologia e agência humana se imbricam. Tenho investigado, em pesquisa etnográfica, a reconfiguração dos circuitos comunicativos no contexto da Linha 4 do metrô de São Paulo, que opera com trens totalmente automáticos. Na situação de automação integral da condução, o componente tecnológico do ambiente do metrô é enfatizado — condutores são substituídos por computadores de bordo sob a supervisão de uma sala de controle, mecanismos são introduzidos no edifício do metrô e o pessoal de estação tende a ser reduzido. Uma outra materialidade se constrói no ambiente do metrô com a predominância da operação remota que as tecnologias digitais estipulam. No caso da Linha 4, contudo, o número mais expressivo de agentes nas estações e a presença de agentes nos trens automáticos, preparados para automação desassistida, mostram que o projeto não se realizou plenamente. Neste artigo, apresento alguns elementos do conjunto de explicações e comentários de profissionais ligados, de várias maneiras, à implementação da Linha 4 para a questão da assistência nos espaços da linha, particularmente no que concerne ao fenômeno da presença humana nos trens. Exploro também, com apoio em conversas com passageiros e na observação participante, como se desdobra no quotidiano das viagens. A tensão entre o previsto e o realizado tem se apresentado como um componente expressivo das complexas dinâmicas da recepção social da inovação na Linha 4 do metrô de São Paulo. Palavras-chave: Inovação. Circuitos Comunicativos. Metrô (São Paulo).

Piper betle leaves extract adversely affect motility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that orchestrate its disease manifestation via a complex communication system known as quorum sensing (QS). Under the regulation of this complex network of QS system, is a myriad of virulence factors including the flagella and pili that contribute to its motility. To establish an infection in a host, P. aeruginosa must first attach itself to host cells with the assistance of flagella and pili and it would be a mere impossible for P. aeruginosa to initiate and establish an infection in the host without those features. In this study, we investigated the motility of P. aeruginosa under the influence of Piper betle leaves extract by growing the bacteria on a semi solid medium and compared the growth spread of the pathogen against the untreated sample. There are three types of motilities that were being investigated, which were swimming, swarming and twitching. In all three assays, a fraction of ethyl acetate extract of P. betle leaves were found to reduce the motility of P. aeruginosa with greatest defect in swimming at more than 80% reduction as compared to the untreated sample. Meanwhile, the fraction partially decreased the swarming and twitching of P. aeruginosa by 58% and 50% reduction respectively, in comparison to the untreated sample. The exhibited defect in the motility of P. aeruginosa proves the anti-QS property of the fraction of ethyl acetate extract of P. betle leaves and could be developed as a potential therapeutic agent against the pathogen.

Subwavelength electromagnetic wave absorption with ferroelectric particles that enhance the magnetic permeability in magnetodielectric composites

The need to block specific frequencies of electromagnetic (EM) waves in complex communication systems such as in wireless autonomous vehicles with EM absorption films is becoming increasingly important. Increasing safety requirements necessitate that the films operate with highly precise and accurate frequency selectivity, while commercial specifications demand extremely small thicknesses. Herein, we demonstrate that the mixing of ferroelectric BaTiO3 particles into a soft magnetic FeSiAl flake composite, followed by heat-pressing, not only enhances the electric permittivity, ϵ, which can be further tuned by oxygen vacancy engineering, but also increases the effective magnetic permeability, μ, by geometrically-induced suppression of eddy current losses and stressed-induced enhancements in the saturation magnetization. The enhanced refractive index (√ϵμ) in conjunction with the dielectric and magnetic loss leads to perfect absorption at a unique thickness that is ~15–44% thinner than its magnetic counterpart and an order of magnitude less than a quarter wavelength. These results pave the way for developing highly precise frequency selective absorption films with subwavelength thicknesses, and also provide strategies for reducing the soft magnetic material content in high-frequency ferromagnetic applications for decreased materials cost and weight.

Impact of Microbial Metabolites on Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The complex bidirectional communication system existing between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain initially termed the “gut–brain axis” and renamed the “microbiota–gut–brain axis”, considering the pivotal role of gut microbiota in sustaining local and systemic homeostasis, has a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The integration of signals deriving from the host neuronal, immune, and endocrine systems with signals deriving from the microbiota may influence the development of the local inflammatory injury and impacts also more distal brain regions, underlying the psychophysiological vulnerability of IBD patients. Mood disorders and increased response to stress are frequently associated with IBD and may affect the disease recurrence and severity, thus requiring an appropriate therapeutic approach in addition to conventional anti-inflammatory treatments. This review highlights the more recent evidence suggesting that alterations of the microbiota–gut–brain bidirectional communication axis may concur to IBD pathogenesis and sustain the development of both local and CNS symptoms. The participation of the main microbial-derived metabolites, also defined as “postbiotics”, such as bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, and tryptophan metabolites in the development of IBD-associated gut and brain dysfunction will be discussed. The last section covers a critical evaluation of the main clinical evidence pointing to the microbiome-based therapeutic approaches for the treatment of IBD-related gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Brown bear communication hubs: patterns and correlates of tree rubbing and pedal marking at a long-term marking site.

Chemical communication is important for many species of mammals. Male brown bears, Ursus arctos, mark trees with a secretion from glands located on their back. The recent discovery of pedal glands and pedal-marking at a site used for tree-rubbing led us to hypothesize that both types of marking form part of a more complex communication system. We describe the patterns of chemical communication used by different age and sex classes, including differences in the roles of these classes as information providers or receivers over four years at a long-term marking site. Using video recordings from a camera trap, we registered a total of 285 bear-visits and 419 behavioral events associated with chemical communication. Bears visited the site more frequently during the mating season, during which communication behaviors were more frequent. A typical visit by male bears consisted of sniffing the depressions where animals pedal mark, performing pedal-marking, sniffing the tree, and, finally, rubbing against the trunk of the tree. Adult males performed most pedal- and tree-marking (95% and 66% of the cases, respectively). Males pedal-marked and tree-rubbed in 81% and 48% of their visits and sniffed the pedal marks and the tree in 23% and 59% of visits, respectively. Adult females never pedal marked, and juveniles did so at very low frequencies. Females rubbed against the tree in just 9% of their visits; they sniffed the tree and the pedal marks in 51% and 21% of their visits, respectively. All sex and age classes performed pedal- and tree-sniffing. There were significant associations between behaviors indicating that different behaviors tended to occur during the same visit and were more likely if another individual had recently visited. These associations leading to repeated marking of the site can promote the establishment of long-term marking sites. Marking sites defined by trees and the trails leading to them seem to act as communication hubs that brown bears use to share and obtain important information at population level.