Connectivity Problems Research Articles

EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE INFORMAL BUSINESS SECTOR IN A RURAL SOUTH AFRICAN TOWN

South Africa has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world. This unemployment is more pronounced for those living in rural areas. As a result, many unemployed rural people turn to informal trading as a gateway to employment and economic activity. The study aims to explore the experiences and challenges of digital transformation in the informal business sector in a rural South African town. A case study design was used. Data was collected through interviews with a sample of 20 purposefully selected informal traders. The data was then analysed thematically. The study revealed that there is a lack of knowledge on digital transformation among formal traders. The study further revealed that the challenges concerning digital technology include a lack of ICT skills, network and internet connectivity problems, mistrust of technology, and fear of fraudulent activity. The study recommends greater expansion of digital technology support and training to informal traders. This study further recommends that digital technologies must be developed with the end user in mind. Moreover, the study recommends greater internet and connectivity investment in rural areas. Lastly, the study recommends the development of greater security features for digital technologies aimed at informal traders with low literacy levels. The study contributes to knowledge on the benefits and enhancement of the potential of digital technologies to assist small businesses against the background of high unemployment in the rural town of Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

The Application of Spiritual-Based Adult Education Methods to Increase Students' Independent Learning Motivation

This study aims to improve students' enthusiasm for independent learning through the application of the spiritual andragogy approach in the Islamic Educational Guidance and Counseling Study Program, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, State Islamic University of North Sumatra. The methodology used is descriptive qualitative, with data collection from six lecturers and forty students through interviews and questionnaires. The main findings indicate that the application of the spiritual andragogy approach that integrates Islamic beliefs can significantly improve students' motivation and learning outcomes. The benefits of this approach lie in its ability to facilitate learner-centred learning, value relevant experiences, and encourage independent learning. However, this study also identified several challenges, including the diversity of student backgrounds, internet connection problems, and difficulties in supervising their activities. The recommendations produced aim to optimize the use of the spiritual andragogy method in higher education, with a focus on improving student learning outcomes.

The impact of internet connectivity when conducting a virtual clinical trial with participants living in rural areas.

The purpose of this secondary analysis was to describe issues related to internet connections during a virtual randomized clinical trial (v-RCT) that included family caregiver participants living in rural areas. Success of v-RCTs depends on reliable, high-quality internet access, which can be problematic in rural areas. Interventionists documented connectivity issues and corrections made to address connectivity in a narrative note after each virtual visit with family caregivers enrolled in a v-RCT. Notes were reviewed for descriptions of the internet connection during the visit and then coded into those with and without connectivity problems. Two investigators reviewed notes and codes to assure reliability. Discrepancies in codes were discussed or arbitrated by a third investigator until consensus was reached. Analysis was completed using descriptive statistics. Of the 1003 visits reviewed, only 11% of visits (115/1003) contained a documented problem with internet connectivity. Visits with documented connectivity problems were experienced by 27% of participants (58/215). However, 60% (35/58) of participants with a documented issue had a problem with only one visit. None of the participants withdrew from the v-RCT due to problems with their internet connections. The findings support the effective use of virtual visits in research involving participants living in rural locations. V-RCTs provide a strategy that enables participation for individuals who may not otherwise have access to clinical trials conducted in-person in urban settings. Utilizing internet access to connect with and support people who live in rural areas is critically needed to advance clinical research.

Fault-tolerant topology construction and down-link rate maximization in air-ground integrated networks

Due to the advantages in flexible deployment, fast communication recovery and high quality of service (QoS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been widely used in wireless communications and networking. However, existing works have not sufficiently solved the problem of reliable and survivable connectivity of UAV networks. In this paper, we investigate the deployment of multiple UAVs, cooperating with a ground mobile station (GMS), to provide wireless coverage for ground users. Under the constraints of satisfying different QoS of users and the resource limitation of UAVs, our aim is to minimize the number of deployed UAVs and maximize the sum down-link rate of all users. In order to ensure the survivability of the deployed UAV networks, we also constraint that each UAV has at least two disjoint paths to GMS to form a fault-tolerant topology. Unfortunately, the formulate problem is intractable and cannot be solved directly. To solve this problem, we decouple the original problem into two subproblems: (1) minimized fault-tolerant topology construction concerning user demands; (2) maximized down-link rate with access policy optimization. Then, we propose a heuristic link-cost minimization method and a potential-game-based user rate maximization method to solve the two subproblems, respectively. The effectiveness of the solution is validated through simulations. Meanwhile, ours also outperforms some baselines in minimized UAVs, down-link transmission rate as well as running time.

Robust Routing Optimization in VANET Communication Based on Bellman–Ford Multitier Metaheuristic Algorithms

ABSTRACTIn modern cities, vehicle ad hoc networks (VANETs) hold great promise for improving safety on the roads, traffic control, and communicating. The constantly changing and intricate nature of VANETs hampers adequate routing due to a variety of factors. The work examines the use of a multitiered metaheuristic algorithm that combines Bellman–Ford routing with the Fire Hawk, Gannet Optimization, and Mayfly Optimization algorithms to find optimal routing solutions for VANETs. The suggested work addresses network topological dynamics, actual time limitations, flexibility, connectivity problems, and security issues, in addition to the different quality of service (QoS) requirements in VANETs. Bellman–Ford serves as the foundational routing layer and maintains communication, whereas Fire Hawk, Gannet Optimization, and Mayfly Optimization improve and optimize routing patterns at subsequent levels. The multitier approach aims to strike a balance between the rational and probabilistic aspects of routing so as to satisfy the minimal latency needs of applications that are safety‐critical and respond quickly to the rapid changes in VANETs. The suggested work is evaluated with a traffic density ranging from 500 to 5000 with a step size of 500, and it has been observed that for the highest traffic density of 5000, the proposed work obtains a latency of 3.88 ms, data delivery rate of 0.944, a throughput of 2.94 Mbps, and energy efficiency of 97.14%. The proposed work remains robust compared to integrating state‐of‐the‐art metaheuristic algorithms such as ECRA, HOPRP, and CM. Overall, the proposed routing techniques increase routing efficiency in VANETs and make it possible to create vehicle communication networks that are more trustworthy and safe.

Cyber Physical Echoes - Harnessing Digital Twin Intelligence for Real Time System Optimization

Digital Twin Technology (DTT) redefines the landscape of cyber-physical systems (CPS) by providing real-time, virtual replicas of physical processes and their counterparts in complex real-world networks for viewing, analyze and optimize digital twin complex systems through real-time data integration for predictive insights, making them more valuable in industries such as construction, healthcare, smart cities, energy management, etc. DTT provides they could streamline manufacturing techniques, enhance operational efficiency, and assist data-pushed selection-making, in order that normal CPS -Increases flexibility and responsiveness For instance, the ability of digital twins in construction mapping the development industry, helping to prioritize problems and streamline operations, at the same time as looking forward to demand and supporting the planning of smart towns Despite these advantages, the use of DTT role in CPS affords demanding situations are , inclusive of statistics privateness worries, connectivity problems, and the want for scalable solutions that can control massive, disparate databases. Keywords: Digital-Twin Technology, Cyber Systems, Real-Time Data Integration.

Problem Posing as a Way of Promoting Individual Mathematical Thinking in STEM Contexts – The Case of Climate Change

AbstractProblems encountered in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) contexts cannot be adequately described or solved with the knowledge of a single discipline. Instead, a high level of inter- and transdisciplinary knowledge and methods is required to overcome them. These help to pose problems about the complex challenges and solve them in a creative way. The better the knowledge within one and of different disciplines is interlinked, the more targeted questions can be formulated and answered. Mathematical concepts serve as the foundation for many of the pressing problems of our time. At the same time, these problems offer a wide range of opportunities for individualized exploration. They are equally suitable for students with different interests and levels of ability, as everyone can identify and work on an individual problem within the given context. However, numerous studies have shown that posing adequate mathematical problems must be learnt as well as knowledge from different disciplines is not automatically linked or transferred to other situations. The ability to grasp the formal structure of a problem, recognize problems, and find connecting problems are characteristics of mathematically gifted children and young people that need to be promoted. In our theory-based contribution, we use a concrete context to illustrate which possible mathematically rich problems can be posed by students of different ages and abilities. This approach facilitates the development of their individual abilities according to their interests and potential.

Understanding User Experience with Smart Home Products

ABSTRACT There has been a surge in the popularity of smart home products. Existing literature primarily focuses on the initial adoption of these products, with less attention given to the post-adoption stage. This has created a research gap in understanding user experience (UX) and the key dimensions of user satisfaction and dissatisfaction. This study aims to address this gap by examining both positive and negative user experiences with smart home products. Using robotic vacuum cleaners as a case study, we analyze key UX dimensions derived from their positive and negative reviews on Amazon.com that influence user satisfaction and dissatisfaction, respectively. Dimensions contributing to satisfaction include “functionality,” “smartness,” and “enhanced capacity (mopping feature).” In contrast, “insufficient smartness,” “poor customer service,” and “connectivity problems” are critical dimensions for user dissatisfaction. Notably, “smartness” serves as a double-edged sword, potentially leading to high satisfaction but also significant dissatisfaction if poorly implemented. Our analysis also includes a comparative examination of robotic vacuums with traditional vacuums, highlighting the different UX dimensions associated with each product type. Using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), we further examine the configurations of these UX dimensions that contribute to satisfaction and dissatisfaction. To generalize our findings, we applied our framework to smart thermostats and proposed a UX model for smart home products. Our findings not only fill the research gap in smart home literature but also offer valuable insights for practitioners in designing smart home products and developing marketing strategies. Our research method can be applied to understand user experience with various types of smart home products and other innovative technologies.

Mitigating Intermittent Connectivity Problems in Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication (V2VC): A Sparse Network Computational Model (SNCM)

INTRODUCTION: Wireless communication has made remarkable progress, by the rapid development of wireless technology in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) have received significant attention to ensure safety. However, V2V communication in VANETs faces uncontrollable challenges due to frequent intermittent connectivity issues in infrastructure-less networks. Addressing these problems in both safety and non-safety applications is a complex task.OBJECTIVES: To mitigate the intermittent connectivity problems, a novel Sparse Network Computational Model (SNCM) was proposed.METHODS: Extensive simulations using MATLAB to analyze the impact of spatial-temporal variations under different traffic flow densities. We varied the sensitivity factor (λ) at different time intervals while maintaining a constant traffic density. RESULTS: The findings indicate that there is no need to increase λ beyond certain thresholds for each level of service. The simulation results provide valuable guidelines for designing sparse networks, effectively mitigating frequent intermittent disconnections. Simulation experiments revealed an optimal threshold for the sensitivity factor λ for each level of service. Increasing λ beyond certain thresholds did not yield significant improvements in mitigating disconnections in V2V communication.CONCLUSION: The results provide valuable insights and guidelines for designing sparse networks to enhance connectivity and address intermittent disconnection issues. This paper presents a groundbreaking endeavor, and therefore, direct comparisons with existing protocols to evaluate its overall performance are beyond the scope of this paper. Instead, the SNCM protocol is intended to set a standard for future researchers to benchmark their research contributions against.

Optimization method of cable structure demolition driven by digital twin evolution model

The large-span cable structure has the problems of complex component connection, cumbersome demolition process and difficult process coordination, which lead to high construction safety risk and low efficiency. Moreover, the optimization of the construction process scheme is difficult, and the convergence and visualization of the finite element analysis are insufficient, which hinders the construction efficiency. This study proposes a cable structure demolition optimization method driven by the digital twin (DT) evolution model. From the perspective of virtual-real mapping, the DT evolution process of cable structure demolition is clarified. The virtualization method of physical demolition process is formed by integrating visual modeling, simulation modeling and data modeling. Taking full account of the temporal and spatial evolution of the demolition process, a DT evolution model of the demolition process is established. Starting from the information flow, component flow, control flow and their relationship, the problems existing in the process of demolition execution are analyzed. Driven by the twin evolution process, a data mapping method for the demolition process is proposed. The safety risk is characterized by the mechanical properties (MPs) of the structure, and the expression language of the data association relationship is established. The particle swarm optimization back propagation neural network (PSO-BPNN) is improved, and an intelligent analysis method of MPs in the whole process of demolition is proposed. The best construction scheme is obtained by integrating the changes in MPs between the various demolition steps. The information of the demolition evolution process is divided into functional modules, and a DT platform is developed to efficiently guide the actual construction. Taking the demolition process of a cable truss experimental model as an example, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified. The research results show that the DT evolution model can accurately map the actual demolition process. The deep learning method analyzes the mechanical properties of the structure and obtains the best construction scheme quickly and accurately. The development and application of the twin platform improves the degree of visualization and realizes the efficient guidance of the virtual model to the actual construction.

The Use of Probability and Edge Analysis to Solve the Multi-Period Degree Constrained Minimum Spanning Tree Problem

The goal of the Multiperiod Degree Constrained Minimum Spanning Tree (MPDCMST) problem is to determine the smallest weight-spanning tree that satisfies the vertex installation criterion for each period and maintains the degree requirement in each vertex. This issue emerges as a network connection problem. The degree requirement indicates the reliability of each vertex, and the vertex connection/installation requirement denotes the priority vertices that must be inserted in the network within a specific time frame. The installation is split up into multiple phases/stages. This is because of various considerations such as severe weather, budgetary limitations, etc. In this research, two algorithms for solving the MPDCMST using probability hybridized with Prim’s modification, and edge analysis are proposed. The algorithms are implemented on the undirected complete graph of orders 10 to 100. The solutions are compared with some heuristics which are already in the literature. The results show that the proposed algorithms perform better.

Feasibility of a Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Protocol for "off-on" Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Evaluation.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a standard treatment for patients with heart failure and electrical dyssynchrony. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard for assessing left ventricular (LV) function. However, the feasibility of using CMR with active CRT is still uncertain. To assess the feasibility of a CRT "off-on" protocol during CMR and measure the acute effects of CRT interruption on LV function. Patients underwent CMR before (pre-CRT) and 6 months after (post-CRT) an MR-conditional CRT defibrillator implantation. The post-CRT scan included two complete sets of cine images, one with inactive (post-CRTOFF) and one with active CRT (post-CRTON), maintaining a continuous connection between device and programmer. Out of 29 enrolled patients, 8 (28%) had complete and analyzable post-CRT data. Unsuccessful procedures were attributed to connection problems between the CRT device and the programmer (n = 10), poor image quality (n = 7), and lack of patient cooperation (n = 4). LV ejection fraction significantly increased between pre-CRT scan (28.1%) and both post-CRTOFF (37.9%; p = 0.046) and post-CRTON CMR (35.0%; p = 0.037), with a nonstatistically significant trend toward decreased LV volumes. No adverse events or significant changes in device electrical parameters (including battery level) were detected during the post-CMR scan period. A CRT "off-on" protocol during CMR studies can be safely executed in patients with an MR-conditional CRT defibrillator. However, technical improvements are needed to facilitate high-quality scans during active CRT. Favorable changes in LV function induced by CRT remodeling were not acutely reversed with the interruption of electrical therapy.

The Impact of E-Ticketing System on Bus Transportation Service in Tanzania

This study investigates the impact of the e-ticketing system on bus transportation services in Tanzania. The main objective of the research is to assess how the e-ticketing system influences various aspects of bus transportation in Tanzania. Specific objectives include examining the role of e-ticketing, identifying the challenges it poses, and exploring strategies for its improvement. Primary data were collected through well-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, providing both quantitative and qualitative insights into the effectiveness of the e-ticketing system. The findings reveal that the e-ticketing system has significantly enhanced revenue management, passenger convenience, sustainability, and fraud prevention, with significance levels of .02, .01, .02, and .02, respectively. These results highlight the system's valuable contribution to improving service quality. However, the study also identifies several challenges, including technical issues, connectivity problems, resistance to change, and security concerns. To address these challenges, the study proposes strategies such as increasing awareness and educational campaigns, upgrading technology and infrastructure, implementing offline options, and enhancing feedback and support mechanisms. These recommendations aim to optimize the e-ticketing system's effectiveness and address its limitations, ultimately improving the overall bus transportation service in Tanzania.

Digital Skills Improvement for MSMEs in Rural Areas for Online Marketing

This Community Service (PKM) aims to improve the digital skills of MSME actors in rural areas, especially in online marketing, through online training using the Zoom platform. This activity is motivated by the low digital skills of MSMEs in rural areas, which limits their access to the digital market. The method used is participatory action research (PAR), involving 30 MSME actors who are selected by purposive sampling. The training lasts four weeks and includes two weekly sessions, covering material on digital marketing, the use of social media, e-commerce, and marketing performance monitoring. The results showed a significant improvement in participants' digital skills, with an average pre-test score of 45 increasing to 80 on the post-test. Implementing the skills learned also resulted in an increase in engagement on social media by 40% and an increase in online transactions by 20%-30%. Participants gave positive feedback regarding the relevance of the training and the application of the skills taught. This activity fills the gap in previous research by focusing on practical strategies adapted to the conditions of MSMEs in rural areas. The main obstacle faced is the problem of internet connectivity, which needs to be considered in the next training. Overall, this activity has succeeded in increasing the competitiveness of MSMEs in the digital market

Resilience and Adversities: The Case of HEI Faculty and Students

The goal of this study was to look into the Higher Education Institution’s (HEI) faculty and students’ resilience and adversity amidst challenges in life. A descriptive correlational research design was employed in this study, with data drawn from the faculty respondents having a normal level of resilience while the students have low resilience in facing adversities. Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between gender, age, and marital status with the resilience level of the faculty. However, there is a negative correlation with gender and marital status to the level of students’ resilience. Thus, it is recommended to have interventions on some factors such as promoting the well-being of the graduate faculty and students, internet connectivity problems, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) literacy in using the new learning modality.

The Telegraphic Body: Dyspepsia, Modern Life, and 'Gastric Time' in Nineteenth-Century Medicine and Culture.

From Italian physician Hieronymus Mercurialis's contention that the stomach was 'the king of the belly', to its promotion by the end of the nineteenth century to the 'monarch of humanity' in patent medicine, to Byron Robinson's discovery of the enteric nervous system in 1907 (a mesh of neural connectivity that led him to dub the gut 'the second brain'), there has historically been a longstanding awareness of the expansive reach of the gut in the functions of the body. In the nineteenth century, the authority of the gut and its allyship with the brain became a focus for writers thinking about the intersections of illness and 'modern life'. In medical texts, domestic health manuals, patent medicine, and fiction, the electric telegraph in particular became a way of envisaging what we would now call the 'gut-brain axis'. The telegraphic metaphor enabled a view of digestion as not simply a mechanical or chemical process, but one that was understood in terms of time, space, and communication. However, such a framework also suggested problems of connection that were common to both systems, emphasising not only the healthy body's quasi-telegraphic networks but also its vulnerability to delay, disruption, and pathological incoherence. This article will explore the use of telegraphic technologies as proxies for theorising gastric connection and more broadly the concept of 'gastric time' as a key conceit for understanding digestion as a process that was and is subject to the idiosyncrasies of bodily rhythms.

Association Model-Based Intermittent Connection Fault Diagnosis for Controller Area Networks

Controller Area Networks (CANs) play an important role in many safety-critical industrial systems, which places high demands on their reliability performance. However, the intermittent connection (IC) of network cables, a random and transient connectivity problem, is a common but hard troubleshooting fault that can cause network performance degradation, system-level failures, and even safety issues. Therefore, to ensure the reliability of CANs, a fault symptom association model-based IC fault diagnosis method is proposed. Firstly, the symptoms are defined by examining the error records, and the domains of the symptoms are derived to represent the causal relationship between the fault locations and the symptoms. Secondly, the fault probability for each location is calculated by minimizing the difference between the symptom probabilities calculated from the count information and those fitted by the total probability formula. Then, the fault symptom association model is designed to synthesize the causal and the probabilistic diagnostic information. Finally, a model-based maximal contribution diagnosis algorithm is developed to locate the IC faults. Experimental results of three case studies show that the proposed method can accurately and efficiently identify various IC fault location scenarios in networks.

Correction to: A MILP model and a heuristic algorithm for post-disaster connectivity problem with heterogeneous vehicles

Correction to: A MILP model and a heuristic algorithm for post-disaster connectivity problem with heterogeneous vehicles

Automatic device arrangement and wiring for fire alarm systems in metro stations: A case study

Fire alarm systems in metro stations play an important role in safeguarding lives and properties. The design process for these systems is complex and time-consuming due to the diversity of device types, wide distribution of device locations, and numerous compulsory design codes. This paper proposes an automatic design framework for fire alarm systems aimed at enhancing design efficiency. The framework includes five automated processes: information preprocessing, device arrangement, system loop generation, device wiring, and result generation. By converting the computer-aided design (CAD) results into building information models (BIM), building information and related professional device information are obtained, addressing the need for fire alarm system (FAS) design to integrate with multiple disciplines. The process can also automatically arrange FAS devices according to design specifications. Optimization algorithms, such as Ant Colony Algorithm and Prim Algorithm, are used to determine the device connection order and solve the problems of obstacle avoidance and orthogonal connections between two points. Compared to traditional design methods, the proposed automatic design framework for fire alarm systems in metro stations can not only satisfy the mandatory design requirements but also avoid the cumbersome and repetitive design process, providing new solutions for designers. Additionally, it can reduce wire length and save on construction costs. Using a real metro station as a case study, it is calculated that the automatic design can save between 8 % and 48 % of the wire length.

EXPLORING STUDENT ENGAGEMENT WITH FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT AND ICT TOOLS

This study investigates the potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools to enhance formative assessment (FA) practices in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms. While previous research has focused primarily on teacher feedback in writing courses, this study emphasizes a broader scope of FA. Utilizing a cross-sectional, quantitative analysis, the research examines how ICT tools support FA's goal of facilitating the learning process from students' perspectives, thereby informing effective teaching practices and improving learning outcomes. Participants included 173 university EFL students in Japan, divided into English majors and non-English majors. The study employed a revision of an existing survey for language learning with digital tools and a self-developed survey based on an existing framework for FA. Correlational analysis indicated that participants generally perceived ICT tools as supportive of all five FA principles. Despite issues like connectivity problems, students found the tools valuable for making the learning progress visible and enhancing peer communication. The study underscores the importance of understanding and practicing FA beyond feedback, such as clarifying learning goals and fostering peer learning, to enhance learning. These findings suggest that integrating ICT tools into FA practices can significantly benefit EFL instruction by promoting student engagement and self-regulated learning.