Telecommunications Research Articles

Sanctions and Global Collaboration in Innovative Activities

ABSTRACTSanctions are one of the most prominent tools in international politics, designed to influence the target countries' policies by inflicting economic damage. Sanctions may also interfere with collaborative research relationships between countries, reducing knowledge diffusion and growth. In this paper, we study the impact of travel sanctions on patents that contain multiple inventors that are located in more than one country. Using a gravity model framework that includes 173 countries over 43 years, we find that travel sanctions negatively impact international patent collaboration. Specifically, travel sanctions reduce the intensity of collaboration by 43%. This impact only occurs during the sanctioning period, is persistent even in distant country pairs and is partially moderated by the availability of telecommunication technology.

Effective Multi-Layered Structure Design with Carbon-Based Hybrid Polymer Nanocomposites Using Evolutionary Algorithms

Electromagnetic wave-absorbing materials (EMAMs) and structures are crucial in aerospace and electronic communications due to their ability to absorb electromagnetic waves. The development of materials that are lightweight, sustainable, and cost-effective, exhibiting high-performance absorption across a broad frequency spectrum, is therefore important. However, homogeneous electromagnetic absorbing materials require assistance to meet all these criteria. Therefore, developing multi-layer absorbing coatings is essential for enhancing performance. The present study uses 21 different composites of varying weight fractions of polypropylene, graphene nanoplatelets, and multiwall carbon nanotubes nanocomposites to develop multi-layer absorbing materials and optimize their performance. These multi-layer carbon polymer nanocomposites were meticulously constructed using evolutionary algorithms like Non-sorted Genetic Algorithm-II and Particle Swarm Optimization to achieve ultra-broadband electromagnetic wave absorption capabilities. Among the designed electromagnetic absorbing materials, a two-layer model, i.e., 1.5 wt% MWCNT/PP/epoxy with a thickness of 1.052 mm and 2.7% GNP/PP/epoxy with a thickness of 4.456 mm totaling 5.506 mm, was identified as optimal using NSGA-II. The structure has exhibited exceptional absorption performance with a minimum reflection loss of −21 dB and a qualified bandwidth extending to 4.2 GHz. PSO validated and optimized this structure, confirming NSGA-II’s efficiency and effectiveness in quickly obtaining optimal solutions. This broadband absorber design combines the structure design and material functioning through additive manufacturing, allowing it to absorb well over a wide frequency range.

When work never ends: How after-hours electronic communication expectations affect job satisfaction through work interference with family and emotional exhaustion

In today’s interconnected and fast-paced work environment, technological advancements have blurred the boundaries between work and personal life. Consequently, employees often find themselves expected to remain available for electronic communication outside regular work hours. While some studies suggest that this aids employees in transitioning between work and home life, it may also hinder their ability to maintain a balance between work and personal life. Thus, drawing on boundary theory and conservation of resources theory, this study examines the impact of after-hours electronic communication expectations (AECE) on job satisfaction through work interference with family and emotional exhaustion. The results of data collected from 300 participants in the textile industry of Pakistan reveal a direct negative impact of AECE on job satisfaction. The results also indicate an indirect effect, wherein AECE influences job satisfaction through a sequential mediation process involving work interference with family, emotional exhaustion, and ultimately, negatively impacts job satisfaction, indicating a cascading effect. The study’s implications for theory and practice, as well as its limitations, are also addressed and discussed.

31W Linear broadband 3.4 to 4.4 GHZ high power class-j GaN HEMT amplifier

The recent upsurge in wireless communication systems requiring high-power transmitters for numerous applications such as electronic warfare (EW), RADAR, Satellite and optical communications has further underscored the importance of linear broadband high-power Class-J power amplifiers. This paper proposes a 31W linear broadband 3.4 to 4.4 GHz high-power Class-J GaN HEMT(gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor)amplifier. The power amplifier was designed based on Cree's commercially available 10WGaN HEMT power transistor device (CGHV40010F) using Keysight Advanced Design System (ADS) software and simulated. The transistor was biased withadrain supply voltage of 48V at aquiescent drain-to-source current of 0.58A,which makes the power transistor suitable for high voltage transmitter operations and foreclosed the need for voltage upgrade, thereby reducing thecost of operation. The power amplifier (PA) operates from 3.4 to 4.4 GHz with a centre frequency of 3.9 GHz. The PA has an output power of 31W, drain efficiency of 36.3%, power added efficiency of 35.3% and power gain of 12.9 dB at an input power of 32 dBm. The PA small signal gain stood at 10.6 dB at acentre frequency of 3.9 GHz. The PA maintained a peak envelope power of 56.2W at aninput power of 31 dBm at atwo-tone Frequency of 3.895 GHz. The proposed PA will find applications in wireless communications, military and aviation transmitters.

Privacy and Personal Data Protection v. the Protection of National Security and the Fight Against Crime: An Analysis of EU Law and Judicial Practice

Considering the risks that accompany technological progress, the need for personal data protection has significantly increased in today’s world. While digital technology offers many benefits, it has also created unprecedented opportunities for surveillance, posing a threat to human rights and democratic values. Fighting against crime and safeguarding national security are important legitimate aims, and processing data related to electronic communications is one of the means for their achievement. At the same time, the state’s extensive power can create a sense of constant surveillance and give rise to a chilling effect. The wide discretion of state authorities and the covert nature of implemented measures generate a high risk of human rights violations. Therefore, one of the main challenges in human rights law is finding a balance between combating crime and protecting national security, on the one hand, and safeguarding human rights, on the other. Over the past few years, the Court of Justice of the European Union has delivered significant judgments on the compliance of legal regimes governing the retention and transmission of electronic communications data with EU law. When ensuring a fair balance between different interests, the CJEU appropriately considers both the threats present in the modern world and the importance of human rights protection. The present article discusses the processing of personal data in the electronic communications sector under EU law and analyses the development of the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Fiber To The Home (Ftth) Network Infrastructure Design Using Gigabyte Passive Optical Network (Gpon) Technology South Solok District

Fiber To The Home (FTTH) Network with Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) Technology in South Solok Regency, supervised by Ibu Amelia Yolanda, ST as supervisor 1 and Ibuk Popy Maria, ST STT as supervisor 2. Development of Telecommunications technology as a necessity Currently, communication has developed rapidly, transmission media facilities are needed that are capable of transmitting information with large capacities and adequate data transfer speeds. By implementing GPON technology, FTTH services can reach users at up to speed. This research aims to design an FTTH network using GPON technology in the South Solok Regency area, obtain results of identification and analysis of communication network needs for the Nagari Lubuk Gadang Selatan community in South Solok Regency, obtain results of FTTH network infrastructure design using GPON technology for Nagari Lubuk Gadang Selatan Regency. South Solok.

Mobile learning in the classroom – Should students bring mobile devices for learning, or should these be provided by schools?

AbstractIn recent years, the importance of mobile devices has increased for education in general and more specifically for science and mathematics education. In the classroom, approaches for teaching with mobile devices include using student-owned devices (“bring your own device”; BYOD approach) or using school-owned devices from central pools (POOL approach). While many studies point out features of mobile learning and BYOD that are conducive to learning, a research gap can be identified in the analysis of effects of mobile device access concepts on teaching–learning processes. Thus, this study aimed to empirically compare BYOD and POOL approaches in terms of learning performance and cognitive performance (subject knowledge development, cognitive load, concentration performance). Furthermore, the analyses included specific characteristics and preconditions (gender, socioeconomic status, fear of missing out, problematic smartphone use). A quasi-experimental study (two groups) was conducted in year 8 and 9 physics classes (N = 339 students) in which smartphones are used for different purposes. The present data show no group differences between the BYOD and the POOL approach in the group of learners with respect to subject knowledge development, cognitive load, and concentration performance. However, individual findings in subsamples indicate that the POOL approach may be beneficial for certain learners (e.g., learners with low fear of missing out or learners tending toward problematic smartphone use). For school practice, these results indicate that organizational, economic, and ecological aspects appear to be the main factors in deciding about the mobile device access concept.

Beyond the Death of God and the Birth of Homo-Deus: a Call for Universal Values

Abstract A major development in world history was witnessed in the 1980s, as anticipated by Friedrich Nietzsche in the nineteenth century; viz. the death of God and the rise of Ubermensch [Superman]. This new version of being human, Homo-Deus, is a product of globalisation relentlessly imposed through our current age of electronic communications. The internet has become of a crucible where Homo-Deus’ isolated, subjective a-moral values are imposed, absorbed by a boundless society through the influence of anonymous repetitions performed in isolation, and thus the world wide web creates a-moral and uncritical modes of life, embraced by everyone without any reflective vetting process. Without location in any cultural heritage, and no identity with any community, the anonymity of Homo-Deus leaves every individual aimless and without a cogent, collectively approved set of values to guide their social interactions. The Superman needs to be redirected morally, in order to pre-empt the emergence of a totally chaotic society.

Propuesta de construcción de nuevos corpus: los mensajes de voz de WhatsApp como fuente de datos lingüísticos

Despite the fact that corpus linguistics has been nourished in recent years by data collected in the new electronic communication channels, the bases from oral sources of telematic origin are still scarce. However, as in many other research areas, the health crisis caused by covid-19 has generated the need to accelerate the incorporation of this type of material in sociolinguistic research. Consequently, within the framework of the PRESEEA-Málaga Project, we consider that the collection of voice messages sent through the WhatsApp application can be a fast, efficient and low-cost way to build new oral linguistic corpora. This paper presents a theoretical discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of this type of corpus. In addition, the methodology used for the collection, storage and organization of the materials that we have used up to now at the University of Malaga is detailed, with special attention to the coding plans created and the classification strategies used. Finally, examples of the stored materials are shown in an attempt to present the analysis potential offered by this new type of corpus.

Product Liability and E-commerce in Ghana: Focusing Ghana’s Regulatory Framework on Consumer Protection

The e-commerce industry in Ghana has experienced significant development over the past fifteen years. E-commerce platforms like Jumia, Tonaton, and Jiji attract significant daily internet traffic.The growth of the e-commerce industry raises questions about the protection of online consumers. This paper evaluates the degree to which Ghana’s Electronic Transactions Act 2008 (Act 772) safeguards the rights of consumers who use e-commerce platforms. While commending the Act for its provisions on disclosure, unsolicited electronic communications, and a consumer’s choice to affirm or rescind an electronic contract based on the seller’s non-compliance, this paper argues that the Act is inflexible in the remedies it provides consumers and does not sufficiently cover other aspects of consumer protection such as the obligation of suppliers and consumers in lastmile delivery. This paper recommends the adoption of some provisions of the Convention on the International Sale of Goods and the Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts to fill the gaps identified to ensure consumer protection and the integrity of e-commerce transactions in Ghana.

Developing STEP-SE: A Qualitative Usability Study of a Novel Patient-Reported Outcomes Tool for Managing Side Effects in Shared Decision-Making for Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder Care.

Schizophrenia treatment with antipsychotics often results in side effects that impact adherence and quality of life. Managing these effects remains challenging, as it requires balancing efficacy and tolerability. The Schizophrenia Technological Evaluation of Patient Side Effects (STEP-SE) app aims to aid side effects monitoring and management through shared decision-making (SDM). This study aimed to evaluate the usability of the STEP-SE app for patients and clinicians in managing antipsychotic side effects. Sixteen stable outpatients and 14 psychiatrists participated in semi-structured interviews after using the STEP-SE app. Questions explored ease of use, information clarity, user needs fulfilment, patient-clinician collaboration, treatment adherence improvement, patient empowerment and clinical utility. Data were analysed thematically. Overall satisfaction with STEP-SE was high. Both groups found that the tool improved patient involvement, provided reliable information to enhance therapeutic alliance, posed low risks of misunderstanding and had an intuitive interface. Patients felt more motivated and empowered. Clinicians appreciated guideline consistency. Preferences differed regarding data visualization formats. STEP-SE shows potential for aiding SDM on antipsychotic side effects. Patients gained motivation, and clinicians felt reassured. Refinements around mobile access, graphics and features could augment utility. Generalizability is limited given the stable patient sample. Preliminary findings suggest that STEP-SE effectively engages patients, empowers them and supports clinicians in collaborative side effect management. Further testing with diverse user groups is warranted. The current study was designed to gather patient and public feedback for the development of our decision aid tool, STEP-SE. Participants interacted with the tool's prototype in interactive sessions, providing insights and identifying technical issues. Their feedback was crucial for enhancing the tool, with each suggestion and bug report carefully considered for future iterations. The participants' contributions were key in optimizing STEP-SE's features and ensuring its relevance and reliability. We thank all who shared their time and perspectives, significantly shaping the tool's user-centred design.

Telemedicine in nephrology: future perspective and solutions.

Telemedicine is a medical practice that uses electronic information and communication technologies. It is not exclusive to face-to-face care but complements face-to-face care and other forms of medical care. It has advantages such as facilitating home therapy, reducing patient travel time and costs, and empowering patients. This makes equitable access to care feasible. Clinical studies have been conducted on telemedicine in nephrology outpatient care, inpatient consultations and hemodialysis, indicating that telemedicine can improve patient satisfaction, leading to enhanced treatment owing to increased adherence and frequency of visits. However, it has not been sufficiently used in the kidney field. The key to spreading "telenephrology" (telemedicine in nephrology) is how physical examinations and laboratory/imaging/physiological tests, currently challenging to perform without face-to-face contact, can be substituted with methods optimized for the telemedicine framework. This paper describes the current status of telemedicine and telenephrology, along with advanced methods for collecting data equivalent to laboratory, imaging and physiological tests outside of hospitals, including estimation of serum creatinine levels from saliva or tear fluid, estimation of blood hemoglobin levels by taking pictures of the eyelid conjunctiva or nails with a smartphone and ultrasound of the kidneys using motion capture technology. With an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of current telemedicine, we should make full use of it for better treatment and patient care. However, further telenephrology research is required.

An overview of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) ANSI X12 4010 Version

The ANSI X12 4010 is a widely adopted version of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) X12 standards for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). This paper explores its foundational principles, structure, common transaction sets, and real-world applications, emphasizing its role in improving efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness in business operations. The 4010 version continues to serve as a cornerstone in industries requiring streamlined electronic communication, despite the emergence of newer versions and complementary standards.

A qualitative study of the experiences of patients with prostate cancer when receiving negative genetic results: "I still don't have a grasp of what it all means".

Germline genetic testing has been increasingly conducted for treatment implications in patients with prostate cancer due to the expansion of testing eligibility. Understanding patients' comprehension of genetic results is crucial for establishing effective result disclosure practices. This importance has grown due to the increasing prevalence of negative genetic results being conveyed via electronic communication and by providers without a genetics specialization. This study explores patients with prostate cancer's perceptions of genetic results communication. We analyzed 24 qualitative, semi-structured interviews with patients with prostate cancer at an urban safety-net hospital who had genetic results documented in their medical records. Interview questions focused on patient experiences with genetic referrals, genetic counseling, and genetic result disclosure. Audio recordings were professionally transcribed and analyzed by the study team utilizing an inductive thematic approach to generate themes from recurring codes. Of those who participated, 18 were interviewed in English, 5 in Spanish, and 1 in Haitian Creole. No participants reported having a pathogenic variant identified with genetic testing. Study participants identified a number of gaps in results communication which led to misconceptions regarding hereditary cancer risk. Three themes were generated: (1) Patients desired clear communication about the next steps after genetic testing, (2) Patients commonly experienced cognitive dissonance with negative genetic results given personal and family history of cancer, and (3) Patients felt reassurance from negative genetic results. This research suggests that maintaining conversations between patients and healthcare providers alongside the delivery of negative results assists in patient comprehension. Additionally, it is essential to evaluate the accessibility and appropriateness of notes and results sent to patients. Ultimately, understanding communication barriers in genetic results return is imperative in order to provide high-quality genetic care.

Nonlinear Analysis and Solution for an Overhead Line Magnetic Energy Harvester with an Active Rectifier

Recently, there has been a significant focus on developing various energy harvesting technologies to power remote electronic sensors, data loggers, and communication devices for smart grid systems. Among these technologies, magnetic energy harvesting stands out as one straightforward method to extract substantial power from current-carrying overhead lines. Due to the relatively small size of the harvester, the high currents in the distribution system quickly saturate its magnetic core. Consequently, the magnetic harvester operates in a highly nonlinear manner. The nonlinear nature of the downstream AC to DC converters further complicates the process, making precise analytical modeling a challenging task. In this paper, a clamped type overhead line magnetic energy harvester with a controlled active rectifier generating significant DC output power is investigated. A piecewise nonlinear analytical model of the magnetic harvester is derived and reported. The modeling approach is based on the application of the Froelich equation. The chosen approximation method allowed for a complete piecewise nonlinear analytical treatise of the harvester’s behavior. The main findings of this study include a closed-form solution that accounts for both the core and rectifiers’ nonlinearities and provides an accurate quantitative prediction of the harvester’s key parameters such as the transfer window width, optimal pulse location, average DC output current, and average output power. To facilitate the study, a nonlinear model of the core was developed in simulation software, based on parameters extracted from core experimental data. Furthermore, theoretical predictions were verified through comparison with a computer simulation and experimental results of a laboratory prototype harvester. Good agreement between the theoretical, simulation, and experimental results was found.

SMS Medicine: Revolutionizing Healthcare Delivery through Mobile Technology

In the contemporary era, digital technologies have significantly transformed the medical sector, enhancing accessibility and efficiency through advanced connectivity. Telemedicine, a pivotal advancement in medical science, facilitates remote diagnosis and treatment via telephones and other digital devices. Among various telemedicine modalities, Short Message Service (SMS) medicine emerges as a particularly effective method for delivering healthcare services over long distances using mobile technologies. This paper explores the transformative potential of SMS medicine in healthcare delivery, particularly in low-resource settings and during emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where it served as a critical tool in maintaining patient care while minimizing physical contact. Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis of case studies, the study highlights the benefits of SMS medicine, including cost-effectiveness, scalability, improved medication adherence, chronic disease management, and enhanced patient-provider communication. Additionally, the integration of SMS with web and mobile applications, such as MDLIVE and Updox, demonstrates increased flexibility and accessibility for patients, especially in rural areas. However, the implementation of SMS medicine is not without challenges, including data privacy concerns, technological limitations, disparities in mobile phone access, and the need for effective integration with existing healthcare systems. The paper also discusses future directions, emphasizing the potential integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to further enhance personalized medicine and real-time health monitoring. By addressing these challenges and leveraging SMS’s strengths, SMS medicine can bridge critical gaps in healthcare access and delivery, offering sustainable and inclusive solutions for diverse populations. This research underscores the significance of SMS medicine in revolutionizing healthcare systems, particularly in resource-limited environments.

Beirut Port Blast: Use of Electronic Health Record System During a Mass Casualty Event

Introduction: Emergency departments (ED) play a central role in defining the effectiveness and quality of the overall hospital’s mass casualty incident (MCI) response. The use of electronic health records (EHR) in hospital settings has been rapidly growing globally. There is, however, a paucity of literature on the use and performance of EHR during MCIs. Methods: In this study we aimed to describe EHR use, as well as the challenges and lessons learnt in response to the 2020 explosion in the Port of Beirut, Lebanon, during which the hospital received over 360 casualties. Results: Information technology support, reducing EHR system restrictions, cross-function training, focus on registration and patient identification, patient flow and tracking, mobility and bedside access, and alternate sites of care are all important areas to focus on during emergency/disaster response planning. Conclusion: Innovative solutions that help address logistical challenges for different aspects of the disaster response are needed.

The impact of using artificial intelligence techniques in improving the quality of educational services/case study at the University of Baghdad

The utilization of artificial intelligence techniques has garnered significant interest in recent research due to their pivotal role in enhancing the quality of educational offerings. This study investigated the impact of employing artificial intelligence techniques on improving the quality of educational services, as perceived by students enrolled in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Baghdad. The study sample comprised 379 male and female students. A descriptive-analytical approach was used, with a questionnaire as the primary tool for data collection. The findings indicated that the application of artificial intelligence methods was highly effective, and the educational services provided to students were of exceptional quality. The results also showed a strong correlation (correlation coefficient of 0.719) between the use of artificial intelligence techniques and the quality of educational services. This correlation was statistically significant at a confidence level of 99%. The impact of artificial intelligence techniques and their dimensions on the quality of educational services is highly significant at a confidence level of 99%. This suggests that artificial intelligence technologies play a major role in enhancing the quality of educational services. The study emphasizes the importance of creating technologically advanced classrooms equipped with modern devices and equipment to enhance the learning experience and provide an advanced educational environment. It also highlights the significance of effectively addressing students’ complaints and grievances through technical means, such as electronic communication platforms, social media platforms, technical support via the Internet, and smartphone applications. These measures are essential in providing high-quality educational services.

Ferrocene Appended Linear Chromophores for Aggregation‐Induced Emission (AIE) and Nonlinear Optics (NLO): Combined Experimental and Theoretical Studies

AbstractNew nonlinear optical (NLO)‐active chromophores, featuring phenyl and methoxy phenyl substitutions at the D‐π‐A motif [(Fc‐C(C6H4‐R) = CH‐CH = C(CN)‐C6H4‐Br)] [R = H (1), OCH3 (2)] are synthesized and structurally analyzed. Chromophore 2 crystallized in a triclinic system (P‐1), consistent with DFT‐optimized structures. Non‐covalent interactions in the crystal packing suppress antiparallel alignment, enhancing SHG efficiencies. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps reveal structure‐property relationship and electronic communication between donor–acceptor moieties. Both chromophores exhibit suppressed emission in solution due to twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) facilitated by the cyano vinylene group. However, Upon aggregation‐induced emission in a THF/H2O mixture, fluorescence significantly increases, attributed to restricted intramolecular rotation (RIR). Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) efficiencies, measured using the Kurtz–Perry powder technique with potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) as a reference, show chromophore 2 is 1.1 times higher efficiency than chromophore 1. Density functional theory (DFT) derived hyperpolarizability values follow this trend, with chromophore 2 (β0 = 40.39 × 10−30 esu in B3LYP functional) surpassing chromophore 1. DFT and time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations employing B3LYP, CAM‐B3LYP, and LC‐BLYP functionals determined second‐order nonlinear optical parameters, B3LYP and CAM‐B3LYP produced values with minimal differences and a close correlation with the experimental results.

Research on Fast Early Warning of False Data Injection Attack in CPS of Electric Power Communication Network

The power grid is vulnerable to bad data interference and false data attacks, so its security is reduced. This paper focuses on the study of false data injection attacks (FDIAs), analyzes the principle of FDIAs and their impact on power systems, and studies the methods of suppressing and detecting FDIAs based on distributed state estimation and neural networks. In addition, this paper establishes a specific simulation model. Simulation results show that the proposed method can effectively identify FDIAs and correct bad data, thus further reducing the impact of FDIAs on power system state estimation. Therefore, in the follow-up, we can use this method to carry out practical research in the power communication network to further improve the security of the power communication network.