Foreign Software Research Articles

Agency mode selection and software competition in supply chains

AbstractAt present, many software developers work with downstream service providers to sell software and services. For political or economic reasons, foreign developers may be not allowed to sell software and services directly in the country of providers, but they can authorize their software to the providers for sale. In this study, we examine two types of IT supply chain (ITSC), namely, “Agenting Domestic Software” (Mode 1) and “Agenting Foreign Software” (Mode 2), each with a domestic developer/a foreign developer, a service provider, and client enterprises. In both modes, clients can either pay a high price to purchase software with accessorial pre‐sale service from the provider, or firsthand acquire it from the domestic developer at a low price but without pre‐sale service. We observe that in Mode 1, the domestic developer's market scale and the competition intensity of software have no effect on the domestic developer's decisions and profit; however, they have influences on the provider's decisions and profit. In Mode 2, the profits of ITSC members may increase with the intensity of software competition. When the domestic developer's market scale is small (large), and the domestic developer has (loses) the advantage of low extended‐warranty‐service (EWS) cost, Mode 1 (2) is more beneficial to the domestic developer than Mode 2 (1); however, the provider is more willing to choose Mode 2 (Mode 1). In other cases, either Mode 1 or Mode 2 may result in a win‐win situation for the domestic developer and provider.

Capabilities of Software Package Gearacl for Design Gearings and Transmission Elements

Creation of a mathematical model of gearing operation belongs to one of the most knowledge-intensive fields of knowledge. Interdisciplinary research is being conducted to develop the model. For practical use, the results of this work are embodied in strength analysis standards. Due to the complexity of the processes occurring in gearings, performing analysis of one pair of gears today requires not only significant time costs from the engineer, but also a deep understanding of hundreds of pages of calculation techniques described by groups of interrelated standards. The calculation formulae include clarifying coefficients, the contribution and values of which are determined by a group of specialists developing the standard, based on research of analysis result coordination, experimental data and calculations performed using the finite element method. To perform the analysis, the designer needs knowledge about the principles of choosing coefficient values and their meaning. Performing the analysis of gearings according to the standard is a time-consuming process that can be correctly performed only by an engineer with experience in designing gearings. To facilitate the work of the engineer, software products both domestic and foreign were created. However, the trends of recent years require replacement of foreign software products. In 2022, the specialists of the Central Institute of Aviation Motors developed the Gearacl software package, which allows replacing foreign products in the volume required by the aviation industry enterprises in the field of cylindrical gearings, shafts and bearings analysis. Modern analysis methods have been introduced into the software package. This article is devoted to the capabilities of the Gearacl software package.

Innovative educational and research center for monitoring forest resources of Siberia based on laser and microwave aerospace imaging

The possibilities of creating an innovative educational and scientific center for monitoring forest resources in Siberia on the basis of the Department of Space Facilities and Technologies of the Siberian State University of Science and Technology named after Mikhail Fedorovich Reshetnev are discussed, with the aim of training highly qualified engineering personnel and conducting promising scientific research in the field of monitoring, modeling, forecasting and management of forest resources. Methodological solutions and algorithms for three-dimensional modeling of forest structure and dynamics based on laser scanning data, digital aerial and space photography are proposed. These methods contribute to operational monitoring and can significantly reduce the cost of monitoring the condition and use of forest resources over the vast territory of Siberia. Remote sensing data is presented in the form of a geotransformed database and digital photo map, compatible in formats with computer-aided design systems and with the main geographic information systems – ArcView, ArcINFO, MapINFO. The innovative monitoring center will be used for operational state control and monitoring of forest management, the state of forest lands, forest management and forest inventory, solving problems of ecology and environmental management, geoecology, formation of a forest resource inventory, aerospace methods for studying natural resources and territories, information technology. Solving these problems will allow for the training of highly qualified specialists. The center's specialists plan to create information technologies for remote sensing of natural objects with the aim of import substitution of foreign software products. The main scientific directions of the created center: development and research of methods for system analysis of large-scale multidimensional remote sensing data based on nonparametric decision-making algorithms and parallel computing technologies; testing hypotheses about the distributions of large-volume remote sensing data based on nonparametric nuclear-type pattern recognition algorithms; detection of compact groups of large-volume remote sensing data corresponding to unimodal fragments of the joint probability density of multivariate random variables.

DEVELOPMENT OF AN EDUCATIONAL INTELLIGENT ANALYTICAL SYSTEM USING XAI TECHNOLOGY

Data mining is recognized as highly sought-after service. Many universities are involved in training specialists in this field. However, consumer demands are increasing, resulting in higher requirements for the mathematical models used in this regard. Clients need to be sure in the quality level of the recommendations they get. One method to achieve this is provided with the use of Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) technology. The current situation worldwide poses limitations on the use of foreign software, and domestic analytical systems available to universities may not have XAI module among their functions. The solution is to develop such system independently. The authors developed a software product that enables training of three types of mathematical models, each capable of generating an explanation in textual format for its forecasts. A series of experiments was conducted in order to confirm functionality of all elements of the created product, as well as its potential to be used training processes in higher education system.

Today’s Trends of Software Product Import-Substitution in Conditions of Economy Digitalization

Today software import-substitution in spheres and sectors of Russian economy is a priority trend in state programs being realized in the Russian Federation. The author analyzed governmental decisions concerning software import-substitution, studied software introduced in substituting foreign software at enterprises of Russian economy, showed its developers and prospects of its development. Apart from that, the article underlined that by 2025 according to state programs home-made software shall be used by organizations related to entities of critical information infrastructure such as banking sector, missile and space industry, military-industrial complex, nuclear and mining industry, public health service, science, iron-and-steel making and chemicals industry. At the same time import-substitution policy in general promotes upgrading of the payments balance structure, development of the academic sector and innovation technologies, growth in effective communication with developers of economic projects, where software is functioning, increase in the level and diversity of means and methods of information security, technological independence, population employment, cutting risks and raising competitiveness of industries and sectors of Russian economy. In line with numerous positive moments import-substitution policy demonstrates such drawback as closeness from some innovation of global economy. However, in conditions of sanctions the development of our own software, its efficient use in economic entities can provides cyber-security and technological independence.

The data acquisition methodology to build the source information base for personnel monitoring (technological approach)

The All-Russia monitoring of the staffing needs in librarianship is an efficient way to get valuable current and prospective data through using the latest technological solutions and efficient interaction between public libraries affiliated with regional/municipal agencies of culture of the Russian Federation constituents.The authors discuss the technology and results of data acquisition, as well as the obtained staff monitoring database. For the first time, the tested method of data acquisition enabled the Russian State Library to monitor the staff needs in librarianship in the multitasking mode and to apply the cloud technology with the professional application designed for online operation on the national scope. The authors explore the differences between national and foreign software providers in rendering specific services to online users. The professional application enabled to conduct monitoring in the shortest term, to optimize expenses and to save resources in complex environment. Among methodological solutions, the Center of Educational Programs Monitoring of the Research Educationa Activities Department of the Russian State Library, have designed the standardized data collection forms for every level of libraries.The effectiveness of this methodology enabled to launch the system of data acquisition for the All-Russian monitoring of staff needs in the library sphere, to systematize data by the RF constituents and as a data set, and to build the source database for staff monitoring in librarianship.

Распределенная система станций подзарядки для энергообеспечения группы БпЛА мультикоптерного типа

A steady trend towards the development of electric power systems leads to their continuous enlargement and sophistication. As a result, new ways of their control appear. In this regard, the existing models and complexes for adequacy assessment may work inadequately and ineffectively in terms of the obtained results adequacy. To assess the current state of the existing models and complexes, we reviewed and analyzed the domestic and foreign software and computer systems. In particular, we considered mathematical models of minimizing the power shortage. This work is based on the problem of modifying mathematical models of minimizing the power shortage used in adequacy assessment of the electric power systems of one of the complexes under consideration. As a modification of mathematical models, it is proposed to exclude the existing method of using the line capacities and start using correct accounting for the maximum permissible active power flow in controlled sections. The experimental part reflected in the paper concerns the testing of options for models to minimize the power shortage, as well as the proposed modifications on various systems, including those consisting of three and seven reliability zones with a variable number of controlled sections and power lines included in them. The results of the study have shown that the proposed modifications are efficient and can be used in the future. The authors also obtained the most adequate results in terms of the physical laws of electric power system operation due to the model of minimizing the power shortage with quadratic losses which takes into account the limitations of power transmission over controlled sections.

Variation-Difference Method of Calculation of Layered Rubber-Metal Vibration Isolators Used for Protection of Reinforced Concrete Buildings from Anthropogenic Vibration

In the modern construction complex of the city of Moscow for the protection of buildings and structures from man-made vibration arising from the movement of trains of rail transportation (subway trains, railroad lines and trams). To protect buildings and structures from anthropogenic vibration arising from the movement of rail transport trains (subway trains, railroad lines and streetcars), Moscow uses layered rubber-metal vibration isolators [1]. Most often, to determine their static and dynamic characteristics, the finite element method (FEM) is used, which makes it possible to determine all components of the stress-strain state and frequencies of free oscillations in the loaded state practically for any structural forms of isolators. However, for the most popular software packages that implement FEM, the problem of optimizing the structural shape of the vibration isolator still requires significant time expenditures for multiple changes of the finite element mesh, repeated setting of boundary conditions and implementation of a series of calculations. Only some of the software packages implementing the FEM solve optimization problems of the shape of the product being calculated, most often it is related to foreign software products with universal functionality. Variation-difference method (VDM) is the closest to the finite element method (FEM) in terms of its computational capabilities. It is possible to create program modules that repeatedly and automatically solve three-dimensional problems of elasticity theory taking into account the changed geometry of the vibration isolator: the dimensions of the product, the location of perforations within the rubber layers, as well as the thickness of the rubber layer and other parameters important for obtaining an effective technical solution for vibration isolation of buildings. Further, the article describes the method of implementation of the variational-difference method (VDM) as applied to the solution of the problem of determining the components of the stress-strain state inside a three-dimensional layered vibration isolator with perforations of different sizes having different locations relative to the contour of the vibration isolator, i.e., the solution of the problem of optimizing the three-dimensional shape of the vibration isolator is given.

The problem of implementing the concept of maximum integration of heterogeneous data in practical navigation

The topic of the work is the research of the problem of the practical realization of opportunistic navigation, which actually consists in the fact that the “signals of opportunity” are not optimized for global navigation according to their original purpose. A hypothesis about the possibility of strategic application of the navigation concept based on the principles of data integration with the objective existence of tactically surmountable difficulties is put forward. In the conditions of vulnerability of the global satellite system, an approach to use an additional source of combined signals in order to continuously ensure accurate geolocation of water transport vehicles is proposed. The comparative assessment confirms the comparability of the positioning error of alternative navigation with the data of classical satellite observations of mobile objects. An assumption about the effectiveness of spline modeling of the cartographic standard of informativeness for the practical organization of the basic principle of opportunistic positioning by analogy with the paradigm of correlation-extreme navigation is made. A computer visualization of a fixed fragment of the ocean gravitational field based on spline approximation is performed in order to optimize the problem of simultaneous localization and three-dimensional representation of the ship movement in a graphical environment unaffiliated with foreign software. A hybrid algorithm for mathematical synthesis of the navigational isosurface has been tested as a harmonized support for the navigation staff to implement the “terrain-referenced procedure” in the landscape coordinate space. The variants of the “ambiguity resolution” problem implementation in the issue of maximum integration of heterogeneous navigation data are considered. The probability of practical use of the opportunistic navigation postulates in marine applications, taking into account the “navigation gap” factor for leveling local satellite incapacity with a real possibility of countering malicious interception of ship control, is estimated. The expediency of using the factor of observational reckoning of the vessel path as an additional condition for navigation safety in the aspect of packet processing of the “signals of opportunity” slot is substantiated.

Service to stimulate the student’s inventive activity at the university

The relevance of the topic of the article is due to the need to intensify innovation at domestic industrial enterprises to ensure accelerated technological sovereignty. The article presents the justification for the need to develop a university service to automate the process of generating a patent application, as an important component of inventive activity. The analysis of existing foreign software products for the formation and verification of applications showed that they cannot be used in domestic universities to obtain Russian patents. A step-by-step algorithm for the process of filing an application for a patent is formulated and an assessment is made of the possibilities of its automation using the service. For the possibility of developing a service to automate the process of generating applications, a description of its main functions is given (the presence of a line of application element templates; filling out a patent application form; assistance in compiling a description of an invention or utility model; support for multi-user work; integration with other systems; tracking the status of an application for grant of a patent, etc.). In addition, the qualification requirements for the service development team are structured in the form of the necessary knowledge, skills and practical experience. The main advantages of using the service for university students and other novice inventors are determined.

Problems of software import substitution in HEIs

Adoption of IT innovations is a challenge for higher education organizations, and the main reason for the difficulties is not the failure innovations’ implementation, but the failure of fulfillment - the inability to get each employee to use the innovation in a skilled, consistent and committed way. It is important for HEIs that the innovation is accepted and supported by staff and that the HEI realizes some economic benefits as a result of the implementation. In order to manage the process of resistance to innovation in higher education institutions, it is first necessary to recognize the causes of resistance to changes, then to consider a possible strategic approach, formulate tactics and methods of levelling the resistance to changes. The research paper considers software import substitution in higher education institutions as an innovative project. It is noted that higher education institutions face a number of difficulties in the transition from predominantly foreign software to domestic analogues, such as the lack of experience of teachers and students in using domestic digital services and solutions, the need to transfer data from one system to another, and additional costs for the replacement of licensed software. The paper presents recommendations for the management of departments aimed at levelling the resistance in the process of transition to new software.

Comparative analysis of foreign and Russian software for libraries

The author accomplishes comparative analysis of Russian and foreign software for the library sector. The need for such analysis is determined by the strategy of import substitution stimulated by the Western sanctions. Software and databases recommended for purchase and application on the territory of the Russian Federation are included into the Russian Software Register and Eurasian Software Register. Every library uses its own software package, however, the essential software includes operating system, web browser, office suite, automated library information system (ALIS). The author compares the core functionality of each software type: OS (Microsoft Windows, Astra Linux, Alt Linux, RedOS), web browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Yandex Browse), and office software suite (Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, MyOffice, R7-Office). The comparison between foreign and Russian ALIS is inappropriate because, unlike other software categories, Russian ALISes were initially developed by Russian companies in Russian reality, in accordance with Russian laws and Russian traditions of librarianship. The author suggests that the main functionality of foreign and national software beyond the accomplished analysis (e. g. video editors, drawing programs, etc.) is also similar. Based on the comparative analysis of foreign and Russian software, the author concludes that their core functionality are similar which means that import substitution would not impact the organizational information processes significantly.The paper is prepared under the Government Order to RNPLS&T for 2023, project No. 720000F.99.1.BN60AA03000, theme No. 1021062311369-1- 1.2.1;5.8.2,5.8.3.

The impact of the mobile applications usage on the quality of tourism specialists training

Problem statement . The modernization of the educational system involves the adoption of technologies based on artificial intelligence, AR, VR, and mobile platforms. The use of mobile tools in the training of workers in the tourism industry meets the requirements for training programs for highly qualified professionals in this area and the challenges of economic integration. The study aimed at substantiating the efficacy of the use of mobile applications in the training of tourism industry specialists for the quality improvement. Methodology . Theoretical and methodological analysis and generalization were applied in determining the content and problems of mobile learning in the area of tourism and identifying the prospects for the development of travel applications. For designing mobile applications, the iBuildApp tool was chosen. A testing was developed, including the blocks “Fundamentals of tourism activities” (20 points), and “Mobile applications in the field of tourism” (20 points). The study involved 49 students of the Orel State Institute of Culture (the direction of training “Tourism”, profile “Technology and organization of excursion services”). Pearson's chi-squared test was used as a statistical processing method. Results . The ideas of a methodological approach are formulated, reflecting the necessary changes in the system of training specialists in the tourism sector, taking into account the challenges of economic integration, the requirements of a professional standard, and the strategy for the development of tourism in Russia. The difficulties that affect the effectiveness of the inclusion of mobile applications in the training of industry workers are highlighted: dependence on foreign software solutions, the high expense of creating own mobile application and its post-maintenance, and technical failures in the network. Statistically significant differences in the qualitative changes that occurred in the training system were determined. Conclusion . The incorporation of mobile applications in the training of tourism industry specialists advances the quality of their training due to new opportunities for collaboration and project activities, cost optimization, innovative work experience, etc. There are also negative aspects, such as a decrease in the overall level of oral communication, the risks of losing the phone, distraction, and addiction.

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ ИСПОЛЬЗУЕМЫХ ПРОГРАММНЫХ ПРОДУКТОВ ПРИ ДИСТАНЦИОННОМ ОБУЧЕНИИ

The article provides a comparative analysis of software products used in the field of distance learning. The most popular foreign software solutions for video conferencing were considered: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and their domestic analogues, as well as the most used educational electronic platform in Russia – Moodle. Their functionality, cost and scaling capabilities are analyzed. The study provides the information needed to select the most appropriate platform for effective and efficient distance learning.

Tools for Implementing Strategies in the Context of Digital Transformation of Industrial Enterprises

Under conditions of uncertainty caused by sanctions and geopolitical changes, the correct choice of both strategic development priorities and management tools for their implementation becomes important. Given the global trend towards digitalization and the growing supply from software developers, it is necessary to understand clearly, which software products and for what purposes can be used effectively at specific enterprises. The challenge here is that due to instability, sanctions pressure, and withdrawals of foreign software from the Russian market, enterprises are forced to change business and technological processes, and to look for new tools for implementing development strategies. The purpose of the article is to determine the basic principles for choosing strategic management tools and information technologies as elements of strategic management at enterprises in the context of digital transformation. The article shows that due to the ongoing digitalization of industrial enterprises any tools for implementing the strategies must be considered within the framework of an automated process management model. It can be based on various information technologies or platform solutions, depending on the coverage of enterprise business processes, and the readiness to adopt digital technologies in strategic and operational management. The modern trend is to implement strategic development directions, relying on the internal ecosystem of the enterprise. Making the right choice of information technology within an enterprise ecosystem requires that technology investments are aligned with the company’s business goals, adaptable to changing needs, can integrate with existing systems, are user-friendly, secure, and provide a short-term return on investment. Ultimately, these principles enable businesses to successfully navigate the digital transformation journey and leverage technology as a strategic enabler for sustainable growth.

Parallel import in Russia’s software industry: Expected consequences

Amid the withdrawal of foreign software developers from the Russian market, policymakers continue to discuss the option of legalising software parallel import. The purpose of the article is to assess the expected effects of the software parallel import introduction. The methodological basis of the study is industrial organization theory and new institutional economics theory. Among the research methods are theoretical and mathematical modelling and comparative analysis. The empirical evidence includes publicly available data on the pirated content consumption retrieved from the web source I Know (iknowwhatyoudownload.com) and financial statements of Russian software developers (SPARK-Interfax database). The article presents a theoretical model describing the consumer’s choice between original and pirated versions of programs and analyses the situation, where the most popular software product gets inaccessible. Our analysis shows that when costs of piracy are low, users of ‘out-of-the-box’ programs will not switch to another software and prefer the pirated version of the previously used program. The results of the model are compared with data on the pirated software consumption in Russia. We have found that consumers prefer foreign software to Russian counterparts, which means that if parallel import is legalised, Russian software developers will fail to occupy the niche of home-use software, which remains an important reserve for the industry’s further development. Free access to foreign software distorts consumer incentives. The institution of parallel imports should be modified so that the consumer keeps paying the price of the original’s, the state guarantees such software is secure, and intellectual property violations are strictly controlled.

Challenges and Prospects of Marketing Nigerian-Made Computer Software: A Study on Attitudes and Marketability.

This research aims to investigate the challenges and opportunities associated with marketing Nigerian-made computer software. Specifically, it aims to explore the negative perception of locally produced goods and the consequent advantage enjoyed by foreign products. Through the analysis of people's attitudes towards Nigerian-made software, the study aims to identify strategies that can enhance its marketability. The study involved the participation of fifty computer science students and lecturers, and the results indicate that persuading organizations to adopt locally produced software is a significant challenge. To promote healthy competition against foreign software, it is necessary to create a conducive environment for Nigerian computer scientists. Additionally, the quality of the software should be ensured with a focus on security, graphics, and user-friendliness. This research has significant practical implications for businesses and offers opportunities for researchers and consultants to delve deeper into the field. Furthermore, the findings of this study can potentially inform academic advancements in this area.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF ANALYSIS

The development of today's science and technology not only encourages scientists to develop a new product (product) or services for users, but also to use existing processes in the economy, taking into account mathematical methods of analysis. The introduction of digital technologies in all areas of activity has made it possible to draw the attention of managers at all levels to apply mathematical methods. The use of digital platforms in the economy is inseparable from mathematical methods. The methodology used by the authors of the article characterizes the general scientific knowledge of the existing problems in the development of a digital platform model. The study of the sequence of digitalization determined initially the formation of models of complex and synthetic indicators, and later the analysis of the data obtained. The materials used in the analysis, received from the territorial body of statistics, showed the presence of current problems in economic processes. for the most part, on the territory of our country, they depend on imported components and on foreign software and on the programming language. The conclusions presented in the article make it possible to understand the need to use mathematical methods of analysis.

Public Investments in Domestic Software as a Tool for Accelerating the Economic Development of Russia

Purpose of the study. The state policy aimed at stimulating national economic growth should necessarily be based on justified scientific conclusions and the results of empirical studies. In particular, a relatively new method for accelerating the country’s economic development is state investment in the digitalization of the economy. In this respect, the present study aims to roughly estimate the economic effect of additional public investments in the development of domestic software and databases and the increase in the share of IT specialists in the total employment structure.Materials and methods. The paper used regression analysis methods for panel data based on Rosstat statistics. In particular, the authors applied the econometric fixed effects model.Results. The study demonstrated the higher efficiency of investment in the development of software and databases as compared to the similar efficiency of capital investment in other types of fixed assets. The possible economic effect of additional budget financing for domestic software developers was estimated. The results of calculations clearly demonstrate that additional capital investments in Russian software and databases in the amount from 0.16 to 0.64% of the Russian Federation’s consolidated budget annually (in 2020 prices and in relation to its size for the same period) can accelerate GDP growth in Russia by 0.16-2.44 percentage points per year. At the same time, these calculations hardly make it possible to speak about a strong impact of additional government spending on the increase in the number of people employed in the IT sector. Consequently, it cannot be stated with certainty that it is advisable to further increase the number of state-funded places at Russian universities in IT areas. However, this conclusion is based on panel data, the time interval of which ends in 2020. Taking into account the recent years’ trends can question the relevance of the obtained conclusion.Conclusion. Thus, additional public investment in the digitalization of the national economy and automation of business processes at Russian enterprises is an important tool for accelerating Russia’s economic development. Currently, many domestic enterprises and organizations implement large-scale projects aimed at deepening automation (creating “smart factories”, transferring state-financed institutions’ document flow into an electronic form, introducing artificial intelligence, and many others). Besides, the reduction in the presence of some foreign software manufacturers in Russia makes it relevant to minimize losses associated with the termination of access to foreign software and databases. One of the options for solving this problem is the financial stimulation of developers of their domestic counterparts.

Research on railway BIM platform framework based on homemade graphics engine

At present, BIM platforms rely on foreign software. Homemade software and industry applications are mostly secondary developments, which present stranglehold problems caused by interruptions to the software supply. To solve the problem, key technical research on the 3D integrated design of railway engineering was stuedied based on homemade graphics engines to propose an innovative railway BIM platform framework. The entire process was completed from the top-level design to the engineering verification of the platform. The co-designed mechanism of a "center model and link" hybrid mode was constructed, which solved the difficulties of data management and increment synchronization at a large scale, achieving teamwork among surveying and mapping, alignments, and bridges. The results of this study could provide strong support for the development of BIM software for a whole railway and all majors.