Internet Coverage Research Articles

MIMO and PDM-based intersatellite optical link for high-speed data transfer and remote sensing application.

Inter-Satellite Optical Wireless Communication (Is-OWC) is a pivotal technology for advancing global connectivity and the effectiveness of space-based operations. It serves as the linchpin for various applications such as global internet coverage, Earth observation, and remote sensing, bolstering our capacity to monitor the planet and deliver essential services. This paper presents the design and performance evaluation of a Polarization Division Multiplexing (PDM) and Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO)-based Is-OWC system operating at a data rate of 60 Gbps. The system was tested under varying transmission distances, atmospheric turbulence, and pointing error conditions. At a transmission distance of 10,000 km, the system achieved a Bit Error Rate (BER) of 6.76 × 10⁻3 for Channel 1 (X polarization) and 7.1 × 10⁻3 for Channel 4 (Y polarization), both within Forward Error Correction (FEC) limits. The introduction of a 4 × 4 MIMO configuration extended the transmission range to 14,000 km, with a corresponding BER of 9.1 × 10⁻3 for Channel 1 and 8.7 × 10⁻⁵ for Channel 4. Eye diagrams confirm successful signal reception, demonstrating that the system can maintain high data rates and low error rates over long distances. The proposed PDM-MIMO system showcases high-capacity, robust performance under challenging conditions, such as turbulence and pointing errors, validating its suitability for space-based communication applications. These findings highlight the potential of the system for future deployments in satellite networks, offering reliable, high-throughput, and low-latency data transmission over extended distances.

Factors that Influence the Use of Facebook in Service Delivery: A Case of Kisumu County Government, Kenya

Organisational communication needs to be effective for organisations to meet their objectives. This study examined Facebook as a communication tool for enhancing government service delivery in Kisumu County. It sought to determine the factors that influence the use of Facebook in service delivery in Kisumu County. The study used a descriptive research design. The population was 307,702 members of the public in Kisumu town. The Krejcie and Morgan tables was used to get the sample size. This study employed mixed methods in data collection which includes administered 399 questionnaires to service seekers and 5 interview guides to service providers in the county. Data analyses involved the utilization of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 26). Descriptive statistics was used to analyze quantitative data, while for qualitative data, a thematic analysis approach was applied, where responses were grouped into themes and sub themes and analyzed Facebook's role in the County Government of Kisumu service delivery was influenced by factors like internet penetration, demographic information, infrastructure, government policies, and economics. This study recommends that the County Government of Kisumu should develop comprehensive initiatives aimed at expanding internet coverage and improving connectivity, especially in underserved areas.

Facilitators, Barriers, and Potential Impacts of Implementation of e-Pharmacy in India and its Potential Impact on Cost, Quality, and Access to Medicines: Scoping Review.

e-Pharmacy can potentially solve problems related to the quality of services and products, cost, and access to medicines in low- and middle-income countries. This review aims to understand the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of e-pharmacy in India. This scoping review aimed (1) to understand the facilitators and barriers to the use of e-pharmacy in India and (2) to estimate the potential for e-pharmacy in India for improving access to medication, improving the quality of services and medicines, and decreasing costs of medications. All published and gray literature from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2021, relating to e-pharmacy, was searched from MEDLINE, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google using a systematic search strategy. In total, 1464 titles and abstracts were screened, of which 47 full-texts were included in the review. e-Pharmacy can potentially improve access to medications for remote areas, and old and debilitated individuals. e-Pharmacies can enable lean supply chain management, lower cost, and allow easy tracking of dispensed medicines. There is potential for integration of e-pharmacy services into the national program of Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana. However, the country is not adequately regulated to prevent the growth of illicit e-pharmacies. Lack of global accreditation and internet coverage, digital literacy, and transnational access are other challenges. E-pharmacy has the potential to improve universal health coverage in India by improving access to medicines and lowering the overall cost of health care. However, future growth will need specific regulations and accreditation mechanisms. Open Science Forum; https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/6R9YQ.

Функционирование умного сельского хозяйства в АПК городской агломерации

The article describes the possibilities and feasibility of using digital technologies in agriculture; population growth trends in the world and the need to use smart technologies to ensure increased labor productivity in the industry. The article identifies barriers to the implementation of digitalization in agriculture: lack of accessible infrastructure (broadband and incomplete Internet coverage in the re-gions); partial use of digital technology capabilities; lack of financial resources for the implementation of technologies; distrust of digital technologies; the presence of a large number of reporting forms in the industry; lack of information on digital technologies and the results of their use; low qualification of personnel in the field of digital technologies. The article reflects digital technologies for the formation of smart agriculture in the agro-industrial complex in modern conditions. The produc-tion and financial indicators of the Krasnodarskoye educational farm of the Kuban State Agrarian University over the past 5 years are analyzed as successfully demonstrating the experience of functioning of smart agriculture in the agro-industrial complex of the Krasnodar urban agglomeration.

Improving Well-Being Through Digital Detoxification Among Social Media Users: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Digital detoxification is a conscious disconnection from all smartphone activities for a certain period of time, which has been undertaken as effective by researchers to improve well-being, but studies found inconsistent results, with a primary focus on negative well-being, thus necessitating a need to focus on the positive aspect. As a result, the current study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess digital detoxification and its influence on users subjective and psychological well-being (PWB). A comprehensive search (up to November 19, 2023) across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Pro-Quest, and Google Search yielded a total of 26 eligible studies (18 for meta-analysis) comprising 8,147 participants (Mage = 25.20 years). The Studies' quality was assessed using Cochrane's updated Risk of Bias Tool, and statistical analysis was performed in R Studio. Digital detoxification was found to be effective in improving subjective well-being (SWB) (Standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.34; p < 0.01, I2 = 73.6%, n = 14 papers), as well as PWB (SMD = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.46; p < 0.05; I2 = 0.0%, n = 4 papers). Notably, we detected no publication bias but addressed funnel plot asymmetry using Trim & Fill. Moderation analysis revealed the impact of internet coverage, developmental status, location, intervention effectiveness, and risk of bias on the estimated effect size for SWB. Meta-regression highlighted the significant influence of mean age, and although no potential outliers were identified, influential plots are provided for transparency. Our findings consolidate the efficacy of digital detoxification, emphasizing the need for nuanced consideration of study factors. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on digital well-being, offering valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.

Optimizing The Pump Power and Frequencies of Raman Amplifiers for Gain Flatness

The Internet has become an indispensable part of daily life, accessible to anyone with coverage via smartphones or computers. Extending internet coverage to remote areas necessitates long-distance transmission, which requires optical amplifiers to combat signal degradation and dispersion between the transmitter and receiver. This challenge restricts the reach and bandwidth of long-distance telecommunications. Among optical amplifiers, the Raman amplifier (RA) stands out due to its lower noise gain advantage compared to other amplifiers. The RA shows promise in overcoming the limitations of long-distance telecommunications. Its gain can be controlled by adjusting the pump power or wavelength. This paper investigates the performance optimization of RA with the objective of enhancing its effectiveness in long-distance telecommunication systems. Using the Optiwave simulation tool, we conducted a series of experiments to optimize RA performance by varying pump power and frequency. The results, analyzed through a spectrum analyzer, demonstrate significant improvements in gain flatness post-optimization, with an observed enhancement of 1-1.5 dB. A comparative analysis of gain flatness before and after optimization highlights the RA's potential in mitigating long-distance communication limitations. These findings suggest that optimized RA can significantly improve bandwidth and signal quality, offering a viable solution for current and future telecommunication challenges.

SEAIS: Secure and Efficient Agricultural Image Storage Combining Blockchain and Satellite Networks

The image integrity of real-time monitoring is crucial for monitoring crop growth, helping farmers and researchers improve production efficiency and crop yields. Unfortunately, existing schemes just focus on ground equipment and drone imaging, neglecting satellite networks in remote or extreme environments. Given that satellite internet features wide area coverage, we propose SEAIS, a secure and efficient agricultural image storage scheme combining blockchain and satellite networks. SEAIS presents the mathematical model of image processing and transmission based on satellite networks. Moreover, to ensure the integrity and authenticity of image data during pre-processing such as denoising and enhancement, SEAIS includes a secure agricultural image storage and verification method based on blockchain, homomorphic encryption, and zero-knowledge proof. Specifically, images are stored via IPFS, with hash values and metadata recorded on the blockchain, ensuring immutability and transparency. The simulation results show that SEAIS exhibits more stable and efficient processing times in extreme environments. Also, it maintains low on-chain storage overhead, enhancing scalability.

Identifying health and healthcare priorities in rural areas: A concept mapping study informed by consumers, health professionals and researchers

BackgroundIt is vital that health service delivery and health interventions address patients’ needs or preferences, are relevant for practice and can be implemented. Involving those who will use or deliver healthcare in priority-setting can lead to health service delivery and research that is more meaningful and impactful. This is particularly crucial in rural communities, where limited resources and disparities in healthcare and health outcomes are often more pronounced. The aim of this study was to determine the health and healthcare priorities in rural communities using a region-wide community engagement approach.MethodsThis multi-methods study was conducted in five rural communities in the Grampians region, Western Victoria, Australia. It involved six concept mapping steps: (1) preparation, (2) generation (brainstorming statements and identifying rating criteria), (3) structuring statements (sorting and rating statements), (4) representation of statements, (5) interpretation of the concept map and (6) utilization. Community forums, surveys and stakeholder consultations with community members and health professionals were used in Step 2. An innovative online group concept mapping platform, involving consumers, health professionals and researchers was used in Step 3.ResultsOverall, 117 community members and 70 health professionals identified 400 health and healthcare issues. Six stakeholder consultation sessions (with 16 community members and 16 health professionals) identified three key values for prioritizing health issues: equal access for equal need, effectiveness and impact (number of people affected). Actionable priorities for healthcare delivery were largely related to access issues, such as the challenges navigating the healthcare system, particularly for people with mental health issues; the lack of sufficient general practitioners and other health providers; the high travel costs; and poor internet coverage often impacting technology-based interventions for people in rural areas.ConclusionsThis study identified actionable health and healthcare priorities from the perspective of healthcare service users and providers in rural communities in Western Victoria. Issues related to access, such as the inequities in healthcare costs, the perceived lack of quality and availability of services, particularly in mental health and disability, were identified as priorities. These insights can guide future research, policy-making and resource allocation efforts to improve healthcare access, quality and equity in rural communities.

Telephone hotlines for infectious disease outbreaks in Africa: A review and qualitative study.

Mobile health interventions like telephone hotlines face challenges that may threaten their use, adoption and sustainability in Africa. We sought to understand the barriers and facilitators for sustainability of telephone hotlines used in infectious disease outbreaks in Africa using a scoping review and a qualitative study. Participants form 12 African countries and Database searches. Databases were searched for articles on the barriers and/or facilitators in operating telephone hotlines for outbreaks in Africa. One-on-one interviews and focus group discussions with 30 participants from 12 African countries were also conducted. Emerging themes from the review and interviews were identified and synthesised to focus on barriers and facilitators for the sustainability of the hotlines. The search identified 1153 citations, and 25 studies were finally included. The articles were from 20 African countries. The government was the main source of funding in four countries. Barriers with calls and data management were the most frequent. Human resource barriers such as limited staff, high staff turnover, a lack of incentives and motivation were also significant. Financial barriers were the high cost of operation and huge dependence on external funders. Technological and infrastructural hurdles included limited Internet and phone coverage, malfunction and a lack of interoperability of software. Transitioning to either complete or shared government ownership with diversification and integration of the hotline into routine use was the main facilitator for sustainability. Strengthening technical capacity in telephone hotlines and ensuring financial sustainability are critical. Increased government support is needed. More studies on costing will help in developing financial sustainability models for Africa.

High-Gain 3-D RFID Reader Antenna With Cubic Metasurface Backing and 360° Coverage for Internet of Vehicles

High-Gain 3-D RFID Reader Antenna With Cubic Metasurface Backing and 360° Coverage for Internet of Vehicles

The Art of Internet Mapping: A Comprehensive Guide to Regional Internet Topology Mapping at the Autonomous System Level

Background: Internet topology is studied more by researchers on global internet coverage compared to limited regional coverage. However, some studies also see the importance of studying internet topology in certain countries or regions. The internet performance of a country or region can be influenced by the structure of its internet topology, and research on internet topology can contribute to improving internet topology in that region. Objective: This research initially carried out internet topology mapping in a limited region, then used experience from each step in conducting internet topology mapping to create a comprehensive guide on procedures for internet topology mapping at the autonomous system (AS) level in certain regional areas. Methods: Internet topology mapping is carried out by inferring relationships between ASes through an inference process against border gateway protocol (BGP) table dumps, while the internet topology mapping method chosen is passive mapping. Results: The entire series of steps involved in the regional internet topology mapping process have been successfully outlined in a detailed guide as a result of this research. Evaluation of the research results was carried out by implementing the application of this comprehensive guide and also through assessments from experts in related fields regarding the results of this research. The results of both evaluations showed that the research results were appropriate. Conclusion: This research provides a comprehensive guide for mapping internet topology in specific regional areas, consisting of nine sequential steps grouped into four major steps. This guide can be used to assist similar research efforts in other regional areas as well as provide further knowledge regarding studies in this field. This research is different from previous studies, because it provides a comprehensive guide to the internet topology mapping process, which has not been available in previous studies. Keywords: Internet Topology Mapping, Regional Internet Topology, Autonomous System, Border Gateway Protocol

Strategi Humas Dinas Komunikasi dan Informatika Kabupaten Maluku Tenggara dalam Pengelolaan Informasi Publik

The Department of Communication and Informatics (Diskominfo) of Southeast Maluku Regency plays a crucial role in supporting local governance and development. They focus on ensuring easy access to information for the public, especially in areas with limited internet coverage or low literacy rates. Diskominfo employs various strategies, including social media, digital platforms, as well as subscription-based radio and television stations. They are also responsible for providing public information services through various online platforms and seven public service applications. The information management process involves stages of collection, clarification, documentation, and distribution with principles of accurate news writing. Despite efforts to improve information access and public services, Diskominfo still faces several challenges such as telecommunication network blank spots, limited infrastructure, and the public's lack of knowledge about government information. To address these challenges, strategic issues such as expanding networks in blank spot areas, enhancing monitoring and evaluation, implementing electronic-based public service systems, and improving human resource capacity must be considered. Diskominfo of Southeast Maluku Regency continues to strive to ensure relevant and accurate information is available to the public, with the hope of supporting the development and empowerment of all layers of society in the region. Keywords: Strategies, Information Management System, Online, Diskominfo.

Structural Evolution and Its Determinants of Domestic Value-Added Network of Digital Service Exports Based on Temporal Exponential Random Graph Model

ABSTRACT Digital service trade has become an important engine of world economic growth, and its competitive landscape is also evolving. We construct domestic value-added networks of digital service exports (DVAN-DSEs) from 1995 to 2018 based on the world input-output table, and explores their structural evolution and determinants using Temporal Exponential Random Graph Model. We find that (a) the DVAN-DSEs present the features of agglomeration, heterogeneity, reciprocity and unevenness. (b) The United States and European countries are the core in DVAN-DSEs. (c) Preference attachment, structural embeddedness, delayed reciprocity, stability, variability, Matthew effect in GDP, population and Internet coverage, geographical proximity, cultural similarities, and regional trade agreements play important roles in the evolution of DVAN-DSEs. (d) Structural embeddedness and geographic proximity only facilitate new relationship construction, while other factors influence both relationship establishment and maintenance. Countries should build network facilities, expand trading partners and promote trade agreement negotiations to facilitate the development of digital service trade.

Living in a Neighborhood With Limited Access to Broadband Internet Is Associated With Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes [ID 2683563

INTRODUCTION: The internet is an essential tool for ensuring health care access and delivery. We aimed to estimate the association between living in an area with limited broadband internet access and specific adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: We performed an electronic health record-based retrospective cohort study of pregnant people who delivered at a referral medical center between September 1, 2019, and June 1, 2022. Primary outcomes were preterm birth, low birth weight (less than 2,500 g) and birth weight z-score for gestational age. Neighborhood internet access was defined as the proportion of residents with internet access in the pregnant person’s census tract of residence, based on the 2020 American Community Survey estimate and determined by geocoding. We used multivariable logistic or linear regression analysis to estimate the independent effect of internet access and computed adjusted odds ratios (aOR) or mean differences with 95% CIs for a 5-unit increase in the proportion with internet access for a given census tract. RESULTS: Among 5,190 pregnant people included, 885 (17.1%) had a preterm birth, 728 (14.0%) delivered a low-birth weight neonate, and 515 (9.9%) had a small-for-gestational age neonate. After adjusting for relevant confounders, increasing internet access was associated with reduced odds of preterm birth (aOR 0.97; 95% CI, 0.93–1.00; P=.048), reduced odds of low birth weight (aOR 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91–0.98), and increasing birth weight z-score (Beta 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01–0.03). CONCLUSION: Living in neighborhoods with better broadband internet coverage was associated with reduced odds of preterm birth, decreased odds of delivering a low-birth weight neonate, and increasing birth weight.

Philosophy of education in the context of the Kazakh secondary education space

Relevance. In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, it is crucial to equip students with the skills and knowledge they will need to navigate and succeed in the future. This preparation must begin during their school years. Purpose. The purpose of this scientific paper is to determine the philosophy of secondary education in Kazakhstan by revealing the general trends in the philosophy of the modern world as well as by considering certain aspects. Methodology. The following series of methods of the theoretical block was used during the study: analysis, synthesis, concretization and generalization of information. Results. Based on an examination of the labor market in Kazakhstan and a review of global trends, it has been ascertained that professions requiring mental labor will hold significance in the future. Therefore, fostering students' creative thinking abilities is imperative. Communication and teamwork skills are one of the main skills that a modern worker should have, so it is necessary to develop them from school age. An important feature of modern teenagers, which should be taken into account in the learning process, is their desire for independence, as well as the significant role of social networks in their lives. It is also worth noting that despite the fact that distance education is crucial today, Kazakhstan faces significant problems with Internet coverage in remote areas and poor material provision of schools. Conclusions. The philosophy of secondary education in the 21st century has evolved significantly, emphasizing modern philosophical trends such as globalization and multiculturalism. Today's education focuses on developing universal skills, particularly soft skills, like teamwork and creative problem-solving. The results of this article will be useful for scientific teachers who develop the curriculum and are responsible for the introduction of new methods of conducting the educational process. Keywords: globalization; labor market; generation Z; soft skills; remote education

Research on Hybrid Relay Protocol Design and Cross-Layer Performance Based on NOMA

Wireless and power line communication hybrid relay technology can realize complementary advantages and comprehensively improve the communication coverage and performance of power Internet of Things. In order to study the mechanism of the physical layer and Media Access Control (MAC) layer algorithm that affects the performance of hybrid relay systems, the cross-layer performance modeling, optimization, and simulation analysis are carried out for the non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technology. Firstly, a two-hop NOMA media access control protocol is designed based on the CSMA algorithm. Considering the effects of non-ideal channel transmission at the physical layer and competitive access at the MAC layer on the system performance, a cross-layer performance analysis model of hybrid wireless and power line communication relay system under NOMA is established. Finally, a cross-layer optimization model based on multi-objective programming is established for the hybrid relay system. By analyzing the relationship between transmitting power and performance index, the joint optimization of transmitting power and power distribution factor between users is realized. Simulation results verify the validity and reliability of the proposed cross-layer model. The results show that the hybrid relay algorithm combined with NOMA and CSMA can effectively improve the performance of the system throughput, packet loss probability, and delay.

The Effective Communication through Climate Change Campaign in Sustainable Port Development

Port development has an impact on climate change. A sustainable port as a solution to the problem focuses on three pillars: economic, social and environmental. This article explores and analyses the challenges to the development of sustainable development of PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo), using PT Terminal Petikemas Surabaya (TPS) as a case study. Our aim in this study is to highlight the importance of two pillars, namely environmental and social in the concept of sustainability. This study analyses the environmental climate change campaign conducted by TPS. The researcher used a qualitative descriptive approach to conduct the case study. Data were collected through interviews and observations as primary data, while internal company data, documentary films, internet media coverage, and literature studies became secondary data. The research revealed the company's communication process by collecting information regarding the number of impressions received from news coverage and social media reports. Since TPS has not determined a standardised score, the communication process needs a more comprehensive evaluation. TPS should focus on this area further to determine the effectiveness of its current communication strategy.

Current Landscape of Work Modes and Tools in Higher Education in the Research Development Field

We conducted an online survey of National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP) members in the higher education research enterprise to identify trends in work modes and expand insights into how the current workforce is shaping the profession. We find: (1) Hybrid work has emerged as a dominant work mode and likely is here to stay; (2) Flexibility, communication, and expectations around RD work is critical for successful teamwork as RD professionals need to connect with leadership and investigators and meet their varying expectations; (3) Remote workers have the highest rated rates of personal productivity and personal well-being; (4) In-person workers perceived their work mode as the most permanent. Remote workers are unlikely to consider fully in-person roles in future; and (5) While institutions have done well in terms of providing basic technology support (laptop, monitors), they have neglected to provide resources for their remote workers (e.g., coverage for internet, phone and office supplies). With this first of its kind study in the RD field, our goals are to share the potential of work modes and empower our colleagues to either leverage these results into their institutions or advance the research by expanding the survey.

Mapping and Spatial Analysis to Expand Rural Broadband Access

High-speed broadband internet access is a critically important issue for many aspects of daily life, yet populations in rural areas are often unserved or underserved with reliable internet connectivity. Expanding broadband internet coverage in rural areas may have significant economic potential, especially since it enables precision farming which in turn increases yields, particularly for row crops such as corn and soybeans. This paper introduces methods that utilize GIS spatial analysis and remote sensing to assist in efforts to expand rural broadband access using case study counties in Illinois. Specifically, the methods presented here: (1) quantify current cropland production as well as future potential production in currently unserved or underserved rural areas; and (2) automate mapping of vertical assets from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data that may be utilized as high points to expand broadband coverage. Collectively, these methodologies may be used for policy advocacy and to inform the decision-making process as future broadband expansion initiatives are considered in rural areas.

The Nigerian Health System and mHealth Philosophy: Weighing the Balance

The appalling state of the Nigerian healthcare system has drawn a lot of attention from scholars, medical experts, and free thinkers. To these people, it is baffling why despite Nigeria’s political and economic relevance in Africa; the country suffers a great deal of health insecurity. It is against this backdrop that this paper sought to examine and ascertain the balance between the Nigerian healthcare system and the mobile health philosophy (the process whereby mobile health devices and applications are used to carry out healthcare services delivery). Relying on the descriptive survey research design and method of analysis, the study examined healthcare procedures that provide prompt mobile health services to Nigerians. It finds that although the concept of mHealth is new to Nigerians, nonetheless, both medical experts and end users have taken advantage of it to maintain good health by seeking and providing solutions to health concerns and challenges. Other outstanding challenges that hamper the mHealth philosophy in Nigeria are epileptic power supply, poor internet coverage, lack of finance to acquire mobile health devices, security of peoples’ private information and many others. The paper condemned the lack of sustainable government (Federal, State and Local) support for primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare systems in the country. It is the conclusion of the paper that despite these challenges, the benefits of mHealth remain overwhelming especially as it makes healthcare service delivery proactive and easily accessible by everyone anywhere and anytime. Therefore, it should be integrated into the policy and health care delivery system in Nigeria.