Communication Networks Research Articles

Multi-isotopic evidence reveals the emergence of a cosmopolitan community at the Luistari cemetery in Eura, Finland, during the early Medieval period (600–1130 CE)

This study examines the role of the Eura region as a nexus linking the inland with Baltic Sea trade routes. Luistari cemetery, spanning from the early Merovingian to Medieval periods, provides key insights into South-Western Finland’s socio-economic structure and communication networks. Despite its significance, this burial community’s chronological dynamics and regional role remain poorly understood. Using multi-isotopic evidence contextualised with archaeological data, this research explores mobility and subsistence patterns among Luistari’s population. By delineating the bioavailable strontium range in the Eura region, the study assesses the local burial community’s mobility dynamics across various chronological phases. Identification of long- and short-distance migrants, discerned through strontium and carbon isotopes in conjunction with archaeological context, enhances understanding of Luistari within the regional and Circum-Baltic framework. Multi-isotopic evidence further aids in grasping local development within environmental and climatic contexts. Analysis of the strontium isotopic data patterns, combined with carbon and nitrogen, sheds light on settlement locations and subsistence strategies of the Luistari population. Notable transformations during the Viking I period (800–880 CE), marked by the establishment of a “founding” community, and shifts in dietary and migratory patterns in periods V II-III (880–1000 CE), indicate stabilisation of the local socio-economic conditions. Period V IV (1000–1070 CE) reveals connections, both maritime and continental, as the local community integrates into long-distance communication networks. The Final Period (1070–1130 CE) then shows only limited signs of mobility. The data suggest varied mobility patterns over the long-term development of the local community coupled with visibly changing subsistence strategies.

Improving NGOs’ participation in implementing HIV preventive interventions: a case of adolescents with high-risk behaviors in Iran

BackgroundThe study aimed to identify the obstacles that NGOs face in their participation in implementing HIV preventive interventions among adolescents with high-risk behaviors in Iran and to propose interventions to enhance their involvement.MethodsThe study employed a qualitative approach in three phases to identify barriers and solutions to NGOs’ participation in HIV preventive interventions. First, 56 semi-structured interviews, four focus group discussions (FGDs), and a document review were conducted with diverse stakeholders, using a purposive sampling strategy combining maximum variation sampling with a snowballing approach. Participants were sampled from relevant backgrounds in health policymaking, public participation, or communicable disease. Data from interviews and FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using an inductive content analysis. Second, a scoping review was performed, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. A policy brief from the first two phases informed a one-day multi-stakeholder policy dialogue with 16 selected policy actors. This session was audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through content analysis.ResultsWe identified various challenges faced by NGOs, including those related to the unique features of HIV services, such as difficulty in case finding and constant provision of preventive care. Severe challenges included weak NGOs’ performance, insufficient capabilities, and insufficient support from the government, resulting in undesirable constructive collaboration. Tailored strategies were developed, such as the empowerment of NGOs, enhancing public health literacy, modifying the process of identifying eligible NGOs, clarifying key processes for NGOs’ involvement, response to COVID-19, increasing adolescent engagement, advocating for removing the stigma from active NGOs, increasing support for active NGOs, organizing communication networks and collaboration, and strengthening governance arrangements.ConclusionsNGOs’ participation in HIV prevention can facilitate the alignment of interventions with the specific needs of at-risk populations. However, there are obstacles to full NGOs’ participation from both NGO and government perspectives, necessitating several measures to address these challenges. These measures are imperative for fostering constructive and sustained collaboration between NGOs and the government. The significance of this study lies in its emphasis on such collaboration, particularly in low-resource settings, which is crucial for nations committed to authentically realizing the goal of ‘health for all, by all,’ alongside genuine community participation.Trial registrationNA.

Effect of top management knowledge value, knowledge-oriented culture and rewards on innovation performance and quality: the bridging contribution of knowledge-sharing process

Purpose Currently, innovation performance (IP) and innovation quality (IQ) are essential intertwined constructs that help small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) thrive in a competitive business environment and achieve long-term success and sustainability. This paper aims to examine the effect of top management knowledge values (TMKVs), knowledge-oriented culture (KOC) and rewards on IP and IQ through knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach The authors used a deductive cross-sectional data approach and a standardized questionnaire adopted from the literature to obtain responses from the employees of Egyptian manufacturing SMEs. The authors based this study’s findings on 316 usable samples by applying the purposive sampling technique. Findings Using structural equation modeling (SEM) with path analysis using SmartPLS4, the findings of this study demonstrate that TMKV positively affects IP but not IQ. On the one hand, the KOC and knowledge-sharing process (KSP) are positive enablers of IP and IQ. On the other hand, knowledge-based reward (KBR) has an insignificant effect on IP and IQ. Moreover, while KSP mediates TMKV’s and KOC’s connections with IP and IQ, it does not mediate KBR’s relationship with IP and IQ. Practical implications This study’s findings will help policymakers and planners create strategies through knowledge management to improve employees’ vision, commitment and dedication, culminating in a favourable impact on IP and IQ. These findings highlight the need to foster a knowledge-based culture that promotes communication networks, establishes trust and enables individuals to make decisions to enhance organizational success, IP and IQ. Originality/value In the case of a developing country, this study helps to fill the gaps by offering an integrated framework that simultaneously explores knowledge management enablers, IP and IQ.

A Roadmap for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Kidney Care: A Scoping Review and Content Analysis.

Natural, technological and other disasters cause significant human suffering, and kidney patients are uniquely vulnerable. The safe provision of kidney replacement therapies necessitates the consistent provision of resources. Robust disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) can mitigate risks associated with resource disruption. Individual kidney care programs may benefit from an organized approach to developing context-specific protocols. We aimed to synthesize contemporary literature in kidney care to create a roadmap in DRRM. We conducted a scoping review followed by a content analysis using the Framework Method. Literature that focused on lessons learned and proposed strategies or recommendations in DRRM was eligible. We contextualized this roadmap within the domains of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Of 3,973 titles and abstracts screened, 52 articles were included. We developed the following roadmap: 1) the 'ABC4s' of disaster preparedness: Assess needs, risks, and vulnerabilities (regional risks, patients at risk); Build a task force network; Capacity building (tangible resources, intangible resources, monetary considerations, transportation); Communication (network and protocol, patients' medical and dialysis information, contact information of all stakeholders, inclusive approach, reliable medium); Coaching (patients, caregivers, healthcare personnel, reinforce and repeat); Contingency planning (surge capacity, rationing care, resource distribution); and Strategic partnerships. 2) the 'DIAL' response: Damage and scope assessment; Initiate action plan (choose the plan, apply preparedness tenets, implications for receiving facilities); Appraise the action plan regularly (reassess, maintain ethical standards, address psychosocial needs); and Liaise, engage and update. 3) the 'ARC' to recovery: Assess damage; Return to the (new) norm; and Collect data to evaluate, improve, and share. We propose a roadmap to disaster preparedness, response and recovery that can guide individual kidney care programs globally to develop context-specific protocols aimed at building capacities and facilitating processes toward DRRM.

Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal and gut-brain axes in biological interaction pathway of the depression

The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and gut-brain axes are vital biological pathways in depression. The HPA axis regulates the body's stress response, and chronic stress can lead to overactivation of the HPA axis, resulting in elevated cortisol levels that contribute to neuronal damage, particularly in regions such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, both of which are involved in mood regulation and mental disorders. In parallel, the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication network between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system, influences emotional and cognitive functions. Imbalances in gut microbiota can affect the HPA axis, promoting inflammation and increasing gut permeability. This allows endotoxins to enter the bloodstream, contributing to neuroinflammation and altering neurotransmitter production, including serotonin. Since the majority of serotonin is produced in the gut, disruptions in this pathway may be linked to depressive symptoms. This review explores the interplay between the HPA axis and the gut-brain axis in the context of depression.

Indium Phosphide Semiconductor Technology for Next-Generation Communication Systems: Sustainability and Material Considerations

Indium phosphide (InP) semiconductor technology is being explored for radiofrequency (RF) applications, targeting frequencies exceeding 100 GHz, to support the next generation of 6G communication systems. When taking into account sustainability in designing this future generation, growing concerns are emerging regarding the environmental impact of communication networks and the reliance on raw materials for the production of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The extraction, processing, and manufacturing of such materials and semiconductor technologies result in environmental impacts, but these impacts remain insufficiently documented. Firstly, this study evaluates the environmental impacts of manufacturing indium phosphide (InP) wafers based on industrial data and those of InP-based heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) based on early-stage research data. Secondly, this study attempts to highlight the challenges posed by the increasing demand for high-tech solutions, involving raw materials, by evaluating the potential demand for indium for RF 6G applications, with a deployment scenario.

Measurement‐Device‐Independent Continuous‐Variable Quantum Secret Sharing

AbstractAlthough continuous‐variable quantum secret sharing (CVQSS) is theoretically proven to be secure, it may still be subject to various practical attacks due to the imperfections of devices. In this study, measurement‐device‐independent CVQSS (MDI‐CVQSS) is proposed in which measurement is no longer the duty for the dealer but is performed by an untrusted party Charlie, so that all detector side‐channel attacks can be eliminated, greatly enhancing the practical security of CVQSS system. The security bound is derived for the proposed MDI‐CVQSS, and its numerical simulation shows that MDI‐CVQSS outperforms conventional CVQSS in terms of both secret key rate and maximal number of users. It is found that MDI‐CVQSS possesses several unique properties, such as local stability of the secret key rate, low total excess noise and high utilization rate of raw data, which indicate that MDI‐CVQSS has the potential for efficiently building a large‐scale quantum communication network. Moreover, it is also suggested three variations of MDI‐CVQSS to satisfy the requirements of different multi‐point quantum communication scenarios.

Power and data simultaneous transmission using double-clad fibers towards 6G

To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the first report in the literature on the implementation of a radio- and power-over-fiber (RPoF) system utilizing double-clad fiber (DCF) aimed at the sixth generation of mobile communications networks (6G) operating in millimeter-waves (mm-waves). The deployed FiWi (fiber/wireless) system makes use of the DCF core and first cladding for simultaneously and optically transmitting data and power using the same fiber-optics link. For the first time, we demonstrate the simultaneous transmission of a broadband 26-GHz 5G New Radio (NR) signal in conjunction with 20 W of optical power through a 250-m DCF link. Such achievement represents a 150% reach enhancement, compared to the current commercial-available femtocells from the fourth and fifth generations of mobile communications networks (4G and 5G), which use Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) interfaces that typically provide 1 Gbps throughput limited to 100 m reach. The PoF key components of the remote antenna unit (RAU), such as the photodetector and RF amplifier, are optically powered by using PoF technology. We evaluate the PoF system efficiency and stability over extended periods and compare the analog RoF (A-RoF) system performance, by means of conventionally versus optically powered. Experimental results indicate the proposed RPoF system meets the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) requirements, in terms of the root mean square error vector magnitude (EVMRMS), with no impairments. Overall, our FiWi system demonstrator provides a throughput of 1.6 Gbps using 16-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) over 5-m wireless transmission in the mm-waves band. The obtained experimental data highlight the feasibility of integrating optical and wireless technologies for supporting more reliable and scalable beyond 5G (B5G) and 6G systems.

The landscape of cell regulatory and communication networks in the human dental follicle

IntroductionThe dental follicle localizes the surrounding enamel organ and dental papilla of the developing tooth germ during the embryonic stage. It can differentiate and develop to form the periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone tissues. Postnatally, the dental follicle gradually degenerates, but some parts of the dental follicle remain around the impacted tooth. However, the specific cellular components and the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing the postnatal development and biological function of the dental follicle have not been completely understood.MethodsWe analyzed dental follicles with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to reveal their cellular constitution molecular signatures by cell cycle analysis, scenic analysis, gene enrichment analysis, and cell communication analysis.ResultsTen cell clusters were identified with differential characteristics, among which immune and vessel-related cells, as well as a stem cell population, were revealed as the main cell types. Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) were established and defined four regulon modules underlying dental tissue development and microenvironmental regulation, including vascular and immune responses. Cell–cell communication analysis unraveled crosstalk between vascular and immune cell components in orchestrating dental follicle biological activities, potentially based on COLLAGAN-CD44 ligand–receptor pairs, as well as ANGPTL1-ITGA/ITGB ligand–receptor pairs.ConclusionWe establish a landscape of cell regulatory and communication networks in the human dental follicle, providing mechanistic insights into the cellular regulation and interactions in the complex dental follicle tissue microenvironment.

High-Dimensional Quantum Key Distribution by a Spin-Orbit Microlaser

Quantum key distribution offers a promising avenue for establishing secure communication networks. However, its performance is significantly hampered by the conventional two-level information carriers (i.e., qubits) due to their limited information capacity and noise resilience. A fundamental approach to overcoming these limitations involves the adoption of high-dimensional qudits. Practical qudit platforms require robust propagation, outstanding controllability, and extreme compactness, to which integrated photonics provides a promising solution. Here, we achieved, for the first time, microlaser-enabled high-dimensional quantum communication through leveraging spin-orbit photon qudits, where the dynamical generation and manipulation of these multi-degrees-of-freedom complex quantum state are realized by a non-Hermitian-physics-driven integrated microlaser quantum transmitter. Such a microlaser photon manipulation, as a novel route towards high-dimensional quantum state generation, promises high energy efficiency, along with fast, compact, and precise qudit state reconfigurability. The four spin-orbit eigenstates emitted by the microlaser possess the same spatial-temporal structures, ensuring homogeneity between all qudit states used for key distribution, which effectively eliminates propagation dephasing and walk-off problems, thereby delivering the high-dimensional spin-orbit secret key generation to construct a robust quantum link. The demonstrated long-term system stability showcases the practical potential of the microlaser quantum transmitter, providing a critical step towards compact, high-information-capacity quantum communication networks. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Decoding multicellular interaction networks-a new horizon in tumor microenvironment research.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) milieu directs a plethora of tumor-modulating functions. Recent years have seen pivotal breakthroughs in our understanding of the TME's role in tumor initiation and progression, with tangible clinical applications. Individual components of the TME exert their function predominantly by cell-cell crosstalk, both in the form of physical interaction and secreted factors. Notably, different spatial niches represent exclusive signaling hubs in the TME, propagating pro- or antitumoral functions. The exploration of these interactions has been vastly facilitated by novel molecular technologies, each of which provides a different perspective on this intricate intercellular communication network. Together, these complementary methods paint a detailed, high-resolution map of the TME's interaction landscape. In this viewpoint, we explore how cellular interactions can unlock a new level of understanding of TME complexity, and discuss the promises and challenges of characterizing tumors based on their cellular interaction footprint.

Network Security Threats and Defense Mechanisms for 6G Multi‐Virtual Network Scenarios

ABSTRACTThe introduction of 6G networks presents substantial challenges for network security, particularly in multi‐virtual network topologies. The combination of network function virtualization (NFV) and software‐defined networking (SDN) in 6G is designed to increase scalability and flexibility; nevertheless, these advances complicate network security management. The goal is to identify risks to network security and develop defense solutions for 6G multi‐virtual network situations. SDN's virtualized network functions (VNFs) are utilized to provide stateful firewall services that provide scalable and dynamic threat prevention. The SDN controller is critical in developing a set of rules to prevent risky network connectivity and decrease possible risks. 6G multi‐virtual network domains—attacking threats that involve different socket addresses so complex that usually applicable protection measures hardly tackle that scenario, machine learning (ML) algorithms, and Intelligent Osprey Optimized Versatile Random Forest (IOO‐VRF) model—have been proposed for potentially harmful connection detection and predicting cyber threats accessing the network. Multiple open‐access sources can be exploited to gather diverse data for collecting valuable information on studying network traffic and cyber threats. The experimental results indicate that IOO‐VRF achieved prediction accuracy comparable to that of other traditional algorithms. The proposed model is assessed on various types of metrics, including accuracy (98%), precision (97.4%), recall (94%), and F1‐score (93%). The results emphasized the importance of ML in combination with SDN and NFV for security in the case of resilient, expandable, and flexible security measures for future multi‐virtual 6G network communications networks.

Elucidating the knowledge, attitude, and stigma associated with tuberculosis: a community based descriptive study in Wau and Jur River, South Sudan.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in South Sudan. Inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes and perceived stigma may complicate the prevention efforts. This study describes knowledge, attitude, and stigma associated with TB among communities in Wau and Jur River, South Sudan. From March to May 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 352 community members randomly selected from residential blocks. A validated structured questionnaire was used to collect the required data. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Out of 352 respondents, 51% (n = 180) were males and 49% (n = 172) were females. Majority 227 (64.5%) had poor knowledge about TB, meanwhile hearing about TB, age and level of education were associated factors. Fear of having TB was the major negative attitude (57.1%; n = 218), and most of the respondents (n = 327; 92.9%) had a perceived stigma towards TB, voicing that they disliked drinking or eating with people with TB and/or felt uncomfortable and kept their distance from people with TB. Communities have little knowledge, negative attitude and perceived stigma towards people with TB. Hence, tailored health messages using local languages, training of community volunteers to reach villages without accessibility and communication network are essential to improve TB prevention and control in South Sudan.

Optimizing the integration of family physicians into cancer survivorship care in the BC Interior: a mixed methods study of physicians' opinions and experiences.

With cancer diagnoses increasing worldwide and the number of cancer survivors rising, family physicians are being increasingly relied upon to provide post-cancer treatment care and/or survivorship care. This mixed-method study explores and evaluates barriers and facilitators to optimizing family physician-led survivorship care in the largely rural Interior of British Columbia (BC), Canada. A mixed-method approach consisting of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews was utilized to explore family physician and oncologist perspectives on the current state of survivorship care for breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers within the BC Interior. Concerns about family physician knowledge in some aspects of survivorship care were identified by both groups, with mixed responses regarding geographical factors, resources, and communication networks. Success was dependent on information from oncologists with more common cancer sites fitting the model better. There was significant concern for individuals with no family physician. Five frequently discussed facilitators were identified: (1) providing accessible survivorship guidelines, (2) standardized discharge summaries (i.e., survivorship care plans), (3) clear points-of-contact at cancer care centers, (4) more educational opportunities, and (5) compatible electronic supports between care providers. Overall, the model of family physician-led survivorship care was supported by family physicians and oncologists within the BC Interior, although success was dependent on several factors. Identifying the perspectives of physicians directly involved in the survivorship care pathway will be instrumental in developing and implementing solutions that will succeed within the BC Interior and similar regions.Implication toforCancer SurvivorsWe hope that the improvements to interprofessional cooperation driven by our research mayimprove the quality and continuity of care received by cancer survivors in British Columbia and beyond. IMPLICATION TO CANCER SURVIVORS: We hope that the improvements to interprofessional cooperation driven by our research may improve the qualityand continuity of care received by cancer survivors in British Columbia and beyond.

Progress in optical frequency comb generation techniques towards flexible optical communication network

Abstract A flexible optical communication network is needed to realize a backbone transport network for 6G communication and further higher generation communication technologies. However, the practical implementation of the higher generation network experiences some serious challenges due to the existing multicarrier generation technology i.e. an array of multiple discrete laser sources (less spectrally efficient, complex, bulkier and costlier). Recently, a multicarrier generation technique using the optical frequency comb has been extensively researched. It can reduce the complexity, cost, and size compared to the existing multicarrier generator. Moreover, it increases the utilization of available spectral efficiency due to its capability to tune the operating frequency and carrier spacing. So, considering these advantages, we reviewed the multiple optical frequency comb generation techniques, categorized as mode-locked laser, microresonator and electro-optic modulator based frequency combs. We identify the salient features of different frequency comb generation techniques by keeping the requirements of a flexible optical network in mind. We also reviewed the drawbacks and possible solutions proposed to improve the characteristics of the optical frequency comb. Further, we reviewed the optical frequency comb expansion techniques to broaden the spectrum of the optical frequency comb, which is the requirement in optical frequency comb suitable for communication applications. At last, we summarize the progress in the practical implementation of the optical frequency comb as a multichannel source in a flexible optical network.

High-Gain Miniaturized Multi-Band MIMO SSPP LWA for Vehicular Communications

This paper introduces a novel miniaturized, four-mode, semi-flexible leaky wave Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna specifically designed to advance vehicular communication systems. The proposed antenna addresses key challenges in 5G low- and high-frequency bands, including millimeter-wave communication, by integrating innovative features such as a periodic Spoof Surface Plasmon Polariton Transmission Line (SSPP-TL) and logarithmic-spiral-like semi-circular strip patches parasitically fed via orthogonal ports. These design elements facilitate stable impedance matching and wide impedance bandwidths across operating bands, which is essential for vehicular networks. The hybrid combination of leaky wave and SSPP structures, along with a defected wide-slot ground structure and backside meander lines, enhances radiation characteristics by reducing back and bidirectional radiation. Additionally, a naturalization network incorporating chamfered-edge meander lines minimizes mutual coupling and introduces a fourth radiation mode at 80 GHz. Compact in size (14 × 12 × 0.25 mm3), the antenna achieves high-performance metrics, including S11 < −18.34 dB, dual-polarization, peak directive gains of 11.6 dBi (free space) and 14.6 dBi (on vehicles), isolation > 27 dB, Channel Capacity Loss (CCL) < 3, Envelope Correlation Coefficient (ECC) < 0.001, axial ratio < 2.25, and diversity gain (DG) > 9.85 dB. Extensive testing across various vehicular scenarios confirms the antenna’s robustness for Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P), and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication. Its exceptional performance ensures seamless connectivity with mobile networks and enhances safety through Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) compliance. This compact, high-performance antenna is a transformative solution for connected and autonomous vehicles, addressing critical challenges in modern automotive communication networks and paving the way for reliable and efficient vehicular communication systems.

Fifth-Generation (5G) Communication in Urban Environments: A Comprehensive Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Channel Model for Low-Altitude Operations in Indian Cities

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) significantly shape the evolution of 5G and 6G technologies in India, particularly in reconfiguring communication networks. Through their deployment as base stations or relays, these aerial vehicles substantially enhance communication performance and extend network coverage in areas characterized by high demand and challenging topographies. Accurate modelling of the UAV-to-ground channel is imperative for gaining valuable insights into UAV-assisted communication systems, particularly within India’s rapidly expanding metropolitan cities and their diverse topographical complexities. This study proposes an approach to model low-altitude channels in urban areas, offering specific scenarios and tailored solutions to facilitate radio frequency (RF) planning for Indian metropolitan cities. The proposed model leverages the International Telecommunication Union recommendation (ITU-R) for city mapping and utilizes frequency ranges from 1.8 to 6 GHz and altitudes up to 500 m to comprehensively model both line-of-sight (LoS) and non-line-of-sight (NLoS) communications. It employs the uniform theory of diffraction to calculate the additional path loss for non-line-of-sight (NLoS) communication for both vertical and horizontal polarizations. The normal distribution for additional shadowing loss is discerned from simulation results. This study outlined the approach to derive a comprehensive statistical channel model based on the elevation angle and evaluate model parameters at various frequencies and altitudes for both vertical and horizontal polarization. The model was subsequently compared with existing models for validation, showing close alignment. The ease of implementation and practical application of this proposed model render it an invaluable tool for planning and simulating mobile networks in urban areas, thus facilitating the seamless integration of advanced communication technologies in India.

Hypercomplex Numbers—A Tool for Enhanced Efficiency and Intelligence in Digital Signal Processing

Mathematics is the wide-ranging solid foundation of the engineering sciences which ensures their progress by providing them with its unique toolkit of rules, methods, algorithms and numerical systems. In this paper, an overview of the numerical systems that have currently found an application in engineering science and practice is offered, while also mentioning those systems that still await full and comprehensive applicability, recognition, and acknowledgment. Two possible approaches for representing hypercomplex numbers are proposed—based on real numbers and based on complex numbers. This makes it possible to justify the creation and introduction of numerical systems specifically suited to digital signal processing (DSP), which is the basis of all modern technical sciences ensuring the technological progress of mankind. Understanding the specifics, peculiarities, and properties of the large and diverse family of hypercomplex numbers is the first step towards their more comprehensive and thorough study, and hence their use in a number of high-tech intelligent applications in various engineering and scientific fields, such as information and communication technologies (ICT), communication and neural networks, cybersecurity and national security, artificial intelligence (АI), space and military technologies, industrial engineering and machine learning, astronomy, applied mathematics, quantum physics, etc. The issues discussed in this paper are, however, far from exhausting the scientific topics related to both hypercomplex numbers in general and those relevant to DSP. This is a promising scientific area, the potential of which has not yet been fully explored, but research already shows the enhanced computational efficiency and intelligent performance of hypercomplex DSP.

Performance Improvement for Discretely Modulated Continuous-Variable Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution with Imbalanced Modulation

The modulation mode at the transmitters plays a crucial role in the continuous-variable measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution (CV-MDI-QKD) protocol. However, in practical applications, differences in the modulation schemes between two transmitters can inevitably impact protocol performance, particularly when using discrete modulation with four-state or eight-state formats. This work primarily investigates the effect of imbalanced modulation at the transmitters on the security of the CV-MDI-QKD protocol under both symmetric and asymmetric distance scenarios. By employing imbalanced discrete modulation maps and numerical convex optimization techniques, the proposed CV-MDI-QKD protocol achieves a notably higher secret key rate and outperforms existing protocols in terms of maximum transmission distance. Specifically, simulation results demonstrate that the secret key rate and maximum transmission distance are boosted by approximately 77.77% and 24.3%, respectively, compared to the original protocol. This novel and simplified modulation method can be seamlessly implemented in existing experimental setups without requiring equipment modifications. Furthermore, it provides a practical approach to enhancing protocol performance and enabling cost-effective applications in secure quantum communication networks under real-world environments.

Adaptive Congestion Control Protocol based on Meta-Reinforcement Learning for Data Communication Networks

Adaptive Congestion Control Protocol based on Meta-Reinforcement Learning for Data Communication Networks