The Influence of SIP Call Control Signalling on VoIP Quality of Experience

The rapid growth in subscribers and usage of multimedia services enlarges the volume of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) call control signalling creating a need to understand Quality of Experience (QoE) in this case and improve it. This paper provides an analysis of influence of SIP call control signalling on QoE for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. The aim was to investigate whether SIP call control signalling load has the influence on the human perception of SIP signalling performances and QoE, and to identify the importance of distinct SIP-based signalling performance metrics. Moreover, the intention was to determine whether SIP call control signalling load changes its impact if previously proposed algorithm for differentiated treatment of SIP messages is activated, and quantify mutual relationships of considered user perceptions and QoE. The findings show that SIP call control signalling load has a strong and negative impact on dependent variables and that the proposed algorithm improves QoE and human perception of SIP signalling performances

Recognition of traffic generated by WebRTC communication

Network traffic recognition serves as a basic condition for network operators to differentiate and prioritize traffic for a number of purposes, from guaranteeing the Quality of Service (QoS), to monitoring safety, as well as monitoring and detecting anomalies. Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) is an open-source project that enables real-time audio, video, and text communication among browsers. Since WebRTC does not include any characteristic pattern for semantically based traffic recognition, this paper proposes models for recognizing traffic generated during WebRTC audio and video communication based on statistical characteristics and usage of machine learning in Weka tool. Five classification algorithms have been used for model development, such as Naive Bayes, J48, Random Forest, REP tree, and Bayes Net. The results show that J48 and BayesNet have the best performances in this experimental case of WebRTC traffic recognition. Future work will be focused on comparison of a wide range of machine learning algorithms using a large enough dataset to improve the significance of the results

Use of information and communication technologies in social work institutions in extraordinary circumstances

Information-Communication Technologies (ICTs) are currently used in various fields and there are many amazing inventions that are already present and make communication and life easier for us on a daily basis. The use of ICTs is less represented in the social work institutions. Therefore, this paper presents the implementation of ICTs through the chatbot application for the needs of social work created on the Tidio platform and within the webpage of the Public Institution “Center for Social Work Tešanj”. The application facilitates the work of social workers in collecting information from the users and eases the aid received by the users of social care in terms of faster responses to inquiries during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, but also after. For the purpose of this research, an end-user survey was created and conducted with the aim of collecting user opinions on the acceptance and motivation for the use of chatbots in social work institutions. The results showed good acceptance and usage motivation of social work chatbot

Cost and Performance Optimisation in the Technological Phase of Parcel Delivery – A Literature Review

The present review paper provides a systematic insight into the studies published so far when it comes to the research on the cost and performance optimisation in the parcel delivery phase. Globalisation, as well as the new trends, such as selling online, directly influences the demands for the delivery of goods. Demand for the delivery of goods proportionally affects the transport prices. A great majority of deliveries is carried out in densely populated urban areas. In terms of costs, the greatest part in the courier organisations costs is observed in the technological phase of parcel delivery, which is at the same time the least efficient. For that reason, significant improvement of performance and cost optimisation in the very delivery phase is a rather challenging field for the researchers. New algorithm-based technologies, innovations in the logistics and outsourcing of individual technological phases are ways by means of which one strives to enhance the delivery efficiency, to improve performance and quality, but also - to optimise the costs in the last phase of delivery. The aim of the present paper is to offer a systematic review into the most recent research in the field of technology, innovations and outsourcing models with the aim of reducing the cost and enhancing the productivity and quality in parcel delivery

QUALINET white paper on definitions of Immersive Media Experience (IMEx)

With the coming of age of virtual/augmented reality and interactive media, numerous definitions, frameworks, and models of immersion have emerged across different fields ranging from computer graphics to literary works. Immersion is oftentimes used interchangeably with presence as both concepts are closely related. However, there are noticeable interdisciplinary differences regarding definitions, scope, and constituents that are required to be addressed so that a coherent understanding of the concepts can be achieved. Such consensus is vital for paving the directionality of the future of immersive media experiences (IMEx) and all related matters. The aim of this white paper is to provide a survey of definitions of immersion and presence which leads to a definition of immersive media experience (IMEx). The Quality of Experience (QoE) for immersive media is described by establishing a relationship between the concepts of QoE and IMEx followed by application areas of immersive media experience. Influencing factors on immersive media experience are elaborated as well as the assessment of immersive media experience. Finally, standardization activities related to IMEx are highlighted and the white paper is concluded with an outlook related to future developments

Report on SHAFE policies, strategies and funding

The objective of Working Group (WG) 4 of the COST Action NET4Age-Friendly is to examine existing policies, advocacy, and funding opportunities and to build up relations with policy makers and funding organisations. Also, to synthesize and improve existing knowledge and models to develop from effective business and evaluation models, as well as to guarantee quality and education, proper dissemination and ensure the future of the Action. The Working Group further aims to enable capacity building to improve interdisciplinary participation, to promote knowledge exchange and to foster a cross-European interdisciplinary research capacity, to improve cooperation and co-creation with cross-sectors stakeholders and to introduce and educate students SHAFE implementation and sustainability (CB01, CB03, CB04, CB05). To enable the achievement of the objectives of Working Group 4, the Leader of the Working Group, the Chair and Vice-Chair, in close cooperation with the Science Communication Coordinator, developed a template (see annex 1) to map the current state of SHAFE policies, funding opportunities and networking in the COST member countries of the Action. On invitation, the Working Group lead received contributions from 37 countries, in a total of 85 Action members. The contributions provide an overview of the diversity of SHAFE policies and opportunities in Europe and beyond. These were not edited or revised and are a result of the main areas of expertise and knowledge of the contributors; thus, gaps in areas or content are possible and these shall be further explored in the following works and reports of this WG. But this preliminary mapping is of huge importance to proceed with the WG activities. In the following chapters, an introduction on the need of SHAFE policies is presented, followed by a summary of the main approaches to be pursued for the next period of work. The deliverable finishes with the opportunities of capacity building, networking and funding that will be relevant to undertake within the frame of Working Group 4 and the total COST Action. The total of country contributions is presented in the annex of this deliverable

Report on Shafe Policies, Strategies and Funding

The objective of Working Group 4 of the COST Action NET4Age-Friendly is to examine existing policies, advocacy, and funding opportunities and to build up relations with policy makers and funding organisations. Also, to synthesize and improve existing knowledge and models to develop from effective business and evaluation models, as well as to guarantee quality and education, proper dissemination and ensure the future of the Action. The Working Group further aims to enable capacity building to improve interdisciplinary participation, to promote knowledge exchange and to foster a cross-European interdisciplinary research capacity, to improve cooperation and co-creation with cross-sectors stakeholders and to introduce and educate students SHAFE implementation and sustainability. To enable the achievement of the objectives of Working Group 4, the Leader of the Working Group, the Chair and Vice-Chair, in close cooperation with the Science Communication Coordinator, developed a template to map the current state of SHAFE policies, funding opportunities and networking in the COST member countries of the Action. On invitation, the Working Group lead received contributions from 37 countries, in a total of 85 Action members. The contributions provide an overview of the diversity of SHAFE policies and opportunities in Europe and beyond. These were not edited or revised and are a result of the main areas of expertise and knowledge of the contributors; thus, gaps in areas or content are possible and these shall be further explored in the following works and reports of this WG. But this preliminary mapping is of huge importance to proceed with the WG activities. In the following chapters, an introduction on the need of SHAFE policies is presented, followed by a summary of the main approaches to be pursued for the next period of work. The deliverable finishes with the opportunities of capacity building, networking and funding that will be relevant to undertake within the frame of Working Group 4 and the total COST Action. The total of country contributions is presented in the annex of this deliverable

IoT’s Tiny Steps towards 5G: Telco’s Perspective

The numerous and diverse applications of the Internet of Things (IoT) have the potential to change all areas of daily life of individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. The vision of a pervasive IoT spans a wide range of application domains and addresses the enabling technologies needed to meet the performance requirements of various IoT applications. In order to accomplish this vision, this paper aims to provide an analysis of literature in order to propose a new classification of IoT applications, specify and prioritize performance requirements of such IoT application classes, and give an insight into state-of-the-art technologies used to meet these requirements, all from telco’s perspective. A deep and comprehensive understanding of the scope and classification of IoT applications is an essential precondition for determining their performance requirements with the overall goal of defining the enabling technologies towards fifth generation (5G) networks, while avoiding over-specification and high costs. Given the fact that this paper presents an overview of current research for the given topic, it also targets the research community and other stakeholders interested in this contemporary and attractive field for the purpose of recognizing research gaps and recommending new research directions

Recognition of traffic generated by WebRTC communication

Network traffic recognition serves as a basic condition for network operators to differentiate and prioritize traffic for a number of purposes, from guaranteeing the Quality of Service (QoS), to monitoring safety, as well as monitoring and detecting anomalies. Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) is an open-source project that enables real-time audio, video, and text communication among browsers. Since WebRTC does not include any characteristic pattern for semantically based traffic recognition, this paper proposes models for recognizing traffic generated during WebRTC audio and video communication based on statistical characteristics and usage of machine learning in Weka tool. Five classification algorithms have been used for model development, such as Naive Bayes, J48, Random Forest, REP tree, and Bayes Net. The results show that J48 and BayesNet have the best performances in this experimental case of WebRTC traffic recognition. Future work will be focused on comparison of a wide range of machine learning algorithms using a large enough dataset to improve the significance of the results