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Background: In recent years, eHealth has received much attention as an opportunity to increase efficiency within healthcare organizations. Adoption of eHealth might consequently help to solve perceived health workforce challenges, including labor shortages and increasing workloads among primary care professionals, who serve as the first point of contact for healthcare in many countries. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the impact of general eHealth use and specific eHealth services use on general practice workload in the pre-COVID-19 era. Methods: The databases of CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, IEEE Xplore, Medline ALL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched, using combinations of keywords including 'eHealth', 'workload', and 'general practice'. Data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies were independently performed by at least two reviewers. Publications were included for the period 2010 – 2020, before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: In total, 208 studies describing the impact of eHealth services use on general practice workload were identified. We found that two eHealth services were mainly investigated within this context, namely electronic health records and digital communication services, and that the largest share of the included studies used a qualitative study design. Overall, a small majority of the studies found that eHealth led to an increase in general practice workload. However, results differed between the various types of eHealth services, as a large share of the studies also reported a reduction or no change in workload. Conclusions: The impact of eHealth services use on general practice workload is ambiguous. While a small majority of the effects indicated that eHealth increased workload in general practice, a large share of the effects also showed that eHealth use reduced workload or had no impact. These results do not imply a definitive conclusion, which underscores the need for further explanatory research. Various factors, including the study setting, system design, and the phase of implementation, may influence this impact and should be taken into account when general practices adopt new eHealth services. Study registration number: PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) CRD42020199897; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=199897. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital image steganography serves as a technology facilitating covert communication through digital images by subtly incorporating secret data into a cover image. This practice poses a potential threat, as criminals exploit steganography to transmit illicit content, thereby jeopardizing information security. Consequently, it becomes imperative to implement defensive strategies against steganographic techniques. This paper proposes a novel defense mechanism termed "image vaccine" to safeguard digital images from steganography. The process of "vaccinating" an image renders it immune to steganographic manipulation. Notably, when criminals attempt to embed secret data into vaccinated images, the presence of such hidden information can be detected with a 100% probability, ensuring the consistent identification of stego images. This proactive approach enables the interception of stego image transmission, thereby neutralizing covert communication channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Architectural, digital and information and communication accessibility is, according to the Law [1], accessibility that meets the requirements of universal design and reasonable accommodation within the meaning of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. According to the law, providing accessibility to persons with special needs is the responsibility of public transport entities including maritime operators. Persons with special needs are those who, due to their characteristics or the circumstances in which they find themselves, need to take additional measures to overcome barriers that prevent or hinder their participation in various spheres of life on an equal footing with others. Thus, these are not only people with disabilities, but also, as the explanatory memorandum to the law indicates, other dependents, the elderly or parents with children. The publication, within the framework of the methodology of the process approach to the management of transport organizations, defines a proposal for the basic criteria of the Accessibility Management System for Integrated Interchanges (AMSII), which will ensure compliance with all the requirements of the Law and related acts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A digital twin (DT) is a virtual/digital model of any physical object (physical twin), interconnected through data exchange. In the context of Industry 4.0, DTs are integral to intelligent automation driving innovation at scale by providing significant improvements in precision, flexibility, and real-time responsiveness. A critical challenge in developing DTs is achieving a model that reflects real-time conditions with precision and flexibility. This paper focuses on evaluating latency and accuracy, key metrics for assessing the efficacy of a DT, which often hinder scalability and adaptability in robotic applications. This article presents a comprehensive framework for developing DTs using Unity and Robot Operating System (ROS) as the main layers of digitalization and communication. The MoveIt package was used for motion planning and execution for the robotic arm, showcasing the framework's versatility independent of proprietary constraints. Leveraging the versatility and open-source nature of these tools, the framework ensures interoperability, adaptability, and scalability, crucial for modern smart manufacturing applications. Our approach was validated by conducting extensive accuracy and latency tests. We measured latency by timestamping messages exchanged between the physical and digital twin, achieving a latency of 77.67 ms. Accuracy was assessed by comparing the joint positions of the DT and the physical robotic arm over multiple cycles, resulting in an accuracy rate of 99.99%. The results highlight the potential of DTs in enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making in manufacturing environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the posting strategies of CEOs of Latin American companies on LinkedIn and their impact on engagement. It examines activity levels and types of presence, and engagement rates. Based on a quantitative analysis, the results reveal that executives in this region have a significantly lower frequency of posting on LinkedIn compared to the averages recommended by experts. Regarding the type of presence, CEOs are “content creators” and mainly post their own content. The engagement analysis shows discrepancies between own and hybrid posts. Due to the originality of own content, it receives better engagement rates than hybrid posts. The findings reveal that most Latin American CEOs adopt a “passive funnel” posting strategy on LinkedIn, which is characterized by low activity and own content. It is striking that CEOs with a more passive approach tend to have higher engagement rates compared to those with a more active approach. From these findings it is clear that, although authentic content generates interaction, CEOs should take advantage of the potential of shared publications, which are characterized by fostering dialogue based on content with diverse perspectives, a particular feature of the actors and institutions of the business environment. This research assesses the potential of CEOs as institutional communicators and provides methodological guidelines for academics and professionals in charge of the publication strategies of organizations and managers in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of the digital new infrastructure industry, the energy demand for communication base stations in smart grid systems is escalating daily. The country is vigorously promoting the communication energy storage industry. However, the energy storage capacity of base stations is limited and widely distributed, making it difficult to effectively participate in power grid auxiliary services by only implementing the centralized control of base stations. Aiming at this issue, an interactive hybrid control mode between energy storage and the power system under the base station sleep control strategy is delved into in this paper. Grounded in the spatiotemporal traits of chemical energy storage and thermal energy storage, a virtual battery model for base stations is established and the scheduling potential of battery clusters in multiple scenarios is explored. Then, based on the time of use electricity price and user fitness indicators, with the maximum transmission signal and minimum operating cost as objective functions, a decentralized control device is used to locally and quickly regulate the communication system. Furthermore, a multi-objective joint peak shaving model for base stations is established, centrally controlling the energy storage system of the base station through a virtual battery management system. Finally, a simulation analysis was conducted on data from different types of base stations in the region, designing two distinct scheduling schemes for four regional categories. The analysis results demonstrate that the proposed model can effectively reduce the power consumption of base stations while mitigating the fluctuation of the power grid load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aims to strengthen data security and establish credibility using novel cryptography-based techniques in the context of the digital revolution in the water resource and hydropower development industry. Protecting sensitive data and guaranteeing the confidentiality of digital assets becomes crucial as the sector depends more and more on digital technology for communication, monitoring, and project management. The goal of this work is to create developed cryptographic protocols and structures that have been tailored to the needs of the water resources and hydropower industry. This study offers a thorough investigation into the use of cryptographic methods to tackle the difficulties presented by the digital construction surroundings in these projects. The research process combines algorithm creation, theoretical advancements, and real-world application. The efficiency and viability of the suggested cryptographic approaches in resolving trust and security issues intrinsic in digital building environments will be evaluated using actual-life scenarios and simulations. The results of this study should offer a strong basis for improving data security, reliability, and integrity in digital construction projects related to water resources and hydropower. Through the development of cryptography techniques specifically suited to this vital infrastructure industry, the research helps to build digital ecosystems that are resilient and secure, which is important for the sustainable growth of hydropower and water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Structured medication reviews (SMRs), introduced in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2020, aim to enhance shared decision-making in medication optimisation, particularly for patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Despite its potential, there is limited empirical evidence on the implementation of SMRs, and the challenges faced in the process. This study is part of a larger DynAIRx (Artificial Intelligence for dynamic prescribing optimisation and care integration in multimorbidity) project which aims to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) to SMRs and develop machine learning models and visualisation tools for patients with multimorbidity. Here, we explore how SMRs are currently undertaken and what barriers are experienced by those involved in them. Methods: Qualitative focus groups and semi-structured interviews took place between 2022–2023. Six focus groups were conducted with doctors, pharmacists and clinical pharmacologists (n = 21), and three patient focus groups with patients with multimorbidity (n = 13). Five semi-structured interviews were held with 2 pharmacists, 1 trainee doctor, 1 policy-maker and 1 psychiatrist. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Two key themes limiting the effectiveness of SMRs in clinical practice were identified: 'Medication Reviews in Practice' and 'Medication-related Challenges'. Participants noted limitations to the efficient and effectiveness of SMRs in practice including the scarcity of digital tools for identifying and prioritising patients for SMRs; organisational and patient-related challenges in inviting patients for SMRs and ensuring they attend; the time-intensive nature of SMRs, the need for multiple appointments and shared decision-making; the impact of the healthcare context on SMR delivery; poor communication and data sharing issues between primary and secondary care; difficulties in managing mental health medications and specific challenges associated with anticholinergic medication. Conclusion: SMRs are complex, time consuming and medication optimisation may require multiple follow-up appointments to enable a comprehensive review. There is a need for a prescribing support system to identify, prioritise and reduce the time needed to understand the patient journey when dealing with large volumes of disparate clinical information in electronic health records. However, monitoring the effects of medication optimisation changes with a feedback loop can be challenging to establish and maintain using current electronic health record systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emojis are widely used on social media, blogs, and instant messaging to express users' feelings. However, in everyday interactions, the same emoji often has different interpretations and aesthetic preferences among different age groups. This can lead to communication barriers and misunderstandings. Based on social identity theory, this study uses WeChat, a social platform popular in China, to analyze intergenerational differences in emoji understanding and preferences through a questionnaire survey. The results indicate: (1) There are significant intergenerational differences in the usage habits, interpretation, and aesthetic preferences of emojis. (2) Middle-aged and elderly tend to interpret goodbye emoji symbols as simple emotional expressions, such as "goodbye" or "see you later," while younger-age groups lean towards more complex emotions and social intentions, such as "speechlessness" and "end of friendship." (3) Youngerage groups use emojis frequently and with a wide variety, whereas middle-aged and elderly groups use emojis less frequently and with limited variety. Younger individuals' aesthetic preferences for emojis lean towards humor, conflict, and narrative, whereas middle-aged and elderly groups prefer emojis with bright colors and everyday greetings typical of their generation. Based on research findings, we believe that social identity theory provides a framework for understanding how individuals establish their identities through interactions with specific social groups. This study is beneficial for identifying the comprehension and aesthetic biases in emoji usage across generations, sheds light on the broader implications of social identity theory in digital communication contexts, and promotes friendly social interactions in real-time communication applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beyond 5G networks provide solutions for next-generation communications, especially digital twins networks (DTNs) have gained increasing popularity for bridging physical and digital space. However, current DTNs pose some challenges, especially when applied to scenarios that require efficient and multimodal data processing. Firstly, current DTNs are limited in communication and computational efficiency, since they require to transmit large amounts of raw data collected from physical sensors, as well as to ensure model synchronization through high-frequency computation. Second, current models of DTNs are domain-specific (e.g. E-health), making it difficult to handle DT scenarios with multimodal data processing requirements. Finally, current security schemes for DTNs introduce additional overheads that impair the efficiency. Against the above challenges, we propose a large language model (LLM) empowered DTNs framework, LLM-Twin. First, based on LLM, we propose digital twin semantic networks (DTSNs), which enable more efficient communication and computation. Second, we design a mini-giant model collaboration scheme, which enables efficient deployment of LLM in DTNs and is adapted to handle multimodal data. Then, we designed a native security policy for LLM-twin without compromising efficiency. Numerical experiments and case studies demonstrate the feasibility of LLM-Twin. To our knowledge, this is the first to propose an LLM-based semantic-level DTNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stochastic generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation (SGNLSE) of third order in the Stratonovich sense is examined here. New elliptic, hyperbolic, trigonometric, and rational stochastic solutions are obtained using a modified mapping method. Because the GNLSE is extensively used in nonlinear optical phenomena, optical fiber communication systems, communication and heat pulse propagation in materials, the obtained solutions may be used to study a broad range of relevant physical phenomena. In order to interpret the effects of multiplicative noise, the dynamic performances of the various obtained solutions are displayed utilizing 3-D and 2-D graphs. We infer that multiplicative noise impacts and stabilizes the behavior of SGNLSE solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The intraoral scanner represents an important innovation in the world of dentistry, capable of transforming and digitizing conventional workflows and significantly improving communication with the patient, especially in pediatric age. The aim of this study is to investigate how digital dentistry, using the intraoral scanner, can interact in the communicative trinomial dentist–pediatric patient–parents and how this tool can be useful in communicating and understanding the received message. The value of the introduction of digital dentistry on communication schemes is evaluated by administering a questionnaire of 17 questions. A sample of 100 children aged between 6 and 12 years was studied. Of the sample of children/parents included in the study, 50 were re-examined 4 weeks after the first visit to re-administer the questionnaire. Internal consistency, assessed through Cronbach's alpha, was adequate, being alpha equal to 0.728. Test–retest reliability was assessed with Cohen's kappa index for dichotomous variables (percentage of agreement was >85.71%), and for the discrete variables it was assessed with the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). The reliability was moderate (0.5 < ICC < 0.75) for Q4, Q9, Q11 and Q1; for the other answers, the reliability was poor (ICC < 0.5) and not statistically significant. The digital approach is confirmed not only as a powerful innovation from an engineering or clinical point of view, but also as a useful tool for a more effective communication in the approach to pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kuiyang-ST2000 is a deep-towed multichannel seismic system that provides high-resolution exploration of sub-seabed geological formations. Due to the uncertainty of the sound speed at full ocean depth, the travel-time positioning of sea surface reflected waves still has flaws in positioning arrays. This research reveals that the average sound speed of seawater selected for computing the array position only affects the vertical displacement of the arrays. thus, a polynomial fitting method is proposed to position the arrays. Because the nonuniform mass distribution complicates the array shape, first, the weight of the digital transmission unit is balanced by one designed floater so that the array shape becomes a simple convex curve during towing conditions. Afterward, one general sound speed is used to calculate the initial array position; then, the polynomial fitting method is used to tune the sound speed so that the seismic source and hydrophones are on the same convex curve. Finally, an accurate array position is calculated by the proposed positioning method, and the submarine shallow strata are imaged at a high resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explored optical soliton solutions for the (2+1)-dimensional generalized fractional Kundu-Mukherjee-Naskar equation (gFKMNE), which is a nonlinear model for explaining pulse transmission in communication structures and optical fibers. Two enhanced variants of (G'/G)- expansion method were employed, namely, extended (G'/G)-expansion method and the generalized (r + G'/G)-expansion method, based on the wave transformation of the model into integer-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations (NODEs). By assuming a series-form solution for the resultant NODEs, these strategic methods further translated them into a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. Solving these equations provided optical soliton solutions for gFKMNE using the Maple-13 tool. Through 3D and contour visuals, it was revealed that the constructed soliton solutions are periodically arranged in the optical medium, forming dark soliton lattices. These dark soliton lattices are significant in several domains, such as optical signal processing, optical communications, and nonlinear optics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of the research "post-pandemic education: understanding of analogic education and digital education from the perspective of educational institutions and teachers in Brazil and Germany", whose main objective is to analyze how teachers and educational institutions mobilize and position themselves for the expansion of digital education practices. The following methods were used: documentary research with the German state secretariats of education, as well as documentary analysis of educational policies aimed at the implementation of digital information and communication technologies in compulsory education in Germany. We then proceeded to construct a large-scale survey to be answered by teachers of distinct levels of education. We contacted around 9400 compulsory education institutions in the three largest German states in terms of population. As a result, in general, teachers understand the importance of digital technologies in student education and demonstrate knowledge of the policies established by public agencies of the state. The mobilizations around digital pedagogical practices reveal the importance of considering teachers' and students' knowledge about technologies inside and outside the school context. The results allow us to understand the place that digital technologies occupy in the daily teaching routine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the potential of digital twin (DT) technology for reformation within China's traditional solid-wood-panel processing industry, which currently suffers from production inefficiencies and the slow adoption of digital technology. The research centers around developing a digital twin system, elucidating improvements in manufacturing efficiency, waste management, process simulation, and real-time monitoring. These capabilities facilitate immediate problem solving and offer transparency in the process. The digital twin system is comprised of physical, transport, virtual, and application layers, employing a MySQL database and using the Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) protocol for communication. The application of this system has led to heightened production efficiency and better material use in the solid-wood-panel manufacturing line. Integrating the dynamic selection adaptive genetic algorithm (DSAGA) into the virtual layer drives the system's efficiency forward. This evolved approach has allowed for an enhancement of 8.93% in the scheduling efficiency of DSAGA compared to traditional genetic algorithms (GAs), thereby contributing to increased system productivity. Real-time mapping and an advanced simulation interface have strengthened the system's monitoring aspect. These additions enrich data visualization, leading to better comprehension and a holistic process view. This research has ignited improvements in solid-wood-panel production, illustrating the tangible benefits and representing progress in incorporating digital technology into traditional industries. This research sets a path for transforming these industries into smart manufacturing by effectively bridging the gap between physical production and digital monitoring. Furthermore, the adjustability of this approach extends beyond solid-wood-panel production, indicating the capability to expedite movement towards intelligent production in various other manufacturing sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the effect of social disruption on the use of technologies for digitizing business-to-business (B2B) processes. The aim is to assess how digitalization technologies (DT) may impact corporate performance (CP) in B2B settings. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology is based on a questionnaire survey in Norway, and a deductive research design. A total of 216 usable questionnaires out of 356 were returned, generating a response rate of 60.6%. Findings: This study shows that there is an effect of social disruption on DT (such as digital communication tools, social media and customer relationship management systems) in B2B settings that may impact CP. Research limitations/implications: This study indicates that the use of technologies to digitize B2B processes may enhance CP when social disruption occurs. Practical implications: This study offers insights to companies that need help in adapting their business processes to the changing social and technological environment. This study also highlights the importance of digitalization for business survival in the marketplace and society. Originality/value: This study sheds light on the effect of social disruption on DT and provides opportunities for managing CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores ICT investment and different types of absorptive capacity (realized and potential) as determinants of micro-level TFP in Colombia from 2008 to 2018. Our empirical output suggests that productivity is positively affected by ICT expenditures as well as by the presence of those IT-related potential absorptive capacities that strengthen knowledge acquisition and assimilation inside the plant: online transactions (e-commerce) and the use of network communication platforms(e-communication). Realized absorptive capacities such as R&D cooperation and marketing expenditures (signaling firms' ability to exploit and transform available information) are found to only induce TFP growth if combined with appropriate IT capabilities: R&D collaboration paired with e-communication and, marketing strategies connected with e-commerce. These results remain robust to various productivity indicators, issues of reverse causality (TFP-ICT link) and even to different IT-related proxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been used in safety-critical situations for over twenty years. Rooted in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and related disciplines, the field of crisis informatics made considerable efforts to investigate social media use and role patterns in crises, facilitate the collection, processing and refinement of social media data, design and evaluate supportive ICT, and provide cumulative and longitudinal research. This narrative review examines contemporary challenges of human-centred crisis informatics and envision trends for the following decade, including (I) a broadening scope of crisis informatics, (II) the professionalisation of cross-platform collaboration of citizen communities and emergency services, (III) expert interfaces for explainable and multimodal artificial intelligence for user-generated content assessment, (IV) internet of things and mobile apps for bidirectional communication and warnings in disruption-tolerant networks, as well as (V) digital twins and virtual reality for the effective training of multi-agency collaboration in hybrid hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Awareness of climate change as an intergenerational issue with inequitable risk burden for younger generations is a relatively recent phenomenon. However, youth activists have already managed to come to occupy a meaningful role in climate advocacy. Accepting the invitation to search for positive new discourses to live by, this paper applies a positive discourse analytical lens to the study of the online discourses produced by the youth climate activists of Generation Climate Europe (GCE), the largest coalition of youth-led networks on climate and environmental issues at the European level, examining how GCE newsletters and podcasts use discursive strategies and multimodal resources to communicate their message. The (corpus-assisted) positive discourse analysis of this GCE-produced content revealed that the youth activists designed a complex virtual space brimming with cross-references, intertextuality, and options for its audience that projected an identity for the coalition as a productive, solution-oriented, and agentive organization. The discourses produced by GCE were carefully tailored to a specific interpretive community and they aimed to both claim and impart authority and expertise. GCE's interactional practices strove to generate wiggle room to resist the status quo and advocate for critical issues such as intergenerational justice and institutional transparency. In disclosing these results, the authors hope to have contributed to understandings of how sustainable climate advocacy is currently being enacted by youth within digital communication across platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the global disparity in cancer care necessitates the development of rapid and affordable nucleic acid (NA) testing technologies. This need is particularly critical for cervical cancer, where molecular detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) has emerged as an accurate screening method. However, implementing this transition in low- and middle-income countries has been challenging due to the high costs and centralized facilities required for current NA tests. Here, we present CreDiT (CRISPR Enhanced Digital Testing) for on-site NA detection. The CreDiT platform integrates i) a one-pot CRISPR strategy that simultaneously amplifies both target NAs and analytical signals and ii) a robust fluorescent detection based on digital communication (encoding/decoding) technology. These features enable a rapid assay (<35 minutes) in a single streamlined workflow. We demonstrate the sensitive detection of cell-derived HPV DNA targets down to single copies and accurate identification of HPV types in clinical cervical brushing specimens (n = 121). Developing rapid and affordable HPV tests is imperative for effective cervical cancer screening in resource-limited regions. Here, the authors demonstrate an advanced HPV diagnostic system that integrates CRISPR technology with digital signal processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction of wireless infrastructure using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can effectively expand the coverage and support high-density traffic of next-generation communication systems. Designing wireless systems including UAVs as aerial base stations (ABSs) is a challenging task, due to the mobility of ABSs causing time-varying nature of environmental surroundings and relative propagation paths to user equipment (UE) devices. Therefore, it is essential to have an accurate estimate of the channel for varying positioning of the UAVs. In this paper, we propose to adopt a digital twin based performance evaluation procedure for wireless systems including ABSs, providing enhanced accuracy of channel modeling for specific target deployment areas. Using ray-tracing channel models reflecting detailed building and terrain information of the transmission environment, an UAV position optimization algorithm based on reinforcement learning is presented. By utilizing deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG), the proposed algorithm calculates the overall throughput in the digital twin and determines the desired states of the UAV. Performance evaluation results demonstrate the trajectory training ability of the algorithm and the performance advantage of the system with a reduced amount of shadow area compared to those with ground base stations (GBSs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While many countries employed digital contact tracing to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the contribution of cospace-time interaction (i.e., individuals who shared the same space and time) to transmission and to super-spreading in the real world has seldom been systematically studied due to the lack of systematic sampling and testing of contacts. To address this issue, we utilized data from 2230 cases and 220,878 contacts with detailed epidemiological information during the Omicron outbreak in Beijing in 2022. We observed that contact number per day of tracing for individuals in dwelling, workplace, cospace-time interactions, and community settings could be described by gamma distribution with distinct parameters. Our findings revealed that 38% of traced transmissions occurred through cospace-time interactions whilst control measures were in place. However, using a mathematical model to incorporate contacts in different locations, we found that without control measures, cospace-time interactions contributed to only 11% (95%CI: 10%–12%) of transmissions and the super-spreading risk for this setting was 4% (95%CI: 3%–5%), both the lowest among all settings studied. These results suggest that public health measures should be optimized to achieve a balance between the benefits of digital contact tracing for cospace-time interactions and the challenges posed by contact tracing within the same setting. Digital contact tracing was widely adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic to enable identification of incidental 'cospace-time' interactions with people who were not close contacts. Here the authors evaluate the effectiveness of digital contact tracing using data from Beijing, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern power grids are undergoing a significant transformation with the massive integration of renewable, decentralized, and electronically interfaced energy sources, alongside new digital and wireless communication technologies. This transition necessitates the widespread adoption of robust online diagnostic and monitoring tools. Sensors, known for their intuitive and smart capabilities, play a crucial role in efficient condition monitoring, aiding in the prediction of power outages and facilitating the digital twinning of power equipment. This review comprehensively analyzes various sensor technologies used for monitoring power transformers, focusing on the critical need for reliable and efficient fault detection. The study explores the application of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, optical fiber sensors, wireless sensing networks, chemical sensors, ultra-high-frequency (UHF) sensors, and piezoelectric sensors in detecting parameters such as partial discharges, core condition, temperature, and dissolved gases. Through an extensive literature review, the sensitivity, accuracy, and practical implementation challenges of these sensor technologies are evaluated. Significant advances in real-time monitoring capabilities and improved diagnostic precision are highlighted in the review. It also identifies key challenges such as environmental susceptibility and the long-term stability of sensors. By synthesizing the current research and methodologies, this paper provides valuable insights into the integration and optimization of sensor technologies for enhancing transformer condition monitoring and reliability in modern power systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new polar logic circuit using a single current conveyor, two MOS switches and two resistors in each case. Thus, polar NAND and NOR circuits are proposed. The circuits' operation details and simulation results are given in support of the proposed theory. The circuits are designed using CMOS CCII + with ±2 V supply voltage. The polar logic levels at the output are −1 and 1 V for logic 0 and 1, respectively. The gates' functioning for capacitive loading is also tested. The new circuits are expected to be useful in digital and communication systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the digital age, knowledge of communication and media strategies to effectively engage audiences, is essential. Despite an extensive body of research on the impact of media and communication in preaching Islam, a noticeable research gap exists about successful strategies to engage modern audiences and enhance effectivity of Islamic preaching. This study aims to examine the communication and media techniques employed by Dr. Farhat Hashmi, a famous Pakistani Islamic scholar. To achieve the study objective, a qualitative content analysis, on her three most-viewed YouTube videos, uploaded between 2021 and 2023, was conducted to investigate her verbal and nonverbal communication techniques. Additionally, in-depth interviews, with two most senior members of her media team, were conducted to gather more information about her media strategies. The study findings reflect Dr. Hashmi uses a structured lecture format, integrating Islamic teachings with contemporary issues, leveraging various communication and digital tools to expand her outreach. Her approach provides practical guidance on how to enhance the impact of preaching by connecting and relating traditional knowledge with current issues, utilizing digital platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, municipal digitization has undergone accelerated evolution and development, accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic period. Thus, the public administration has sought to improve, digitally, channels of communication, transparency, and participation with citizens. This research article is based on 23 interviews with different professionals working in City Councils, aiming to analyze, through a qualitative methodology, the new digital spaces for communication and participation that are being developed, as well as forums for meeting and training that, at the local level, seek to promote citizen participation and establish the foundations of an increasingly solid, participatory, and supportive community. Similarly, it delves into aspects related to changes and initiatives in citizen service during the COVID-19 pandemic era, their current evolution and future prospects, as well as the positive and negative aspects of municipal digitization in relation to socioeducational development in municipal contexts and citizen participation. The main results highlight the importance of training in digital skills, generating more efficient channels for information and citizen participation, and the problems associated with the digital divide, especially among older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital Information and Communication Technologies act as partners in the educational context, making it more dynamic through Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs). The adaptive system is based on technological solutions/tools, which allow the customization of teaching processes according to the student's singularities. Therefore, we conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) to elucidate which educational performance indicators best guide adaptive learning in virtual learning environments. To this end, we adopted the principles of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) as a systematic review protocol, and as operational support, we used the online tool Parsifal. The initial database search - IEEE, ACM, and Scopus - returned 276 articles. After filtering based on the protocol, 16 articles remained part of the analysis and discussion corpus. The RSL results indicate that most of the indicators used to guide activities are based on the correctness and error of the questions. This shows that there is still much to be implemented in learning adaptability in virtual environments; for a more holistic assessment of learning, it is necessary to consider an integrated set of these indicators and not just individualized analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the legal challenges posed by the use of emojis in the context of securities law. It examines how emojis, originally intended for emotional emphasis in digital communication, are now being scrutinized for their potential to convey misleading information that could constitute securities fraud. It highlights the complexities of interpreting these symbols in legal contexts traditionally governed by textual communication.

This document is an editorial from the journal "Entropy" titled "Information Theory in Emerging Wireless Communication Systems and Networks." It discusses the rapid evolution of wireless communication systems and networks to meet the increasing demands for higher data rates, reliability, and connectivity. The editorial highlights various new technologies and communication techniques being proposed, such as autonomous aerial networks, terahertz communications, intelligent reflecting surfaces, and quantum communications. It emphasizes the importance of information theory in studying the performance limits of these emerging wireless systems and networks. The editorial also provides an overview of seven contributions in this special issue, covering topics such as full-duplex communications, intelligent reflecting surfaces, polar coding, artificial intelligence techniques, and wireless system security. The conclusion suggests that multiple-antenna communications and AI technologies will continue to shape the future of wireless networks. [Extracted from the article]

In today's interconnected world, digital communication plays a major role in exchanging information through digital technology. The term "digital" originated from the Latin word "digitus," meaning "finger" or "toe," and has evolved to encompass anything involving computers and electronics. This evolution reflects technological advancements from the 1940s to contemporary developments. Communication, essential for human interaction, has progressed from primitive forms to digital discourse. This development not only showcases technological progress but also the intricate interplay of culture, cognition, and social dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of Digital Predistortion (DPD) for Power Amplifier (PA) linearization in wireless communications has seen a natural progression towards increasingly complex DPD models. This complexity directly correlates with improved accuracy in modeling PAs, thereby enhancing the linearization performance of DPD systems. As the demand for bandwidth and PA operation frequencies continues to rise, there is a growing trend towards achieving higher accuracy at the expense of increased complexity. This trend poses challenges for DPD design, necessitating the introduction of more complex algorithms to ensure effective PA linearization. This phenomenon is especially apparent in Volterra Series DPD algorithms, which are widely used for modelling nonlinear systems like PAs. This paper showcases the steps of reducing the modelling operations complexity of the Simplified Volterra (SV) method. The treated SV method presented in this paper is compared against the original SV method through simulation. The DPD model operations complexity is evaluated using the number of required multiplication operations. The DPD PA linearization performance is evaluated with respective model’s Normalized Mean Square Error (NMSE). A 57% reduction on the number of multiplication operations is observed in the treated SV against the original SV. Measured NMSE is similar for both models, indicating the treated SV model achieves this reduction in complexity without sacrificing linearization performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Estudios Empresariales Segunda Época is the property of Editorial de la Universidad de Jaen and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Digital attacks include extorting money from users, altering, destroying, or gaining access to sensitive data, stopping regular business operations, and more. The medical and health sectors offer numerous potential for cyber security. Digital assaults can take many different forms, such as extorting money from users, destroying, altering, or accessing sensitive material in question areas, interfering with regular corporate operations, etc. Cybersecurity has various prospects in the health and medical sector. This research investigation's main goal is to concentrate safe practices in specific industries. It is very necessary starting with the second generation of computing and will continue to be so till there are computers and data in the digital realm. The medical fields of today also use digital communication and documentation. Such documents must be protected at the highest possible priority. As healthcare systems have delicate information, it becomes essential to protect such sensitive information from cyber threats. In smart healthcare systems, the patient's information is periodically collected and transmitted seamlessly to the decision-making system. However, protecting such sensitive data transmission from cyber threats becomes a challenging research problem at the edge layer. This paper addresses the challenges of cyber-attack and this study is greatly applicable for health sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a response to a comment made by Robertas Damaševičius regarding an article on info-autopoiesis and artificial general intelligence (AGI). The response addresses specific points raised in the comment and clarifies the author's position. It emphasizes that info-autopoiesis, the self-creation of information, is fundamental only to humans and not achievable by artificial creations. The article argues for the impossibility of achieving AGI using info-autopoiesis and suggests that resources should be directed towards more achievable goals in AI. The response also discusses the relationship between biological aspects of human intelligence and AI research, highlighting the use of neural networks and considering the architecture of AGI. It concludes by stating that info-autopoiesis sets a limit to human knowledge based on fundamental principles and that all human creations are syntactic and incapable of semantic interpretation. The text discusses the concept of info-autopoiesis and its application to AI research. Info-autopoiesis is a framework that aims to explain how living organisms function, and the paper explores its potential implications for AI and AGI development. The author acknowledges the limitations of info-autopoiesis and emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical considerations in AI research. The text concludes by suggesting areas for further research and expressing gratitude for the comments and suggestions provided by Robertas Damaševičius. [Extracted from the article]

Economic, social, and health crises have shaken and polarized contemporary politics. An element fueling this polarization is the dissemination of divisive topics on social media platforms. While these polarizing social media tendencies are increasingly studied, research exploring digital political communication in South America remains scarce. This study aims to analyze the electoral campaigns in Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and Peru to define the features that trigger polarized emotional reactions on Facebook. The corpus comprises a sample of 2,930 posts published by candidates and political parties during the first round of the presidential elections held in these countries between 2021 and 2022. We hypothesize that users are more likely to react in a polarized way to content focused on divisive issues. In addition, we examine how these patterns differ across countries and the influence of the level of political polarization. Finally, the role played by party-level characteristics in the emotional reactions of users is also analyzed. By means of quantitative content analysis, these questions are addressed using multilevel negative binomial regressions to identify what predicts Love and Angry reactions. The bandwagon effect seems to work positively on users' moods since the most popular political actors receive significantly more Love reactions, irrespective of the post's subject. In more polarized countries, there is a tendency to react more negatively to certain divisive issues, generating greater visibility of these issues on social networks and thus promoting more polarization. These findings expand knowledge about the dynamics of digital political communication in the Global South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of ModaPalavra e-periódico is the property of Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Doxa Comunicación is the property of Fundacion Universitaria San Pablo - CEU and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Digital agriculture has been developing rapidly over the past decade. However, studies have shown that the need for more ability to use these tools and the shortage of knowledge contribute to current farmer unease about digital technology. In response, this study investigated the influence of communication channels—mass media, social media, and interpersonal meetings—on farmers' adoption, decision-making, and benefits obtained using technologies. The research uses data from 461 farmers in Brazil and 340 farmers in the United States, leaders in soybean production worldwide. The results show differences and similarities between these countries. LinkedIn has the highest positive association in Brazil between the communication channels and the digital agriculture technologies analyzed. In the United States, YouTube has the highest positive correlation. The overall influence of social media among Brazilian farmers is higher than among American farmers. The perceived benefits of using digital tools are more strongly associated with mass media communication in the United States than in Brazil. Regarding farm management decision-making, the study showed a higher relevance of interpersonal meetings in Brazil than in the United States. Findings can aid farmers, managers, academics and government decision makers to use communication channels more effectively in evaluating and adopting digital technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whilst a plethora of research has taken into account the exertion of website homepages as a conduit for effectively conveying information, it is acknowledged that the matter of ideological values and how these ideals are manifested through such digital communication media has been somewhat overlooked. Thus, the research at hand attempts to go over how the university advertises its ideological construal on its homepages by way of the adoption of multiple modes, involving both linguistic and aesthetic dimensions, and video. In this investigation, multimodal approaches encapsulated by Kress (2010) and Pauwels (2012) were employed to address the ideological values through visual components on the university homepages. Drawing from the attainable data, the university's homepage is crafted utilizing two fundamental categories of semiotic methods such as a combination of visual and textual elements, as well as video to reinforce the aesthetic, nevertheless, it neglects to incorporate any semiotic resource that places particular emphasis on visual components. The strategic utilization of diverse multiple modalities of communication on the homepage has effectively promoted an array of constructive ideological ideals that hold significant worth for stakeholders and the public, considering the pivotal role that universities play in shaping societal beliefs and perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Baghdad Science Journal is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Wireless body area networks (WBANs), featuring wearable and implantable devices for collecting physiological data are increasingly critical in healthcare for enabling continuous remote monitoring, diagnostic improvements, and treatment optimization. Secure communication within WBANs is essential to protect sensitive health data from unauthorized access and manipulation. This paper introduces a novel secure digital (SD)- human body communication (HBC) transceiver (TR) system, tailored for WBAN applications, that prioritizes security and offers significant enhancements in size, power efficiency, speed, and data transmission efficiency over current solutions. Leveraging a combination of frequencyselective (FS) digital transmission with walsh codes (WCs) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), and incorporating one-round encryption and decryption modules, the system complies with the IEEE 802.15.6 standard, ensuring broad compatibility. Specifically, the QAM-based SD-HBC TR system exhibits a 4% reduction in chip area, a 7.6% increase in operating frequency, a 3.4% decrease in power consumption, a 27.5% reduction in latency, and improvements of 33% in throughput and 35.5% in efficiency. Importantly, it achieves a bit error rate (BER) of up to 10-8, demonstrating high reliability across communication methods. This research significantly advances secure communication in WBANs, offering a promising approach for enhancing the reliability, efficiency, and security of healthcare monitoring technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuaderno de Pedagogia Universitaria is the property of Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mogol and Battisti's lyrics belong to the collective heritage of our country. They have a multigenerational scope as they are known by their peer generation and by younger people, including the so-called Generation Z. This paper analyzes the popularity of a number of song titles and lines written by Mogol and Battisti that have entered common usage, not only in newspapers but also in everyday digital communication. Some of their common sayings are used in memes that can be defined as new communicative replicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current social and technological scenario, the term digital is abundantly used with an apparently transparent and unambiguous meaning. This article aims to unveil the complexity of this concept, retracing its historical and cultural origin. This genealogical overview allows to understand the reason why an instrumental conception of digital media has prevailed, considering the digital as a mere tool to convey a message, as opposed to a constitutive conception. The constitutive conception places the digital phenomenon in the broader ground of media studies, and it considers digital technologies as an interface between the subject and the world. In this perspective, the media is not added to the experience of the person, but it shapes it from within on a cognitive, expressive and communicative level. The article makes use of two powerful examples to show the shortcomings of an instrumental conception of the digital, and to affirm the value of a constitutive conception for current media studies regarding digital interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]