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This issue of American Behavioral Scientist deals with the various ways in which different kinds of organizations cope with the manifold challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, these articles map the challenges and opportunities encountered by a variety of organizations in a major public health crisis. The first section of the issue takes up the theme of adaptive crisis response in relation to two different kinds of organizations. This section begins with a comprehensive overview of U.S. nonprofit organizations' responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The second article expands on the theme of communication practices in organizations using digital communication platforms which facilitate constructive forms of disagreement or "creative conflict." Both of these articles indicate the potential positive outcomes of entrepreneurial organizational response. In the next section, we turn to organizational responses hampered by digital inequalities. The first article addresses digital inequalities and eLearning during the pandemic in the country of Pakistan. The next article also uses a digital inequalities framework to probe infrastructural inadequacies faced by the criminal justice system in terms of hindrances to external communication for incarcerated populations during the pandemic. This pair of articles underscores the importance of infrastructure as a necessary element of successful crisis response. The third section of the issue continues with case studies of carceral institutions with the first article offering insight into strategies used by incarcerated people to generate a sense of normality despite pandemic disruptions. Finally, the issue closes with an article revealing the delicate balancing act which rural U.S. law enforcement carried out when competing imperatives made it extremely difficult to manage public health and public safety simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adding to the work on creative conflict management that has been the object of organizational and management studies for the last several decades, we focus on a subset of Gen Z or "Generation Tech" (Gen T). This generation will be the first to instinctively and reflexively bring a "technology first" approach to their work practices including conflict resolution. Scholars of organizational communication identify the management of creative conflict as a prosocial process with important ramifications for organizational well-being. Taking a social diagnosis approach, we contribute to this growing literature by bringing it into dialogue with digital sociology and Gen Ters who are well-suited to use digital communication platforms (DCPs) like Teams and Slack to engage in creative conflict that benefits the well-being of organizations and their members. Our analysis shows that DCPs can encourage prosocial behaviors, when they (1) include nonsynchronous functionality, (2) associate contributions with members' real names, and (3) make all interactions visible to all team members. Our study reveals that when organizational DCPs are governed by these parameters, they can foster the Seven Cs of Creative Conflict that we identify as clarity, candor, contribution, cooperation, challenge, courage, and collegiality. The Seven Cs foster a growth mindset feedback loop in which members learn to self-reflectively apply a social diagnostic approach to their own digitally mediated well-being, thereby potentially improving organizational communication. Therefore, the Seven Cs form a core of communication competencies that will be increasingly important for organizational success as Gen Ters continue to mature and become colleagues in a variety of organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of wireless communication technology, modulation signals are more and more intensive in the same frequency. Time-frequency overlapped signal over co-channel widely exists in the shortwave, ultrashort wave and satellite channels, so the research on the time-frequency overlapped signals in non-cooperation receiver is of great significance. This paper firstly studies on blind estimation of amplitude of time-frequency overlapped signals. On the basis of deep analysis of cyclic stationary characteristic in the time-frequency overlapped signals, an amplitude estimation method of time frequency overlapped signal over co-channel based on four-order cyclic cumulants is proposed. The magnitude of the signal components is estimated by using the amplitude value of four-order cyclic cumulants of overlapped signals in certain cyclic frequency. And then an initial phase estimation method based on four-order cyclic cumulants is proposed in this paper. Experiments are conducted to verify the proposed parameter estimation method of time-frequency overlapped signals in this paper. Simulation results show that the proposed blind estimation method can achieve better estimation performance in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to design and evaluate a wireless electronic stethoscope that can transmit heart sound using Bluetooth HC-05 and Bluetooth 5.0 transmitter. This novel design contributes to the remote diagnosis and monitoring of heart conditions, especially for patients with infectious diseases. The heart sound signals are captured using a mic condenser mic, amplified, filtered, and converted to digital data by a microcontroller. The data are then transmitted by Bluetooth HC-05 to a module and by Bluetooth 5.0 transmitter to a headset. The quality-of-service parameters such as throughput, delay, and packet loss ratio (PLR) of the data transmission at different distances are measured. The results show that the wireless electronic stethoscope can transmit heart sound data with a small PLR of 0.10% and a throughput of 1002.5 bps. The study concludes that the wireless electronic stethoscope is an effective and useful device for examining heart conditions remotely, without compromising the functionality of the device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital tools are becoming more commonly used by older adults in daily life as well as in residential care to facilitate group activities. There is, however, limited research exploring how the participants orient to the tools and whether the choice of material affects the interaction between the participants. This study investigates the use of analogue and digital communication tools in group activities with older adults aged 70–90 with and without dementia in residential care. Interactions during group activities, in which analogue and digital pictures were used to stimulate conversations, were analyzed to identify differences and similarities in how the two different tools are used, as well as any potential differences between how the two groups (persons with and without dementia) orient to the materials. The analysis shows that the use of a communication supporting tool, be it analogue or digital, promotes conversations. However, the digital condition seems to afford shared focus around the device. The results also reveal that the two participating groups orient toward the material objects in a similar fashion. Thus, the choice of material objects used in group activities has consequences for the interaction and should be taken into account when planning for group activities involving persons with and without dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emojis in digital communication have drawn increasing academic attention. Qualitative studies mainly rely on a presumption that emojis share similar properties with units of natural language. It remains to be explored with quantitative methods whether emojis exhibit the same or similar behaviour from linguistic units (like words, morphemes). This study investigates emoji features in relation to language properties based on Zipf's law and linear regression models. Results show that, firstly, the rank frequency distribution of emojis can be well fitted by Zipf's law, and the parameters of emoji distribution are closer to those of written language. Secondly, most emoji categories tend to occur in the latter half of the tweet; while in some cases, they can also be at the beginning or in the middle of a tweet. Thirdly, the relative position of the more frequently-used emojis will be further back in the tweet. When emojis' frequencies are relatively greater, their categories vary more in terms of their positions. In general, our quantitative findings suggest that emojis display linguistic properties to some extent. Our exploratory study demonstrates the value of applying linguistic laws and quantitative methods to investigate emoji features, extending the application of quantitative linguistic methods into emoji studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) is the most significant physical model to explain the fluctuations of optical soliton proliferation in optical fiber theory. Optical soliton propagation in nonlinear fibers is currently a subject of great interest due to the multiple prospects for ultrafast signal routing systems and short light pulses in communications. In this article, the time-fractional perturbed NLSE that demonstrates the super fast wave propagation in optical fibers is investigated analytically. To better understand the underlying mechanisms for these kinds of nonlinear systems, the results are displayed using 3D, 2D, and contour graphics. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the established results are stable, and the modulation instability for the governing model is also studied. The computational intricacies and results highlight the clarity, efficacy, and simplicity of the approaches, pointing to the applicability of these methods to various sets of dynamic and static nonlinear equations governing evolutionary phenomena in computational physics, as well as to other practical domains and a variety of research fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through an analysis of Islamic jurisprudence, ethics, and theological frameworks, the research identifies key considerations and implications for Islamic broadcasters engaging with social media platforms. The study employed a qualitative approach, drawing upon Islamic texts, scholarly literature, and interviews with Islamic broadcasters. Analysis focused on identifying theological principles relevant to social media engagement and examining strategies used by broadcasters to navigate digital communication landscapes. One significant finding is the tension between the imperative to disseminate Islamic teachings widely and the need to maintain theological integrity in online interactions. The study highlights the nuanced approaches taken by Islamic broadcasters to navigate this tension, emphasizing the importance of upholding Islamic values such as tawhid (monotheism) and adab (etiquette) while leveraging the reach and accessibility of social media. Overall, the findings underscore the necessity for a theological reevaluation of Islamic broadcasting practices in the digital age. By synthesizing traditional Islamic teachings, which refer to the principles, beliefs, and practices that have been passed down in Islam since the time of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and his companions, with contemporary digital realities, this research advocates for an approach that balances the imperative of outreach with the necessity of maintaining theological integrity. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of aligning digital practices with core Islamic values to ensure ethical and responsible engagement with social media platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco 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.)

Emoticons and facial emojis are ubiquitous in contemporary digital communication, where it has been proposed that they make up for the lack of social information from real faces. In this paper, I construe them as cultural artifacts that exploit the neurocognitive mechanisms for face perception. Building on a step-by-step comparison of psychological evidence on the perception of faces vis-à-vis the perception of emoticons/emojis, I assess to what extent they do effectively vicariate real faces with respect to the following four domains: (1) the expression of emotions, (2) the cultural norms for expressing emotions, (3) conveying non-affective social information, and (4) attention prioritization. [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]

Komunitas Kerja Remote, or Remote Work Community (KKR), is a community of remote workers, freelancers, and solopreneurs in Indonesia. They actively establish communication to learn together and share information, insights, and experiences while networking and informing about remote job openings on the KKR website, namely www.kamikerjaremote.com. The purpose of the research is to study the communication strategy of the remote work community in Indonesia and convey information on remote job openings to all KKR members in Indonesia. The theory used is group synergy, based on research concepts about group communication, group behaviour, and communication patterns. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with data acquisition by interview method and documentation sources. The results of the research approach are useful for exploring rich and contextual information and supporting an in-depth interpretation of community reality. So KKR's communication strategy in online communication to establish strengthening and remote job vacancy information has been successful. This can be seen from the activation of KKR members in discussing, exchanging ideas, sharing information, insights, and work experiences as remote workers, as well as the increasing number of job openings on the KKR website. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family language policy (FLP) impacts the maintenance of heritage language(s) in the family domain, where parents play a crucial role in making language-related decisions for their children. Globalisation, immigration, the COVID-19 pandemic, and digital communication have all affected FLP. Studies are now calling for examining how dispersed transnational families incorporate digital practices as a part of their FLP, given the shift from the exclusive use of traditional face-to-face communication to the inclusion of digital communication media such as Skype and WhatsApp. This research examines the viability of utilising Spolsky's tripartite framework to study the new concept of 'networked FLP,' a term coined by Curdt-Christiansen and Huang, which acknowledges dispersed families and digital communication. We examine data from ten Bengali immigrant families in Australia with dispersed senior family members living abroad. Our findings enrich the concept of networked FLP by highlighting the digital affordances that networked FLP provides to dispersed transnational families and the importance of socio-cultural and emotional factors when applying Spolsky's framework to FLP with digital media. We show that family bonding, maintaining heritage culture, and emotional connections are the primary motivations for digital communication, while language learning is secondary. Our study finds that it is essential to incorporate sociocultural and emotional factors when investigating networked FLP. [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]

Copyright of Journal of Chongqing University of Posts & Telecommunications (Natural Science Edition) is the property of Chongqing University of Posts & Telecommunications 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 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]

Copyright of Systems Engineering & Electronics is the property of Journal of Systems Engineering & Electronics Editorial Department 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.)

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]

As cyberattacks are getting more complex and sophisticated, stringent, multi-layered security measures are required. Existing approaches often rely on tokenization or encryption algorithms, both of which have drawbacks. Previous attempts to ensure data security have primarily focused on tokenization techniques or complex encryption algorithms. While these methods work well on their own, they have proven vulnerable to sophisticated cyberattacks. This research presents new ways to improve data security in digital storage and communication systems. We solve data security issues by proposing a multi-level encryption strategy that combines double encryption technology along with tokenization. The first step in the procedure is a byte-level byte-pair encoding (BPE) tokenizer, which tokenizes the input data and adds a layer of protection to make it unreadable. After tokenization, data is encrypted using Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) to create a strong initial level of security. To further enhance security, data encrypted with RSA has an additional layer of encryption applied using the advanced encryption standard (AES) method. This article describes how this approach is implemented in practice and shows how it is effective in protecting data at a higher level than single-layer encryption or tokenization systems. [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]

Due to the powerful capability in manipulating electromagnetic (EM) waves, digital coding and programmable metasurfaces have found vast application prospects across numerous areas such as next‐generation wireless communications and digital holography. Liquid crystals (LCs), as dielectric materials with significant birefringence effect over a wide frequency range, provide a cost‐effective solution for achieving the programmable metasurfaces and flexible EM manipulations, especially in the terahertz (THz) band. Different from the conventional 1D control and single functionality of transmissive LC‐based devices, here, a 16 × 16 addressable amplitude‐phase coding meta‐device is proposed to support for frequency multiplexing by using the film on glass (FOG) technology. Both numerical simulations and experimental results demonstrate that the meta‐atom exhibits an amplitude modulation depth over 90% and a phase tuning range ≈180° at two distinct frequencies, and hence the single meta‐device can provide multifunctional EM applications, including near‐field printing imaging, 3D THz energy convergence, and zero‐order Bessel beam generation. The proposed strategy paves a way for constructing highly integrated and high‐performance THz multifunctional information processing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With rapid digitalization, people increasingly use information and communication technologies (ICTs). Analyzing European Social Survey data across 29 countries, we address an under-researched question: how is the labor of using ICTs for digital communication gendered across the domains of work and family? Using latent profile analysis, we identify five profiles of work-family digital communication – dual-medium (most prevalent), dual-low, high work-only, dual-high, and high family-only (least prevalent) – with notable gender differences. Women are less likely than men to have high work-only but are more likely to have high family-only and dual-high work-family digital communication. Multilevel models reveal that among those with better digital literacy and those who work from home more often, there are wider gender gaps whereby women are more likely than men to juggle dual-medium work-family digital communication. In countries where people use the internet more intensely, women are more likely than men to specialize in family-only and juggle dual-high work-family digital communication. As digital literacy, working from home, and internet use intensity increase further, women may disproportionately take on family-related digital communication and also suffer from a ‘digital double burden’ in work-family life. Our findings highlight new forms of gender inequality in the division of labor in the digital era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeMethodsResultsDiscussionTo assess a novel Virtual Reality (VR) tool designed to enhance understanding of the nasal anatomy in patients eligible for DCR surgery.Preoperative Computed Tomography (CT) scans of the orbit were obtained and loaded as DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) files onto the D2P software (3D Systems Inc. Littleton, CO) for tissue segmentation and 3D model preparation. Segmentation was performed on several anatomical structures, including the skull, lacrimal sac, nasal septum, inferior and middle turbinate. The resulting 3D model was visualized using a VR headset. After completing the segmentation procedure, ten cases were evaluated by a panel of six surgeons, including both senior and resident physicians from ENT and oculoplastic specialties.The dataset under examination comprised images from 10 preoperative CT scans of the orbits of patients eligible for Endo-DCR. When evaluating the CT using the VR tool, in 73.3% of the cases ENT surgeons were right about the side of pathology, while only 43.3% ophthalmologists were right (chi-square, p = .018). In 72.8% of the cases ENT surgeons were evaluated right that there is a septum deviation, while only in 47.2% of the cases the ophthalmologists were right (chi-square, p = .094).When evaluating the CT using the VR tool, in 60% of the cases consultants were right about the pathology, while 57.7% of the residents were right (chi-square, p = .853). In 81.7% of the cases consultants were evaluated right that there is a septum deviation, while only in 58.3% of the cases the ophthalmologists were right (chi-square, p = .198).ENT surgeons, as well as consultants, interpreted the CT better than the ophthalmologists and residents. Surprisingly, the VR system did not help them to interpret the CT better. Further, more extensive studies should be done to build a VR system that assists in the correct interpretation of the preoperative CT before DCR surgery as well as during DCR surgery. [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]

AbstractThis study examines how Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest’s #GoodbyeStigma webpages aligns with stigma reduction theory via qualitative content analysis. Data showed stigma reduction theory is a useful framework for evaluating and designing digital abortion stigma reduction communication. Recommendations for further research and how to implement stigma reduction theory in digital abortion stigma reduction communication are included. [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]

Despite the extensive introduction of digital technologies in working life and the demand for the public sector, including schools, to digitalise, there is limited research on the relationship between digitalisation and the work environment. The aim of this article is therefore to explore how implementation processes of digital administrative and communication systems and teaching tools interact with work-related demands and resources experienced in schools. The Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) and Job Demand-Resources model (JDR) were used to analyse experiences of digitalisation and the work environment of employees, managers, strategists and health and safety officers in schools in Sweden. The study, based on semi-structured interviews with 25 participants, shows that the lack of resources and a too-high workload were reported as problematic and challenging in the introduction of digital technology. Collegial cooperation and decision-making opportunities, on the other hand, seemed to enhance the digitalisation process and to some extent even bridge over the weaknesses of strained time resources and high workload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital competences are widely regarded as the key competences as defined by various international organizations, such as the European Commission (2018) and the OECD (2022). Given their paramount importance across all facets of contemporary society, a thorough examination of their developmental aspects becomes imperative. The study was conducted at a Chilean state-run university, which stands as the second largest institution in terms of student enrollment. Utilizing a quantitative survey-based methodology, this research study seeks to characterize the level of digital competences among Year-1 students pursuing undergraduate programs. Furthermore, it aims to compare the competence levels of two prominent student groups, distinguished by their distinct secondary schooling pathways, namely, technical-vocational education (TVSE) and scientific-humanistic education (SHSE). For the purpose of data collection, the CompDig-Ped test, aligned with the European framework for digital competences (DigComp), has been employed as the research instrument. The key findings of this study underscore significant disparities in digital competence levels between students originating from SHSE and TVSE secondary school trajectories, with TVSE students demonstrating comparatively lower levels of digital competence. These outcomes are congruent with existing research, which highlights the challenges encountered by technical-vocational secondary education in Chile over an extended period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This research conducts a systematic literature review using the PRISMA framework to examine the impact of digital technology on the accounting profession, focusing on its implications for the training and practice of future accountants. Central themes explored include Big Data, data analytics, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and the integration of these technologies into accounting education and practice. The review analyzes studies published between 2019 and 2023, emphasizing the need for future accountants to adapt to significant technological advancements. Key findings highlight the importance of developing skills in questioning, critical thinking, data analysis, and effective communication to utilize digital technologies effectively. The study also reveals a shift in the accounting curriculum toward integrating contemporary skills like sustainability, technology issues, and ethical considerations in response to the evolving demands of the profession. A gap between theoretical research and practical application is identified, suggesting the need for empirical studies on the real-world implementation of digital technologies in accounting. The research concludes that future accountants must be adept in both new technologies and traditional accounting principles, advocating for a balanced and forward-looking approach in accounting education. The study provides recommendations for future research, including expanding the scope to emerging technologies and global perspectives and bridging the gap between theory and practice. This research contributes to the understanding of the dynamic interplay between technology and accounting, highlighting the need for ongoing adaptation in the accounting sector. [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]

This paper introduces the Digitalization of Diplomacy Maturity Model (DD-MM), a comprehensive framework designed to assess and enhance the digital capabilities of diplomatic institutions. The DD-MM encompasses four critical dimensions: people, digital visibility, technology and security, and policies, providing a structured approach to evaluate and advance the maturity of digital diplomacy practices. In the people dimension, the model emphasizes role definitions, change management, and specialized training programs, highlighting the need for diplomats to acquire digital literacy and competency. The digital visibility dimension focuses on the strategic use of social media and other online platforms to enhance a nation's presence and influence in the digital sphere, emphasizing engagement with a global audience and proactive digital communications management. The technology and security dimension addresses ICT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data management, advocating for the adoption of state-of-the-art technologies to support diplomatic activities and ensure the security of sensitive information. The policies dimension underscores the necessity for clear guidelines and regulatory frameworks to govern the use of digital tools in diplomacy, including the formulation of policies that align with international standards and promote ethical practices. The DD-MM outlines a clear pathway for continuous improvement, guiding institutions from the initial stages of digital integration to advanced levels of optimization and strategic alignment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital world imposes different communication and new leadership styles. This article aims to offer a comprehensive and updated view of these phenomena, synthesizing the findings of previous studies and providing a critical analysis of emerging trends in digital content management and expression in Ecuadorian leadership. The adaptation of leaders to digital tools is highlighted, as essential to maintain cohesion and productivity in an environment transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, that leaders who effectively manage digital communication not only drive innovation and collaboration but also face challenges that require adequate skills, hence the importance of their education. It is concluded that digitalization is redefining communication and leadership in Ecuador, pointing out both the achievements achieved and the gaps and future challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise of social media as a source of science and health information has brought challenges to informed citizenship and social trust due to the spread of misinformation, particularly anti-vaccination messages that incite hatred and discourage necessary health precautions. These messages often employ emotional appeals and identity cues. However, scholarship examining emotional appeals and identity cues in anti-vax messages is still at the nascent stage. Furthermore, most literature on emotions and identities on social media has focused on text-based platforms, despite the increasing popularity of interactive, multimodal platforms. To address these gaps, our paper analyzes recent TikTok anti-vax videos and incorporates the framework of multimodal frame processing, emotion-as-frames model, affective intelligence theory, and social identity theory. Our paper uncovers how different message modalities affect the impact of emotional narratives and identity cues on user engagement. We also investigate sociopolitical identity cues beyond partisan identities, expanding the current terrain of political communication. Our results demonstrate that audiences engage with emotional and identity cues in anti-vax videos differently based on distinct message modalities. We also found that identity cues related to interpersonal relationships (e.g. parental) and conspiracy groups were prevalent, in addition to partisan identity cues. These results offer new insights into sociopolitical identities beyond partisanship and highlight the importance of considering the multi-modal nature of video platforms. Overall, our paper sheds light on the complex relationship between emotions, identities, and message modalities on social media and provides important implications for addressing misinformation and improving science communication on 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 text highlights the introduction of a new elective course at the Cologne University of Applied Sciences (TH Köln) entitled "Argumentation training against regulars' table slogans". This course, initiated by Prof. Klaus-Peter Hufer, offers students on the Library and Digital Communication programme the opportunity to train in argumentation techniques against right-wing extremist statements. The need for democracy work in libraries is highlighted, emphasising the role of libraries as places where democracy and democratic culture are practised. The article emphasises the increasing research activity on this topic and underlines the relevance of libraries as actors in the promotion of democracy. The course is explained with its aims, content, and methods. In addition, the results of interviews conducted by students with eight libraries on the topic of library democracy work are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking the example of conspiracy-related communication online as one form of contentious politics, this study examines the data collection challenges for multidimensional comparative research across platforms, time, and cultural embeddings. It compares the architectures and features relevant to data collection, access regimes, and use cultures for a set of digital platforms and communication venues. Differentiating between actor- and content-based strategies, this study discusses the potentials and limitations of these approaches, considering differences in platforms, temporal dynamics, and cultural embeddings as well as several layers of equivalence. The discussion highlights crucial insights into designing data collection strategies in multidimensional comparative studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new design method of digital baseband signal for generating fully digital programmable optical frequency comb (OFC), which solves the problem of how to optimally select the digital baseband signal when OFC is generated by binary digital signal modulation. The inverse Fourier transform is used to study the waveform of binary digital signal which is used to generate OFC. It is found that the number of "0" bits of digital signal determines the flatness of comb lines. Based on this, a tunable ultra‐fine and ultra‐flat OFC was obtained by using a digital signal containing a large number of "0" bits in the experiment. This saves substantial computing time and resources compared to the current method of the k‐means clustering algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) based on chaos has been widely used in the fields of digital communication, cryptography and computer simulation. In this paper, we study a new PRNG based on spatial surface chaotic system (SSCS), which is constructed based on coupling mapping lattice (CML) and one-dimensional Logistic chaotic map. To verify the performance of this generator, we study its nonlinear dynamic properties, including the Lyapunov exponent, ergodicity and bifurcation phenomena. Moreover, we analyze the cryptographic properties such as key space, key sensitivity, correlation, histogram and information entropy, while performing NIST SP800-22 test and TestU01 test for the randomness of this system. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation results show that the PRNG proposed in this paper has good complexity, ergodicity, sensitivity and randomness. Moreover, the key space can increase dynamically with the increase of encrypted data, especially suitable for the protection of big data such as multimedia, which is more advantageous than most existing chaotic mapping. The results of this paper will provide a new idea for the study of chaotic cryptography, and motivate the study of new discrete chaotic models with desirable statistical properties. [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.

Communication methods in fashion design have changed with the emergence of various devices and media in the digital environment, and combining fashion design with AI, IoT, and AR has increased in the wake of the 4th Industrial Revolution. This causes an expansion of fashion design, and interactive digital communication fashion design extends bodily experience from physical reality to virtual space. This study aimed to identify the experiential characteristics of physical reality, virtual reality, and interface for interactive digital communication and develop a measurement scale for each space. It used a Delphi method collecting opinions from industry, academic, and government experts through a questionnaire. The research findings offer a tool for measuring the characteristics of interactive digital communication fashion design experiences that allow a better understanding of the significance of the communication type in each space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is a crucial modulation method used in contemporary digital communication systems for its significant spectral efficiency, low latency, and robustness in challenging environments. This work examines the novel use of OFDM in quantum communication, an area that offers exceptional security and efficiency in information transfer using quantum mechanics principles. In the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing, understanding, and mitigating quantum bit errors is paramount. This paper presents a rigorous analysis of bit error rates (BER) in quantum circuits, focusing on the impact of the quantum Fourier transform and its inverse, contrasted against quantum circuits employing dynamic gate sequences. Our research methodology encompasses simulations over a diverse set of parameters, including varying qubit counts ranging from 2 to 8 and theta angles (15, 30, 45, and 60°), as well as random theta values, utilizing the advanced capabilities of the Qiskit framework. Our findings indicate that quantum OFDM substantially improves quantum communication, lowering errors and boosting security. The quantum model outperforms the reference model in BER, with further enhancements as qubits increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gibbons (Hylobatidae) are the smallest of the apes, known for their arboreal behavior and stereotyped songs. These species and sex‐specific songs are often the subject of detailed studies regarding their evolution, responses to changing environments, involvement in social behavior, and used to design vocalization‐based survey techniques to monitor population densities and trends. What is poorly understood is the value and impact of using the science and sound of gibbon vocalization and gibbon stories in education and outreach to complement nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) efforts. We present an example of how Borneo Nature Foundation, a NGOs based in Indonesia, is working to use the recordings of the songs of Bornean white‐bearded gibbons (Hylobates albibarbis) to inform conservation actions and education efforts. Gibbons in Indonesia are often poorly known or understood by the public compared to orangutans (Pongo spp). We showcase how a field of study, namely primate acoustics, is an untapped resource to create digital content to engage with local, national and international communities and can be developed into educational tools in the form of storytelling, mobile apps and games, to highlight the plight of these threatened species and how to conserve them. Research Highlights: Using the science of gibbon communication in education and outreach materials can enhance the NGO communication efforts.Using digital outreach materials can reach a wide audience around the world but the science to assess the impact needs more work.We showcase how unique aspects of difference species can help conservationists to create engaging outreach materials to help support conservation actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade, the market share and user base of social media applications have witnessed significant growth. However, this surge in popularity has inadvertently drawn the attention of criminals aiming to exploit these platforms for illicit activities. The forensic examination of these applications emerges as a pivotal avenue for uncovering valuable insights into criminal behavior and identifying suspects. Discord, a social media platform, has become a significant focal point for such illicit activities. In this paper, we examine the remnants of Discord on both Windows and Linux operating systems, employing storage, memory, and network analysis techniques to review the remnants of Discord. Our investigation reveals a range of crucial artifacts that have been successfully recovered across all three areas of analysis, including login and payment details, chat history, account information, and much more. Collectively, these artifacts constitute a valuable resource for forensic investigations, allowing the reconstruction of most of the user's activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]