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In both traditional and digital channels, the marketing function aims at devising and implementing appropriate strategies and tactics for each stage consumers go through when they are considering a purchase. In the digital environment, brands interact with consumers with use of digital touchpoints, the growing number of which hinders effective and efficient coordination of marketing activities. The present research aims at investigating consumers’ perceived reliance on alternative digital touchpoints throughout the consumer buying process, and examining the impact of personal characteristics and type of digital device used on consumer perceptions. Results from a non-probability sample of 92 consumers showed that participants exhibit increased reliance on corporate websites, online stores, Instagram, web enquiries and YouTube during their buying journey. However, it appears that consumer reliance on digital touchpoints is affected by personal characteristics, such as biological sex and generation. Female consumers report increased reliance on Instagram to identify potential needs whereas males depend on YouTube during most stages of decision making. Lastly, consumers who belong in younger generations report greater reliance on digital touchpoints than older consumers. Overall, identification of differences in user preferences of digital touchpoints facilitates digital marketing planning and targeting of distinct segments with appropriate tactics.

PURPOSE: To review the knowledge of ocular health and practices of digital device usage among adolescent Saudi Arabia population. METHODS: This cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted in 2021 at a university in central Saudi Arabia. We asked questions regarding demographics, knowledge related to computer vision syndrome (CVS), and the use of digital devices for participants' daily activities. The acceptable grades of knowledge (”excellent” and “good”) and practice scores were associated with the determinants using the nonparametric method of analysis. RESULTS: Of 521 participating students, knowledge about CVS and its relation to digital device usage were excellent in 41 students (7.9%), good in 161 (39%), poor in 300 (57.6%), and very poor in 19 (3.6%). Twenty-eight (5.4%) students scored an “excellent” grade on practices for digital device usage, 216 (41.4%) scored “good,” and 277 (53.2%) scored “poor.” The knowledge score median was 1.0 (interquartile range 1.0; 2.0), and the practice score median was 6.0 (4.0; 9.0). Health studies students had better knowledge than other students (P = 0.004). Smartphone users had worse knowledge than users of other devices (P = 0.017). Females (P < 0.001) and health studies students (P = 0.004) were significantly associated with acceptable practices of using digital devices. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of ocular health because of abuse of digital devices was poor among participating students. The practice of digital device use was not healthy and needed improvement through preventive measures and counseling.

The other contributors confirmed the absence of a reportable conflict of interests The influence of dynamically changing habits associated with the use of digital devices (DD) on the child’s brain is one of the most topical issues of the last decade. Ambiguous or contradictory data on this issue indicate the need of systematizing all the results of scientific research. This analysis shows negative effect of large amount of screen time on the development of children at early age, their academic performance, and attention at older ages due to media absenteeism, as well as the correlation between the use of digital devices with delayed reward. It is necessary to update and to conduct qualitative research to understand the issue in more comprehensive way.

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia y la evolución del síndrome visual informático en estudiantes de secundaria y bachillerato mediante el CVS-Q© adaptado y validado para adolescentes, según empleen libros en papel o en soporte digital. Método: Se adaptará el CVS-Q© mediante un pilotaje en adolescentes y un grupo nominal compuesto por especialistas en salud visual, profesorado y padres/madres. Se evaluarán la calidad y la aplicabilidad de la versión resultante (CVS-Q teen©) y se realizará un estudio de validación con pruebas visuales, retest y análisis psicométrico. Posteriormente, se realizará un estudio prospectivo longitudinal con cuatro medidas repetidas en adolescentes de dos institutos de San Juan de Alicante (uno ha sustituido libros por tabletas). Se medirá el síndrome visual informático mediante el CVS-Q teen© con tres seguimientos. Se analizará la prevalencia de síndrome visual informático según factores sociodemográficos, visuales y de uso de dispositivos digitales. Se realizarán modelos de regresión logística con efecto aleatorio por estudiante y tiempo de uso. Abstract: Objective: To analyse the prevalence and progression of computer vision syndrome in secondary and high school students with the CVS-Q© adapted and validated for adolescents, depending on whether they use textbooks or digital books. Method: The CVS-Q© will be adapted by a pilot study in adolescents and a nominal group of visual health specialists, teachers and parents. The resulting version (CVS-Q teen©) will be tested to confirm its quality and applicability and a validation study will be done with visual tests, retest and psychometric analysis. Subsequently, a prospective longitudinal study with four repeated measures will be carried out in adolescents from two secondary schools of San Juan de Alicante (one has replaced textbooks by tablets). Computer vision syndrome will be measured by the CVS-Q teen© with three follow-ups. The prevalence of computer vision syndrome will be analysed according to sociodemographic, visual and digital device use variables. Logistic regression models will be performed, with random effect by student and time of use.

Background: Digital devices such as computers, laptops, television (TV) and mobile phones were originally designed to support human beings’ daily activities; however, they may produce several limitations as well as benefits. The main concern of the study was how the utilization of digital devices like laptops, computers and TVs affect the mental health of Nepal’s university students and what are the self-care practices utilized to manage problems? Method: 326 MPhil scholars of Nepal Open University (NOU) participated in this cross-sectional study. Digital devices pattern of use (i.e., TV, laptop and computer), mental health problems, and self-care practices among university students were assessed through a semi-structured questionnaire. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were major statistical techniques used in the research. Results: The study’s researchers found the following mental health problems: depression (21.5%), loneliness (39.9%), anxiety (30.7%), and a loss of the sense of control (47.5%). Significant associations were found between sitting position with loneliness, age and anxiety and the daily use of computer with sense of control, loneliness, and anxiety. Additionally, computer use two to three times a week, laptop use in the evening and sitting on a chair or stool when using digital devices, stood as the main predictors respectively of the sense of control, loneliness, and depression. Few participants with mental health problems used medicine and meditation for self-care. Conclusion: The use of digital devices was associated with mental health problems. Patterns of using computers and the preferred time to use laptops were major contributing factors for one’s sense of control and loneliness, respectively. Therefore, an awareness programme concerning the use of digital devices and their effects on mental health should be communicated among university students.

Background. Recent studies show that by the age of 5-7, children have already had experience using technology for several years. Discussions about the impact of digital interaction on children are ongoing. Nevertheless, it is becoming clear that there is a need to develop concepts and tools that will help children in the process of exploring the digital world. One of such concepts can be that of digital competence. It refers to the readiness of an individual to apply digital technologies efficiently and safely in various spheres of life. Objective. To determine the content of digital competence for modern children of older preschool age. Design. The study included interviewing children, organizing interaction of a child with a digital device, playing a card game, and having their parents answer survey questions. Results. Our study found that older preschool children had a general idea of how to use digital technologies and could name those functions which they had observed or used themselves. The main purpose of the children's interactions with digital devices was entertainment. Most of the preschoolers demonstrated low motivation for learning how to use digital devices, and had not developed ideas about how to use digital devices in everyday life safely and effectively. Conclusion. The concept of digital competence can be applied to the study of issues related to the interaction of older preschool children with the digital environment. The results we obtained can help educators and parents to develop strategies for the appropriate and child-friendly interaction of preschoolers with the digital environment.

PurposeTo determine the association between poor visual acuity, the use of digital devices and physical activity (PA) during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA total of 327,646 Chinese children and adolescents were included in the analysis using a cluster random sampling method; this is a case-control study, of those 144,708 children and adolescents with poor visual acuity were included in the case group, while 182,938 who did not have poor visual acuity were included in the control group. A logistic regression model was used to assess the contribution of PA and the use of digital devices to poor visual acuity.ResultsA total of 144,708 children and adolescents experienced poor visual acuity during the COVID-19 pandemic; 54.8% were male, and 55.2% live in rural areas. Compared to controls, children and adolescents with poor visual acuity exhibited more time for the use of digital devices (4.51 ± 2.44 vs. 3.79 ± 2.34 for cases and controls, respectively; P < 0.001) and PA (3.07 ± 0.92 vs. 2.85 ± 1.00 for cases and controls, respectively; P < 0.001). During the COVID-19 pandemic, risk factors related to poor visual acuity among children and adolescents included the use of digital devices (OR 1.135; 95% CI 1.132–1.139), and PA (OR 1.269; 95%CI 1.259–1.278). The results of interaction analysis show that for children and adolescents aged 12 to 17, the positive association between the use of digital devices and poor visual acuity decreased. The interaction effect between PA and digital devices is 0.987.ConclusionsChildren and adolescents were at risk of poor visual acuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Extended use of the digital devices increased the risk of poor visual acuity, especially for children aged 6–11 years. But the risk of poor visual acuity among children and adolescents decreases as the time spent on PA increases.

A digital twin is a virtual model developed to accurately reflect a physical thing or a system. In radiology, a digital twin of a radiological device enables developers to test its characteristics, make alterations to the design or materials, and test the success or failure of the modifications in a virtual environment. Innovative technologies, such as AI and -omics sciences, may build virtual models for patients that are continuously adjustable based on live-tracked health/lifestyle parameters. Accordingly, healthcare could use digital twins to improve personalized medicine. Furthermore, the accumulation of digital twin models from real-world deployments will enable large cohorts of digital patients that may be used for virtual clinical trials and population studies. Through their further refinement, development, and application into clinical practice, digital twins could be crucial in the era of personalized medicine, revolutionizing how diseases are detected and managed. Although significant challenges remain in the development of digital twins, a structural modification to the current operating models is occurring, and radiologists can guide the introduction of such technology into healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Many cultures encourage children to learn through digital devices however, this can cause digital eye strain. Therefore, encouraging parental participation in visual care for school-aged children to promote the appropriate use of digital devices will aid in the prevention of digital device-induced eye strain. This quasi-experimental study aimed to determine the effect of eight-week family participation in the visual care programs for family practices and digital eye strain syndrome among school-aged children. Thirty-eight parents or guardians of school-aged children were randomly selected from two schools within two districts in Chiang Mai province in Thailand and randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 19) or the control group (n = 19). The experimental group received family participation in the visual care program and routine health care services, and the control group received only routine health care service. Instruments for collecting the data were a personal information form, the Family Practice Questionnaire, and the Digital Eye Strain Syndrome Assessment Form for School-Aged Children. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test, an independent t-test, and a paired t-test were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the mean scores for family practice in the experimental group at posttest were significantly higher than on pretest and significantly higher than those of the control group. Additionally, the experimental group had substantially fewer digital eye strain syndrome than the control group. This program should be further verified by being studied over a more extended period and in different locations in Thailand. It has the potential for nurses to use as a model to promote visual care for school-aged children against digital eye strain syndrome by integrating it as part of their services based on family participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although children's increased screen time has been found to associate with poorer language development, it is open to question which part of language ability screen time specifically associates with. Our aim was to examine the association between children's screen time (alone and together with a parent), mothers' screen time, and the different domains of children's language skills. Mothers reported their children's (N = 164, aged 2.5 to 4.1 years) screen time and their own on a weekday and a day off. Children's lexical, phonological, morphological, receptive, and general language abilities were measured using validated tests. The connections between children's and mothers' screen time and children's language skills were analyzed using correlation analyses and linear regression models. The more the children used screen time alone, or the greater the amount of the mothers' screen time, the weaker the children's lexical and general language abilities when the children's age, maternal education level, and birth order were controlled for. We also found cumulative, negative links to the children's lexical and general language abilities when the amount of their screen time alone and the amount of the mothers' screen time were simultaneously included in the regression model. The results suggest that it is important to restrict both children's screen time spent alone and mothers' screen time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study was to compare computer visual syndrome (CVS) in a tweenager student population who use tablets and laptops only to play versus CVS in tweenagers who use these digital devices at school to study, in addition to playing. The tests performed were a validated survey for children for the detection of CVS and accommodative and vergence tests. The CVS item questionnaire was divided into four main groups based on questions concerning the following: (I) the digital device usage time, (II) musculoskeletal and ergonomic nature, (III) visual symptoms, and (IV) ocular surface symptoms. The high-demand digital device group showed worse punctuation in all item groups. From the optometric perspective, when the subjects were classified according to the CVS, high-demand participants presented a clear tendency to exophoria with statistically significant differences in distance vision (−1.94 ± 4.48 Δ) and near vision (−5.78 ± 8.62 Δ) (p < 0.01). Our results establish a relationship between the increased use of electronic devices and computer vision syndrome in the preadolescent population. In addition, this situation is related to the presence of visual, accommodative, and binocular dysfunctions that could affect the efficiency of the visual system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends providers offer individualized healthy behavior interventions for all adults, independent of their risk of cardiovascular disease. While strong evidence exists to support disease-specific programs designed to improve multiple lifestyle behaviors, approaches to adapting these interventions for a broader population are not well established. Digital behavior change interventions (DBCIs) hold promise as a more generalizable and scalable approach to overcome the resource and time limitations that traditional behavioral intervention programs face, especially within an occupational setting., Objective: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a multimodal DBCI on (1) self-reported behaviors of physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness; (2) cardiometabolic biomarkers; and (3) chronic disease-related medical expenditure., Methods: We conducted a 2-arm randomized controlled trial for 12 months among employees of an academic health care facility in the United States. The intervention arm received a scale, a smartphone app, an activity tracker, a video library for healthy behavior recommendations, and an on-demand health coach. The control arm received standard employer-provided health and wellness benefits. The primary outcomes of the study included changes in self-reported lifestyle behaviors, cardiometabolic biomarkers, and chronic disease-related medical expenditure. We collected health behavior data via baseline and quarterly web-based surveys, biometric measures via clinic visits at baseline and 12 months, and identified relevant costs through claims datasets., Results: A total of 603 participants were enrolled and randomized to the intervention (n=300, 49.8%) and control arms (n=303, 50.2%). The average age was 46.7 (SD 11.2) years, and the majority of participants were female (80.3%, n=484), White (85.4%, n=504), and non-Hispanic (90.7%, n=547), with no systematic differences in baseline characteristics observed between the study arms. We observed retention rates of 86.1% (n=519) for completing the final survey and 77.9% (n=490) for attending the exit visit., Conclusions: This study represents the largest and most comprehensive evaluation of DBCIs among participants who were not selected based on their underlying condition to assess its impact on behavior, cardiometabolic biomarkers, and medical expenditure., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04712383; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04712383., International Registered Report Identifier (irrid): RR1-10.2196/50378., (©Sakeina Howard-Wilson, Jack Ching, Sherri Gentile, Martin Ho, Alex Garcia, Didem Ayturk, Peter Lazar, Nova Hammerquist, David McManus, Bruce Barton, Steven Bird, John Moore, Apurv Soni. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (https://www.researchprotocols.org), 30.10.2024.)

Purpose: To compare different visual acuity (VA) tests (printed and digital, symbols and letters) and to validate a new device for VA testing called DIVE (Devices for an Integral Visual Examination)., Methods: VA was tested in a wide spectrum of adult people with printed tests (ETDRS and LEA Symbols) and with two implemented tests in DIVE (HOTV and DIVE Symbols). We measured agreement between the different VA tests using the intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman method. In addition, we measured the repeatability of all tests., Results: Right eyes from 51 adult participants were included in the study. Correlation between tests was high (ICC from 0.95 to 0.97). Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement among the different tests, with differences within reasonable clinical limits. However, slightly better VA values were obtained with DIVE HOTV and ETDRS, followed by LEA and DIVE Symbols. ETDRS had the best repeatability., Conclusion: The four evaluated VA tests provide comparable outcomes. In an adult sample, letter optotypes obtained better VA values than symbol optotypes. DIVE VA tests are reliable and well-correlated with printed VA tests.

Abstract Background Demographic changes are leading to an ageing population in Europe. People are becoming more dependent on digital technologies and health ministries invest increasingly in digitalisation. Societal digital demands impact older people and learning to use new telehealth systems and digital devices are seen as a means of securing their needs. Methods The present study undertakes a scoping review in order to map relevant evidence about telehealth and digital developments in society involving citizens aged 75 and over in European countries. It focuses on their experiences and the main barriers to, and facilitators of, societal digital demands. A framework proposed by Arksey and O`Malley was used to guide the scoping review process. The studies included in the review covered telehealth, digital technology and digital devices, and the context covered participants` own home or surroundings. A comprehensive search on PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase and Open Grey was undertaken. Results Out of 727 identified citations, 13 sources which met the inclusion criteria (9 original study articles, 2 theses, 1 letter about a product and 1 project report). Few of the studies identified have investigated European citizens 75 years and older separately. The studies included varied in their design, location and focus. Older people have experienced both telehealth and digital devices making life easier and the opposite. The outstanding facilitator found was that technology should be easy to use, and difficulty in remembering the instructions was seen as an important barrier. Interestingly, both social support and lack of social support were found as facilitators of using new devices. Conclusions Telehealth may give a sense of security but learning to use a new device often takes extra effort. Older people were more open to new devices if the possible advantages of the new technology outweighed the effort that would be involved in adopting a new strategy. As technology develops rapidly, and life expectancy in Europe is anticipated to rise continually, there is a need for new and additional research among older European citizens. Future research should cover the technical solutions most relevant to older people today, social support and participants` access to the devices.

The goal of this research was to study the relationship between screen time of preschool children and their gender, age and socio-economic family features. The additional focus was on studying the differences in preschoolers’ screen times between TV and digital devices. In order to reach the research goal, we have conducted a study involving 1,029 mothers of 4.5–7.5-year-olds. We have used a questionnaire with the three blocks of questions: demographics (age of the mother, age and gender of the child); use of digital devices (screen time per week); family socio-economics (socio-economic background of the family, extra activities of the child, mother’s education). The study showed that that a higher level of socio-economic well-being of the family and the opportunity to provide children with additional activities are associated with shorter screen time. Moreover, parents’ role models, their attitude towards digital device use and their perception of screen time norms significantly influence the time their children spend with devices. Another result is that preschool children spend more time watching TV (13 hours per week) than using digital devices (7 hours per week), regardless of the day of the week; and screen time on weekends is higher than on weekdays for both watching TV and using gadgets. Screen time has also been shown to increase between 4.5 and 7.5 years old, with the increase being related to longer time spent with gadgets rather than watching TV. Цель проведенного исследования — изучение взаимосвязи времени использования цифровых устройств (далее — «экранное время») с социально-демографическим факторами и особенностями семейной среды, а также изучение различий в экранном времени в зависимости от типа используемого цифрового устройства — телевизор или гаджеты. Для достижения поставленной цели нами было проведено исследование с участием 1029 матерей детей в возрасте 4,5–7,5 лет. Использовалась анкета, содержащая три блока вопросов: демографические характеристики (место проживания, возраст респондента, возраст и пол ребенка); вопросы об особенностях использования ЦУ (экранное время в течение дней недели); вопросы о социально-экономических характеристиках семьи (социально-экономический статус семьи, наличие дополнительных занятий у ребенка, образование матери). В результате проведенного исследования можно сделать вывод, что фактор социально-экономического благополучия семьи и возможность предоставить детям дополнительные занятия оказывается значимым для уменьшения экранного времени дошкольников. Кроме того, ролевые модели родителей, их отношение и нормы, связанные с экранным временем, играют важную роль с точки зрения экранного времени детей. В работе показано, что за просмотром телевизора дети дошкольного возраста проводят больше времени в неделю (13 часов), чем с гаджетами (7 часов), независимо от дня недели; а экранное время в выходные дни выше, чем в будние, и для просмотра телевизора, и для использования гаджетов. Также показано, что экранное время растет от 4,5 к 7,5 годам, причем рост связан скорее с увеличением времени, проводимого с гаджетами, чем за просмотром телевизора.

ObjectivesTo investigate myopia progression and associated factors of refractive status among children and adolescents in Tibet and Chongqing in China during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA population-based cross-sectional study was conducted to compare rates of myopia and high myopia, axial length (AL), spherical equivalent (SE), outdoor activity time, digital device use, and frequency of visual examinations for children and adolescents affected by myopia in Chongqing and Tibet in 2021.ResultsA total of 2,303 students from Chongqing and 1,687 students from Tibet were examined. The overall prevalence of myopia and high myopia in these two groups were 53.80 and 7.04% vs. 43.86 and 1.30%, respectively in each case. The Chongqing students had a longer AL than the group from Tibet (23.95 vs. 23.40 mm, respectively; p < 0.001). The mean SE of the students with myopic parents in Tibet was lower than that of the students in Chongqing with myopic parents (−2.57 ± 2.38 diopters (D) vs. −2.30 ± 2.34 D, respectively) (p < 0.001). Conversely, the mean SE of the students from urban areas in Chongqing was lower than that of the students in Tibet (−2.26 ± 2.25 D vs. −1.75 ± 1.96 D, respectively; p < 0.001). The Chongqing students exhibited lower SE (−2.44 ± 2.22 D) than their Tibetan counterparts (mean SE: −1.78 ± 1.65 D (p = 0.0001) when spending more than 2.5 h outdoors. For example, 61.35% of the students in Tibet spent more than 2.5 h outdoors daily, compared with 43.04% of the students in Chongqing. Correspondingly, the proportion of students using digital devices in Tibet (64.43%) was lower than that in Chongqing (100%). For the latter, 38.62% of the students in Chongqing spent more than 2.5 h online using digital devices compared to 10.49% of the students in Tibet. Greater monitoring of visual status was observed for the Chongqing students (mean SE: −1.90 ± 1.98 D) compared with students in Tibet (mean SE: −2.68 ± 1.85 D) (p = 0.0448), with the frequency of optimal examinations being every 6 months. Outdoor activity time was identified as a common risk factor for myopia in both of the populations examined, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.84 (95% CI: 1.79–1.90) in Chongqing and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.73–0.96) in Tibet. Digital screen time was associated with myopia and high myopia in Chongqing, with ORs of 1.15 (95% CI: 1.08–1.22) and 1.06 (95% CI: 0.94–1.77), respectively. Digital screen time was also found to be a risk factor for high myopia in Tibet (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.77–1.61). The type of digital devices used was also associated with myopia and high myopia in Tibet (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.06–1.68 and OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 0.84–2.58, respectively). Finally, examination frequency was found to correlate with high myopia in the Tibet group (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 0.66–2.71).ConclusionBased on our data, we observed that the prevalence of refractive errors in children and adolescents was significantly lower in Tibet than in Chongqing. These results are potentially due to prolonged outdoor activity time, and the type and time of use for digital devices that characterize the group of children and adolescents from Tibet. It is recommended that parents and children in Chongqing would benefit from increased awareness regarding myopia progression and its prevention.

We were interested in exploring the associations and effects of experimental language (i.e., native – L1, or foreign – L2), dilemma type (i.e., personal – D1 or impersonal – D2), the digital device participants used (i.e., PC/laptop or smartphone), along with gender and age in sacrificial COVID-19 and non-COVID moral dilemmas. We performed two studies involving 522 participants aged 18 to 69 in April 2020. In Study 1, we found no significant associations between the dilemma type and the digital device. However, most participants chose to sacrifice an older COVID-19 patient in a critical medical condition to prioritize rescuing similar, younger patients (i.e., 45-year-old males). Results also suggested that male and younger participants were more likely to choose the utilitarian option when the sacrificial dilemma was presented in French. In study 2 (i.e., non-COVID-19), participants made significantly more utilitarian choices in the personal dilemmas presented in French. Results are discussed concerning the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic context and its emotional impact on moral judgment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital forensic tools used by law enforcement agencies for forensic investigations are mostly proprietary and commercially expensive; although open-source tools are used, the investigations conducted with such tools are not verified by reputable organisations, and hence, users are reluctant to practice such tools. To address this issue, we experimentally evaluate three open-source forensic tools based on various requirements recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) framework for forensic investigation. The experimental setup consists of a forensic workstation, write-blocker, and purchased USB hard drives investigated via digital forensic imaging tools, i.e., DC3DD, DCFLDD, and Guymager. We create various test cases, which distribute USB hard drives in different groups and investigate the functional and optional requirements of NIST along with recovering and analysing remnant data. We evaluate these forensic tools by analysing the log information, following, anonymously (to ensure that data were not disclosed or misused during or after the investigations) collecting, examining, and classifying the remnant data restored from the USB hard drives. We observe that the percentage of hardware resources usage and the processing time of each tool are remarkably different, e.g., Guymager was the fastest tool and met all the functional requirements in each test case, but it utilised more CPU and memory resources than DC3DD, DCFLDD. We note that 88.23% of the USB hard drives contained sensitive personal or business information (e.g., personal photos, bank transactions, and contracts). Subsequently, the remnant data analysis shows that consumers in New Zealand are unaware of personal data security and the associated vulnerabilities of data leakages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After decades of investigation, the role of near work in myopia remains unresolved, with some studies reporting no relationship and others finding the opposite. This systematic review is intended to summarize classic and recent literature investigating near work and the onset and progression of myopia, potential mechanisms and pertinent clinical recommendations. The impact of electronic device use is considered. PubMed and Medline were used to find peer‐reviewed cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies related to near work and myopia from 1980 to July 2020 using the PRISMA checklist. Studies were chosen using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, with a focus on studies with a sample size greater than 50. Studies were independently evaluated; conclusions were drawn per these evaluations. Numerous cross‐sectional studies found increased odds ratio of myopia with increased near work. While early longitudinal studies failed to find this relationship, more recent longitudinal studies have found a relationship between myopia and near work. Rather than daily duration of near work, interest has increased regarding absolute working distance and duration of continuous near viewing. Several reports have found that shorter working distances (<30 cm) and continuous near‐work activity (>30 min) are risk factors for myopia onset and progression. Novel objective continuously measuring rangefinding devices have been developed to better address these questions. The literature is conflicting, likely due to the subjective and variable nature in which near work has been quantified and a paucity of longitudinal studies. We conclude that more precise objective measures of near viewing behaviour are necessary to make definitive conclusions regarding the relationship between myopia and near work. Focus should shift to utilizing objective and continuously measuring instruments to quantify near‐work behaviours in children, followed longitudinally, to understand the complex factors related to near work. A better understanding of the roles of absolute working distance, temporal properties, viewing breaks and electronic device use on myopia development and progression will aid in the development of evidence‐based clinical recommendations for behavioural modifications to prevent and slow myopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The principal aim of our research was to explore the relationship between digital devices use and fine motor skills in children aged three to six years and to explore the effect of some socio-demographic factors. (2) Methods: we enrolled 185 children aged between three to six years. The parents of all the participants fulfilled a questionnaire to explore the digital device use, and their children performed a standardized test to assess fine motor skills (APCM-2). We performed the Spearman correlation test to explore the relationship between different variables. (3) Results: the children spent an average of 3.08 ± 2.30 h/day on digital devices. We did not find a significant association between the time of use of digital devices and fine motor skills (p = 0.640; r = −0.036). The youngest children experienced digital tools earlier than older ones (p < 0.001; r = 0.424) and they were also the ones who used digital tools more time afterwards (p = 0.012; −0.202). The children who had working parents spent more time on digital devices (p = 0.028; r = 0.164/p = 0.037; r = 0.154) and used digital devices earlier (p = 0.023; r = 0.171). (4) Conclusions: This data suggest that it would be useful to monitor the use of digital tools, especially in the very first years of life. Future studies are needed to further explore this topic.

To evaluate the association between visual symptoms and use of digital devices considering the presence of visual dysfunctions. An optometric examination was conducted in a clinical sample of 346 patients to diagnose any type of visual anomaly. Visual symptoms were collected using the validated SQVD questionnaire. A threshold of 6 hours per day was used to quantify the effects of digital device usage and patients were divided into two groups: under and above of 35 years old. A multivariate logistic regression was employed to investigate the association between digital device use and symptoms, with visual dysfunctions considered as a confounding variable. Crude and the adjusted odds ratio (OR) were calculated for each variable. 57.02 % of the subjects reported visual symptoms, and 65.02% exhibited some form of visual dysfunction. For patients under 35 years old, an association was found between having visual symptoms and digital device use (OR = 2.10, p = 0.01). However, after adjusting for visual dysfunctions, this association disappeared (OR = 1.44, p = 0.27) and the association was instead between symptoms and refractive dysfunction (OR = 6.52, p < 0.001), accommodative (OR = 10.47, p < 0.001), binocular (OR = 6.68, p < 0.001) and accommodative plus binocular dysfunctions (OR = 46.84, p < 0.001). Among patients over 35 years old, no association was found between symptoms and the use of digital devices (OR = 1.27, p = 0.49) but there was an association between symptoms and refractive dysfunction (OR = 3.54, p = 0.001). Visual symptoms are not dependent on the duration of digital device use but rather on the presence of any type of visual dysfunction: refractive, accommodative and/or binocular one, which should be diagnosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes brought about by the pandemic affect the most private and personal place in society: the home. One’s residence is currently the environment in which one can perform various professional activities with the help of technology. The digitalization of households brings with it a new responsibility, which involves the realization of a new activity that was not so much studied by sociology: digital domestic work. This article answers three research questions: What are the main digital household tasks performed by members of digitized households? How is digital domestic work organized in a digitized household? and How do members of digitized households relate to digital domestic work? In this qualitative research, I used the method of thematic analysis of social documents. Thus, I analyzed the content of 32 audio-video materials documenting the life of four digitized households. The main results of the study capture the pro-active, active and reactive ways of performing digital domestic tasks. The members of the digitized households that were analyzed, represented by content creators (YouTubers), assume the responsibility of carrying out the digital domestic tasks, which, however, they consider to be optional. The emergence of digital domestic work directly affect the quality of personal and professional activities carried out within the household, and indirectly the technology industry and labor policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the prevalence of technology-use rules, typical sleep habits, and associations between rules and sleep using the representative 2017–2018 California Health Interview Survey adolescent sample. Adolescents aged 12–17 years completed the California Health Interview Survey, including queries of (1) rules at home regarding times to turn off or put away electronics and (2) school-night bedtime and rise time. Rates of rules and associations between rules and sleep were investigated using descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariable analyses. Seventy-two percent reported technology-use rules. Rates were comparable across subgroups. Rules and sleep were not significantly associated after adjusting for covariates. Reported time in bed fell below National Sleep Foundation guidelines for 38% of participants. Most adolescents reported technology-use rules at home. Associations between rules and bedtime were mixed, suggesting that further exploration of contextual and developmental factors is needed. Many reported inadequate sleep duration, supporting sleep as a key topic in adolescent health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a milieu marked by increasing quantification of social life, many digital devices have emerged under the promise of a revolutionary change in areas such as urban planning and governance of Smart City projects. Starting from a pragmatist approach based on Boltanski and Thévenot's "orders of worth" framework, we argue that the promoters of digital devices must justify their worth by developing "technologies of justification" that go beyond data. In this article, we use a multi-case study of three digital devices—RUBI, Kappo, and Bikelite—for urban cycling created in Santiago de Chile to analyze the material, narrative, and economic technologies of justification mobilized to establish the worth of the data that these devices extract, analyze, and visualize for urban governance. This comparative analysis helps us problematize the homogeneous, neutral, and efficiency-focused valuations that are typically ascribed to these devices by laying out the wide range of operations that are used to justify and secure the embedding of these digital devices in societies. We conclude by offering a series of analytical clues to what may be a new order of worth, or what we conceptualize as the "datafied world." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: A recent European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) practical guide provides guidance on the use of novel digital devices for heart rhythm analysis using either electrocardiogram (ECG) or photoplethysmography (PPG) technology for the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF). This survey assesses physicians' preferences to use digital devices in patients with possible AF and their impact on clinical decision-making., Methods and Results: Participants of the DAS-CAM III initiated and distributed an online survey assessing physician preferences in using digital devices for the management of AF in different clinical scenarios. A total of 505 physicians (median age: 38 [IQR 33-46] years) from 30 countries completed the survey. A third of respondents were electrophysiologists, the others were cardiologists, cardiology residents, or general practitioners. Electrophysiologists were more likely to have experience with both ECG-based (92% vs. 68%, p < 0.001) and PPG-based (60% vs. 34%, p < 0.001) digital devices. The initial diagnostic approach to each scenario (symptomatic low-risk, symptomatic high-risk, or asymptomatic high-risk patient) was heterogeneous. Electrophysiologists preferred intermittent single-lead ECG monitoring to traditional Holter ECGs to screen for AF. Both electrophysiologists and non-electrophysiologists would rarely use PPG-based devices to diagnose and screen for AF (8.2%-9.8%). Electrophysiologists and non-electrophysiologists use ECG-based technology to confirm PPG-documented tracings suggestive of AF., Conclusion: While PPG-based digital devices are rarely used for diagnosis and screening for AF, intermittent ECG-based digital devices are beginning to be implemented in clinical practice. More education on the potential of novel digital devices is required to achieve diagnostic pathways as suggested by the EHRA practical guide., (© 2024 The Author(s). Clinical Cardiology published by Wiley Periodicals, LLC.)

The study focused on Digital Devices and Digital Literacy Skills Among Library and Information Science Undergraduate Students in Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Survey design was used. The population of the study covered the 200 and 300-level students of the Department of Library and Information Science, Niger Delta University. The sample size of the study was 165. The total enumeration sampling technique was used to determine the sample size of the study. The instrument used for data collection was a self-constructed questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis. The findings revealed that students of LIS, Niger Delta University, use their own smartphones, laptops, and other types of digital devices. Poor information search skills, epileptic power supply, inability to provide internet connectivity with free access, inability to manage myriads of information sources, were some of the major challenges of the respondents. Arising from the findings, recommendations were made to include the provision of internet services within the school premises for easy access by students of LIS at all times so as to reduce the cost of data subscriptions for daily academic activities in order to keep pace with information creation use and knowledge sharing. Secondly, the issue of epileptic power supply should be tackled and alternatives provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To review the knowledge of ocular health and practices of digital device usage among adolescent Saudi Arabia population. METHODS: This cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted in 2021 at a university in central Saudi Arabia. We asked questions regarding demographics, knowledge related to computer vision syndrome (CVS), and the use of digital devices for participants' daily activities. The acceptable grades of knowledge ("excellent" and "good") and practice scores were associated with the determinants using the nonparametric method of analysis. RESULTS: Of 521 participating students, knowledge about CVS and its relation to digital device usage were excellent in 41 students (7.9%), good in 161 (39%), poor in 300 (57.6%), and very poor in 19 (3.6%). Twenty-eight (5.4%) students scored an "excellent" grade on practices for digital device usage, 216 (41.4%) scored "good," and 277 (53.2%) scored "poor." The knowledge score median was 1.0 (interquartile range 1.0; 2.0), and the practice score median was 6.0 (4.0; 9.0). Health studies students had better knowledge than other students (P = 0.004). Smartphone users had worse knowledge than users of other devices (P = 0.017). Females (P < 0.001) and health studies students (P = 0.004) were significantly associated with acceptable practices of using digital devices. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of ocular health because of abuse of digital devices was poor among participating students. The practice of digital device use was not healthy and needed improvement through preventive measures and counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Radovi Zavoda za znanstveni rad Varazdin is the property of Institute for Scientific Work in Varazdin, Croatian Academy of Sciences & Arts 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 Lexikos is the property of Bureau of the Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal 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.)

Background: Digital devices such as computers, laptops, television (TV) and mobile phones were originally designed to support human beings’ daily activities; however, they may produce several limitations as well as benefits. The main concern of the study was how the utilization of digital devices like laptops, computers and TVs affect the mental health of Nepal’s university students and what are the self-care practices utilized to manage problems? Method: 326 MPhil scholars of Nepal Open University (NOU) participated in this cross-sectional study. Digital devices pattern of use (i.e., TV, laptop and computer), mental health problems, and self-care practices among university students were assessed through a semi-structured questionnaire. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were major statistical techniques used in the research. Results: The study’s researchers found the following mental health problems: depression (21.5%), loneliness (39.9%), anxiety (30.7%), and a loss of the sense of control (47.5%). Significant associations were found between sitting position with loneliness, age and anxiety and the daily use of computer with sense of control, loneliness, and anxiety. Additionally, computer use two to three times a week, laptop use in the evening and sitting on a chair or stool when using digital devices, stood as the main predictors respectively of the sense of control, loneliness, and depression. Few participants with mental health problems used medicine and meditation for self-care. Conclusion: The use of digital devices was associated with mental health problems. Patterns of using computers and the preferred time to use laptops were major contributing factors for one’s sense of control and loneliness, respectively. Therefore, an awareness programme concerning the use of digital devices and their effects on mental health should be communicated among university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we explore smart deterrents and their historical precedents marketed to women and girls for the purpose of preventing harassment, sexual abuse and violence. Rape deterrents, as we define them, encompass customs, architectures, fashions, surveillant infrastructures, apps and devices conceived to manage and protect the body. Online searches reveal an array of technologies, and we engage with their prevention narratives and cultural construction discourses of the gendered body. Our critical analysis places recent rape deterrents in conversation with earlier technologies to untangle the persistent logics. These are articulated with reference to the ways that proto-digital technologies have been imported into the realm of ubiquitous computing and networks. Our conceptual framework offers novel pathways for discussing feminine bodies and their messy navigation of everyday life that include both threats to corporeal safety and collective imaginings of empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate rates of anticipatory guidance about technology use in primary care, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics Bright Futures Guidelines, in a representative sample of California adolescents. Adolescents 12–17 years of age were interviewed as part of the California Health Interview Survey, the largest state health surveillance survey in the U.S. Participants who reported seeing a doctor for a physical examination or checkup in the prior year were asked if their doctor had talked to them about technology use. Overall, 29.7% of the 742 participants reported that their doctor talked to them about technology use. There were no statistically significant differences in rates by age, sex, race/ethnicity, household income, or family type. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that providers deliver anticipatory guidance about technology use to adolescents in primary care, less than one-third of adolescents surveyed reported having conversations about this topic with their doctor. Given concerns about potential impacts of technology use on adolescent health, medical education should facilitate provider screening and counseling of adolescents about technology use in primary care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Knihovna is the property of Library Institute of the Czech National Library 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 article provides information on the forms and methods of teaching English for Academic purposes in educational institutions. There are also modern requirements for distance learning of foreign languages in the field of education, problems arising from that process and recommendations for conducting lessons given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The opportunities that information and communication technologies (ICTs) provide in the field of healthcare are many and constantly growing. They enable consumers to access health information and remotely receive consultations and treatment. Also, they help improve health promotion activities whose mission is to establish health as a core value. The aim of the present study is to examine the attitudes towards the use of ICTs in healthcare. Materials and Methods: A direct anonymous survey was conducted among 356 respondents, randomly selected and with an average age of 38.26±0.15 (110 men and 246 women). The data analysis was performed using statistical software SPSSv.23.0. Results: The results showed that 91.6% of respondents have used or are willing to use digital devices to search for health information. A statistical gender difference was found in answer to the question about using a digital device for self-registration of information, as women are more likely to do so. Elderly people are more reserved and hesitant about providing health information to a government agency. Smartphone and computer/laptop are among the most preferred digital modalities in the healthcare field, with men and younger respondents being more likely to use digital devices in relation to their health. Women are more critical about the use of ICTs in healthcare (χ2=48.2, P

This article, based on a field study carried out jointly by a political scientist and a sociologist, seeks to understand how social bonds are preserved during migration thanks to digital communication. It covers the migrants’ need not to lose contact with their country of origin, and it also adresses intermediary figures. It examines the relation which young migrants who left their countries alone have with digital devices, without sacralising this relation.

Обозначена проблема сохранения и развития традиций системы массового музыкального воспитания, созданной под руководством Д. Б. Кабалевского. Сформулированы ее достоинства и актуализирована необходимость поддержки музыкального и музыкально-педагогического образования в целях сохранения лучших традиций прошлого и внедрения инновационных технологий, в том числе с использованием цифрового инструментария для стимулирования формирования музыкальной культуры современных школьников средствами интерактивного музицирования. Выделена основополагающая характеристика профессии педагога-музыканта российской общеобразовательной школы – многопрофильность. Помимо общепедагогической подготовки, он обязательно должен владеть игрой на инструменте, четкой и выразительной дирижерско-хоровой техникой, профессиональным вокальным показом произведения, предназначенного для разучивания с учащимися; иметь основательную подготовку в области истории и теории музыки. Такую совокупность компетенций учителя музыки не формирует ни одна страна в мире. Данная многопрофильность, с одной стороны, создает трудности при подготовке будущего педагога-музыканта, с другой – обеспечивает возможность быть востребованным на рынке труда в качестве учителя музыки в общеобразовательной и музыкальной школе, музыкальным руководителем в дошкольном учреждении, руководителем хорового коллектива, исполнителем на музыкальном инструменте в оркестре.