Search

Rapport and rapport-building are fundamental building blocks of the sales process. As part of the approach in personal selling, as well as a relationship-building mechanism, rapport allows salespeople to facilitate customer engagement. This paper reviews and synthesizes articles over four decades of research on rapport and rapport-building within buyer-seller relationships to provide insight into the gaps in the current literature and provide an overarching conceptual model of where rapport research stands. This analysis of the research from theoretical and methodological perspectives identifies three major themes in the existing literature and offers five gaps where the literature should grow going forward. Building on these gaps, we identify an agenda for future research that extends knowledge in this domain, particularly as salespeople grapple with changing digital communications and relationship-building in virtual spaces with customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health organisations have adopted technologies since the 1960s, but only after the Industry 4.0 were such technologies systematized and organised under the H4.0 acronym. The pace at which digital information and communication applications have been developed in recent years challenge healthcare managers to choose assertively those with the largest potential impacts on their operations. In this paper, we propose using value stream mapping, a technique from the lean healthcare (LH) toolbox, to guide the choice of H4.0 digital applications that are more likely to support the improvement of value flows in healthcare organisations. We propose a three-step method, starting with mapping current and future value streams of the process under analysis, gathering data from team members on the indicated kaizen bursts and H4.0 digital applications, and finally assessing and ranking H4.0 digital applications that best support improvements and comply with attributes that characterise successful technological innovations. Our propositions are illustrated through a case study conducted in the sterilisation unit of a large public university hospital. Our findings indicate that three H4.0 digital applications should be prioritised to support the improvement of the value stream under analysis. Our method combines the simplicity of LH with more sophisticated solutions brought by H4.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Equal, diverse, and inclusive teams lead to higher productivity, creativity, and greater problem-solving ability resulting in more impactful research. However, there is a gap between equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) research and practices to create an inclusive research culture. Research networks are vital to the research ecosystem, creating valuable opportunities for researchers to develop their partnerships with both academics and industrialists, progress their careers, and enable new areas of scientific discovery. A feature of a network is the provision of funding to support feasibility studies – an opportunity to develop new concepts or ideas, as well as to 'fail fast' in a supportive environment. The work of networks can address inequalities through equitable allocation of funding and proactive consideration of inclusion in all of their activities. Methods: This study proposes a strategy to embed EDI within research network activities and funding review processes. This paper evaluates 21 planned mitigations introduced to address known inequalities within research events and how funding is awarded. EDI data were collected from researchers engaging in a digital manufacturing network activities and funding calls to measure the impact of the proposed method. Results: Quantitative analysis indicates that the network's approach was successful in creating a more ethnically diverse network, engaging with early career researchers, and supporting researchers with care responsibilities. However, more work is required to create a gender balance across the network activities and ensure the representation of academics who declare a disability. Preliminary findings suggest the network's anonymous funding review process has helped address inequalities in funding award rates for women and those with care responsibilities, more data are required to validate these observations and understand the impact of different interventions individually and in combination. Conclusions: In summary, this study offers compelling evidence regarding the efficacy of a research network's approach in advancing EDI within research and funding. The network hopes that these findings will inform broader efforts to promote EDI in research and funding and that researchers, funders, and other stakeholders will be encouraged to adopt evidence-based strategies for advancing this important goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ever-growing threats in cybersecurity growing with the rapid development of quantum computing, necessitates the development of robust and quantum-resistant cryptographic systems. This paper introduces a novel cryptosystem, Public Key Cryptosystem based on Systematic Polar Encoding (PKC-SPE), based on the combination of systematic polar encoding and public-key cryptographic principles. The Systematic Polar Encoding (SPE), derived from the well-established field of polar codes, serves as the foundation for this proposed cryptographic scheme. Here, we have used MATLAB Software to introduce and implement the PKC-SPE Cryptosystem. The paper examines key generation, encryption, and decryption algorithms, providing insights into the adaptability and efficiency of systematic polar encoding in public-key cryptography. We assess the efficiency of the PKC-SPE Cryptosystem in three aspects: key size, computational complexity, and system implementation timings. In addition, we compare the PKC-SPE Cryptosystem with PKC-PC cryptosystem and find that it has reduced key sizes ( P r = 0.8436 kbytes). The results obtained through simulations validate the effectiveness of the proposed cryptosystem and highlighting its potential for integration into real-world communication systems. Thus, in the paradigm shift to quantum computing, the PKC-SPE cryptosystem emerges as a promising candidate to secure digital communication in the quantum computing era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a reflective examination of challenges to design and communication from the current digital revolution, using the prism of a 1980s television advertisement for the Yellow Pages. Originating at the same time as the height of the desktop publishing revolution, the advert illuminates a transitional period in the evolution of digital technology and media communications, marked by changing user practices and experiences. The advert's storyline follows a young man's quest to convert an old cine film (of his father) to videotape for his mother's birthday, in the process showcasing the impending shift from analogue to digital technologies and encapsulating the multifaceted implications and transitional challenges of the period. The hybrid setting of technologies, alongside the tensions, confusion and ambiguities of different stakeholders metaphorically symbolises and can be contrasted alongside, the challenges impacting the design, media and communications industry of the period and can inform reflection on contemporary challenges. Engaging with the narrative, the Yellow Pages advert is used as a creative device which functions as a cultural, historical, narrative lens with which to contrast against contemporary (and future) transitional challenges within the digital revolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For digital image transmission security and information copyright, a new holographic image self-embedding watermarking encryption scheme is proposed. Firstly, the plaintext is converted to the RGB three-color channel, the corresponding phase hologram is obtained by holographic technology and the watermark is self-embedded in the frequency domain. Secondly, by applying the Hilbert transform principle and genetic center law, a complete set of image encryption algorithms is constructed to realize the encryption of image information. Finally, simulation results and security analysis indicate that the scheme can effectively encrypt and decrypt image information and realize the copyright protection of information. The introduced scheme can provide some support for relevant theoretical research, and has practical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this paper is to study the higher-order dispersive extended nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which demonstrates the propagation of ultrashort pulses in optical communication networks. In this study, both the sinh-Gordon expansion method and the generalized exponential rational function method are used to offer some novel optical solutions. These optical soliton solutions are dark soliton, bright soliton, singular, periodic, and dark-bright soliton solutions. The obtained optical soliton solutions are presented graphically in 2D and 3D to clarify the behavior of solutions more effectively. The constraint conditions are also used to verify the exitances of the new analytical solutions. Moreover, all solutions compared to solutions obtained previously are new, and all the new wave solutions have verified Eq. (1) after we substituted them into the studied equation. In the future, these novel soliton solutions will be very helpful in developing fluid dynamics, biomedical issues, dynamics of adiabatic parameters, industrial research, and many other areas of science. To our acknowledgment, the presented optical solutions are novel, and also beforehand these methods have not been applied to this studied equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital platforms play a central role in today's market-based competition. To build a successful platform, entrepreneurs must pursue indirect network effects and shape multiple sides of the platform. However, the extant literature provides only a meager understanding of how entrepreneurs can create such indirect network effects. To better understand how this can be done, we conduct a case study that longitudinally traces 16 years of digital game platform growth as the entrepreneurs bring the platform successfully into multiple markets. The analysis advances theorising of the entrepreneurs' repertoires of moves seeking to increase the number and variety of platform participants conducive to creating indirect network effects. The findings indicate that early moves focus on creating technical solutions that overcome technical challenges and permit platform scaling, whereas later moves seek to create a more flexible and generalisable platform architecture that allows a wider range of interactions. The findings make several contributions to the digital entrepreneurship literature by synthesising a dynamic model of entrepreneurs' repertoire of competitive moves that will induce indirect network effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributed nonconvex optimization underpins key functionalities of numerous distributed systems, ranging from power systems, smart buildings, cooperative robots, vehicle networks to sensor networks. Recently, it has also merged as a promising solution to handle the enormous growth in data and model sizes in deep learning. A fundamental problem in distributed nonconvex optimization is avoiding convergence to saddle points, which significantly degrade optimization accuracy. We find that the process of quantization, which is necessary for all digital communications, can be exploited to enable saddle-point avoidance. More specifically, we propose a stochastic quantization scheme and prove that it can effectively escape saddle points and ensure convergence to a second-order stationary point in distributed nonconvex optimization. With an easily adjustable quantization granularity, the approach allows a user to control the number of bits sent per iteration and, hence, to aggressively reduce the communication overhead. Numerical experimental results using distributed optimization and learning problems on benchmark datasets confirm the effectiveness of the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voltage and current measurements in high-voltage substations are fundamental for stable operation. Conventional instrument transformers (ITs) face challenges in gas-insulated switchgears (GISs), such as size, weight, accuracy limitations, and behavioral instability at abnormal voltages and currents. Non-conventional instrument transformers (NCITs) have emerged to address these issues, complying with International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards and providing millivolt-level signals, enabling downsizing of GIS bays. The transition to digital substations, as mandated by IEC 61850-9-2, requires a shift from the conventional 110 V/5 A outputs to levels ranging from millivolts to volts. Electronic instrument transformers (EITs), compliant with the IEC 60044-7 and 8 standards, offer alternatives to conventional ITs with smaller sizes and wider frequency ranges. However, issues remain with EITs, including limited adoption, the necessity of separate power sources, and susceptibility to electromagnetic interference. Recent standards, transitioning to IEC 61869, focus on low-power instrument transformers (LPITs). Low-power voltage transformers (LPVTs) and low-power current transformers (LPCTs), designed with passive components, present potential solutions by directly connecting to merging units (MUs) for digital signal transmission. This review outlines the current status of various IT standards, covering conventional ITs, EITs based on IEC 60044-7 and 8, and LPITs based on IEC 61869-10 and 11. Advancements in sensor technology relevant to these standards are also explored. The paper provides insights into the evolving landscape of instrument transformers, addressing challenges and offering potential pathways for future developments in digital substations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of this paper is the interdependence of communication and digital literacy, as original entities, and especially digital communication and science and scientific knowledge. In the present day, digital literacy is a necessary ability for scientific professionals. The concept of digital literacy is increasingly prevalent in the 21st century. Scientific research requires the capacity to efficiently use digital tools, platforms, and databases as technology continues to improve at an unparalleled rate. The capacity to get and assess data from a variety of online sources is a crucial component of digital literacy for scientific professionals. In order to encourage cooperation and creativity across scientific groups, digital literacy is vital. Moreover, scientific professionals that possess digital literacy are better equipped to disseminate their research findings to a larger audience. The essence is that the higher the level of digital literacy, the easier it is to find suitable and therefore the best forms of communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anthology "Text Complexity and Text Understanding" by Angela Schrott, Johanna Wolf, and Christine Pflüger addresses various aspects of text comprehensibility. The twelve contributions in the book mostly come from the field of Romance studies at the University of Kassel. Theoretical models on text complexity, recontextualization, and simplification techniques are discussed. The significance of visual codifications in texts is also debated. One contribution examines the appropriateness of text simplifications in administrative and legal contexts. Analyses on topics such as comics, memes, and digital communication are presented. The volume is primarily aimed at experts but has some shortcomings in terms of explaining terms and does not adequately consider text complexity in some cases. [Extracted from the article]

The book "The Oral Examination" by Matz, Rogge, and Rumlich is an introduction to the topic of oral examinations and is aimed at students of foreign language didactics, trainee teachers, and teachers of modern foreign languages. It covers various aspects of oral examinations, such as the assessment of oral competence, the evaluation of examination performances, and the involvement of learners in the assessment process. The book also proposes a genre-based concept to alleviate the examination situation and combine teaching with digital communication forms. In his report, the author Karl-Walter Florin expresses concerns regarding the presentation and argumentation of the authors regarding oral examinations. He criticizes that the presentation is too abstract and lacks concrete examples. Furthermore, it is unclear whether there is a reference framework that serves as a basis for evaluation. The author wonders whether oral examinations should demonstrate the learning progress or the achieved language level of the examinees. Additionally, he notes that not all cited literature is listed in the bibliography. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the post-public sphere and the regulation of platforms that have had disruptive effects on democracy. Platformisation means that the normative ideals for a political public sphere set out by Jürgen Habermas face a distinctive challenge. "Neo-regulation" is an evolving adaption by states that reflects the urgent need to address platformisation and digitalisation more generally. In conditions of geopolitical competition, notably between the China and US, attempts by various states and the EU to establish a neo-regulatory order has developed a significant national security dimension, which is highly relevant for the regulation of digital communication. Policing borders and content is an ever-present focus in all political regimes, whether characterised as democratic or authoritarian. Applying Pierre Bourdieu's field theory to internet regulation, the argument is illustrated by reference to current British regulatory practice. At the level of the state, the "regulatory field" is shaped by national and global forces. Although the British case has specific characteristics, the underlying analysis has general relevance for comparative research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Co‐rumination is an interpersonal emotion regulation strategy in which negative feelings and problems are discussed perseveratively with another person. Although co‐rumination is salient in adolescence, research to date has focused on co‐rumination occurring in person and has not kept pace with the surge in digital communication that begins in adolescence. This study examined the degree, associations among, and consequences (i.e., depressive symptoms, and friendship quality) of adolescents' co‐rumination via in‐person, text, social media, and phone modalities. Methods: Adolescents (n = 109; 51 girls, 57 boys, 1 nonbinary; Mage = 12.83 years) residing in Canada, completed self‐report questionnaires on co‐rumination, depressive symptoms, and friendship quality for up to 2 years. Results: Adolescents engaged in co‐rumination across all modalities, particularly in‐person. Findings indicated a negative association between in‐person co‐rumination at baseline and in‐person co‐rumination over time. Whereas less text co‐rumination was associated with increased depressive symptoms over time, greater phone co‐rumination was associated with increased depressive symptoms over time. Although greater in‐person co‐rumination was positively associated with friendship quality concurrently, it was negatively associated with friendship quality prospectively. Conclusions: Taken together, co‐rumination outcomes may vary depending on communication modality. Implications for adolescents' mental and social wellbeing are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital health definitions are abundant, but often lack clarity and precision. We aimed to develop a minimum information framework to define patient-facing digital health interventions (DHIs) for outcomes research. Definitions of digital-health-related terms (DHTs) were systematically reviewed, followed by a content analysis using frameworks, including PICOTS (population, intervention, comparator, outcome, timing, and setting), Shannon-Weaver Model of Communication, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Measures, and the World Health Organization's Classification of Digital Health Interventions. Subsequently, we conducted an online Delphi study to establish a minimum information framework, which was pilot tested by 5 experts using hypothetical examples. After screening 2610 records and 545 full-text articles, we identified 101 unique definitions of 67 secondary DHTs in 76 articles, resulting in 95 different patterns of concepts among the definitions. World Health Organization system (84.5%), message (75.7%), intervention (58.3%), and technology (52.4%) were the most frequently covered concepts. For the Delphi survey, we invited 47 members of the ISPOR Digital Health Special Interest Group, 18 of whom became the Delphi panel. The first, second, and third survey rounds were completed by 18, 11, and 10 respondents, respectively. After consolidating results, the PICOTS-ComTeC acronym emerged, involving 9 domains (population, intervention, comparator, outcome, timing, setting, communication, technology, and context) and 32 optional subcategories. Patient-facing DHIs can be specified using PICOTS-ComTeC that facilitates identification of appropriate interventions and comparators for a given decision. PICOTS-ComTeC is a flexible and versatile tool, intended to assist authors in designing and reporting primary studies and evidence syntheses, yielding actionable results for clinicians and other decision makers. • Abundant, yet vaguely defined definitions in digital health represent a challenge for clinicians, decision makers, developers, and researchers. Despite having several guidelines/checklists for the standardization of evidence generation and assessment for digital health interventions (DHIs), the identification of comparable DHIs remains difficult because of their personalized nature, complex technologies, and linkages to larger systems. This may restrict the validity of evidence syntheses. • We introduce the PICOTS-ComTeC (population, intervention, comparator, outcome, timing, setting, communication, technology, and context) framework, a newly developed, flexible, and versatile tool to help the formulation of sufficiently specific and detailed definitions for patient-facing digital health interventions and related research questions. • To overcome the limitations of terminology in digital health, the PICOTS-ComTeC framework of patient-facing DHIs should be specified in sufficient detail, to allow the identification of comparable interventions and allow for the selection of appropriate comparators that deliver similar effects to patients; therefore, the fit of DHIs in clinical, financing or development decision contexts, and specific research questions can be assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most important physical structure that is assumed to illustrate the geometry of optical soliton replication in optical fiber theory is the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE). Optical soliton generation in nonlinear optical fibers is a topic of great contemporary interest because of the numerous applications of ultrafast signal routing systems and short light pulses in communications. This analysis's main goal is to create a large number of soliton solutions for the dynamical model using a variety of contemporary analytical methods. This paper studies different soliton solutions to the perturbed NLSE with Kerr law nonlinearity using two sets of two distinct integration strategies: the mapping approach and the unified auxiliary equation method. The majority of solutions have been found as Jacobi elliptic functions with limiting ellipticity modulus values. Solitons like dark, bright, optical, lonely, and others are also retrieved. We were able to create various single‐type solutions with the help of these strategies. As a result, there is a variety of optical, bell‐shaped, single periodic, and multi‐periodic solutions. In order to validate the computations, the stability of the acquired findings must also be proven. The study provides a highly stunning and suitable strategy for combining numerous exciting wave demonstrations for more advanced models of the present era. Furthermore, we can assert that the outcomes reported here are unique and novel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns with the problem of fault detection for networked fuzzy systems. Considering the digital communication channel, quantization is adopted to make the data transmission feasible and the induced data distortion is converted into a bounded uncertain term. For the purpose of saving network resources, a new quantizer with an event-triggered strategy is designed to reduce the length and the number of the transmitted data packets, simultaneously. In the process of stability analysis, the T-S fuzzy model approach is employed to approximate the nonlinear networked system, and a more flexible fuzzy design method is presented to get the fault detection filter which can detect the sensor fault in the presence of external disturbance. And sufficient conditions are constructed to guarantee the stability of the filter error system in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, the simulation example is given to verify the feasibility of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to explore dyadic latent classes of intergenerational solidarity with digital communication (texting, video call, and social media interaction) among older parent and adult child pairs during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and whether derived dyadic latent classes were associated with older parents' and adult children's depressive symptoms. Background: Previous studies have not considered how digital communication fits with the established intergenerational solidarity paradigm. Consequently, we know little about how the use of digital communication creates new types of intergenerational solidarity between older parents and adult children, and how they are associated with their depressive symptoms during the pandemic. Methods: Using data from the 2022 survey of the Longitudinal Study of Generations (LSOG), the analysis took a dyadic‐centered approach and applied a three‐step latent class analysis with 271 mother–child and 190 father–child dyads. Results: Dyadic partners were consistent in their relationship evaluations for the three latent classes identified in both mother–child and father–child dyads: tight‐knit traditional (strong solidarity with frequent in‐person contact), distant‐but‐digitally connected (geographically distant but frequent digital contact), and detached (low solidarity). In mother–child dyads, mothers reported significantly fewer depressive symptoms when they were in tight‐knit traditional and distant‐but‐digitally connected relationships, than those in detached relationships. In father–child dyads, adult children reported significantly fewer depressive symptoms when they were in tight‐knit traditional and distant‐but‐digitally connected relationships, than those in detached relationships. Conclusions: These findings suggest that digital communication was beneficial for older parents' and adult children's psychological well‐being, depending on parents' gender and generational position during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern block ciphers, the role of the substitution boxes is to generate ciphertext from the plaintext with high confusion. The immunity to various cryptographic attacks heavily depends on the strength of the S-box. In this article, a new method of obtaining highly nonlinear substitution boxes (S-boxes) is proposed. The subject method utilizes the artificial bee colony optimization technique. To check the immunity of the proposed S-boxes, the analysis of the proposed S-boxes is checked against the key performance indicators (KPIs) for S-boxes. The results obtained from KPIs are highly encouraging and the proposed S-boxes meet all the criteria needed for secure communication and storage of digital content. To rank the proposed S-box and the recently published S-boxes, the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution is discussed for the first time for the S-boxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A parity generator as a combinational logic circuit in digital circuits can generate the parity bit in the transmitter. It is very applicable in digital networking and communications. Also, rather than diodes and transistors, quantum dots will be used in the next-generation circuits. Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) offers a new platform where binary data is represented by polarized cells that are defined by the electron configurations. Therefore, a coplanar 4-bit parity generator is suggested in this work. This new arrangement eliminates complicated crossovers and provides complete access to all input and output pins. An XOR gate is used to implement the suggested architecture. Simulation waveforms and performance data confirm the proposed circuits' functioning and advantages. The suggested four-bit parity generator uses less overhead than its equivalents. We simulated and tested the suggested circuit with the assistance of the QCADesigner 2.0.3 simulator. The QCADesigner software findings demonstrate that the suggested design is simpler and less expensive than earlier designs. Compared to the present best design, the suggested four-bit parity generator reduces cell number and latency by 55.29% and 40%, respectively. Quantum dot-Cellular Automata (QCA) offers a new platform where binary data is represented by polarized cells that are defined by the electron configurations. Therefore, a coplanar 4-bit parity generator is suggested in this work. This new arrangement eliminates complicated crossovers and provides complete access to all input and output pins. An XOR gate is used to implement the suggested architecture. Simulation waveforms and performance data confirm the proposed circuits' functioning and advantages. The suggested four-bit parity generator uses less overhead than its equivalents. We simulated and tested the suggested circuit with the assistance of the QCADesigner 2.0.3 simulator. The QCADesigner software findings demonstrate that the suggested design is simpler and less expensive than earlier designs. Compared to the present best design, the suggested four-bit parity generator reduces cell number and latency by 55.29% and 40%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Police organizations worldwide have introduced various organizational and operational changes to cope with the demands placed on them by the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic as effectively as possible. The intensification in the use of digital communication channels is one of those adaptations that enabled the functioning of the police at the organizational level, but simultaneously were a source of stress for police officers. In addition, this adaptation of police communication channels could be complex in rural and suburban parts of Croatia due to relatively high proportions of the elderly population and unequal availability of internet connections. This article aims to determine how the use of digital communication channels and in-person police communication during the COVID-19 pandemic affected how the police coped with this crisis on an organizational and personal level in suburban and rural communities. Quantitative research using a voluntary and anonymous survey method was conducted on a convenient sample of 367 police officers from two police administrations in Croatia covering predominantly suburban and rural areas. The results of the Jonckheere-Terpstra trend test and the non-parametric (Spearman) correlation test showed that police officers who estimated that they worked more on community policing activities and problem-solving in direct contact with citizens estimated that they better coped with the COVID-19 pandemic on a personal level, while police officers who estimated that they used digital communication channels more perceived that they better coped with the COVID-19 pandemic on an organizational level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In power systems, disturbances between 2 kHz and 150 kHz are called "Supraharmonics" (SH). Although supraharmonics are not a new concept; It has only attracted the attention of researchers, engineers and manufacturers of end-user devices in recent years. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests, which are required for placing electrical/electronic devices on the market, require the measurement of harmonic currents (50 Hz-2000 Hz) and the measurement of conducted emission values. However, studies and research in the supraharmonic range are quite limited. As systems using semi-conductor technologies with high power and switching in the kHz range such as photovoltaic energy systems, electric vehicle fast charging stations, high speed digital communication systems become widespread, supraharmonics have also begun to be effective in power distribution systems and cause problems. Today, the struggle against high-frequency disturbances caused by the increased use of electrical and electronic devices, switched power electronic devices and power line communication (PLC) devices is even more prominent. Research conducted in recent years have revealed that disturbances between 2 kHz and 150 kHz cause measurement errors in smart meters, audible noise, malfunctions and performance reductions in electrical devices. In this study, sources of supraharmonics, the problems they cause in devices and networks, measurement methods of supraharmonics and related standards, supraharmonic simulation of sample devices and analysis by measurement are given. Measurements and simulation results show that focusing only on EMC requirements in device designs can cause supraharmonics to be neglected, thus negatively affecting the network and other devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E-commerce is becoming increasingly dependent on technologies such as consumer sentiment research at an ever-increasing rate. Its purpose is to recognize and comprehend the feelings and dispositions of customers by analyzing customer language and behavior as expressed in social media, online reviews, and other forms of digital communication. The proliferation of digital technology has resulted in an increase in the number and variety of channels through which customers can communicate their feelings. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of consumer sentiment may be of great use to businesses, as it enables them to better satisfy customer demands, enhance their products and services, improve their brand reputation, and ultimately increase their level of competitiveness. As a result, consumer sentiment research has evolved into a tool that is essential for the decision-making process in e-commerce as well as the management of customer relationships. Within the scope of this discussion, this study uses deep learning models to improve consumer sentiment research precision. The following is the list of the primary contributions that this paper makes. (1) Advancing the use of EEG signals as a basis for a method for analyzing customer feelings. This technique measures brain activity directly, thus avoiding the restrictions and ambiguities that come with relying on verbal expression. (2) The purpose of this study is to improve the overall performance of the model for analyzing sentiment by incorporating an attention mechanism into the ResNeXt model. This attention mechanism is intended to augment the model's capacity to extract subtle characteristics. (3) The results of the experiments show that the strategy described in this study is effective in improving EEG-based sentiment analysis performance. When compared to standard text-based sentiment analysis approaches, this sentiment analysis model demonstrates greater objectivity, real-time capabilities, and multidimensionality when applied to consumer sentiment analysis in e-commerce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Digital Communication Freedom for People with Disabilities" deals with the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Austria. It points out that measures to simplify communication for people with disabilities are not being adequately implemented. In particular, people with severe communication disabilities have difficulties obtaining appropriate aids and technologies. The article calls for a unified and coordinated collaboration of all government agencies to ensure the implementation of the convention. It also highlights the challenges faced by people with disabilities regarding insurance benefits and support services. The article concludes with an appeal to the legislature to improve the situation and strengthen the rights of people with disabilities. [Extracted from the article]

An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is used to quickly and dynamically adjust the amount of recirculated exhaust gas, which is critical for improving engine fuel economy and reducing emissions. To address problems relating to the precise positioning of an electromotive (EM) valve under slowly varying plant dynamics and uncertain disturbances, we propose a servo control system design based on linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) for the EGR EM valve driven by a limited angle torque motor (LATM). By analyzing the structure of the LATM and the transmission, the dynamic model of the system is derived. In addition, to solve the problems caused by slowly varying plant dynamics and uncertain disturbances, we combine the effects of uncertain model parameters and external disturbances as the total disturbance, which is estimated in real time by an extended state observer (ESO) and then compensated. In addition, accurate angular information is obtained using a non-contact magnetic angle measurement method, and a high-speed digital communication channel is established to help implement a closed-loop position control system with improved responsiveness and accuracy. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed servo system design can effectively ensure the precision and real-time performance of the EM valve under slowly changing plant dynamics and uncertain disturbances. The proposed servo system design achieves a full-stroke valve control accuracy of better than 0.05 mm and a full-stroke response time of less than 100 ms. The controlled valve also has good robustness under shock-type external disturbances and excellent airflow control capability. The repeatability of the airflow control is generally within 5%, and the standard deviation is less than 0.2 m3/h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the robust control problem for networked uncertain semi‐Markov jump systems over digital communication channel, where some complicated factors are considered in this framework, such as false data injection attacks, incomplete sojourn‐time information, and actuator fault. In network environment, these problems frequently occurred: (1) Data must be quantified before it is transmitted via digital communication channels, and (2) there is always the risk of cyber‐attack. Traditional controllers are not effective to solve the robust control design issue of uncertain semi‐Markov jump systems since the signal quantization and cyber‐attack will degrade control performance evidently. Then, a resilient controller is designed to guarantee the stable running of system with incomplete sojourn‐time information and the system resiliency to unsecure shared data. With the help of Lyapunov stability theory, sufficient conditions are derived in the form of linear matrix inequality, which can determine the gains of the resilient controller. Finally, the simulation examples about single‐machine infinite‐bus power system are given to explain the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed control approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proliferation of new, digital communications technologies and platforms over the past few decades has transformed the way humans relate to one another. In turn, there has been an explosion of scientific research using data on these interactions to better understand how social networks emerge and evolve. Curiously, this agenda has proceeded with little theoretical foundation—typically assuming digital and face-to-face ties operate the same way. The purpose of this article is to interrogate this assumption: I identify when, how, and to what consequence digital networks are similar to and different from other kinds of social networks and thereby attempt to strengthen the available theoretical scaffolding for this important and rapidly growing body of work. • Current theory on network formation and evolution focuses on face-to-face social ties. • This paper begins to develop a theoretical framework for understanding how digital interaction is generated. • Similarities and differences between online and various offline tie-formation mechanisms are explored. • Also explored are entirely new dynamics relevant to digital networks—and implications thereof. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The L-band digital aeronautical communication system (LDACS) is one of the candidate technologies for future broadband digital aeronautical communications, utilizing the unused L-band spectrum between distance measuring equipment (DME) channels. However, the higher signal power of DME complicates LDACS implementation. This paper proposes an advanced DME mitigation approach for the LDACS, integrating joint direction of arrival (DOA) estimation with adaptive beamforming techniques. The proposed method begins by exploiting the cyclostationary characteristics of signals, accurately obtaining the preliminary direction of the LDACS signal using the Cyclic-MUSIC method. Subsequent precise steering vectors (SVs) are selected through Capon spectrum search, followed by the reconstruction of the interference plus noise covariance matrix (INCM). Using the obtained SV and INCM, the weight vector is calculated and beamforming is performed. Simulation results validate that the proposed method not only accurately estimates the direction of LDACS signal but also efficiently mitigates DME interference, demonstrating a superior performance and reduced algorithmic complexity, even in scenarios with lower signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and the presence of DOA estimation errors. Additionally, the proposed method achieves a low bit error rate (BER), further validating its ability to ensure communication quality and enhance the reliability of LDACS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of research is technology transfer, which covers the mechanism of transfer of technological knowledge and innovations from developers to end users or manufacturers. The problem to be solved is to provide a relevant assessment of the effectiveness of technology transfer by applying modern economic and mathematical models (based on the method of fuzzy logic) to assess the effectiveness of technology transfer under conditions of uncertainty. The main results obtained: a fuzzy-logical model for evaluating the level of the technology transfer efficiency indicator was built; it is performed according to the following algorithm: 1) the involvement of three components of technology transfer – technological, financial, and marketing as input variables of the model, which are calculated on the basis of statistical and financial reporting data, expert surveys; 2) selection of parameters and type of membership function for three input variables and one output variable (integral indicator) and construction of a system of 27 logical rules; 3) determining the efficiency of technology transfer using Mamdani’s fuzzy derivation and checking the adequacy of the model. A visualization of the “input-output” surface was performed, which determines the maximum value of the TTPE (TechnologyTransferProjectsEfficiency) indicator, which serves as a summary indicator for the success of technology transfer projects and is observed at high levels of model input variables. The indicator T (technical component of technology transfer efficiency), F (financial component of technology transfer efficiency), and M (marketing component of technology transfer efficiency) was introduced. The scientific results could be applied to determine the optimal ways of technology transfer to industry, to plan strategies for introducing new technological products to the market, taking into account the effectiveness of licensing, partnership, and cooperation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancements in digital technology necessitate a shift from traditional linear buyer-supplier value chains to a network-centric approach facilitated by digital platforms. Despite digital platforms being a dominant model for transformation, limited research has explored the enablers for incumbent pipeline firms to embrace platformization. To address this gap, this study reviews existing literature on digital transformation, identifying nine enablers for digital platformization: changing client behavior, information technology (IT) capabilities development, structural efficiencies, disruptive competitive forces, scope advantages, economic triggers, disruptive third-party technology, creation of autonomous corporate structures, and regulatory compliance. Case studies of platformization in diverse industries are analyzed using the modified total interpretive structural modeling (m-TISM) approach, resulting in a hierarchical model with five levels. This model delineates interrelationships among trigger events, external enablers, internal organizational enablers, process enablers, and outcome drivers. Furthermore, the study highlights that the creation and extraction of value from digital platforms are operationalized through e-business strategies, contributing insights to e-business literature by discussing the implications of these enablers on dimensions such as commerce, collaboration, communication, connection, and computing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organizational dimension of a today society is often modified by distinct and very specific risk, crisis and/or emergency events. Those aspects are also built culturally by promoting actions, practices and processes typical of the society in which they take place. In the contemporary temporal dimension, we observe not only the risk, but also the social and cultural impacts generated by the crises or emergencies that may result from it. And it is precisely on emergencies, or rather on the way of communicating emergencies in the digital society, that this article focus on, by considering the cases of Japan and Italy to support the reflection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the impact of digit(al)isation and convergence on television in Bosnia and Herzegovina, considering the fact that the digital revolution, sparked by the proliferation of advanced digital technologies, has brought significant changes to the media sphere. One of the key phenomena in contemporary media is media convergence, a multi-meaning concept influencing various stakeholders in the media landscape – media owners, management, journalists, editors, advertisers, and audiences. Qualitative research was conducted in this study, through semi-structured in-depth interviews (N=27) with management, journalists, and editors from Bosnian Herzegovinian TV stations (N=15). The aim of the study is to understand how media professionals navigate digital/convergent circumstances and which advantages and challenges they identify. Based on this research, it can be concluded that media professionals recognise the significance of quality content in the media (irrespective of technological changes), as well as the importance of collaborative effort that underscores shared responsibility to uphold standards and excellence within the dynamic digital media landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart and connected industrial products (SCIPs), characterized by their capabilities of self-monitoring, environment awareness, machine–machine/machine–human communication and collaboration, intelligent decision-making, etc. have become the fundamental elements for cyber-physical systems, digital twin, industrial internet of things, etc. Configuring the components in SCIPs and modeling their interaction and operation mechanisms are important during SCIPs design. However, existing product design methods were originally developed for none smart and connected products. This could limit the accuracy of SCIP modeling during the design stage and consequently, it may cause more reworks during the implementation stage of the designed SCIPs. In this regard, a SCIP configuration and operation design method is established, including (i) meta knowledge graph (KG)-based configuration of the components in the physical system and status monitoring system of a required SCIP, (ii) event-state swimlane flowchart-based analysis of the dynamic interaction, operation, and data monitoring mechanisms among the components, and (iii) event-state KG based modeling of the overall workflow, monitoring data self-updating and intelligent operation mechanisms of the SCIP. Compared with existing SCIP design methods, the work provides a specific method for not only the configuration of the static components in customized SCIPs, but also the dynamic interaction, data acquisition/storing/transmitting, and intelligent function implementation mechanisms of the configured SCIP using a kind of event-state KG. The event-state KG is both human-readable and computer-programmable, and it can self-update according to predefined reasoning algorithms during the operation of the SCIP. The configuration and operation design modeling of a robot-based grinding processing line is used as a case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient transmission of images, which plays a large role in wireless communication systems, poses a significant challenge in the growth of multimedia technology. High-quality images require well-tuned communication standards. The Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) is adopted for broadband wireless communications, because of its low sensitivity to carrier frequency offsets and low Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR). Data transmission through open-channel networks requires much concentration on security, reliability, and integrity. The data need a space away fromunauthorized access, modification, or deletion. These requirements are to be fulfilled by digital image watermarking and encryption. This paper ismainly concerned with secure image communication over the wireless SC-FDMA systemas an adopted communication standard. It introduces a robust image communication framework over SC-FDMA that comprises digital image watermarking and encryption to improve image security, while maintaining a high-quality reconstruction of images at the receiver side. The proposed framework allows image watermarking based on the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) merged with the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) in the so-called DCT-SVD watermarking. In addition, image encryption is implemented based on chaos and DNA encoding. The encrypted watermarked images are then transmitted through the wireless SC-FDMA system. The linearMinimumMean Square Error (MMSE) equalizer is investigated in this paper to mitigate the effect of channel fading and noise on the transmitted images. Two subcarrier mapping schemes, namely localized and interleaved schemes, are compared in this paper. The study depends on different channelmodels, namely PedestrianAandVehicularA, with amodulation technique namedQuadratureAmplitude Modulation (QAM). Extensive simulation experiments are conducted and introduced in this paper for efficient transmission of encrypted watermarked images. In addition, different variants of SC-FDMA based on the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT), Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) are considered and compared for the image communication task. The simulation results and comparison demonstrate clearly that DWT-SC-FDMAis better suited to the transmission of the digital images in the case of PedestrianAchannels, while the DCT-SC-FDMA is better suited to the transmission of the digital images in the case of Vehicular A channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linkage analysis, i.e. linking media exposure, content, and surveys, has been a powerful tool to assess media effects. However, the development of online communication and the advent of social media brings about many challenges for traditional linkage designs. In this paper, we explain the three steps of linkage designs for online communication effects and the usage of computational approaches to capture communication exposure and content. We then review recent designs and studies that use different forms of digital trace data to link digital communication exposure, content, and surveys: Tracking data, data donations, and screenshots/screen recordings. We describe (practical) challenges and opportunities when linking digital communication traces with self-reports and show how these data could be analyzed to establish different media effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In social media effects research, the role of specific social media content is understudied, in part attributable to the fact that communication science previously lacked methods to access social media content directly. Digital trace data (DTD) can shed light on textual and audio-visual content of social media use and enable the analysis of content usage on a granular individual level that has been previously unavailable. However, because digital trace data are not specifically designed for research purposes, collection and analysis present several uncertainties. This article is a collaborative effort by scholars to provide an overview of how three methods of digital trace data collection - APIs, data donations, and tracking - can be used in studying the effects of social media content in three important topic areas of communication research: misinformation, algorithmic bias, and well-being. We address the question of how to collect raw social media content data and arrive at meaningful measures with multiple state-of-the-art data collection techniques that can be used to study the effects of social media use on different levels of detail. We conclude with a discussion of best practices for the implementation of each technique, and a comparison of their advantages and disadvantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proficiency in English is pivotal for leveraging information and communication technologies, but it holds even greater significance in the realm of generative artificial intelligence (GAI), which is poised as the next digital frontier. However, the dominance of English in benchmarks and training data for large language models (LLMs) exacerbates challenges for individuals and organizations in the developing world, predominantly non-English speakers. Despite the commendable performance of GAI in select developed languages like French, Spanish, and Japanese, it struggles to deliver comparable results in low-resource languages (LRLs) such as Bengali, Hindi, and Swahili. These languages, deprived of adequate online content, face obstacles in training specialized models due to script complexities and limited lexical resources. While countries like Japan and Iceland offer promising models for addressing linguistic challenges, the road ahead necessitates collaborative efforts to develop LLMs tailored for LRLs and rectify linguistic inaccuracies, ensuring inclusive and equitable AI development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology and computer-mediated communication (CMC) have quickly transformed the means of interaction among monolingual and bilingual individuals alike, especially in the younger generations. While e-mail once replaced traditional "snail mail", today's youth networks mainly via social media and short message services (SMS). Digital communication has thus become a fertile ground for sociolinguistic research. The present study aims to contribute to the field of "electronic" code-switching, specifically in the emerging area of text messaging. To this end, I analyze The Bilingual Youth Texts Corpus, a collection of text messages among urban emergent Spanish–English bilinguals in New York City. The main findings indicate that (1) although it is not the most common practice, participants do engage in code-switching when texting each other; (2) their language mixing obeys most of the socio-pragmatic and communicative patterns attested in oral production (such as emphasis, elaboration, lexical need and, especially, tag switches) along with other functions (textisms) which are idiosyncratic to CMC; and (3) the language choices made by these bilinguals reveal a linguistic and a cultural belonging to two worlds where they may and must use both languages to fully express themselves online just like in real life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hybrid in-band on-channel (IBOC) transmission system, which serves as a digital audio radio scheme, facilitates the simultaneous transmission of analog FM and digital audio. In IBOC systems, broadcasters transmit signals within allocated channel bands, posing a challenge in bandwidth allocation for digital audio transmission. To address this, cooperative game theory, supported by the bankruptcy game and Shapley's value, is proposed as a strategy to optimize bandwidth allocation at each node or station. This approach considers service demand, the number of stations, and radio channel conditions in the FM band. The paper presents a scenario under saturated traffic conditions to evaluate the degree of optimization achievable using the Shapley value under clearly defined traffic and channel conditions. The results indicate that cooperative game theory, with the support of the Shapley value, offers an excellent alternative for optimizing bandwidth in digital broadcasting over IBOC in FM, with potential applicability in other digital radio broadcasting systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital transformation provides new opportunities for companies, but also unexpected consequences. We quantify the firms' level of digitalization using text analysis to examine whether digital transformation affects financial investment. The results conclude that digital transformation increases financial investment and our findings remain valid after robustness checks, indicating that digital transformation unexpectedly exacerbates the financialization problem of Chinese companies. We further discuss the motive and channels of corporate financialization under digital transformation. Our results show that digital transformation increases financial investment through financial surrogate intermediaries and higher return on financial assets. Therefore, managers should not ignore the potential negative effects during the process of digital transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terahertz (THz) communication is becoming a key technology for future 6G wireless networks because of its ultra-wide band. However, the implementation of THz communication systems confronts formidable challenges, notably beam splitting effects and high computational complexity associated with them. Our primary objective is to design a hybrid precoder that minimizes the Euclidean distance from the fully digital precoder. The analog precoding part adopts the delay-phase alternating minimization (DP-AltMin) algorithm, which divides the analog precoder into phase shifters and time delayers. This effectively addresses the beam splitting effects within THz communication by incorporating time delays. The traditional digital precoding solution, however, needs matrix inversion in THz massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems, resulting in significant computational complexity and complicating the design of the analog precoder. To address this issue, we exploit the characteristics of THz massive MIMO communication systems and construct the digital precoder as a product of scale factors and semi-unitary matrices. We utilize Schatten norm and Hölder's inequality to create semi-unitary matrices after initializing the scale factors depending on the power allocation. Finally, the analog precoder and digital precoder are alternately optimized to obtain the ultimate hybrid precoding scheme. Extensive numerical simulations have demonstrated that our proposed algorithm outperforms existing methods in mitigating the beam splitting issue, improving system performance, and exhibiting lower complexity. Furthermore, our approach exhibits a more favorable alignment with practical application requirements, underlying its practicality and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital marketing is inevitably becoming popular in the marketing realm. Leveraging digital marketing strategies has been instrumental in fostering communication and engagement between brands and customers. However, a limited number of research explores the influence of these emerging trends on the purchase intentions of customers in the fast food chain industry. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to examine the influence of digital marketing strategies on customers' purchase intention and to identify the most effective digital marketing strategy for crafting compelling content and disseminating marketing messages to achieve the intended marketing goal. This study employed a correlational quantitative research approach with a convenient selection of participants, utilizing a modified survey questionnaire as the principal means of data collection. The sample consisted of One Hundred Ninety-eight (198) actual customers of selected fast-food restaurants in España Boulevard, Manila. The data retrieved from the survey questionnaire was analyzed and interpreted using a Five-point Likert scale designed for measuring interval data. The findings of this research revealed that utilizing social media marketing, webinar platforms, mobile applications, and e-commerce significantly influences customer's purchase intention. Furthermore, it came to light that there is a highly statistically significant relationship between digital marketing strategies, namely, social media marketing (r=0.864, p=0.027), brand exposure through webinar platforms (r=0.802, p=0.055), mobile applications and e-commerce (r=0.854, p=0.031) on customer's purchase intention of selected fast-food restaurants, and a positive strong correlation between affiliate marketing (r=0.759, p=0.080) and the latter. In addition, the results revealed that there is a positive moderate correlation between content marketing (r=0.548, p=0.260), and email marketing (r=0.575, p=0.232) on customer's purchase intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an all-digital calibration algorithm that utilizes a reference channel to suppress the timing mismatch in the Time-Interleaved Analog-to-Digital Converter (TIADC). The output of the reference channel is aligned with each sub-channel in turn, therefore enabling the simultaneous sampling and conversion of the same input signal. First, the statistical characteristics across the channels are employed for estimating the timing mismatch; then, by comparing the output difference between the reference channel and the sub-channels that are sampled simultaneously, the deviation of the derivator can be calibrated. Finally, combining both calibration results yields an accurate final output. This proposed algorithm provides an effective solution to improve TIADC performance in high-speed data acquisition systems. The proposed architecture is applied to a 12-bit 2.4 GS/s four-channel TIADC model, and then its effectiveness is verified. The simulation results exhibit that the Effective Number Of Bits (ENOB) at an input signal frequency of 984 MHz shows a remarkable improvement from 6.88 bits to 11.92 bits. The effectiveness of this technique is also demonstrated through the off-chip calibration of a commercial 12-bit four-channel 2 GS/s TIADC using a 680 MHz input signal that is based on the actual chip results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been a lot of interest in industry and academia in virtual influencers (VIs). This study aimed to augment the understanding of VI marketing by exploring the relationship between VI's characteristics (i.e., their humanlikeness level and operator type), their social media post characteristics (i.e., emotional expression, use of pronouns, use of punctuation marks), and consumer engagement. The analysis of three popular VIs' Instagram profiles and posts revealed that VIs with less humanlike appearances tend to exhibit stronger positive emotional expressions. Interestingly, the level of humanlikeness in appearance was not associated with VI's other post characteristics, suggesting other intrinsic factors (e.g., the VI's character and virtual universe) may play a pivotal role. Whether a brand operates the VI or not made a statistically significant difference in the VI's post characteristics. Assessment of user engagement metrics (i.e., number of likes and comments) showed that users prefer hyper-realistic VIs and VIs operated by non-brand agencies, underscoring the importance of perceived authenticity in the digital realm. The emotions expressed by VIs, along with their use of punctuation, were positively related to user engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Verwaltung und Management: Zeitschrift für Moderne Verwaltung (VM) is the property of Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG 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.)