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Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are known for supporting healthcare services in dealing with adverse situations. However, little is known on the contribution of ICTs in a prolonged crisis involving a new disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we carry out an exploratory investigation of which ICTs contribute the most to the emergency care of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 according to healthcare technology experts and how physicians perceive these contributions. Initially, we applied an online survey to 109 healthcare technology experts. Then, we conducted 16 in-depth follow-up interviews with emergency medicine professionals from 10 countries to identify the ICTs contributing the most to treat COVID-19 patients. Results from the survey indicated four ICTs as the most useful to support the treatment of COVID-19 patients; they are remote consultations, digital platforms for data sharing, digital non-invasive care, and interconnected medical decision support. The interviews provided insight into the applicability of those ICTs for the studied context. The four main ICTs were also found to be logically compatible with the complexity of the pandemic, reducing undesirable complexity attributes (e.g. physical proximity between caregivers and infected patients) and amplifying desirable ones (e.g. interactions that support collaborative work and knowledge sharing). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scientific article is devoted to the analysis of key aspects that arise in connection with the digitalization of the economy and the growth of electronic commerce. The impact of technology on business models, legal regulation of electronic transactions, protection of consumer rights and cyber security issues are investigated. The article emphasizes that digitization opens new opportunities for business, in particular through the implementation of digital platforms, omnichannel strategies and process automation. Digital platforms such as Amazon and Alibaba are becoming important tools for business globalization as they facilitate access to international markets, reduce the need for physical infrastructure, and enable the integration of business processe s. The legal regulation of electronic transactions and contracts has been studied. It is noted that the development of e-commerce requires legal certainty, regarding electronic signatures, electronic documents and digital identifiers. There are differences in approaches to these issues in different countries, which creates challenges for cross-border trade. In Ukraine, this issue is regulated by the Law «On electronic identification and electronic trust services», which meets EU standards, particularly the eIDAS Regulation. Challenges related to the protection of consumer rights in the digital economy are analyzed. Consumers face new risks such as privacy breaches and fraud in the online environment. International standards, such as GDPR, ensure a high level of personal data protection, while Ukrainian legislation needs further harmonization with international norms to increase the level of consumer rights protection. The policy of cyber security in the field of implementation of legal relations in electronic commerce was studied. Data protection, cybercrime prevention and information security are becoming key challenges for national governments and international organizations. It is important to implement international standards, such as PCI DSS, which guarantee the security of payment card data during their processing and storage. The fact that digitalization, on the one hand, requires adaptation of legal regulation to new conditions, but on the other hand, creates new opportunities for improving legal mechanisms, is summarized. Studying these aspects allows for a deeper understanding of how to adapt legal systems to further the development of e-commerce and ensure a balance between innovation and the protection of the rights of participants in the digital economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the problems of legal regulation of electronic commerce as a key component of the modern digital economy. Since e-commerce is a global phenomenon that is rapidly developing, new challenges arise in the legal field, in particular, the need to harmonize national and international legal standards. It is stated that dynamic changes in the field of e-commerce require adaptation of national legal acts to respond to modern challenges, particularly in the field of international transactions. The relevance of the study is due to the fact that modern technologies create new forms of digital legal relations, which national legal systems do not always have time to adequately regulate. This calls for an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms of legal regulation of electronic commerce at the international and national levels. An important task is the harmonization of national legal norms with international standards, which will ensure the stability of the legal system and the protection of the rights of market participants. The article draws attention to the fact that, despite a significant amount of research in the field of electronic commerce, there is a significant gap in the legal regulation of this field in different countries, which complicates the work of international platforms and the protection of the rights of consumers and entrepreneurs. During the study, a comprehensive analysis of key legislative acts of Ukraine regulating electronic commerce was carried out, including the Law of Ukraine «On Electronic Commerce», the Law of Ukraine «On Electronic Identification and Electronic Trust Services» and others. The article emphasizes the importance of further harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with international standards, which is necessary to ensure legal certainty and stability in the conditions of global digitalization of the economy. Considerable attention is paid to the analysis of international legal acts, such as the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce and the Guidelines for Electronic Commerce of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. These documents play a key role in harmonizing international legal norms and creating a single legal space for electronic co mmerce. Attention is focused on the fact that effective legal regulation of electronic commerce is important for the development of international trade, ensuring the security of electronic transactions and protecting the rights of all market participants. The need to adapt national legal systems to the requirements of international standards is substantiated, which will contribute to the growth of electronic commerce and increase the competitiveness of states in the global economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many women justify intimate partner violence (IPV), resulting in adverse health outcomes. This study investigates the relationship between household ownership of information and communication technologies (ICTs), along with the frequency of listening to the radio and watching television with women's attitudes towards IPV in Bangladesh. The cross-sectional study analyzed a weighted sample of 20,032 women and used a multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the association between predictor variables and outcome variables. The results showed that 19.47% of women justified wife beating for at least one reason. We found that household ownership of computers (AOR = 0.73 [95% CI = 0.57, 0.95]), women in households with three ICTs (AOR = 0.67 [95% CI = 0.47, 0.96]), and women who watched television at least once a week (AOR = 0.85 [95% CI = 0.74, 0.97]) were associated with decreased odds of justifying wife beating for at least one reason after adjustment for the frequency of reading newspaper or magazine, age, wealth, education, religion, and type of place of residence. The study suggests that not all ICTs affect women's attitudes toward IPV equally. Computers and television were more influential than other ICTs. This finding suggests that awareness-building and educational programs targeted towards women via computer and television may deliver better outcomes about gender norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article reports on findings from interviews with ICT-based content creators whose work focuses on documenting and curating queer history and culture. The research specifically examines how as amateur historians, the participant's embodied knowledge plays a central role in how they engage with discourse about queer historical figures, methods of queer historiography and community accountability. Design/methodology/approach: The research deploys a queer constructivist framework to qualitatively gather and analyzes the semi-structured interviews of 31 North American content creators who curate digital project related to queer history and culture. The interviews were gathered between August 2022 and August 2023. Findings: The research highlights how the subjectivity of queer embodiment aids, rather than hinders, participants' ability to collaborate with LGBTQIA+ communities while also addressing more significant ethical questions around intersectionality and inclusive historiographic work. Research limitations/implications: The content creators' own positionality and commitments to community accountability and queer inclusivity fostered richer stories and historical documentation, while also helping make visible queer identity as affirming and valuable within queer culture. Additionally, practical implications include highlighting the value of ICT-based content within the distribution of educational and informational resources related to queer history. Originality/value: This research offers an underexamined intersection of historiography and queer embodiment. While extensive scholarship on institutional and community-based historiography work exist the content creators interviewed within this study exist within the space of both, often using a combination of embodied knowledge and traditional curatorial work to translate between such spaces, inviting, in turn, new ways of thinking about queer archival knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has gained relevance since they are a tool for socialization around substance use and sex through the formation of social networks of gay men (GM). This study investigated how and why substance use is related to the use of ICT in GM. Moreover, what social and cultural dynamics characterize the use of ICTs concerning sexualized drug use in Mexican GM? In May 2022, focus groups were held in which 19 GM from Mexico participated. Different types of ICTs used by GM were identified as playing a role in online interactions around substance use and chemsex. It was found that specific platforms, such as mobile geolocation applications, favored access to sexual practices and drugs. In addition, online sexual subcultures destigmatized substance use and non‐normative sexual practices and reinforced social ties, offering caring information about sexualized drug use practices among GM. The findings contribute to understanding the health of GM from a contemporary digital context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to the analysis of the features of the manifestation of digital inequality in education during COVID-19 pandemic. It analyzes the definitions, levels and criteria for assessing the digital divide. We consider current examples of digital divide in education at the following levels: divide in access to information technology (IT), divide in the degree of IT possession, divide in the ability to refuse the use of IT. According to these levels, possible types of discrimination against students and teachers are presented. These types include established features and new features resulting from the pandemic, in particular, discrimination based on the possession of a certificate of vaccination against a new coronavirus infection. In addition, the identified signs of discrimination are widely manifested even after the normalization of the epidemiological situation in the world. It is noted that the lack of proper anti-discrimination impact in education can lead to global negative consequences, including a decrease in the competitiveness of national economies, as well as a decline in the overall level of culture and morality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor positioning systems and Air Quality (AQ) monitoring play a crucial role in creating smart environments that promote human well-being and sustainable living.This research paper explores the integration of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) with a Pozyx-based indoor positioning system for advanced AQ monitoring. By addressing the current challenges in network management, scalability, and Quality of Service (QoS) provisioning for indoor AQ monitoring systems, we propose a novel SDN-based routing protocol. Our findings reveal significant enhancements in energy efficiency and Packet Error Rate (PER), showcasing the potential of merging Pozyx and SDN technologies for creating smarter and sustainable living environments. This study contributes to the domain of indoor positioning and AQ monitoring, marking a step forward towards the realization of intelligent environmental monitoring systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the 'Digital Divide' concerning disparities in adopting information and communication technologies (ICTs) at the regional level in Türkiye. Acknowledging the multiscale dimension of the digital divide, two main research questions are addressed: (1) Is there a digital divide between regions in Türkiye? If so, (2) How does the digital divide affect the development disparities in Türkiye? The ICT Development Index (IDI) and Socio-Economic Development Index (SEDI) are utilized together to answer these questions. Results reveal a positive correlation between them and significant discrepancies between Türkiye's eastern and western regions. Remarkably, the digitalization gap is narrower than the socio-economic development gap. The findings suggest that while digital technologies have diffused rapidly in Türkiye, their socio-economic benefits have been absorbed more slowly. This study aims to contribute to the literature on the digital divide and information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) at the regional level, providing insights for policymakers to address regional digital inequalities in Türkiye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a systematic review of the Service-Learning (in Spanish, Aprendizaje-Servicio or Aps ) methodology and its digitization between 2019 and 2023, concerning its impact on the participating students in European higher education institutions. The objective was to test the competencies achieved by the student body after applying Aps combined with information and communication technologies. We conclude that, despite the students’ preference for face-to-face learning, the impact of digital a p s is beneficial, positively influencing civic, digital, social, motivational, work-related, and didactic competencies, and that digitization in the classroom constitutes an interstitial instrument for innovation in the Aps methodology of the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study is to analyze the effectiveness of the formation of culture-general competencies of economics students in the context of the blended learning environment. The following results have been obtained. A blended learning system to teach Econometrics has been introduced at two Russian universities and one Kazakh university A questionnaire has been developed, and a sociological survey of economics students of the three universities has been conducted to assess the effectiveness of the formation of culture-general competencies in the context of blended learning of Econometrics. The analysis of the research results confirmed a number of hypotheses: H1 "Blended learning contributes to the formation of professional identity", H2 "Blended learning contributes to the formation of communication skills", H3 "Blended learning contributes to the formation of self-organization and self-education skills", H4 "Blended learning does not lead to a decrease in academic performance". The practical significance of the results obtained involves the fact that they make it possible to effectively implement blended learning technologies for the development of the competencies of economics students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a virtually delivered psychoeducational skill-building intervention for ADRD caregivers. Methods: A single-arm, pre-posttest pilot study design was employed to evaluate the intervention. Four 90-min group-based weekly sessions were combined with four individual coaching sessions via Zoom. Intervention components covered topics designed to reduce caregiver stress and distress, and a VR experience to help caregivers understand dementia. Data was gathered via REDCap pre- and post-intervention and through post-intervention interviews via Zoom. Results: Results (N = 20) from individual interviews, surveys, and treatment implementation strategies suggest strong feasibility and acceptability. Key change exploration indicated medium effect sizes and statistical significance in preparedness for caregiving (t(19) = 2.69, p =.015, d = 63), communication (t(19) = 2.45, p =.024, d = 0.55), and a medium effect size for the mindful attention awareness scale (t(19) = 0.48, p = (0.637, d = 0.54). Further, participants reported their perceptions of improvement in outcomes such as the ability to care, increased understanding of memory loss, and confidence. Conclusions: Through Alzheimer's Eyes is a feasible and acceptable intervention that blends technology with skill-building strategies to help caregivers manage their stress and distress regardless of their location. Clinical Implications: There is potential for interventions including VR to assist family caregivers in managing caregiving challenges and improve well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to analyze the effect of information and communication technologies (ICT) on the bilateral trade flows of the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We use the method of generalized least squares (GLS) panel to correct for correlation and heteroskedasticity problems. We have employed the gravity model extended to ICT to examine the effects of key ICT indicators on bilateral exports and imports. The sample includes 44 African countries of the subcontinent, including 43 countries as partners (importers/exporters) and one reporter country (exporter/importer) and covers the period 2010 to 2019. The results show that access to mobile telephony and the internet, as well as the development of e-commerce, have a great potential for improving intra-African bilateral trade and that the effect of ICT is not unequivocal according to the category of flow considered. However, it emerges from these results that the development of ICT as it is today has not yet succeeded in overturning the argument of physical distance as a barrier to trade in sub-Saharan Africa. The key conclusion is that the establishment of better-quality ICT services and infrastructure is more critical to intra-African trade. African policymakers should accommodate sufficient support to establish the ICT infrastructure and expand ICT penetration by reducing the costs of communication, transactions and access to ICT.

Background. Successful professional activity of a university teacher is impossible without productive and innovative use of information and communication technologies (ICT). This process involves not only the constant widespread dissemination of knowledge and information, their transformation into digital educational products, but also the teacher's ability and readiness to effectively organize the educational process in new conditions. We suppose the digital readiness of the university teacher should be the subject of systematic scientific analysis. The purpose of the article is to study the features of the digital transformation of higher education and to obtain objective data on the readiness of university teachers to use digital tools and technologies in their professional activities. Materials and methods. Within the framework of the studied problem, publications by foreign and domestic authors were studied; information on the research topic was collected from books, magazines, and online publications. The research was based on observation, surveys and questionnaires of teachers using a structured questionnaire with closed and open questions. Results. The results of the study showed that the readiness of university teachers to work in the digital educational environment is not fully formed. This is explained both by the insufficient development of the digital educational environment of the university and the low level of proficiency of teachers in digital competencies. Only 55% of the teachers rated their level of knowledge of information and communication technologies as “good”, and 10% demonstrated excellent skills Among the factors hindering the digitalization of the teaching process, the following were noted first of all: lack of incentives and equipment at the university, harm to health and great fatigue when working at a computer.

Objective. Assessing the level of statistical literacy of medical students in the context of the transition from clinical medicine to evidence-based medicine and the increased need for doctors who can correctly interpret data presented in various scientific sources and conduct their own research.Materials and methods. The research methods included an online survey and statistical processing of the results. Additionally, a business analysis service was used to validate the data and search for insights quickly. When statistically processing the results, descriptive statistics were used, and to compare indicators, non-parametric methods were used: Mann-Whitney and the Kruskal-Wallis test, which allow working with small samples, as well as one-way analysis of variance and correlation analysis. Confidence level of 0.05.Results. Two hundred fifty-two respondents participated in the study. The study revealed that medical students, on average, had high grades in both the computer science course (4.5±0.6 points) and the statistics course (4.4±0.6 points). The level of statistical literacy is high immediately after completing the course but decreases over several years of study. There was a significant average positive correlation between teaching GPA and ICT scores (r=0.35, p< 0.05) and a significant weak positive correlation between teaching GPA and statistics (r=0.23, p< 0.05), and an average correlation between statistics scores and ICT (r=0.59, p< 0.05). More than half (54 %) of medical students wanted to undergo more in-depth training in the field of ICT, while 35 % of medical students wanted to study programing languages in depth, business analytics tools were in second place, and 49 % of students showed an interest in the in-depth study of statistics medical specialties.Conclusion. There is a gap between students’ knowledge of statistics, computer science, and digitalization and the level of proficiency required of a specialist when entering the workforce. Its reduction is possible through students’ access to real clinical practice data throughout the entire learning process, the development of additional training programs dedicated to data analysis in medicine, and the development of a culture of working with data from the first year, including using business analytics tools and special attention focusing on competent data visualization.

Laboratory experiments in physics are a fundamental basis for studying physical phenomena occurring in nature and a methodological tool that provides visibility of the learning process and conducting experiments is important for the formation of students’ scientific worldview, deep understanding of physical laws and increasing interest in the study of physics. Existing in universities and schools, in addition to traditional ones, modern tools, technologies and approaches, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, computer modelling, online laboratories, virtual laboratory and others, are additional tools for improving the quality of the learning process and teaching techniques, which do not replace full-scale experiments, but only supplement them. In our opinion, for better learning, laboratory installations in physics are needed, with the help of which students can carry out real-life experiments and can broadcast them using innovative computer technologies for distance learning. To implement this task, we reviewed and analysed existing laboratory installations, identified their advantages and disadvantages, and then designed and developed alternative digital experimental set-ups for studying physics phenomena in laboratory conditions of educational institutions based on computer vision technology and presented the results of the study in this article. In carrying out the research tasks, effective methods of conducting scientific research were used, such as theoretical substantiation of the issue, experimental testing of the developed hardware and software systems and computer final processing of experimental data. In summary, the research described in the paper presents an innovative mechanism for integrating object tracking based on computer vision to improve the quality of measurements and new ways of conducting physics experiments. The mechanical laboratory complexes we have developed consist of hardware and software parts. The software part consists of server and client parts. The hardware consists of the main part - the scene, where the physical process takes place, i.e. where a physical object is located, such as a mathematical pendulum, an inclined plane, etc., with the help of which many physical phenomena and processes in mechanics can be demonstrated, and an additional part where a microcomputer and a camera are located. The operating principle of the laboratory installation is based on the use of computer vision technology, i.e. a system for monitoring the ongoing physical process, consisting of a digital camera for image processing, object identification and data export, and a microcomputer for processing experimental data. The use of the experimental installations in the process of teaching physics is a new model of teaching with a promising future in secondary and higher education, and the installations themselves will become tools for offline and online learning, due to the use of computer vision technology, revealing new opportunities and approaches to teaching.

A comparative analysis of the fulfillment of the necessary conditions for implementing the digital transformation of the economy using intellectual property in the world and in the Republic of Belarus was carried out. It has been established that in order to implement the digital transformation of the economy, it is necessary to fulfill two conditions directly related to intellectual property: the development of software and the availability of an instrument fleet, determined by patents for inventions in the field of information and communication technologies. It is concluded that Belarus has significant potential in the field of software creation. A noticeable lag in the Republic in terms of creating an instrument base for information and communication technologies has been revealed, which is confirmed by the small number of patents in the field of these technologies and in the field of artificial intelligence received by national applicants. The main directions for the development of digital transformation of the national economy in terms of intellectual property are formulated.

The article examines effectiveness of organizing independent physical exercises for university students in a remote mode using a special mobile application. To achieve the purpose of the study, a pedagogical experiment was conducted with the participation of the second-year students of the Kuban State Agrarian University named after I. T. Trubilin. 80 students (40 men and 40 women) took part in this experiment, of which 2 experimental and 2 control groups were formed. During the pedagogical experiment, students of the experimental groups participated in the project “AgroFit”, aimed at organizing systematic independent physical exercises, including a competitive element, with the use of a special mobile application. The students of the control groups did not participate in this project. They engaged in elective classes in physical education and sports and during non-systematic independent training sessions. The analysis of the average amount of students’ physical activity per week showed that the participants of the project “AgroFit” had more than 2 times higher values of similar parameters typical for students who did not participate in it. According to the results of the experiment, the students in the experimental groups statistically significantly improved the values reflecting the level of their strength abilities and endurance. There were no statistically significant changes in the values of physical fitness indicators in the control groups of students. The results of the study showed significant effectiveness of using additional systematic physical activity of university students based on the use of information and communication technologies and carried out remotely to improve the level of their physical fitness.

The purpose of the study is to identify the impact of information and communication technologies and measures taken by telecommunications companies in China, Japan and South Korea on the environment of these countries.Materials and methods. Indexes of the ecological footprint (based on the Global Footprint Network data) and greenhouse gas emissions (based on the International Energy Agency data) for these countries are used as a measure of environmental assessment. Based on the Sustainability Reports of telecommunication companies in these countries (China Mobile, SK Telekom, KDDI and others), their strategies for environmental protection and achieving a zero carbon footprint are examined. The impact of information and communication technologies is assessed using indexes of the number of Internet users, fixed Internet access, mobile communications users per 100 people of the country’s population, the share of ICT goods and services in the total exports and imports of countries, as well as the growth index of IT investments in the private sector for Japan. For each country, a correlation matrix was constructed depending on the level of the logarithm of the ecological footprint (Y) on the logarithms of the listed indexes; the factors that most influence Y and are not multicollinear were selected. Based on the selected indexes, multiple regression models were developed for each country and their parameters were assessed.Results. For China and South Korea, a positive elasticity of the ecological footprint was obtained for the number of mobile phone users (for China) and fixed broadband Internet access (for South Korea). In addition, the import of ICT goods into a country reduces its environmental footprint, and the export of ICT services from the country leads to an increase in the index. For Japan, negative elasticities of the ICT sector indexes for the country’s ecological footprint were obtained, which is associated with measures taken by telecommunication companies to reduce their own consumption of electricity and other resources, as well as the widespread use of digital technologies for energy saving in other sectors of the Japanese economy.Conclusion. For China and South Korea, significant dependences of the country’s ecological footprint on the spread of digital technologies were obtained, and their diffusion entails an increase in the index. While this impact is not very large, the widespread adoption of 5G mobile communications in these countries should be taken into account, which could significantly increase the share of the ICT sector in the countries’ environmental footprint. At the same time, Japanese telecommunication companies are promoting environmental protection

Introduction. Access to information, digital products and services contributes to reducing barriers in individual’s interaction with state, organizations, and other individuals, also providing opportunities for human development. The author assesses the digital inequality level of the constituent entities of the Ural Federal District. Materials and methods. Theoretically, the research is based on the concept of three levels of digital inequality, according to which inequality can be manifested at the level of access to Internet and information and communication technologies; at the level of the users’ digital skills and competencies; at the level of benefits obtained from the use of digital technologies and impacting individual life chances. The materials used are: statistical data of the Russian information society development monitoring, research on the digital literacy of the Russian population, conducted by the Analytical Center of the National Agency for Financial Research, the Russian Association of Electronic Communications, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation and the National Research University “Higher School of Economics”, as well as the results of an expert survey conducted by the author in 2023 with state civil servants of the Sverdlovsk region and employees of “Electronic government operator”, the state budgetary institution of the Sverdlovsk region. Results. The article reveals the specific features of digital inequality of the entities of the Ural Federal District. The geographical features of the region paradoxically affects the digital inequality level. The more compactly located territories of the Sverdlovsk, Tyumen and Chelyabinsk regions provide for the appropriate infrastructure with better broadband Internet access. A social consequence of low Internet access in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug is, in part, that not all medical organizations can be connected to the Integrated National Health Information System. In addition, there is no direct correlation between Internet access and digital skills development. On the contrary, remoteness and inaccessibility of territories act as drivers for the development of digital competencies of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug and Yugra residents, who are more efficient in using digital technologies in e-commerce and public services. Discussions and conclusions. “Bridging the Digital Divide” federal program implementation will increase the information infrastructure availability. Conscious and focused effort is required to improve digital literacy and cyber hygiene of the population.

Background Teaching professionalization aimed at the digital transformation of educational scenarios and training processes for students in contemporary higher education requires the mastery of digital competence by the teaching staff. The objectives of the study were to analyze the self-perceived level of digital teaching competence (DTC) of the faculty of the Technical University of Manabí (UTM), Ecuador, and to establish the relationship between age, sex, and academic profile variables with digital teaching competence. Methods A quantitative methodological approach was adopted to develop a descriptive-correlational field study with a non-experimental design. The participants were 277 professors, selected through non-probabilistic and voluntary sampling, who completed the DigCompEdu Check-In questionnaire sent by e-mail. Results The data revealed that the “integrator” and “expert” categories achieved high levels in all competencies. In particular, 48.74% of the participants were placed in the integrator category in the competence of facilitating skills, while 46.21% positioned themselves as integrators in the competence of evaluation and feedback. Additionally, a significant difference was found in the pedagogy variable in the interaction. Conclusions It is concluded that the competences self-perceived by the professors are within the intermediate categories such as integrator and expert. Likewise, the age, sex, and academic profile variables differ in the digital pedagogy level, which produces an inconsistent relationship, with the exception of the variable evaluates and provides feedback, where it was significant.

This paper presents a co-designed solution aimed at improving community healthcare assistance management. To enhance patients' self-awareness of their health status, encouraging active participation in care process, and to support nurses in delivering patient-centered care, we have developed an innovative platform with a highly customized app. This platform was designed using a multi-disciplinary, bottom-up approach. Patient data collection and processing facilitate the automation of care timeline planning, based on real-time patients' needs and the available resources. To achieve this goal, different components have been considered: real-time health data collection and processing, patient care planning, decision support for nurses, secure communication for data transmission, and user-friendly interfaces to ensure easy access to platform functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The publication comments on the use of information and communication technologies for students with special educational needs. The educational process also includes the digital environment, which is new for this age period, but extremely interesting and easily digestible. In this regard, the homelands in the 21st century cannot and should not be educated and brought up with the means of their parents or ancestors. Educational institutions, from the very beginning of the introduction of digital technologies until now, have been and are keeping up with the new. The teaching staff, in addition to being rejuvenated in terms of age with young teachers, recently graduated from the universities, where specific training is carried out for methodology and work with ICT, but also constantly upgrade their knowledge, skills and competences in this aspect. The students of the new century have new sensations, needs, motivation, which all of us working in this sector need to comply with and implement effectively, for their sake – the future of the Bulgarian nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Voces y Silencios is the property of Universidad de los Andes 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.)

Laboratory experiments in physics are a fundamental basis for studying physical phenomena occurring in nature and a methodological tool that provides visibility of the learning process and conducting experiments is important for the formation of students’ scientific worldview, deep understanding of physical laws and increasing interest in the study of physics. Existing in universities and schools, in addition to traditional ones, modern tools, technologies and approaches, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, computer modelling, online laboratories, virtual laboratory and others, are additional tools for improving the quality of the learning process and teaching techniques, which do not replace full-scale experiments, but only supplement them. In our opinion, for better learning, laboratory installations in physics are needed, with the help of which students can carry out real-life experiments and can broadcast them using innovative computer technologies for distance learning. To implement this task, we reviewed and analysed existing laboratory installations, identified their advantages and disadvantages, and then designed and developed alternative digital experimental set-ups for studying physics phenomena in laboratory conditions of educational institutions based on computer vision technology and presented the results of the study in this article. In carrying out the research tasks, effective methods of conducting scientific research were used, such as theoretical substantiation of the issue, experimental testing of the developed hardware and software systems and computer final processing of experimental data. In summary, the research described in the paper presents an innovative mechanism for integrating object tracking based on computer vision to improve the quality of measurements and new ways of conducting physics experiments. The mechanical laboratory complexes we have developed consist of hardware and software parts. The software part consists of server and client parts. The hardware consists of the main part - the scene, where the physical process takes place, i.e. where a physical object is located, such as a mathematical pendulum, an inclined plane, etc., with the help of which many physical phenomena and processes in mechanics can be demonstrated, and an additional part where a microcomputer and a camera are located. The operating principle of the laboratory installation is based on the use of computer vision technology, i.e. a system for monitoring the ongoing physical process, consisting of a digital camera for image processing, object identification and data export, and a microcomputer for processing experimental data. The use of the experimental installations in the process of teaching physics is a new model of teaching with a promising future in secondary and higher education, and the installations themselves will become tools for offline and online learning, due to the use of computer vision technology, revealing new opportunities and approaches to teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paper analyzes the efficiency displayed by 24 European Union (EU) countries when fostering labor productivity and the value added via ICT investments. In particular, a dynamic slacks-based measure data envelopment analysis (SBM-DEA) model is applied to analyze the evolution of efficiency through the period 2006–2013. The ranking resulting from the SBM-DEA framework is compared with the evolution of the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) scores obtained by these countries. The behavior of the efficiency variables describes a group of highly ranked DESI countries exhibiting a consistent decrease in efficiency. At the same time, several lowly ranked DESI countries display efficient trends throughout the series. The results illustrate how the reliance of EU policies on the social aspects derived from the market penetration of ICTs to measure technological development contrasts with the decreasing efficiency returns derived from an increase in ICTs investment. Thus, while catching up may occur in productivity terms, divergences in technological and social developments widen as investment in ICT infrastructures continues to differ across EU countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, based on the current legislation, new views on models of pre-trial investigation are considered. The article contains theoretical proposals for optimization and rationalization of pre-trial investigation as the main stage of pre-trial investigation in the criminal process of Ukraine based on the changes taking place in the conditions of digital transformation of society. Methodological bases of modeling of pre-trial investigation in criminal cases include the following criteria (elements) of individualization of the model: goals and tasks of pre-trial investigation; his place in the organization of criminal justice; the initial moment of investigation in a criminal case; structural construction of pre-trial investigation; organizational and legal status of bodies and officials who carry out this activity. It is noted that the crisis phenomena in the modern pre-trial investigation in criminal cases are caused by circumstances that, in turn, determine the need for reform: the construction of the pre-trial investigation is not fully correlated with the historical development and the convergence trends of accusatory and adversarial types of criminal proceedings; there is no unified approach of the state and the scientific community to determine the optimal structure of pre-trial investigation in criminal cases, which corresponds not only to the possibility of resisting the modern criminalization of society, but also stimulates further self-improvement; organizational and procedural contradictions between its forms are observed in the pre-trial investigation; confusion of the functions of criminal prosecution, detection and investigation of crimes, resolution of a criminal case and judicial control; competition of investigative and adversarial grounds at this stage of investigation in a criminal case. The pre-trial investigation with its tasks of establishing the circumstances of the committed crime, the written registration of all the evidence collected because of investigative actions, forms the investigative model of the criminal process. The content of the investigative model is related to the fact that the modern pre-trial investigation is based on written document circulation. The investigator plays the leading role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific article examines the essence and development of electronic commerce as a key element of the modern economy, which significantly changes traditional business models and creates new opportunities for entrepreneurs and consumers. The impact of information and communication technologies on economic development is analyzed and their decisive role in the implementation of electronic commerce is indicated. Several key innovations that have fueled the rapid growth of e-commerce are explored, namely: AI-powered personalization, omni-channel commerce across platforms, and the integration of secure electronic payments using emerging technologies such as blockchain. In addition to technological aspects, social and economic factors that contributed to the development of e-commerce are considered, including the COVID-19 pandemic, changing consumer habits and the growth of logistics companies. The article also covers the issue of legal regulation of electronic commerce, analyzing international legal acts. It is concluded that e-commerce is a complex phenomenon that includes not only trade transactions but also related business processes such as marketing, data processing and supply chain management. The need for further development of the legal framework for its effective functioning in Ukraine and the world is indicated. E-commerce is proposed to be understood as the process of buying, selling or exchanging goods, services and information using electronic means, mainly through Internet platforms, covering a variety of business processes, such as: online trade, electronic payments, digital marketing, supply chain management, etc.. It was established that the relationship between the right to entrepreneurial activity and e-commerce is that e-commerce is one of the forms of entrepreneurial activity that is adapted to the modern conditions of the digital economy and the development of information technologies, in particular, this relationship is embodied through the prism the following legal relations: the right to entrepreneurial activity as a basis. The constitutional right to entrepreneurial activity provides an opportunity to freely choose and carry out economic activity for the purpose of obtaining profit. This right covers the freedom to choose the form of doing business, dispose of profits and protect one's interests in the process of carrying out economic activities; digitalization as a form of entrepreneurship. Electronic commerce (e-commerce) expands the traditional possibilities of conducting business, offering new ways for entrepreneurs through the Internet. It covers not only the purchase and sale of goods and services, but also various business processes related to the exchange of digital information, financial transactions and logistics management; digital capabilities. Thanks to electronic commerce, the right to do business is expanded by accessing global markets and simplifying interaction with customers, which allows doing business regardless of geographical boundaries and time. Entrepreneurs can quickly implement new technologies, automate business processes and provide an individual approach to consumers through digital platforms; protection, provision and settlement. Thus, the state, realizing the constitutional right to entrepreneurship, must ensure legal regulation of electronic commerce. This includes the protection of consumer rights, control over the quality of services, regulation of digital signatures, protection of personal data and support for the security of online payments; innovation and competition. E-commerce stimulates the development of entrepreneurship, increasing competition through opportunities for innovation. Entrepreneurs working in e-commerce gain competitive advantages due to the efficiency of digital technologies and global opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pixel-Bit, Revista de Medios y Educacion is the property of Pixel-Bit, Revista de Medios y Educacion 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.)

With the rise of information and communication technologies (ICT) in workplaces, employees require adequate digital competence. This paper addresses the question of how employees can acquire and further develop the digital competence required to perform their work tasks. Conventional training methods face challenges such as rapid technological development, high costs, and difficulties in transferring knowledge, which impede the continuous development of digital competence. Studies indicate that regular ICT use at work supports digital competence development. Given the benefits of workplace-based learning in ICT task performance for developing digital competence, the design of work to facilitate learning is an important prerequisite. The main contribution of this paper is to highlight the relevance of informal learning in the work process for the development of employees' digital competence. Further research should explore the role of work design in facilitating digital competence development at work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a study on how digital mediation in the teaching-learning process of Modern and Contemporary Physics concepts in elementary school establishes the production of hybrid mechanisms of cognition between humans and non-humans, in light of Bruno Latour's generalized symmetry. To this end, we chose as knowledge content the phenomenon of nuclear fusion, foreseen as an object of knowledge in the National Common Curricular Base (BNCC) of Natural Sciences. In view of this, we adopted the articulation of three theoretical references, the Network Cognitive Mediation Theory (TMC), responsible for discussing the mediation mechanisms as processing external to the human brain and its implications on the cognitive structure of students, the Theory of Mental Models that classifies and categorizes the types of mental representations and Bruno Latour's Symmetrical Anthropology that provides a systemic, reticular and nondichotomized view of the construction of reality. The initial results were obtained after analyzing the questionnaires and the students' verbal and sign languages. Subsequently, we interpreted the results in accordance with the concepts of hybridization, detours and translations of Latourian thought. We found that digital mediation in this context influences the cognitive mechanisms used by students and the sophistication of the mental representations constructed by them. Finally, we recognize that both the teaching-learning process and the construction of mental representations based on digital mediation constitute Latourian hybrids, as the actors involved begin to share human and non-human skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media platforms exert a substantial influence on the improvement of learners' spoken communication abilities. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of incorporating social media platforms on enhancing the development of oral communication abilities among English as Foreign Language (EFL) learners enrolled in the English Department at Qassim University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study aims to examine the correlation between the utilization of social media applications and the enhancement of oral communication abilities among EFL learners, to determine the impact of social media on oral communication skills. The present study employed a descriptive-analytical methodology to explore the effects of utilizing social media applications on enhancing students' proficiency in oral communication abilities. To get adequate data for this study, a survey was conducted among a sample of 40 participants. The purpose of the questionnaire is to gather data regarding the learners' perspectives on their attitudes toward utilizing social media as a means of enhancing their oral communication abilities. The questionnaire comprises a total of ten items. The survey instrument employed in this study utilizes a close-ended question format, wherein participants are instructed to select the most suitable response option by marking it. The Likert Scale questionnaire was utilized to gather statistical data. The results of the study indicated that the utilization of social media platforms among EFL learners majoring in English at universities in Saudi Arabia yielded favorable results, leading to improvements in their spoken communication abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stakeholder participation in European Biosphere Reserves (BRs) has been extensively studied; however, the evolution of participation at different levels and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic have been less explored. A mixed-method approach was used to investigate this evolution, including a literature review, analysis of a European longitudinal survey conducted in 2008 and 2021, case study interviews and a questionnaire to Biosphere Reserve managers. Results indicate that stakeholder participation in BRs has become more important over time, with both an increase in the number and diversity of stakeholders involved at higher levels of participation. This increase was augmented by the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) during the pandemic. However, the increased use of ICTs had its challenges, such as the exclusion of certain types of stakeholders from the participatory process. Solutions, such as creating hybrid meeting arenas, are suggested to address these challenges. We conclude by providing recommendations for further enhancing our knowledge base on new forms of participation based on digital platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Copyright of Question (1669-6581) is the property of Universidad Nacional de La Plata 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/Objectives: In recent years, the advent of new technologies has fostered their application in neuro-psychomotor and language rehabilitation, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Tele-rehabilitation has emerged as an innovative and timely solution, enabling personalized interventions monitored by clinicians. TABLET TOSCANA project aims to develop innovative tele-rehabilitation organizational models in children, adolescents and young adults with congenital and acquired developmental disabilities, using the Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) Home Kit and the MedicoAmico APP. Methods: The trial is designed according to the CONSORT statement guidelines. The project encompasses three phases: adapting the technologies for pediatric use, validating them through a wait-list study, and analyzing feasibility and effectiveness data to define new organizational models. A randomized wait-list-control study with 100 subjects aged 6 to 30 years will compare tele-rehabilitation versus prosecution of standard care. Discussion: Although literature highlights tele-rehabilitation benefits such as improved access, cost savings, and enhanced treatment adherence, practical implementation remains limited (i.e., the definition of standardized procedures). TABLET TOSCANA project seeks to address these gaps by focusing on multi-domain treatments for neurodevelopmental disabilities and emphasizing the integration of tele-rehabilitation into local health services. Conclusion: The project aims to improve the continuity and intensity of care through innovative models that integrate tele-rehabilitation into local health services. The results could inform healthcare policies and promote the development of innovative and collaborative models of care, paving the way for more effective and widespread tele-rehabilitation solutions and fostering collaborative networks among professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at identifying applications of learning curve (LC) modelling at individual, group, and organisational levels in Industry 4.0 (I4.0) environments. For that, a scoping review on four databases was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Our results indicated that LCs are more prominently adopted in I4.0 to model learning at the individual level using technologies oriented to sensing and communication (e.g. big data, IoT, wireless sensors, cloud computing, remote control, or monitoring). However, the effect of a few processing and actuation technologies, such as augmented/virtual reality, collaborative robots, and machine learning/AI, on learning seems promising. Further, despite the number of studies investigated, few explicitly described the LC model used to represent the impact of I4.0 technologies on learning. Our findings allowed the proposition of five research directions. Literature on both LC and I4.0 is still fragmented, poorly addressing their relationship. As I4.0 is an innovative approach that allows more extensive information exchange and processing, new ways of using I4.0 technologies to expedite data collection, which has always constrained LC practical applications, should be devised to close the gap between I4.0 and learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital technologies are having a profound impact on all aspects of our lives and are driving major societal changes. The use of information and communication technologies in education is one of the fastest developing areas of research, but there is still a digital divide and a need for action in lifelong learning to empower older adults. Our aim was to understand the profile of older adults who use videogames and to identify the factors behind their use and their relationship with certain aspects of health and well-being (self-perceived health status, cognitive and physical functioning, psychological and social well-being). With this aim, we assessed the use and acceptance of different types of technology and how these might be influenced by different factors, such as older adults' age, gender and level of education. Results obtained suggest that there are significant differences between the frequency of video game use and age, gender, educational level and previous experience with digital technology, but no significant differences by gender were found in overall technology use. In conclusion, this study could contribute to the design of lifelong learning approaches for older people that can take advantage of the benefits offered by video games and other technologies to leave no one behind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purchasing intention has been the foremost element that leads the organizations towards success and this aspect demands revisiting this to reiterate its significance. The present study examines the impact of electronic words (E-words) of mouth and social media marketing on the purchase intention of manufacturing sector in China. The study also checks the mediating role of customer satisfaction among E-words of mouth, social media marketing and purchase intention and also checks the moderating role of effectiveness of information and communication technologies (ICT) among customer satisfaction and purchase intention. The primary data was collected from 190 respondents, identified through simple random sampling technique, using surveys. SPSS-AMOS was used to examine the associations among variables. The results exposed that E-words of mouth and social media marketing have a positive nexus with purchase intention. The results also exposed that the customer satisfaction significantly mediates the relationships among the constructs, effectiveness of ICT too significantly moderates this association. The study guides the policymakers in establishing the policies related to achieve the purchase intention using E-words of mouth, effective social media marketing and ICT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study confirms the key role played by information and communication technologies and business strategies in supporting the interaction between the strategic management and the operational management in a printing company. The overall conclusion is that the effective management of printing companies requires the integration of information and communication technologies with business strategies. In general, in order to improve business efficiency, optimise production processes and enhance product quality, the use of ICT in the management of printing companies plays an important role. The integration of human resources, customer relationship management and enterprise resource planning systems with the enterprise information management system allows the creation of a holistic and efficient management system that contributes to the achievement of the company's strategic goals. Using such systems helps companies to be competitive, ensures optimising business processes and has a positive impact on their performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital transformation has burst with force in all scenarios and social contexts, also in the ways of producing and consuming culture; hence the need to face new professional challenges that facilitate the dynamisation of socio-cultural management and animation in a community key. This contribution reflects on the problems that education professionals encounter in relation to the introduction of Information and Communication Technologies in municipal contexts, as well as highlighting the lack of training (basic and continuous) that many of these professionals require at a digital level. Within the framework of the Xerf@ Project in Galicia, a questionnaire was applied-among other instruments- to 181 professionals of public cultural action and management, from which 13 items were analysed according to different variables (age, gender, training); These results have been complemented with the information obtained through a Delphi technique with experts (15 in total), which has made it possible to identify the possibilities and limitations that digital technology imposes on the professional work of municipal technicians in Galicia to facilitate the interaction between the local administration and the citizenry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a comparative analysis of various translators in the machine translation system. The author of the study focused on finding out the effectiveness and accuracy of the translation, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the three most common online translators: Google Translate, DeepL and Microsoft Translator. The article begins with an overview of current trends in the field of machine translation and the need for online translations based on this context. The research methodology is selected in the article, in particular, the selection of individual online translators for comparison and the criteria for evaluating their work. The researcher analyzes the quality of translations for various types of texts, including common phrases, technical terms, complex sentences, etc. Attention is also paid to different language pairs and ensuring the availability of rarer languages in electronic translation. The article reveals such aspects as accuracy of translation, speed of work, recognition of context and idiomatic expressions, availability of additional functions and capabilities that ensure better translation quality. The author thoroughly highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each system, provides clear information about the use of integrations, available functions and additional capabilities of each translator. In the final part of the article, the author provides conclusions and recommendations regarding the use of online translators in the machine translation system. The research highlights that each electronic translator has its own advantages and limitations, and the choice depends on the specific needs of the user. In addition, the author emphasizes the need for constant updating and improvement of online translators to increase their accuracy and efficiency. This comparative analysis will help simplify the selection of the optimal translation software for users who require high-quality machine translation for their professional activities or everyday needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is part of a research context that examines the impact of new technologies on psychological practice. We argue that the use of technological mediators in the execution of the psychological profession goes beyond mere modifications to methods and tools, transforming the very nature of the discipline and influencing the associated professional identity. Specifically, our focus is on 'psychological platforms' as emerging work contexts that represent a relatively recent but rapidly growing phenomenon. Beginning with what is present in the literature on the subject of platform classification, this research project is intended to create functional and useful indicators for an analysis of psychological platforms. Based on these indicators, it is possible to reflect on the impact that the various characteristics of psychological platforms have on the psychological profession and psychological professionals themselves. In doing so, we seek to address the following research questions: (a) What are the main characteristics of psychological platforms, (b) which dimensions of the psychological profession are influenced by the use of a given platform in conducting psychological interventions and (c) how does the platformisation of the psychological profession affect the role of the psychologist? Our analysis is based on an in‐depth literature review regarding the platforms, followed by a desk analysis of 44 psychological platforms operating in the Italian context. By adopting this perspective, this article illuminates the dynamics shaping psychological practice in the digital era and suggests guidelines for future research in this continually evolving field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]