Digital Age Research Articles

Exploring remote supervision in higher education: Lecturers’ experiences

ABSTRACT As remote learning continues to play a significant role in higher education, the practice of remote supervision has become a critical component of academic and research activities. This research explores lecturers’ experiences in remote supervision, shedding light on challenges and strategies to ensure effective guidance and support. A qualitative approach was adopted using a semi-structured interview guide data collection from randomly selected lecturers and analysed thematically. The study generated three themes to address the research questions. Findings revealed the multifaceted nature of remote supervision, highlighting both the advantages of flexibility and the hurdles posed by technology, communication barriers, and time management. To navigate these challenges, lecturers have developed innovative strategies, including leveraging digital tools, enhancing communication, and prioritising self-discipline. The outcomes of this research provided valuable insights for colleges seeking to strengthen remote supervision experience, thereby improving the quality of higher education in this digital age.

Cybersecurity’s Role in Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development: Bridging Technology and Sustainability Goals

This study investigates the pivotal role of cybersecurity in bolstering environmental protection and sustainable development, a critical yet underexplored nexus in contemporary research. Employing a systematic literature review and content analysis, the research scrutinizes peer-reviewed articles, conference proceedings, and industry reports from 2015 to 2023, sourced from databases such as IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The methodology is anchored in a rigorous search strategy, leveraging keywords related to cybersecurity, sustainability, and communication technologies, and adheres to defined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure the relevance and quality of the literature reviewed. Key findings highlight cybersecurity as an indispensable enabler of sustainable development initiatives, safeguarding the technological infrastructure essential for environmental conservation efforts. The study identifies evolving cyber threats as a significant challenge, necessitating adaptive security measures that anticipate and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. Furthermore, it underscores the opportunities presented by advanced cybersecurity technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, in enhancing the security and efficiency of sustainable practices. Strategic recommendations emphasize the need for comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks, stakeholder collaboration, cybersecurity education, and alignment with regulatory standards to fortify the resilience of sustainability initiatives against cyber threats. The study concludes that integrating robust cybersecurity measures is paramount in the pursuit of sustainable development goals, calling for ongoing vigilance, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration to navigate the complex landscape of digital threats and opportunities. This research contributes valuable insights into the critical intersection of cybersecurity and sustainability, offering a foundation for future studies and strategic initiatives aimed at securing sustainable development in the digital age. Keywords: Cybersecurity, Sustainable Development, Environmental Protection, Advanced Security Technologies.

Gen Z’s Language Identity and Contemporary Philosophies in the Digital Era

This phenomenological study delved into the lived experiences of Filipino Generation Z (Gen Z) regarding their language identity in the digital age. The study tries to understand how Filipino Gen Z navigates and develops their linguistic identity in the context of modern ideas and the usage of the Filipino language, given the increasing influence of global media and the rapid growth of communication technologies. Using in-depth interviews with 15 purposively selected participants, the themes provide vital insights into how Filipino Gen Z negotiates their cultural and linguistic identity as global interconnection and technological innovations change communication landscapes. Themes included the influence of social media on language preferences, the role of education in shaping linguistic identity, the impact of global media, and participants’ reflections on the intersection between contemporary philosophies and their linguistic choices. The findings help better comprehend the complex interplay between emerging communication paradigms, contemporary philosophical influences, and the preservation of language legacy in the dynamic setting of the digital era.

Exploring the effects of audience and strategies used by beauty vloggers on behavioural intention towards endorsed brands

Influencer marketing has become a potent and dynamic force in the digital age, changing the face of marketing in a variety of sectors. Even though social media influencers are still important in corporate communication strategies, there are still unresolved issues concerning what exactly makes an influencer powerful and how that influence impacts the behaviour of their followers. This research investigates the role of interactional elements used by beauty vloggers on the purchase intentions of consumers. In addition to the influence of beauty vloggers, there are inherent aspects that impact consumer purchasing behaviour. The present study also examines the impact of audience characteristics in forming consumer attitudes towards beauty vloggers that result in shaping favourable consumer behaviour. The study was carried out on individuals aged 16 to 45 years, who use social platforms regularly. Data obtained from 367 respondents from North India was analysed using structural equation modelling with the SmartPLS software. The outcome of the study demonstrates that interactional elements used by beauty vloggers impact the behaviour of consumers. The results also showed that perceived influence serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between interactional elements and consumers’ purchase intention. Moreover, findings indicate that when consumers hold favourable attitudes towards beauty vloggers, the impact of self-concept and personality congruence enhancement on consumer behaviour is amplified, showcasing the mediating role of consumer attitude. The study’s findings offer insights that can assist industrial marketers and cosmetic company practitioners in strategically selecting influencers to boost sales.

Technological Citizenship in Times of Digitization: An Integrative Framework

This article introduces an integrative framework for technological citizenship, examining the impact of digitization and the active roles of citizens in shaping this impact across the private, social, and public sphere. It outlines the dual nature of digitization, offering opportunities for enhanced connectivity and efficiency while posing challenges to privacy, security, and democratic integrity. Technological citizenship is explored through the lenses of liberal, communitarian, and republican theories, highlighting the active roles of citizens in navigating the opportunities and risks presented by digital technologies across all life spheres. By operationalizing technological citizenship, the article aims to address the gap in existing literature on the active roles of citizens in the governance of digitization. The framework emphasizes empowerment and resilience as crucial capacities for citizens to actively engage with and govern digital technologies. It illuminates citizens’ active participation in shaping the digital landscape, advocating for policies that support their engagement in safeguarding private, social, and public values in the digital age. The study calls for further research into technological citizenship, emphasizing its significance in fostering a more inclusive and equitable digital society.

Book Review: of Chinese film - Realism and Convention from the Silent Era to the Digital Age

Book Review: of <i>Chinese film - Realism and Convention from the Silent Era to the Digital Age</i>

Adapting to the Digital Age: An Evaluation of Online Learning Strategies in Public Health and Social Care Education

Introduction. The global shift towards digital education in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the landscape of higher education. Public health and social care programmes have adapted to this transformation, embracing online learning strategies to engage students. This study focuses on the assessment of online learning experiences in public health and social care education, particularly during the post-COVID-19 period. Materials and Methods. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 49 university students in England. These phases, conducted both in person and via video, were audio and video recorded and transcribed verbatim. A purposive sampling technique was employed to gather data, and framework analysis facilitated data management and interpretation. Results. The presentation highlights three main themes and 12 accompanying sub-themes that capture the clear preferences of students for both in-person and online learning methods. The findings elucidate the merits and demerits of online learning strategies in contrast to traditional face-to-face classes. Online classes offer distinct advantages in terms of flexibility, cost-effectiveness, time efficiency, and technological proficiency. However, they also bring to the fore concerns related to social isolation, mental health challenges, technical challenges, and distractions within the home environment. Conclusion. Considering the global transition to digital education, this study contributes to the dynamic discourse surrounding online learning in the post-COVID-19 era. The diverse preferences expressed by students highlight the importance of personalised and flexible teaching methods in online education, underlining the need for adaptability and inclusivity to meet the diverse needs of today’s learners.

ENHANCING DEEPFAKE DETECTION: LEVERAGING MTCNN AND INCEPTION RESNET

In response to the escalating threat posed by manipulated facial imagery in the digital age, our research project is dedicated to developing an advanced framework for the detection and classification of such content, augmented by a proactive user reporting mechanism. Leveraging state-of-the-art deep learning models like Multi-Task Cascaded Convolutional Networks (MTCNN) and InceptionResnetV1, our framework achieves an impressive accuracy rate of 92% in distinguishing between genuine and manipulated faces. The integration of explainability methods such as Grad-CAM enhances model interpretability, empowering users to understand model predictions. Additionally, our user-centric reporting interface enables active user participation in identifying and flagging potentially manipulated content, fostering transparency and accountability in digital media platforms. With the continued proliferation of deepfake technology, our research endeavors not only advance facial image analysis techniques but also uphold principles of trust and integrity in the digital realm, aiming to safeguard the credibility of information dissemination through vigilance, innovation, and collaborative action. Keywords: Deepfake detection, Facial image manipulation, Deep learning models, User reporting mechanism, Model interpretability, Transparency in digital media, Trust and integrity, Information dissemination, Vigilance, Collaborative action.

Book Recommendation System

In the digital age, the vast availability of books poses a significant challenge for readers to discover titles that match their interests and preferences. This report explores the use of machine learning for a Book Recommendation System (BRS) to help readers discover books suited to their interests in the digital age. It will utilize advanced algorithms and techniques, including collaborative filtering, content-based filtering, and hybrid models, to offer personalized recommendations based on users' reading history and behavior. The project aims to tackle challenges like data sparsity and the cold-start problem while ensuring scalability. Evaluation will be based on standard metrics like precision, recall, accuracy, and novelty, with a focus on ethical considerations such as fairness and user privacy. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a robust and user-centric system that enhances the book discovery process across digital platforms. A Graphical User Interface is also developed to discover information and display the recommended books. Keywords—Machine Learning, Book Recommendation System, K-Nearest Neighbor Algorithm

Movie Ticket Booking Application

In this digital age, buying movie tickets the old-fashioned way has been replaced by an efficient online experience. The main characteristics and advantages of a cinema ticket booking system are described in this abstract. This system provides a feature-rich online platform that may be accessed by mobile and web applications. Customers may quickly peruse a huge library of films, check the showtimes, and instantly select the seats they want. A seamless and safe transaction process is ensured by the system's integration of secure payment gateways. Customers can book tickets whenever and wherever they choose thanks to the system's simplicity and flexibility. Customized recommendations, dynamic pricing, and seat selection are examples of advanced features that improve the user experience overall. Theatre employees can effectively manage ticket inventory, track sales analytics, and optimise seat allocation with the system's comprehensive management interface. Administrators are informed and empowered to make data-driven choices thanks to real-time updates and notifications. Additionally, the system places a high priority on inclusion and accessibility, with features like multilingual help and seating accommodations for those with special needs. In conclusion, this technology offers a smooth, user-centric experience for both patrons and theatre operators, signalling a paradigm shift in the movie ticket booking industry. With its cutting-edge capabilities and user-friendly interface, it raises the bar for watching movies on a digital device

A Robust DDoS Intrusion Detection System Using Convolutional Neural Network

In today’s digital age, the proliferation of network-connected devices has triggered a surge in cyberattacks. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks pose a particularly formidable challenge to network security by disrupting access to vital services. While numerous researchers have proposed DDoS detection methods utilizing machine learning and deep learning techniques, developing a robust and reliable DDoS intrusion detection system remains challenging. This challenge is exacerbated by issues such as highly imbalanced data, multi-classification, and computational complexity. This paper proposes an innovative feature selection approach to create a robust intrusion detection system capable of detecting and classifying recent common DDoS attack types. We evaluate the performance of our model on the CICDDoS2019 benchmark dataset. Our experimental results demonstrate that our proposed model outperforms existing methods, achieving a detection accuracy of 96.82%, a recall of 96.82%, a precision of 96.76%, and an F1 score of 96.50%. Additionally, our model exhibits faster prediction times, with the ability to predict an attack in just 0.189 ms. Notably, our approach, combined with preprocessing and feature selection techniques, outperforms previous works and baseline models in DDoS attack classification.

Online Exam Portal

An online test is one that is conducted via the internet or an intranet utilizing a computer system. It is a web-based exam system. It works well as a mass education evaluation solution. Our system for online exams is built on a Browser/Server architecture. The multiple choice questions that are fed into the system are examined and automatically graded by the system. Even while it is comfortable, the classic pen and paper exam format has drawbacks in the current digital learning environment. IT students find these limits even more noticeable because they are used to using internet resources and platforms. In response, this proposal suggests creating an efficient, user-friendly, and safe online assessment system especially for IT students. This project goes beyond practicality. It increases assessment quality with interesting formats, empowers students with freedom, and promotes efficiency with quicker administration and grading. Teachers receive insightful data-driven information for bettering their curricula. In the end, it welcomes the digital age and uses cutting-edge evaluation techniques to get IT students ready for success

Deep Time Series Forecasting Models: A Comprehensive Survey

Deep learning, a crucial technique for achieving artificial intelligence (AI), has been successfully applied in many fields. The gradual application of the latest architectures of deep learning in the field of time series forecasting (TSF), such as Transformers, has shown excellent performance and results compared to traditional statistical methods. These applications are widely present in academia and in our daily lives, covering many areas including forecasting electricity consumption in power systems, meteorological rainfall, traffic flow, quantitative trading, risk control in finance, sales operations and price predictions for commercial companies, and pandemic prediction in the medical field. Deep learning-based TSF tasks stand out as one of the most valuable AI scenarios for research, playing an important role in explaining complex real-world phenomena. However, deep learning models still face challenges: they need to deal with the challenge of large-scale data in the information age, achieve longer forecasting ranges, reduce excessively high computational complexity, etc. Therefore, novel methods and more effective solutions are essential. In this paper, we review the latest developments in deep learning for TSF. We begin by introducing the recent development trends in the field of TSF and then propose a new taxonomy from the perspective of deep neural network models, comprehensively covering articles published over the past five years. We also organize commonly used experimental evaluation metrics and datasets. Finally, we point out current issues with the existing solutions and suggest promising future directions in the field of deep learning combined with TSF. This paper is the most comprehensive review related to TSF in recent years and will provide a detailed index for researchers in this field and those who are just starting out.

Associated factors of mortality and morbidity in emergency and elective abdominal surgery: a two-year prospective cohort study at lacor hospital, Uganda

BackgroundThe mortality rate associated with open abdominal surgery is a significant concern for patients and healthcare providers. This is particularly worrisome in Africa due to scarce workforce resources and poor early warning systems for detecting physiological deterioration in patients who develop complications.MethodsThis prospective cohort study aimed to follow patients who underwent emergency or elective abdominal surgery at Lacor Hospital in Uganda. The participants were patients who underwent abdominal surgery at the hospital between April 27th, 2019 and July 07th, 2021. Trained research staff collected data using standardized forms, which included demographic information (age, gender, telephone contact, and location), surgical indications, surgical procedures, preoperative health status, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and length of hospital stay.ResultsThe present study involved 124 patients, mostly male, with an average age of 35 years, who presented with abdominal pain and varying underlying comorbidities. Elective cases constituted 60.2% of the total. The common reasons for emergency and elective surgery were gastroduodenal perforation and cholelithiasis respectively. The complication rate was 17.7%, with surgical site infections being the most frequent. The mortality rate was 7.3%, and several factors such as preoperative hypotension, deranged renal function, postoperative use of vasopressors, and postoperative assisted ventilation were associated with it. Elective and emergency-operated patients showed no significant difference in survival (P-value = 0.41) or length of hospital stay (P-value = 0.17). However, there was a significant difference in morbidity (p < 0.001).ConclusionCholelithiasis and gastroduodenal perforation were key surgical indications, with factors like postoperative ventilation and adrenaline infusion linked to mortality. Emergency surgeries had higher complication rates, particularly surgical site infections, despite similar hospital stay and mortality rates compared to elective surgeries.

Building Bridges: Exploring Digital Strategies for Promoting Tolerance and Global Citizenship

This study examines how digital strategies influence tolerance and global citizenship in today's interconnected world. It addresses three main questions: 1) How do digital strategies promote tolerance? 2) What role does digitalization play in shaping global citizenship? 3) What challenges and opportunities does the digital age present for promoting tolerance and global citizenship? Through a review of literature and real-life examples, the study highlights the importance of leveraging digital technologies to foster inclusive online environments and cross-cultural dialogue. However, it also identifies challenges such as misinformation and digital divides. The paper concludes by recommending continued research and innovative approaches to harness digitalization for building more inclusive societies.

The Impact of Digital Life on Oral Health: A Critical Review

The widespread adoption of digital technologies has transformed various aspects of daily life, including communication, entertainment, and work. This review examines the potential implications of digital life on oral health, focusing on behaviours such as increased screen time, sedentary habits, and altered dietary patterns associated with digital device usage. Additionally, the impact of social media on oral health perceptions and behaviours is explored. Furthermore, the role of digital tools, such as tele-health and mobile applications, in promoting oral hygiene and facilitating access to dental care is discussed. Understanding the multifaceted influence of digital life on oral health is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies and interventions to mitigate potential adverse effects and promote overall oral health and well-being in the digital age.

Challenges and Solutions for Ride-Hailing Motorbike Drivers in Vietnam: An Analysis of Working Conditions and Health

In the digital age, ride-hailing motorbike services have become an indispensable part of the urban transportation system in Vietnam, attracting thousands of workers with their flexibility and income potential. However, occupation also poses numerous health and safety challenges. The job requires long working hours, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and highly competitive pressure, leading to physical and mental health issues such as muscle pain, fatigue, and stress. This research article employs a survey method to collect data from ride-hailing motorbike drivers to analyze the labor burdens they endure. Based on the findings, the study suggests solutions such as improving working conditions, developing health support programs, and implementing more flexible policies to enhance the quality of life and job satisfaction among workers, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the industry in Vietnam.

Sustainability in the Digital Age: Mobile Apps' Role in Food Waste Management

The purpose of the review is to introduce to the latest scientific research about food waste arising and summarize digital technologies and mobile applications’ (apps’) impact on sustainability and how it can be used to minimize food waste throughout consumption stage.

A Nigerian Perspective of Continuing Education and Knowledge Economy

Adult education programmes in both developed and developing nations usually include continuing education. The relationship between the two notions is that someone requires additional information, either inside or outside of school systems, in order to remain relevant wherever one is at any given time. The information, communication, and technology era brought in a knowledge economy that should normally support continuing education, nevertheless there are still obstructions that prevent people from learning. Although these hurdles are both personal and structural, there seems be no justification for anyone to remain without information for the purpose of individual and group survival. Continuing education and knowledge economy are two concepts that have become popular in educational theory and practice but they are not combined as related concepts in literature. This is an attempt to clarify the concepts for both professional and practicing adult educators generally in African countries and particularly in Nigeria where policy documents for the practice of adult education sometimes deviate from the extant principles and theories. This paper used a conceptual analysis of terms and a systematic review of the available literature. It concludes that continuing education and the knowledge economy necessitate more access to learning that takes into account individual needs and requirements from organisations. This is as a result of the increased availability and application of knowledge in positively changing human conditions.

Analysis of the Criminalization of the Production and Sale of Online Game Plug-ins and the Regulation of Users

With the advent of the Internet information age, the game industry is booming, and online game plug-ins have come into being as cheats. From the definition and classification of online game cheats, it is found that the crimes involved mainly include the crimes of destroying computer information systems, copyright infringement, illegal business operations, and illegal computer intrusion under the Criminal Code of China, as well as the Personal Information Protection Law and the Unfair Prevention Law touched by the Japanese Criminal Law. This paper analyzes the possibility of criminalization and punishment of online game plug-in producers and sellers from three aspects: the main body of the online game market, policy orientation, and legal improvement. Comparing the criminalization and punishment of Chinese and Korean network plug-in users, it is possible to refer to the legal measures in South Korea.