Digital Communication Technologies Research Articles

Zoom & WhatsApp digital information and communication technologies (ICTs) enhance community engaged research with women immigrants from Mexico

ABSTRACT This article demonstrates how digital information and communication technologies (ICTs) (Zoom/WhatsApp) unexpectedly and counterintuitively proved to be valuable tools for community-engaged health research when, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, they were integrated into a research study testing a peer support group intervention with female immigrants from Mexico. Because of pandemic restrictions, we changed the study protocol to hold meetings remotely via Zoom rather than in person as originally planned. Because we recognized that this would lack some opportunities for participants to interact and develop relationships, we created a WhatsApp chat for each group. Despite challenges for participants to use ICTs and participant-stated preference for in-person meetings, the results demonstrated that participants overwhelmingly endorsed these technologies as promoting access, participation, engagement, and satisfaction. Zoom/WhatsApp created a valuable environment both as a method for conducting research with this population, but also as part of the intervention for immigrant women to support and learn from each other. ICT adaptations have now permanently changed the way we conduct community-engaged health research.

Virtual reality, face-to-face, and 2D video conferencing differently impact fatigue, creativity, flow, and decision-making in workplace dynamics

Digital communication technologies are rapidly evolving, and understanding their impact on group dynamics and cognitive performance in professional settings becomes central. This study investigates the psychological impact of different interaction settings—two-dimensional Video Conferencing (VC), Face-To-Face (FTF), and Virtual Reality (VR)—on group dynamics, cognitive performance, and aspects of well-being in a professional context. Utilizing a sample of 40 participants from a large Italian electricity transmission company, the study employs a within-subjects design to explore various metrics, including flow, creativity, fatigue and aspects of interaction. The results indicate that FTF interactions are optimal for idea generation and task absorption. VR, although initially more fatiguing for first-time users, fosters a more collaborative and peaceful environment, encouraging participants to engage more openly with each other. VC was found to be the least fatiguing, but also the least engaging in terms of task absorption and idea generation. Additionally, age-related differences were observed, particularly in the perception of motivational and emotional fatigue in the VR setting. The study provides empirical evidence supporting the integration of VR in professional settings for specific types of meetings, while also highlighting the limitations and areas for future research. These findings have implications for organizational well-being, cognitive ergonomics, and the evolving landscape of remote work technologies.

Navigating the Digital Horizon: The Impact and Future of Communication Technologies in Society

The article delves deeper into the dynamic and rapidly evolving realm of digital communication technologies, highlighting their transformative impact across various dimensions of modern society. It scrutinizes the latest advancements in digital communication tools and platforms, assessing how these innovations are not only altering our fundamental methods of interaction but also redefining the paradigms of information exchange and processing. The study provides an in-depth analysis of five key domainssocial media dynamics, e-commerce evolution, mobile communication progression, online educational methodologies, and telemedicine advancements. Each of these domains is thoroughly examined through three distinct lenses, offering a nuanced perspective on their current state, challenges faced, and the potential trajectories they may follow. The article aims to furnish a holistic view of the digital communication landscape, contemplating its broader implications on social behavior, economic patterns, educational practices, healthcare delivery, and governance mechanisms. This comprehensive exploration is intended to offer readers a multifaceted understanding of how digital communication technologies are not just tools of convenience, but powerful forces shaping the future contours of our global society.

A Study on Consumer Perceptions Towards Telemedicine in Vadodara

A Study on Consumer Perceptions Towards Telemedicine in Vadodara

The Role of Whatsapp Business in Increasing Consumer Engagement by Implementing Dewa Eka Prayoga Marketing Techniques

The development of digital communication technology has changed the marketing paradigm, with WhatsApp Business becoming one of the popular platforms companies use to interact with customers. Effective marketing techniques such as those developed by Dewa Eka Prayoga, a well-known practitioner in the field of marketing, have become a concern in efforts to increase consumer engagement. This research aims to investigate the role of WhatsApp Business in increasing consumer engagement by applying Dewa Eka Prayoga marketing techniques. This research focuses on understanding the extent to which WhatsApp Business and Dewa Eka Prayoga's marketing techniques can increase consumer interaction and engagement. This research uses a quantitative research method with data collection using a questionnaire. The respondents were randomly selected from the target population of WhatsApp Business users who have used the Dewa Eka Prayoga marketing technique. The questionnaire was structured based on consumer involvement dimensions and the effectiveness of marketing techniques, and it was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. This research analysis shows that WhatsApp Business significantly increases consumer engagement when applied with the Dewa Eka Prayoga marketing technique. The high level of interaction between companies and consumers via WhatsApp Business positively influences consumer perceptions, as well as increases the level of consumer satisfaction and loyalty. This research concludes that WhatsApp Business is an effective tool for increasing consumer engagement when used together with Dewa Eka Prayoga's marketing techniques. Companies can use this platform to strengthen consumer relationships, expand marketing reach, and increase customer loyalty.

Visionary Nature-Based Solutions Evaluated through Social Return on Investment: The Case Study of an Italian Urban Green Space

Cities are facing challenges in adaptation to, and mitigation of climate change. Urban Green Spaces (UGS) have a pivotal role in this transformative process and are almost always coupled with digital tools. The deployment of digital solutions, encompassing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the Internet of Things (IoT), seeks to increase awareness of UGS benefits across a wider range of users. This study is part of a Horizon 2020 project that aims to measure the social impact of Visionary Solutions (VS), i.e., combined Nature Based Solutions (NBSs) and Digital Solutions (DSs), in UGSs located in seven European cities. The project proposes a novel application of the Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology to forecast the impact of VS implementation in the case of an Italian demonstration. The three main objectives are: (i) establishing a causal chain for transformation through the Theory of Change (ToC) tool; (ii) quantifying the expected change by developing two monetary alternatives; and (iii) comparing these alternatives to assess which is more influential in stakeholders’ decision-making. The authors reviewed a range of financial proxies of social outcomes from other SROI case studies. The result of the Italian demonstration is that, for each euro invested in project solutions, two euros of social return are generated. The analysis reveals these monetized intangible outcomes.

Performing parenthood through digital communication technologies at school: the case of WhatsApp parents’ groups in Chile

Performing parenthood through digital communication technologies at school: the case of WhatsApp parents’ groups in Chile

Socio-digital Rural Resilience: An Exploration of Information Infrastructures Within and Across Rural Villages During Covid-19

Access to the internet and digital technology are reported determinants and enablers of social capital and community resilience. However, despite rural areas facing ecological, social, and economic uncertainties across the world, communication technologies and the design of civic technologies in HCI are not designed with the rural in mind. In this paper, we explore information infrastructures within and across rural villages in the UK focusing on the interplay between human, social, and technical infrastructures. We report on the existing communication practices, underlining the impacts of transitioning to digital communication technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings point to the fragility of information infrastructure, the "civic duty" of bridging information and skills gaps, and the role of technology as a threat to social norms and disrupter of the 'politics of the rural'. The work presented here has implications for Rural HCI researchers and designers interested in design from the rural.

Solution for Integration of Renewable Energy Power Plants into Smart Grids with Active Power Control

This article addresses the integration of renewable energy power plants into smart grids and active power control. Renewable energy sources contribute to environmentally friendly and sustainable energy production, but the fluctuations inherent in these sources pose a challenge for energy grids. The article examines various technologies that can be used to overcome this challenge and make energy grids more reliable. Smart grids aim to improve energy grids by optimizing energy production, transmission, and distribution using data analytics, automation, and communication technologies. The integration of renewable energy power plants into these smart grids offers significant advantages, including the ability to predict energy production, integrate with energy storage systems, and manage energy demand. The article also emphasizes the importance of active power control. Active power control is used to manage energy production steadily, thereby maintaining grid stability. Balancing energy fluctuations from renewable energy sources and storing excess energy when needed enhances grid stability. In conclusion, this article discusses the crucial role of integrating renewable energy power plants into smart grids and implementing active power control in the energy sector. These integration and control methods are important steps in making energy grids more sustainable, efficient, and reliable.

Organizational Voicing Architecture in the Age of Social Media – a Case Study in Professional Service Organizations

ABSTRACT Digital communication technologies, particularly social media, enable members of organizations at all levels and across all functions to communicate with external stakeholders. This has required organizations to rethink and restructure their strategic communication management, especially the orchestration of their communicative human resources. Using a qualitative case-study approach, this article examines how professional service organizations create and maintain their stakeholder relations in the contemporary media landscape through the orchestration of employee voice and enactment as organizational spokespersons. The findings show that organizations have created structural architectures that they use as a basis for strategic communication management. Based on these findings, the study introduces a novel concept of organizational voicing architecture, which refers to the conceptual structure and overall logical arrangement of organizational spokespersons who act as organizational representatives in the corporate communication system. Additionally, by integrating the findings related to the voicing architecture with existing knowledge about organizational listening, the study broadens understanding of the mechanism with which organizations strategically orchestrate their stakeholder relationships, and hence contributes to the strategic and corporate communication and public relations literature.

Digitalization as a determinant of economic policy choice: Russian realities and world experience

The article considers digitalization as a new general purpose technology and its impact on economic growth and economic policy in the world and Russia against the background of the so-called “productivity paradoxes” and economic shocks of 2020—2023. The importance of accelerating the growth of total factor productivity  in Russia through the introduction of advanced digital technologies is shown. The world experience in assessing the impact of digital information and communication technologies on economic growth is briefly described, and an adapted methodology for assessing macroeconomic effects of economic policy, previously used by experts from the OECD and the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia at the level of country groups, is proposed and tested on a panel of Russian regions. The authors calculated the original series of contributions of labor, capital and total factor productivity to the GRP growth of Russian regions for the period 2011—2020. This makes possible to compare the benefits of digitalization and the rate of accumulation of digital capital in Russia and in other countries . The article discusses the desirable parameters of short-term macroeconomic stabilization tools and some aspects of developing the national innovation system.

How do digital financial inclusion, ICT diffusion, and education affect energy security risk in top energy-consuming countries?

Energy security has become a crucial issue as the world economy depends more and more on energy supplies. In the context of the top energy-consuming nations, this research examines the connection between digital financial inclusion, information and communication technology (ICT), education, and energy security risk from 2011 to 2022. To that end, the study applies the two-stage least squares and system generalized method of moments estimation techniques. According to our study's findings, digital financial inclusion and associated factors, including automatic teller machines, bank branches, debit cards, and electronic payments, mitigate energy security risks. The energy security risks are also reduced due to ICT, education, gross domestic product, and renewable energy production. However, carbon emissions increase energy security risks. These findings suggest that policymakers in top energy-consuming economies should focus on the digital inclusiveness of the financial sector, ICT diffusion, and human capital to increase the opportunities for investment in the energy sector to mitigate energy security risks.

Особенности применения инструментов цифровой коммуникации в пространстве социальных медиа (на материалах политических кампаний в Болгарии)

The purpose of this research work is to identify the factors that determine the constructive potential of promoting Bulgarian political parties in the digital environment. To achieve this goal, the article examines the practical experience of using social networks in political campaigns in Bulgaria. At the same time, it is noted that modern digital platforms and social networks are widely used in the country under consideration to communicate with voters in the processes of forming public opinion. To achieve the goal set in the work, the methods of content analysis and discourse analysis of the political segment of the Bulgarian digital space, as well as the Case Study method in the aspect of studying the specifics of the use of digital communication tools by political parties in Bulgaria in the social media space during election campaigns, were used as a methodological basis for the study. Through content analysis, the content parameters of information and communication interaction with the electorate of leading Bulgarian politicians were analyzed in terms of their influence on public opinion. The article examines the cases of information and communication interaction with the electorate of B. Borisov, K. Ninova, R. Radev and H. Ivanov. The paper shows that as a result of the successful application of modern digital technologies of socio-political communication with target electoral audiences, the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party demonstrated the ability to effectively interact with voters through the successful introduction of digital technologies during the election campaign, while the Bulgarian Socialist Party, The party "We continue the Changes" and the electoral bloc "Democratic Bulgaria" have demonstrated significantly less effective work with the electorate in the social media space. Based on the results of the work, the authors conclude that digital platforms and social networks are widely used in Bulgaria today for effective socio-political communication with voters and in shaping public opinion of the country's population.

The effects of telerehabilitation in adults with complex biventricular congenital heart conditions: protocol for a multi-centre, randomised controlled trial—CH-FIT

BackgroundAccumulated evidence suggests that exercise training exerts beneficial effects on people with congenital heart conditions. These findings are predominantly derived from small, single-centre exercise trials conducted in outpatient rehabilitation facilities. In recent years, the delivery of exercise interventions remotely has increased through digital communications technology (telerehabilitation). However, very little research to date has been conducted into the efficacy of telerehabilitation in people with a congenital heart condition.AimsTo evaluate the effects of a telehealth-delivered exercise intervention in people with a history of a surgical biventricular repair due to a congenital heart condition.MethodsOne hundred eligible adolescent (≥ 16 years) and adult participants living with a complex biventricular congenital heart condition will be recruited from four Australian sites and randomised to either (1) a 16-week telehealth-delivered combined (aerobic and resistance) exercise training programme of moderate-to-vigorous intensity or (2) usual care (control group), in a 1:1 allocation, with an 8-month follow-up.Outcomes of interestThe primary outcome will be the change in aerobic capacity expressed as peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Secondary outcomes will include changes in vascular function, muscle oxygenation, metabolic profile, body composition and musculoskeletal fitness, neurohormonal activation, neurocognitive function, physical activity levels, dietary and nutritional status, and quality of life. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 16 weeks, and 12 months (to determine longer-term maintenance potential).DiscussionIf found to be efficacious, telerehabilitation may be an alternative option for delivering exercise, improving health outcomes, and increasing accessibility to exercise programmes. Efficacy data is required to quantify the clinical significance of this delivery mode of exercise.Trial registrationACTRN12622000050752Trial registration date: 17 January 2022Trial registration URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=382635&showOriginal=true&isReview=trueTrial registry name: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry

Rapid transformation in aquatic food value chains in three Nigerian states

IntroductionNigeria is Africa’s most populous country, third largest fish producer, and second largest aquaculture producer. There have been numerous studies of aquaculture and fisheries in Nigeria, but no study to date has analyzed aquaculture and capture fisheries value chains together, while giving equal weight to all value chain segments and systematically capturing information on temporal trends in value chain structure, conduct, and performance. This paper does so.MethodsWe conducted a structured, qualitative, rapid reconnaissance survey of 180 actors from eight segments of the aquatic food value chain in three Nigerian states with contrasting geographies, Ebonyi, Kebbi, and Oyo.ResultsResults particularly important for future research and policy are as follows. (1) Partial vertical integration is a common feature of the organization of firms in all value chain segments, as a risk reduction strategy to overcome market imperfections and frictions. Scarcity and high cost of imported intermediate inputs is stimulating local innovation and import substitution manufacturing of feeds and fabricated items. (2) Inter-sectoral spillovers from the poultry industry have hastened the development of fish value chains, while improvements in power supply have enabled the expansion of cold storage capacity, facilitating the geographical lengthening of frozen fish value chains. (3) Rapid technological and/or institutional change is occurring in all value chain segments, including those usually viewed as traditional, such as processing and fishing. Logistics services are becoming more specialized and sophisticated, and digital communications technologies including social media play an increasingly important role in value chain coordination and marketing. (4) Increasing opportunity costs of time drive demand for convenience foods such as smoked and fried fish, which require little further preparation and can be stored at room temperature. Demand for farmed catfish is linked to growing consumption of food away from home at bars and restaurants. (5) Significant opportunities exist to improve the performance of value chains in terms of gender equity, environmental impacts, and food safety.

The Influence of Digital Communication Technology on University Branding: An Understanding of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) from Students’ Perspectives

Open and distance learning (ODL) refers to flexible educational opportunities regarding access and various knowledge acquisition methods. In the era of digital communication technologies, ODL offers flexible, self-directed learning techniques and comprehensive and engaging learning content. Most students at the Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) Universiti Utara Malaysia are working adults, meaning students would have to balance their employment and studies. It is a competitive industry, with each institution endeavouring to provide exceptional services to its stakeholders. The objectives of our study are 1) to understand students’ perceptions of PACE, particularly in ODL, and 2) to explore the motivation for students’ value co-creation, particularly in ODL. This study employed a qualitative method approach, namely, focus group discussions. The informants were current students from various learning centres (e.g., UUM Sintok, KL, JB, etc.). Our findings discovered four main themes for the perception of ODL students: communication engagement, service-dominant mindset, student experience, and knowledge sharing. Meanwhile, the motivation for students’ value co-creation in ODL is mainly because of attitude, active participants, facilities, satisfaction, brand loyalty and brand image. Our study provides some insights into value co-creation and how to position PACE's reputation in the minds of its stakeholders. As such, our findings were significant for PACE to communicate its corporate branding, and students may be more inclined to study at the university. Keywords: Open and Distance Learning (ODL), digital communication technology, university branding, distant learning students, Malaysia.

Strengthening the Potential of Bongan Tourism Village through Community Engagement

The development of tourist villages in Bali is a primary focus in efforts to advance the tourism industry. The potential of tourist villages encompasses natural beauty, culture, and traditions as tourism destination potentials. Community service plays a crucial role in the development of tourist villages in Bali. The method of community participation approach in sustainable tourism development was applied to 20 young participants in this program in August 2023.The use of training and skill development methods in the field of digital communication technology is highly relevant in the implementation of this community service. This method enables young people in Bongan Tourist Village to improve the promotion of their village. It helps them identify issues, explore their potential, analyze the resources they have, and determine strategic steps for the long-term management of the Tourist Village and how to promote it effectively.

Digital stress perception among German hospital nurses and associations with health-oriented leadership, emotional exhaustion and work-privacy conflict: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe use of digital information and communication technologies (ICT) can be accompanied by increased technostress for nursing staff, which in turn can be associated with health consequences. In addition, the use-related constant accessibility through ICT can have a negative impact on health-related recovery and regeneration phases. Health-promoting behaviors of supervisors can influence health complaints and conflicts between employees’ work and private lives. The present study investigates whether there is a corresponding relationship between digital stressors (technostressors) as well as health-oriented leadership and health outcomes among nurses.MethodsIn a quantitative online survey, hospital nursing staff (n = 243) was asked about techno-invasion, social environment, emotional exhaustion, work-privacy conflict and on the supervisors’ health-oriented staff-care dimensions awareness, value of health and health-oriented leadership behavior (HoL: awareness, value of health and health behavior). The associations of technostress, HoL and health outcomes were tested using regression analyses and performing a correlation.ResultsSignificant positive associations between techno-invasion and health outcomes had been found. Social environment was not (positively) significantly related to either emotional exhaustion or work-privacy conflict. Health-oriented leadership moderated the association between social environment and work-privacy conflict.ConclusionsThe results confirm the relevance of measures to reduce technostress and the importance of health-oriented leadership as a health-promoting resource. For practice, offers should be implemented for a balanced work and personal life of the nursing staff as well as establishing competence trainings for supervisors to learn and implement health-promoting behaviors. When technology use can’t be reduced, options could be created to ensure that nurses’ work and private lives become more balanced. These could represent mindfulness practices.

Perception of Medical Students Regarding Implementing Telemedicine Practice Activities at a University Center in Brazil

Objective: evaluate medical students' perceptions regarding implementing Telemedicine teaching during their undergraduate studies. Methods: this is a cross-sectional qualitative study with 30 medical students. Three focus group sessions were conducted, and the data were analyzed using a content analysis approach. Results/Discussion: the students recognized the importance of digital health strategies and digital information and communication technologies (ICTs) for the healthcare ecosystem. However, some students pointed out that this area is still challenging for some doctors who oppose Telemedicine. They reported a need for training professionals and students, emphasizing the need to improve skills and competencies for teleconsultation and other Telemedicine modalities. They stated that these experiences helped them enhance their empathy skills for establishing a good doctor-patient relationship. When referring to the negative aspects of the experiences, they mentioned the dependence on reliable internet connection and digital tools. Another limitation mentioned was the difficulty in conducting specific physical examination components. Conclusions: the students experienced Telemedicine activities in a safe healthcare environment, learning about the bioethical principles for responsible teleconsultations, understanding the limiting factors of the method, and having the opportunity to improve skills and competencies for their future professional practice.

The dark side of smartphone application’s smart push function: Exploring its impact on fear of missing out and smartphone addiction

This article aims to investigate the negative effects of smart push technology, which is becoming increasingly popular in digital devices and online services, particularly in smartphone-based applications (apps). Specifically, empirical relationships among the features of the app content delivered by smart push technology, fear of missing out, and smartphone addiction are explored by constructing an integrated model. The proposed relationships were tested by analyzing survey-based data collected from 227 valid samples through partial least squares-structural equation modeling. The analysis confirmed the hypothesized positive relationships among the features of app content delivered by smart push technology (entertainment and timeliness) in smartphone-based apps, fear of missing out, and smartphone addiction. Moreover, fear of missing out served as a mediator between the features of smart push technology and smartphone addiction. This study makes a significant theoretical contribution to the digital communication technology and smartphone addiction literature by revealing the influence mechanism of smart push technology on smartphone addiction. Furthermore, this study has a number of practical implications for policymakers as well as app developers.