Digital Connectivity Research Articles

Use of technology-based assessments: a systematic review covering over 30 countries

ABSTRACT The widespread adoption of technology-based assessments during the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated concerns about the digital divide, given global disparities in digital access, connectivity, and coping strategies. This systematic review was intended to assess how the use of technology-based assessments has affected the education system’s functioning in pre-college education, compared to traditional assessments. It covered 34 countries from 34 full-text English sources in 2018–2022. A total of 12 assumptions were tested, corresponding to six hypotheses about the learning, educating, and management facets associated with the use of technology-based assessments. Our findings revealed mixed evidence about technology-based assessments in reducing cheating, enhancing learning, supporting monitoring, improving instruction, and reducing non-teaching workload. However, strong evidence supported the assumptions that technology-based assessments improve measurement precision, interpretability, engagement, interaction, and teacher-parent communication. Limited but positive evidence supported the assumptions that technology-based assessments may reduce the cost and time of test administration.

Preliminary study of plant monitoring system using GMonS (Growth Monitoring System) for implementation in the agriculture area

Agriculture is one of the backbone sectors of Malaysia’s economic development. This sector provides jobs, provides income for the populace, and earns money by exporting products. The value of Malaysia's international agricultural industry in 2021 was $59.4 billion, with $36.1 billion in exports and $23.3 billion in imports. The world is undergoing a digital revolution. Therefore, using wireless technology to establish and accommodate digital connectivity with farmers in agricultural areas is appropriate. A Growth Monitoring System (GMonS) was created in this study to monitor a plant by providing a suitable environment using sensors such as moisture, humidity and temperature. This is a preliminary study of farmer's use in the agricultural sector, especially in rural areas. A moisture sensor measures the water content in the soil and can be used to estimate the amount of stored water in the soil horizon. A temperature sensor isa device used to measure temperature. This can be air temperature, liquid temperature or the temperature of solid matter. A humidity sensor isa device that senses, measures, and reports air's relative humidity (RH) or determines the amount of water vapour in a gas mixture (air) or pure gas. Humidity sensing is related to a water adsorption and desorption process. This sensor is among the critical sensors due to the photosynthesis process. The data was captured every ten minutes using this system within three months. The reading shows that the plant's growth was tracked using the GMonS to maintain a proper environment for plant growth. While they are not in the fields, farmers can use sensor technologies to wirelessly communicate with one another to learn about the diverse demands and requirements of crops. This application is critical and a great friend for the plant, especially in the new digital age with IR 4.0.

Guest Editorial: Digital Technologies A Competitive Advantage Today, a Necessity Tomorrow

_ Having had the privilege of living on three continents, working across multiple industries, and conducting business in several countries, I have seen the impact digital technology has on business, people, and communities. Throughout my career, I have witnessed lifesaving and life-changing digital innovation that changes the trajectory of organizations and industries. As someone who entered the workforce during the dot-com era with a background in computer science, I continue to be amazed by how yesterday’s differentiation becomes today’s necessity … and tomorrow’s obsolescence challenge. The pace of innovation in digital is unprecedented in the annals of human innovation. Personally, I only need to look at my kids to get a sense of that. While we learned to ride a bicycle the same way despite a 3-decade gap, the way we communicate, interact, learn, and create is radically different, enabled by digital platforms that permeate every aspect of life. It is natural therefore to envision that the generations that grow up in these digitally enabled environments will expect, demand, and enable the same degree of digital connectivity in business as they come into and subsequently lead our industry. Oil and gas is an industry that is not just impressive in size, scale, and scope. It is also a sector that deploys technology across the spectrum of breadth and depth. It is unique in that it enables the convergence of several technology domains, including mechanical, material science, hardware, software, automation, instrumentation, artificial intelligence (AI), and others. That, too, in some of the most extreme conditions of temperature, pressure, and accessibility on the planet. Natural business drivers like operational efficiency have been complemented by workforce changes and sustainability agendas to enable this array of technological prowess. In the recent years, companies have leveraged digital as a competitive advantage. Digital technologies have enabled cost efficiencies, speed of operations, and safety enhancements. However, like in other sectors, there are fast followers as well as disruptors who can leapfrog advances. As a result, the industry is embracing digital technology as not just a differentiator, but as an enabler of innovation. The simple reality is that if one doesn’t, they risk being out of the game. Generational Changes One of the biggest drivers I see in the changes taking shape across our industry stems from a convergence of several shifts in the workforce. It is well known that the sector has an aging workforce, and the Great Crew Change is upon us. That, coupled with the fact that we are seeing labor shortages in some markets and that it has become increasingly harder to attract talent into this space, necessitates change. For example, in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era, we are seeing an increased desire to work from home vs. take on rotational work—the jobs that are based in the field are not as appealing as they were a generation ago. In addition, the incoming generation demands that large corporations do more to make a positive impact on the world. And they’re right. We have a duty to act responsibly, to improve quality of life, and reduce environmental impacts. We must think and act differently if we are going to continue competing for top talent—the type of talent that will continue revolutionizing the industry. So, what does that mean? From my perspective, there are a several key areas our industry must continue investing in.

Perancangan Sistem Pemantauan Kelelahan Driver Berbasis IoT (Internet Of Things) Yang Adaptif Untuk Transportasi Makanan Segar

In the logistics industry, fresh food transportation requires effective management of driver fatigue to maintain safety and service quality. With the increasing digital connectivity, Internet of Things (IoT) technology has become a promising solution to monitor driver fatigue in real-time. This research aims to design an adaptive IoT-based driver fatigue monitoring system specifically for fresh food transportation. Through a case study in the logistics industry, we identified specific challenges and needs in driver fatigue management. Based on the identification results, we developed a system that utilizes IoT sensors integrated in vehicles and drivers' smartphones. The system automatically monitors the driver's physical condition and behavior and provides real-time alerts if signs of fatigue are detected. With an adaptive approach, the system can customize recommendations and interventions according to the measured fatigue level. The results of the case study show that the designed system is able to reduce the risk of driver fatigue, increase transportation safety, and improve service quality in fresh food transportation. This research contributes to the practical understanding of the implementation of IoT technology in driver fatigue management, particularly in the context of the logistics and fresh food transportation industries.

Digital twin connection model based on virtual sensor

Digital twin connection model based on virtual sensor

Analysis of Acceptance and Success of Digipos Aja Telkomsel in Kalimantan Region Using The Integration of UTAUT and DeLone & McLean Models

The current development of technology and information is driving various business sectors to undergo transformation. Telkomsel continues to strive to enhance ease in providing digital connectivity support solutions. One of these efforts is the establishment of a supply chain ecosystem through the management of Telkomsel resellers by introducing the Digipos Aja application. This research aims to identify factors that influence acceptance and success of implementing Digipos Aja. It employs variables from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model and Delone and McLean IS Success model. A mixed methods approach is utilized to integrate quantitative data in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of factors that affect application usage. Quantitative method involves collecting data about usage frequency, user satisfaction levels, and benefits received through a questionnaire distributed to 400 resellers using DigiPOS Aja in the Kalimantan region. Quantitative data is analyzed using Partial Least Square (PLS) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the data processing tool SmartPLS. The research results indicate that two variables, System Quality and Service Quality, are not significant in relation to Continuance Intention.

Web-Based Technology Interventions for Social Change: Insights from NGOs in Assam

The widespread adoption of web-based technology has presented nonprofit organizations with unparalleled prospects to augment their reach, efficacy, and influence in their endeavour to effect social transformation. With an emphasis on the Assamese environment in India, this qualitative research paper explores the field of web-based technology interventions in the non-profit sector. This study investigates the manner in which web-based technologies are used to further social causes, the difficulties encountered in their implementation, and the ensuing effects on local populations through a detailed analysis of NGOs functioning in Assam. Using a combination of in-depth interviews, surveys, and content analysis of social media and NGO websites, this study presents important new findings about the uptake and modification of web-based technologies in the Assamese charity sector. Results show that web-based tools are being used by NGOs in Assam for a variety of objectives, such as advocacy, fundraising, community mobilization, and capacity building. The reach of social programs has increased, transparency has improved, and greater involvement with stakeholders has been made possible by these interventions. The paper, however, also highlight the difficulties that NGOs in Assam confront, including low levels of digital literacy, resource limitations, and connectivity problems. These obstacles highlight the necessity of specialized tactics and safety nets in order to optimize the advantages of web-based technology interventions. In the end, this research study illuminates the potential of web-based technology to spur social change and offers insightful information about the changing terrain of non-profit activity in Assam. It emphasizes the significance of collaboration, capacity building, and context-specific techniques in guaranteeing that NGOs effectively utilize web-based technology interventions for the betterment of society in Assam and beyond.

Lessons learnt from a community-driven digital social connection pilot program for people living with dementia: A qualitative interview study with key stakeholders.

In response to COVID-19 and mandated physical distancing, a new digital social connection program was developed and implemented by the local community in a large regional town in western Victoria, Australia. This pilot program, the Digital Inclusion-Social Connections (DI-SC) program, aimed to support people living with dementia to use a digital device to access social connection activities. The objective of this study is to inform the local community implementing the DI-SC program of key stakeholder experience of DI-SC process and outcomes to support future development and potential translation of digital social connections programs for people living with dementia. Three semi-structured focus groups and two interviews were conducted with a total of fifteen participants. Data was transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Three main themes were identified describing factors as influencing the process and outcomes of the DI-SC program: understanding dementia; personal choice and control; and service planning and coordination. Six sub-themes were identified: matching capability; establishing a relationship; creating opportunities for different interactions; ownership of the device, program coordination and defining the volunteer digital mentor role. Key stakeholders perceived the DI-SC program as an acceptable way of supporting people living with dementia to engage in activities they found enjoyable promoting social connection with care partners and others. DI-SC program outcomes were impacted by inappropriate training and a lack of program coordination. The findings of this study may inform future development and implementation of digital social connection programs for vulnerable populations at risk of social isolation.

Carto-City to Surface-City: un-mapping and re-mapping the urban emotion of missing

ABSTRACT Drawing on a fascination with Denis Cosgrove’s term ‘Carto-City’ that encompasses the concept that ‘Urban space and cartographic space are inseparable’ [Cosgrove, D. (2006). Carto-City. In J. Abrams, & P. Hall (Eds.), Else/where: Mapping New cartographies of networks and territories (pp. 148–157). University of Minnesota], this essay applies the idea to a conceptualisation of ‘city’ as urbaness – as a connected state of mind or urban emotion. Through a visual methodology of ‘unmapping’ and ‘re-mapping’ of Carto-City as Surface-City, this artistic research practice aims to contribute to how we understand and map the connected cartographies of contemporary urban consciousness. Cosgroves “seeing, imagining and representing” (2008) is re-interpreted to map a specific emotion within urbaness emerging out of the restricted transience of a world-wide pandemic – the emotion of missing. As physical city spaces across the world stood still, digital connection expanded creating a focused space for critical reflection on how interconnected layers of urban emotion might be mapped. My response to this, Surface-City, is grounded in my ongoing body of research into urban consciousness and its mapping through academic writing and visual practice.

Impact of Technology, Military, and Socio-Economic Welfare on Conflict in Indonesia and Japan

Conflicts are driven by various factors, but over time, conflicts have evolved in nature and complexity. In addition to traditional factors, the emergence of technology has played a significant role in shaping conflicts. Technological advancements also have been a driving force in shaping societies and economies, and impacting various sectors and aspects of life. Our research uses Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis. We will analyze the direct and indirect impacts of digital connectivity, technology trade, military expenditure and personnel, and socio-economic welfare on conflicts and tensions in Indonesia and Japan. The findings of our study suggest that technology variables such as digital connectivity and technology trade have a positive effect on socio-economic welfare in Indonesia with coefficients 0.311 and 0.457. A similar thing also happened in Japan with coefficients 1.312 and 0.310. However, technology trade can increase conflicts and tensions in Indonesia with coefficients 0.796, and digital connectivity can increase conflicts and tensions in Japan with coefficients 0.761. Additionally, socio-economic welfare significantly reduces conflict in Japan.

Value creation through physical and virtual agglomeration motivated by the changing incidence of working from home: A communication note

This short communication reflects on the changing nature of spatial agglomeration that has been highlighted by the way in which office-related business is being conducted as a result of improved digital connectivity, and greater acceptance by employers and employees of the benefits of working from home under a hybrid mode, where productivity gains have not been compromised. Furthermore, the persistence and prevalence of hybrid working in the post-Covid environment suggests that a significant change has occurred in community behaviour. That, in turn, demands some exploration to understand the drivers of that change and the possible consequences in the longer term. This note is a step in that exploration and draws attention to the areas that may benefit from further inquiry.

DIGITAL BUSINESS MODELS A LITERATURE-BASED TAXONOMY AND RESEARCH AVENUES

Digital technologies and connectivity offer unprecedented opportunities for businesses to adapt and reinvent themselves to gain and sustain competitive advantage. Digital transformation and business model innovation have generated a large body of research in recent years due to their great practical importance. This study critically evaluates this extensive literature and aims to capture different understandings of digital business models (DBMs), identify knowledge gaps and highlight perspectives for further research. To achieve this, the literature review deductively filters out the most relevant 626 studies. For this purpose, the literature is clustered into the areas of “definition and terminology”, “classification and taxonomy”, “technology”, “configuration, structures and processes”, “drivers and determinants” and “results and impacts”. The most important scientific results and approaches are discussed and corresponding implications are derived from previous research in order to summarise the most important findings and perspectives for science and practice.

Cognitive digital twins for freight parking management in last mile delivery under smart cities paradigm

This paper examines the Freight Parking Management Problem (FPMP) of last-mile delivery within the context of Smart Cities where objects are managed by Digital Twins. Specifically, we investigate how Cognitive Digital Twins - Digital Twins with augmented semantic capabilities - can enhance instantly updated knowledge of parking connectivity to optimize logistics operations planning and urban resource allocation. We present a four-layer architectural framework to integrate individual logistics objects and systems into Smart Cities at a semantic level, with underlying enabling technologies and standards including Property Graph, Web Ontology Language (OWL), and Web of Things. Next, we conduct a case study of parcel delivery in Paris using a real-life Digital Twins platform called Thing in the future (Thing’in) by Orange France, coupled with an agent-based simulation model on AnyLogic, to demonstrate a real-world application of our approach. The results suggest that semantics-enabled Digital Twins connectivity can increase the comprehensive understanding of the delivery environment and enhance cooperation between heterogeneous systems, ultimately resulting in improved logistics efficiency, reduced negative externalities, and better utilization of resources. Furthermore, this work showcases potential new business services for logistics service providers and provides managerial insights for city planners and municipal policymakers. An actual mobile application prototype is presented to showcase the applicability of the work.

Film digital archives and urban cultural creative clusters


 Cultural and Creative Clusters (CCC) have gained significance in urban development, but the role of digital media within them has received limited attention. This study focuses on the impact of digital archives on cultural communication in Paris' urban CCC, with emphasis on French film history. The research highlights the importance of French film digitalization in preserving cultural relics and creating communication centers. Despite the contrast between the scattered media audiences and the emerging cultural industry center, a new digital connection is gradually emerging.

Ageing, the digital and everyday life during and since the Covid-19 pandemic.

During and since the Covid-19 pandemic there has been an intensified integration of digital technologies into the everyday lives of older people. We do, however, know little about the ways in which older people incorporate digital technologies and communications into their daily lives and their own meanings, embodiment and experiences of the digital during and since the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of our research was to explore the use of digital devices during and since the Covid-19 pandemic and to identify facilitators and barriers to incorporating digital devices into everyday life. The research involved a series of online focus groups with people aged between 63 and 86 years living in the United Kingdom and were conducted in 2022. Each focus group lasted around 90 min and data was audio-recorded and transcribed. The data was analysed thematically. From the analysis, three interconnecting whilst analytically distinct themes around the meaning and experiences of using digital devices in everyday life during and since the pandemic, are thematically presented as: (1) Incorporating the digital into everyday life; (2) Social and digital connectivity; and (3) Challenges and limitations of the digital in everyday life. The research has provided insights into the way digital devices were used by older people during and since the Covid-19 pandemic. In particular, we highlight the increasing importance of digital connectivity and the ways in which older people actively engage (and resist) technologies of communication in their daily lives; and the significance of embodied co-presence and the immediacy of shared space and/or time is highlighted.

Kū Kia‘i Kahuku: indigenizing social media, civic streaming, and sociospatial symmetry

Abstract This research critiques Western approaches to social media by using an Indigenous theoretical tool/concept, the Moanan (Pacific Islander) conception of tā and vā, to center Indigenous knowledge through an analysis of the Kū Kiaʻi Kahuku community movement (an Indigenous and ecological stand for environmental justice to protect native species and push back against colonial development in the form of giant wind turbines (568 feet high) placed over schools and the homes of community members and Kanaka Maoli in Kahuku, Hawaiʻi). We argue that Kū Kiaʻi Kahuku’s livestreaming inspired movement within the space of digital connectivity, a civic rhythm, forging symmetry and reciprocity within sociospatial ties. Moanan peoples inscribed within social media a distinct Moanan rhythm. In this case, the vibrations of the protecting, an affectively charged tā, engaged the community and diaspora in a moment of rupture—opening up a space for symmetry within the dissymmetry of colonial capitalism.

Disruptive charms of wearable technologies: Navigating digital distractions and work performance

This case study explores the intricacies of technology overuse in the workplace, exemplified by an employee, Reshma, who shows signs of excessive dependency on her smartwatch. Through her narrative, we delve into the potential implications of technology overreliance and its correlation with instant gratification theory and reward deficiency syndrome (RDS), a condition characterized by an insatiable need for dopamine-driven gratification. The study underscores the impact of these dynamics on productivity, the quality of work, and overall employee well-being. This case provides significant insights for HR professionals navigating the evolving landscape of digital dependency in the contemporary workplace and underlines the importance of fostering a balanced and productive work environment in the age of relentless digital connectivity.

Impact of different diagnostic criteria for assessing mild micro-hepatic encephalopathy in liver cirrhosis: an analysis based on a prospective, multicenter, real-world study

Objective: To compare the differences in the prevalence of mild micro-hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) among patients with cirrhosis by using the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) and the Stroop smartphone application (Encephal App) test. Methods: This prospective, multi-center, real-world study was initiated by the National Clinical Medical Research Center for Infectious Diseases and the Portal Hypertension Alliance and registered with International ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05140837). 354 cases of cirrhosis were enrolled in 19 hospitals across the country. PHES (including digital connection tests A and B, digital symbol tests, trajectory drawing tests, and serial management tests) and the Stroop test were conducted in all of them. PHES was differentiated using standard diagnostic criteria established by the two studies in China and South Korea. The Stroop test was evaluated based on the criteria of the research and development team. The impact of different diagnostic standards or methods on the incidence of MHE in patients with cirrhosis was analyzed. Data between groups were differentiated using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and χ (2) test. A kappa test was used to compare the consistency between groups. Results: After PHES, the prevalence of MHE among 354 cases of cirrhosis was 78.53% and 15.25%, respectively, based on Chinese research standards and Korean research normal value standards. However, the prevalence of MHE was 56.78% based on the Stroop test, and the differences in pairwise comparisons among the three groups were statistically significant (kappa = -0.064, P < 0.001). Stratified analysis revealed that the MHE prevalence in three groups of patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C was 74.14%, 83.33%, and 88.24%, respectively, according to the normal value standards of Chinese researchers, while the MHE prevalence rates in three groups of patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C were 8.29%, 23.53%, and 38.24%, respectively, according to the normal value standards of Korean researchers. Furthermore, the prevalence rates of MHE in the three groups of patients with Child-Pugh grades A, B, and C were 52.68%, 58.82%, and 73.53%, respectively, according to the Stroop test standard. However, among the results of each diagnostic standard, the prevalence of MHE showed an increasing trend with an increasing Child-Pugh grade. Further comparison demonstrated that the scores obtained by the number connection test A and the number symbol test were consistent according to the normal value standards of the two studies in China and South Korea (Z = -0.982, -1.702; P = 0.326, 0.089), while the other three sub-tests had significant differences (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence rate of MHE in the cirrhotic population is high, but the prevalence of MHE obtained by using different diagnostic criteria or methods varies greatly. Therefore, in line with the current changes in demographics and disease spectrum, it is necessary to enroll a larger sample size of a healthy population as a control. Moreover, the establishment of more reliable diagnostic scoring criteria will serve as a basis for obtaining accurate MHE incidence and formulating diagnosis and treatment strategies in cirrhotic populations.

Trust as a key element for quality communication and information management: insights into developing safe cyber-organisational sustainability

PurposeIn recent years, issues like untrusted or questionable sources of information are indisputably rampant in the digital era. The quality of information is now found to be challenging with its kind of issues, crisis and also clarity in which it requires to have a strategic scenario and practice to enhance quality assurance in order to creating safe cyber-spaces. The initiative to organise information at the organisational stage has widely emerged on the cyberspace. This paper aims to examine the insights of the element of trust in quality communication and information management to drive key performance indicator to support organisational sustainability. This approach is likely to play a significant role in enhancing critical inquiry in to issue of trust in information to ensure untainted integrity and quality assurance of the source of the information.Design/methodology/approachThe preparation of this paper used a systematic literature review according to four phases, namely, identification, assessment or examination, extraction and interpretation. This approach was selected to advance critical inquiry into the most current topic on the trust for quality of information as way of strategic communication management to achieve safe cyber-organisational sustainability. The process was made through the various sources of peer-reviewed articles including journals, book chapters, books and conference proceedings. The literature review was carried out through the search for keywords such as trust in information, strategic communication and safe cyber-organisational sustainability.FindingsThe results revealed that the trust in quality of information with its wide range of initiatives could be enhanced as an initial attempt to embrace comprehensive approach in establishing strategic communication to ensure organisational sustainability and quality assurance of safe cyber space. The result further indicated three points, which follows development of virtual interaction with information management for safe cyberspace, enhancing continued predictability assessment in digital information process and practice and developing trust in information and quality of communication for organisational sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is expected to give an insightful value in contributing to quality measurement of the strategic communication to promote trust in quality of information. Hence, the design to expand strategic management to support digital social connections in the cyber space. As a result, the profound contribution would also lead to enhancement of organisational sustainability in the digital era, amid technological trends.Practical implicationsThe need to develop an approach to strengthen the trust in information in the digital cyberspace should focus on providing insights into the quality of information, authenticity and integrity to develop quality assurance for social connection. The awareness raising process in consolidating the trust in information has to start with exploring early social interaction in the digital age. This approach provides quality assurance to linking digital connection to develop trust in the quality of information. This would enable feedback to ensure accessibility and accuracy of quality of information dealing with critical elements relating to organisational sustainability.Originality/valueThe entire awareness in expanding the trust as information quality indicator has to be started with exploring the early social interaction in the digital age, to achieve quality basis on linking the digital connection as an attempt to build the information quality. This would give a feedback in ensuring the accessibility and accuracy of information quality together with dealing with an ultimate element to lead to the organisational longevity.

Growth decomposition of the Indian states using panel data techniques

ABSTRACT The study investigates the causes of rising economic inequality among Indian states between 2000 and 2017. To identify the components of output growth that are driving rising regional inequality in the Solow Model framework, we first create state-level data on capital stock and labour force, which are not published in India’s national accounts. While we find beta divergence in per capita state domestic product (SDP) between states, there is no evidence of beta divergence in capital stock accumulation. Therefore, differences in TFP growth, rather than capital stock accumulation, may be one of the factors contributing to India’s rising regional inequality. Furthermore, a productivity index for Indian states was created using the physical and social infrastructure, health, education, digital connectivity, and energy access to help explain the differences in states’ TFP. When common factor models were used to account for the high cross-sectional dependence between state growth rates, the influence of capital accumulation and productivity index on state growth was significantly reduced. Hence, the Indian economy’s common growth factor emerges as a major driver of the SDPs, with higher per capita SDP states benefiting more from overall growth than the lower per capita SDP states, resulting in growing regional disparities.