Digital Platforms Research Articles

Visualising the universe: The role of pictures in mediating people's relationship with outer space

The last decade has witnessed an increased interest in outer space among non-expert citizens of London; many astronomical societies have expanded, and telescopes and astronomical magazines have experienced pronounced growth in sales. Anthropology, as a discipline focused on the study of human culture, has recently provided new insights into the cultural dimensions involved in contemporary experiences of the universe. After spending two months among amateur astronomers at two London astronomical societies, I argue that pictures – understood from a material culture perspective – play a key role in shaping people's relationship with the universe. This relationship is currently influenced by new technologies that offer more accessible ways to capture and share pictures of the skies. Simultaneously, new social media apps have opened new digital platforms for sharing outer space pictures, introducing innovative visual ways to engage with it.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN SUPPLY CHAINS: BENEFITS, CHALLENGES AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS

Digitalization is revolutionizing supply chains, resulting in significant gains in efficiency and competitiveness. This study investigates the role of digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and blockchain, in transforming supply chain management. The research presents a review of the current literature and analyzes case studies of companies that have adopted these innovations. The results show that the integration of these technologies allows for better visibility into processes, facilitating informed and agile decision-making. The automation of routine tasks and demand prediction through AI algorithms contribute to cost reduction and waste minimization. In addition, the use of digital platforms improves collaboration between the various actors in the chain, optimizing the flow of information. However, the study also highlights the challenges associated with digitalization, such as resistance to change, the need for significant investments, and the shortage of technical skills. The analysis concludes that, despite the barriers, the benefits of digitalization outweigh the challenges, making it essential for the sustainability and growth of supply chains.

AgDataBox-Map - A web application for creating thematic maps and management zones: users' evaluation

Agriculture is confronted with the imperative to enhance output while simultaneously ensuring increased profitability and minimizing ecological repercussions. Consequently, digital technologies have emerged as essential instruments for the acquisition of data, the analysis of information, and the facilitation of decision-making. The digital platform AgDataBox (ADB, https://adb.md.utfpr.edu.br/map) provides no-cost computational resources for agricultural professionals, scholars, and service entities, with a focus on Precision Agriculture (PA) by integrating data, software, protocols, and methodologies to facilitate agricultural progress through the utilization of open-access technologies. The purpose of this study was to examine how users assess the ADB-Map. The AgDataBox Map (ADB-Map) application works with spatial data to create thematic maps and management zones to subsidize PA and digital agriculture. The ADB-Map functionalities are divided into different layers, composed of (i) a back-end, which contains algorithms and rules of business operation, and (ii) a front-end, which is the interface of interaction with the user. By applying the evaluation methods suggested by NBR ISO/IEC 14598-6 across all areas, the ADB-Map achieved scores above 85% (the standard mandates a minimum of 70%), and an overall score of 92% was achieved. Hence, we believe users widely accept the software.

The Impact of Digital Learning Platforms on Student Motivation in High School

This study explores the relationship between the use of digital learning platforms and student motivation in high school settings. With the increasing integration of technology in education, understanding its influence on student engagement and motivation is critical. This research employs a cross-sectional survey design with a sample of 200 high school students from New York City. Using a questionnaire based on the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS), the study examines whether students who regularly use digital platforms demonstrate higher motivation levels than their peers who do not. Data analysis, conducted using SPSS, reveals a significant positive relationship between digital platform usage and student motivation. The findings suggest that digital learning tools may enhance motivation, offering important implications for educators and policymakers. However, the study's cross-sectional nature and limited sample size present constraints, indicating the need for further research.

The Co-evolution of actor engagement and value Co-creation on digital platforms

Increasingly, digital platforms connect suppliers, customers, and other ecosystem parties, facilitating the introduction of various Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offerings. This study examines the co-evolution of actor engagement (AE), reflecting actors’ dispositions to invest resources in interactions, and value co-creation (VCC), demonstrated through reciprocal resource integration. The focus is on PaaS initiatives in the asset management industry. Using a comparative case study approach, we analyze two fintech-generated PaaS offerings: a freemium model and a subscription-based model. Our findings reveal distinct pathways for platform development and scaling, driven by the interplay between AE and VCC. The freemium model fosters a “viral” community-building path, where early VCC serves as the engine for AE-VCC co-evolution. Conversely, the subscription model follows a “controlled” ecosystem-building path, with AE driving the process. We observe a gradual involvement of additional ecosystem partners, leading to upgraded solutions, expanded PaaS offerings, and platform upscaling. We identify key factors influencing these dynamics, including business model characteristics, actor roles, and feedback loops. Our study contributes to the literature on digital servitization and platform ecosystems by highlighting the importance of integrating AE and VCC practices to enhance platform utilization and scalability. We propose a framework and research propositions to guide future studies on PaaS development in complex, institutionalized industries. These insights also provide implications for managers aiming to implement effective PaaS strategies and foster innovation in the financial services sector.

The Working Jobless: Unemployment as Work

Being unemployed is, by definition, someone without a job, but is it somebody without work? This paper presents an empirical study of unemployed job seekers and the work they do in connection with upholding their everyday life, job search, technology use, and the necessary connections with the public unemployment office (job center). Within the country where the research is conducted, the activities of the unemployed involve balancing formal legal requirements and procedures (to secure unemployment benefits, etc.) with informal navigation of the rules and regulations, networks and activities directed towards employment. The activities are mediated by digital platforms, e.g. job search, accountability, documentation, and, as a consequence, job seekers largely have to depend on their technologies and experiences to manage these processes. We present a study of interviews with job seekers (n=10) with an average age of 60, and two Participatory Design workshops with a total of 15 participants. Our analysis shows that the unemployed carry out work towards fulfilling formal requirements posed by the unemployment office, as well as setting up their daily, computer-supported routines, and a significant amount of unrecognized hidden work navigating rules, status and informal networks.

Development of a creative digital curriculum for the elderly: A participatory approach to enhance potential for alternative career opportunities in the digital era

This research aimed to develop a curriculum for empowering the elderly to create alternative careers in the digital society era through digital platforms and to study the effects of the curriculum and online educational channels on enhancing the elderly’s capabilities. Participatory Action Research (PAR) methods combined with qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed in this study. The study involved 555 participants including personnel and elderly individuals in Lampang Province that were selected by using multi-stage sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data and compare the group mean by t-test. The research findings revealed that the “Creative Digital Retirees” curriculum for empowering the elderly to use digital technology, digital media literacy and utilizing digital media to create alternative careers met the effective criteria, the 80/80 efficiency criteria with E1 = 80.00 and E2 = 87.16. The effective curriculum consists of five learning units including Unit 1: Using technology media for the elderly, Unit 2: Understanding and digital literacy for the elderly, Unit 3: Creating social media for the elderly, Unit 4: Accessing, efficient use of technology and technology management for the elderly, and Unit 5: Electronic law. The elderly’s capabilities significantly improved at a significance level of 0.05. For curriculum users’ satisfaction, the result showed the highest level of satisfaction with an average score of 4.59. It is concluded that the curriculum is effective and can genuinely enhance the elderly’s learning achievements.

Insights from an Experiment Crowdsourcing Data from Thousands of US Amazon Users: The importance of transparency, money, and data use

Data generated by users on digital platforms are a crucial resource for advocates and researchers interested in uncovering digital inequities, auditing algorithms, and understanding human behavior. Yet data access is often restricted. How can researchers both effectively and ethically collect user data? This paper shares an innovative approach to crowdsourcing user data to collect otherwise inaccessible Amazon purchase histories, spanning 5 years, from more than 5,000 U.S. users. We developed a data collection tool that prioritizes participant consent and includes an experimental study design. The design allows us to study multiple important aspects of privacy perception and user data sharing behavior, including how socio-demographics, monetary incentives and transparency can impact share rates. Experiment results (N=6,325) reveal both monetary incentives and transparency can significantly increase data sharing. Age, race, education, and gender also played a role, where female and less-educated participants were more likely to share. Our study design enables a unique empirical evaluation of the 'privacy paradox', where users claim to value their privacy more than they do in practice. We set up both real and hypothetical data sharing scenarios and find measurable similarities and differences in share rates across these contexts. For example, increasing monetary incentives had a 6 times higher impact on share rates in real scenarios. In addition, we study participants' opinions on how data should be used by various third parties, again finding that gender, age, education, and race have a significant impact. Notably, the majority of participants disapproved of government agencies using purchase data yet the majority approved of use by researchers. Overall, our findings highlight the critical role that transparency, incentive design, and user demographics play in ethical data collection practices, and provide guidance for future researchers seeking to crowdsource user generated data.

The Costs of Connectivity: WhatsApp Usage, Privacy Concerns, and Protection Behaviors in Israel

This study examines the implications of WhatsApp usage in Israel, focusing on the interplay between usage patterns, privacy concerns, and protection behaviors. Using a sample of 505 participants, this study aimed to understand whether users are aware of privacy issues and how this awareness translates into proactive protection actions. Results showed a significant positive correlation between usage frequency and privacy concerns, but no significant correlation between usage frequency and protection behaviors. However, there was a strong positive correlation between privacy concerns and protection behaviors, with privacy concerns mediating the relationship between usage and protection behaviors. This study underscores the importance of understanding user behavior and privacy perceptions, providing insights for future research and policymaking to enhance privacy on digital platforms.

A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE ON DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Objective: This study aims to comprehensively review digital entrepreneurship (DE) research, identifying key themes, trends, and future research directions. Theoretical Framework: The review draws upon frameworks including entrepreneurial ecosystem theory, digital platform theory, and theories of entrepreneurial intention formation to understand DE dynamics. Method: A systematic and bibliometric analysis of 276 English-language articles published between 2000 and 2023 from the Scopus database was conducted. VOSviewer software analyzed publication trends, keywords, and citations. Results and Discussion: DE research has significantly grown, particularly in the last five years. Five thematic clusters emerged: DE ecosystems, cultivating digital entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship in the digital economy, exploring new frontiers, and sustainable, competitive digital enterprises. The study highlights influential works and emerging areas such as digital platforms, entrepreneurial intention, and DE education. The discussion contextualizes these findings within the theoretical frameworks and their implications. Research Implications: This research provides valuable insights for researchers, educators, and policymakers. It emphasizes the need for further research on the impact of digital technologies on entrepreneurial ecosystems, individual entrepreneurial intentions, and the role of education in fostering DE. Originality/Value: This study contributes by offering a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of DE research, identifying knowledge gaps, and proposing a future research agenda. The systematic approach utilizing bibliometric techniques provides a robust analysis of the DE literature, enhancing understanding of this evolving field.

Union Makes Us Strong: Space, Technology, and On-Demand Ridesourcing Digital Labour Platforms

The entry of on-demand ridesourcing digital labour platforms (OR-DLPs) in Kolkata, India, restructured the local taxi-cab service industry's economic geography and spatial practices. Notably, they eroded the significance of the spatial fixity of taxi stands operated by traditional trade unions, enmeshed in local society's partisan political dynamics. Therefore, OR-DLPs triggered a reconfiguration of the socio-spatial and political practices around the taxi-cab industry in the city. Globally, traditional trade unions have struggled to organise workers in informal work arrangements and DLPs. However, in Kolkata, the Kolkata Ola-Uber App-Cab Operator and Drivers Union has proved to be successful. They established hybrid and networked unionism through technological affordances, placing worker-organisers rather than external organisers at the centre of their organisational structure. Furthermore, they undertook tech-mediated resistance against the OR-DLPs, local bureaucracy (e.g. the police) and the state. We explore this context to examine the impact of OR-DLPs on labour geography, worker-organising and resistance practices, along with the revitalisation strategies of traditional trade unions in response. From a non-Western context, we expand the frame for CSCW and HCI scholars' ongoing efforts to design worker-centric technologies for resistance.

Optimizing LLM Strategies for Playing Mendikot using Prompt Engineering

This study investigates the integration of a large language model (LLM) enhanced by prompt engineering and game theory to effectively engage in the strategic card game Mendikot. By refining complex prompts and leveraging a tailored visual understanding of game dynamics, we significantly bolster the decision-making prowess of the LLM. Our methodology involved the systematic simplification of game prompts to facilitate deeper learning and faster response times, coupled with the implementation of a visual recognition system to interpret and react to game states dynamically. The results illustrate that the adapted LLM outperforms traditional AI approaches in strategic decision-making tasks, underscoring a substantial improvement in both the accuracy and efficiency of game-play. This research not only demonstrates a viable model for enhancing AI interaction in recreational gaming but also opens avenues for deploying advanced AI strategies in complex strategic environments, offering insights into the broader application of AI in leisure and competitive arenas. The findings suggest that AI can transcend conventional gaming roles, potentially transforming strategic gameplay in digital and physical platforms.

Effectiveness of Peer-Led Education in Reducing HIV Transmission among Youths in Urban Areas: A Comprehensive Review

HIV transmission among urban youths remains a significant public health concern, driven by factors such as risky sexual behaviors, limited access to healthcare, and high social connectivity. Peer-led education has emerged as a promising intervention to reduce HIV transmission by utilizing the influence of social networks and delivering relatable, accessible information on HIV prevention. This review assessed the effectiveness of peer-led education programs in urban areas by examining their impact on HIV-related knowledge, behavior change, and HIV testing rates. Studies revealed that peer-led education significantly improves HIV knowledge, promotes condom use, and encourages HIV testing among urban youths, contributing to a reduction in high-risk behaviors. Additionally, the social and emotional benefits of peer-led education create supportive environments for discussing sexual health, reducing stigma, and fostering empowerment among participants. However, challenges such as variability in program quality, sociocultural barriers, and sustainability issues limit the long-term success of these interventions. To address these challenges, future strategies should focus on integrating digital health platforms, personalizing peer education, and employing rigorous program evaluation methods. The methodology for this review included a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and observational studies, to provide a holistic understanding of peer-led education’s effectiveness in reducing HIV transmission among urban youths. Keywords: Peer-led education, HIV prevention, Urban youths, Behavioral change, HIV transmission.

Association of advance care planning with hospital use and costs at the end of life: a population-based retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo investigate associations between the availability and timing of digitally available advance care planning (ACP) documents and hospital use and costs during the last 6 months of life.DesignRetrospective population-based cohort...

Open Data for Transparency of Government Tenders: A State Analysis in Croatian Agriculture Land Lease

State-owned agricultural land is an asset that the state must manage in a responsible and transparent manner. Agricultural land is extremely important for farmers as it enables them to carry out agricultural activities. Due to its importance to farmers, it is often the subject of debate as stakeholders are often dissatisfied with the allocation and management of state-owned agricultural land. Qualitative research of the process of state agricultural land lease and the associated legislation in the Republic of Croatia enabled the analysis of the existing business model, with the results pointing to shortcomings in the Initial and Evaluation phases of the process. A steady rise in the number of tenders published in 2015–2022 was recorded. Local administrative units in the Continental region scored higher than those in the Adriatic region (both cities and municipalities) in terms of transparency. Unfortunately, the response rate from the local authorities was below 50% across both region and unit, further indicating low transparency. Based on the findings, a proposal of changes in the tendering process was made utilizing a digital platform as an environment for all stakeholders, which provides functionalities essential for the transparent implementation of tenders for the agricultural land lease in Croatia.

Veterinary medicine under COVID-19: a mixed-methods analysis of student and practitioner experiences in Austria

BackgroundThis study aimed to provide a detailed analysis of the pandemic’s impact on the veterinary profession and education in Austria.MethodsTwo online surveys were conducted from November 2022 to January 2023, inviting all veterinarians and veterinary students in Austria to share their experiences on the impact of the pandemic on their veterinarian work and education in a free text question.ResultsA total of n = 289 veterinarians and n = 272 veterinary students provided an answer. In summary, 39.8% of veterinarians reported no impact by the pandemic, while others experienced changes in workload (19.7%), changes in client behavior (14.9%), implementation of safety measures (13.1%), and organizational changes (13.1%). Additional impacts included effects on mental health, private life, finances, as well as physical health. Changes were more frequently mentioned in veterinarians working with pets compared to those working with livestock. In the student panel, only a minority reported no significant impact (8.1%) but 44.9% reporting changes due to online and hybrid learning. Key issues included impaired learning conditions (34.9%), and social distancing (34.6%) leading to social isolation. Some students appreciated increased flexibility and reduced commuting (10.7%), while others experienced mental health challenges (10.7%). Further impacts were related to the implementation of safety measures (5.5%), organizational changes (4.8%) and impaired physical health due to infection (1.1%). Negative changes related to distance learning were mainly reported by students in the final study phase, whereas those in the first study phase reported more positive aspects related to online/hybrid learning.ConclusionOverall, this study highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on veterinary education and professional practice in Austria, revealing diverse challenges for students and relatively lower but still notable effects on practicing veterinarians. Future research should monitor these impacts longitudinally and explore the integration of beneficial practices into standard veterinary education and care, such as effective digital learning platforms and appointment-based systems.

Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Training in Neuroscience: Insights from the Human Brain Project Education Programme.

Neuroscience education is challenged by rapidly evolving technology and the development of interdisciplinary approaches for brain research. The Human Brain Project (HBP) Education Programme aimed to address the need for interdisciplinary expertise in brain research by equipping a new generation of researchers with skills across neuroscience, medicine, and information technology. Over its ten year duration, the programme engaged over 1,300 experts and attracted more than 5,500 participants from various scientific disciplines in its blended learning curriculum, specialised schools and workshops, and events fostering dialogue among early-career researchers. Key principles of the programme's approach included fostering interdisciplinarity, adaptability to the evolving research landscape and infrastructure, and a collaborative environment with a focus on empowering early-career researchers. Following the programme's conclusion, we provide here an analysis and in-depth view across a diverse range of educational formats and events. Our results show that the Education Programme achieved success in its wide geographic reach, the diversity of participants, and the establishment of transversal collaborations. Building on these experiences and achievements, we describe how leveraging digital tools and platforms provides accessible and highly specialised training, which can enhance existing education programmes for the next generation of brain researchers working in decentralised European collaborative spaces. Finally, we present the lessons learnt so that similar initiatives may improve upon our experience and incorporate our suggestions into their own programme.

Economic perspectives on redefining public service media in the digital era: broadcasting to media platform

AbstractThis paper examines the currently debated platform models of public service media (PSM) in Germany. As global platforms such as Meta, Netflix, and YouTube dominate the media landscape, PSM is shifting from linear broadcasting to digital platform strategies. This study analyzes 21 platform proposals and categorizes them into five archetypes using a taxonomy-based method and hierarchical clustering. The findings reveal a range of approaches, from pure public media platforms to hybrid models that include both public and private media organizations. However, despite the innovative character of these proposals, significant challenges remain, particularly in funding, governance, and aligning platform economics with public service media objectives. This research highlights the need to integrate a platform perspective further into the development of PSM strategies and address operational policy and market issues to ensure the successful transformation of PSM in the digital era.

E-Business Online Experience, Satisfaction and Trust: Basis for Customer Loyalty among Selected SMEs in Bulacan

This research paper investigates the relationship between e-business online experience, satisfaction, and trust as predictors of customer loyalty among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a selected area of Bulacan. Considering the increasing reliance on digital platforms for e-commerce, issues surrounding online security and user privacy have arisen, raising concerns about consumer trust in e-business environments. Employing a quantitative research methodology, the study utilizes a quantitative descriptive and correlational design to measure and identify the mean and standard deviation of online experience, satisfaction, and trust as independent variables, with customer loyalty as the dependent variable. The findings reveal that SMEs in Bulacan have a strongly positive perception of their e-business online experience, particularly highlighting the simplicity, visual appeal, and effectiveness of the websites they use. They appreciate the quality of information provided by these e-business platforms, which facilitates e-purchases through up-to-date content and straightforward transactions. The study also indicates a strong agreement among SMEs regarding the effectiveness of e-business websites in meeting consumer expectations for repeat purchases, while also identifying areas for improvement in online performance features. Moreover, SMEs generally perceive a high level of security regarding e-business platforms, particularly regarding information transmission and electronic payment safety. However, there was a slightly lower perception of user privacy concerns. The regression analysis indicates that both e-business online experience and customer satisfaction are significant predictors of customer loyalty, underscoring the importance of enhancing these aspects to cultivate lasting customer relationships.

Video-streamed Intangible Cultural Heritage, Ethnic Perceptions, and Cross-cultural Competence in China

The aim of the present study was to investigate the capacity of video-streamed content related to intangible cultural heritage (ICH) associated with Chinese ethnic minorities to enhance cross-cultural competence and perceptions about ethnic minority communities among users from China’s ethnic majority. Moreover, the research examined how users’ motivations and demographic factors moderate these relations. Utilizing a quantitative online questionnaire to examine video-streaming users in China, the research employed linear regression and hierarchical regression analyses to test these relationships. The findings indicated that cross-cultural attitudes and skills served as positive predictors of participants’ affinity for ethnic minorities, suggesting more favorable cross-cultural attitudes and skills led to more liking of ethnic minorities. However, these factors did not forecast stereotypical perceptions of ethnic minorities. Notably, cross-cultural knowledge was found to have no predictive capability regarding either affinity or stereotypical perceptions. Furthermore, user motivations to use live-streamed ICH content, specifically amotivation and regulation, were found to significantly moderate the connections between cross-cultural competence and attitudes toward ethnic minorities. In other words, participants who perceived the benefits of using live-streamed ICH content contributed to the relationships. These findings provide substantial insight into the complex interrelationship between digital media use, cross-cultural competence, and interethnic attitudes in China’s context. The study highlights the ability of video-streamed ICH content to foster positive interethnic relations while unpacking subtle influences of user motivation in the process. The findings presented here may guide the development of approaches aimed at utilizing digital platforms to enhance cultural comprehension and mitigate stereotypes within multicultural communities internationally, thus enriching the overarching discussion regarding the influence of digital media on the formation of cross-cultural perceptions and interactions.