Digital Solutions Research Articles

Development of a Utility Vehicle Express System Framework Using Design Thinking Process for the Province of Albay

Utility vehicle express or locally known as UV Express is a key mode of transportation in Albay, Philippines, offers cost-effective connectivity between urban and suburban areas. Composed of vans operating point-to-point from terminals, it serves routes connecting Legazpi with surrounding municipalities like Tabaco, Ligao, and Polangui. Its affordability and efficiency cater to students and workers, supporting both educational and economic activities. However, challenges such as overcrowding, long waits, and inconsistent scheduling persist, highlighting the need for service improvements. This study aims to address these issues through design thinking process that includes identifying the issues and tracing its root causes through 5 Why Analysis. A proposed framework is developed to modernize UV Express operations by replacing manual processes with digital solutions like a Booking System, GPS tracking, and passenger feedback integrated into a mobile app. This initiative enhances operational efficiency, aligns services with evolving transportation trends, and fosters competitiveness. Moreover, it prepares UV Express for further advancements, including usability assessments through pilot testing of the mobile application in Albay.

Personalized dose selection for the first Waldenström macroglobulinemia patient on the PRECISE CURATE.AI trial

The digital revolution in healthcare, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and artificial intelligence (AI) advances, has led to a surge in the development of digital technologies. However, integrating digital health solutions, especially AI-based ones, in rare diseases like Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) remains challenging due to limited data, among other factors. CURATE.AI, a clinical decision support system, offers an alternative to big data approaches by calibrating individual treatment profiles based on that individual’s data alone. We present a case study from the PRECISE CURATE.AI trial with a WM patient, where, over two years, CURATE.AI provided dynamic Ibrutinib dose recommendations to clinicians (users) aimed at achieving optimal IgM levels. An 80-year-old male with newly diagnosed WM requiring treatment due to anemia was recruited to the trial for CURATE.AI-based dosing of the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor Ibrutinib. The primary and secondary outcome measures were focused on scientific and logistical feasibility. Preliminary results underscore the platform’s potential in enhancing user and patient engagement, in addition to clinical efficacy. Based on a two-year-long patient enrollment into the CURATE.AI-augmented treatment, this study showcases how AI-enabled tools can support the management of rare diseases, emphasizing the integration of AI to enhance personalized therapy.

Glare Reduction of the Artificial Lighting System Using the Digital Software Solution

Artificial lighting systems are an integral part of production halls. These systems are typically used to supplement daylight, although in some cases they are the sole source of lighting in the workplace. Every artificial lighting system is accompanied by an unfavourable phenomenon: glare. This phenomenon is one of the main factors affecting the quantitative parameters of internal lighting systems. Glare needs to be reduced in each production area to ensure visual well-being, which is linked to the visual performance of employees and consequently affects the efficiency and productivity of production. Obtaining information about glare in a real system is a difficult and lengthy process. However, digital software tools can be used in a simulated environment to predict and reduce glare. This article addresses the issue of reducing glare in artificial lighting systems using a digital software solution. The introduction discusses the theoretical aspects of glare caused by artificial lighting systems. This is followed by a practical example using the simulation method with the Dialux Evo tool to reduce glare in the workplace. The conclusion of the article provides an analysis of the results achieved and offers recommendations for practical implementation.

Analysis of the Use of Qris as Social Change Among Students

Background: This research aims to analyze the use of QRIS as an alternative to digital payments at Hasanuddin University, explore the factors influencing its adoption among students, and provide recommendations for increasing its implementation, while assessing social changes related to the shift from cash to digital money. Objective: This research aims to describe Hasanuddin University students' awareness of the use of QRIS as a digital payment solution and analyze the social changes that occur as a result of the use of QRIS among students. Method: This research uses a quantitative approach with descriptive research type. The population in this study were students registered in the Hasanuddin University FISIP Sociology Masters Program, and the sampling technique in this study was a probability sampling method with types. The type of method used was total sampling where the sample size was the same as the population with the number of research samples being 86 person. Results: The results of this research show that: first, the level of awareness of Hasanuddin University FISIP Masters students regarding the use of the QRIS application as a transaction method is in the "Enough" category with a TCR of 60.093; second, QRIS functions as a social fact that maintains social order by reducing criminal acts and building trust between individuals; third, there are five stages of the innovation diffusion process in the practice of using the QRIS application among students, namely the stages of introduction, persuasion, decision, implementation, and confirmation. Conclusion: Digital awareness in the use of the QRIS application among students of the Master of Sociology FISIP University of Hasanuddin involves seven main aspects: Posthumanism, Human-Machine Interaction, Digital Aesthetics, Fluidity of Identity and Consciousness, Technology and the Evolution of Consciousness, Transcendence of Physical Boundaries, and Interdisciplinarity.

Mitigating digital transformation risks for circular construction in emerging economies: an empirical investigation in Vietnam

Although emerging economies are increasingly adopting digital solutions, integrating these technologies with circular construction practices remains relatively unexplored, which could impede the sector’s transformation. This study addresses this gap by investigating the complex risk landscape, identifying 23 critical concerns through a quantitative approach. Utilizing data collected from 248 construction professionals in Vietnam, this study scrutinized and assessed these risks using reliability testing, Kruskal-Wallis test, exploratory factor analysis, relative importance index, and risk mapping techniques. The results revealed the differences in how clients, contractors, and consultants perceived digital transformation risks for circular construction. In addition, the findings indicated the most significant risks, including negative returns on investments, income loss, competition, legal uncertainties, cyberattacks, and high digitization costs. Furthermore, a comparative analysis showed that countries with similar socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds may exhibit markedly different risk profiles. Theoretically, this work bridges circularity and digitalization, offering theoretical insights into risk dynamics in emerging economies. Moreover, the practical implications are substantial, providing valuable strategies for decision-makers and stakeholders in Vietnam and beyond, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for the construction industry.

INNOVATIONS IN HOTEL MANAGEMENT: THE IMPACT OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES ON IMPROVING CUSTOMER SERVICE

In today's world, the hospitality industry is undergoing significant transformations driven by innovative technologies that open new horizons for enhancing customer service. Hotel management increasingly relies on digital solutions that improve the quality of services, personalize guest interactions, and refine internal business processes. Among the key technologies transforming the hotel sector, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, automation, and big data stand out. Their implementation fosters the effective development of hotels and enhances their competitiveness in the global market. In this context, studying contemporary innovations in hotel management, their impact on the customer experience, and analyzing the challenges associated with implementing cutting-edge technologies is a particularly relevant task for the academic community. This article aims to explore how innovative technologies transform the approach to customer service in hotels, specifically through the examples of hotel chains such as Hilton and Marriott International.

Innovating the bank-firm relationship: a spherical fuzzy approach to SME funding

PurposeInnovation in financing processes, enabled by the advent of new technologies, has supported the development of alternative finance funding tools. In this context, the study analyses the growing importance of alternative finance instruments (such as equity crowdfunding, peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, venture capital, and others) in addressing the small and medioum enterprises' (SMEs) financing needs beyond traditional bank and market-based funding channels. By providing more flexible terms and faster approval times, these instruments are gradually reshaping the traditional bank-firm relationship.Design/methodology/approachTo comprehensively understand this innovation shift in funding processes, the study employs a novel approach that merges three MCDA methods: Spherical Fuzzy Entropy, ARAS and TOPSIS. These methodologies allow for handling ambiguity and subjectivity in financial decision-making processes, examining the effects of multiple criteria, including interest rate, flexibility, accessibility, support, riskiness, and approval time, on the appeal of various financial alternatives.FindingsThe study’s results have significant theoretical and practical implications, supporting SMEs in carefully evaluate financing alternatives and enables banks to better identify the main “competitors” according to the “financial need” of the firm. Moreover, the rise of alternative finance, notably P2P lending, indicates a shift towards more efficient capital access, suggesting banks must innovate their funding channels to remain competitive, especially in offering flexible solutions for restructuring and high-risk scenarios.Practical implicationsThe study advises top management that SMEs prefer traditional loans for their reliability and accessibility, necessitating banks to enhance transparency, innovate, and adopt digital solutions to meet evolving financing needs and improve customer satisfaction.Originality/valueThe study introduces a novel integration of Spherical Fuzzy TOPSIS, Entropy, and ARAS methodologies to face the complexities of financial decision-making for SME financing, addressing ambiguity and multiple criteria like interest rates, flexibility, and riskiness. It emphasizes the importance of traditional loans, the rising significance of alternative financing such as P2P lending, and the necessity for banks to innovate, thereby enriching the literature on bank-firm relationships and SME funding strategies.

Digital Applications and The Use of Information Technology in Increasing the Attractiveness of Foreign Tourist Visits

This study aims to analyze the role of the adoption of technology and digital devices in facilitating business processes in the tourism industry in terms of delivering interactive information to tourists, especially foreign tourists. This study uses a qualitative method. Data collection methods used in the study are literature reviews, field surveys, and observations. The results of the study show that many foreign tourists are active and regular in using information and communication technology with laptops, smartphones, and the Internet. The results of the study also concluded that applications such as digital maps are the most popular devices for planning travel. Although the demand for digital solutions is very high, there is a gap between the technology preferences of foreign tourists and the ability of industry players to adopt technology, the majority of tourism industry players still rely on conventional methods. Foreign tourists who are currently dominated by the digital generation show a fast understanding and adaptation of technology, this should be responded to quickly by tourism business actors in Indonesia in developing digital devices. The tourism sector needs to improve technology integration to improve the efficiency and relevance of information services. To meet the needs of foreign tourists and technology-savvy tourists, it is important to develop technological devices that can be used to provide information and are easily accessible

THE IMPACT OF DIGITALIZATION ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CARBON-FREE ECONOMY PRINCIPLES IN UKRAINE

This study explores the role of digitalization in implementing carbon-free economy principles in Ukraine, with a particular focus on how digital technologies contribute to enhancing energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. Digitalization serves as a critical enabler of sustainable development by providing tools for optimizing energy consumption, improving resource management, and minimizing the environmental footprint of economic activities. Through correlation and regression analyses, the research investigates the relationship between investments in digital technologies, environmental protection measures, and CO2 emissions for the period from 2007 to 2020. The results reveal that while digitalization has the potential to improve energy efficiency, its current impact on reducing CO2 emissions remains limited. The findings indicate that increased investments in renewable energy sources and more comprehensive integration of digital technologies into the energy sector are essential to achieve significant reductions in emissions. Additionally, the study highlights the positive effect of innovation-driven activities on energy efficiency but points to the need for further development and deployment of environmentally friendly digital solutions. The research also underscores the importance of continued financial support for green technologies and emphasizes the necessity of improving greenhouse gas monitoring systems. Practical recommendations include increasing investment in renewable energy, expanding the use of smart technologies across industries, and promoting long-term innovation strategies aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. Overall, the research concludes that digital innovation plays a supporting role in achieving energy efficiency but requires stronger policy frameworks, investment, and coordination to realize its full potential in contributing to environmental sustainability.

Structural design optimization of cast glass artwork via a digital design solution

Structural design optimization of cast glass artwork via a digital design solution

Clinical training and practice of using digital health solutions among healthcare workers in clinical settings during Hajj season.

Digital health solutions are widely used in Saudi Arabia, but training, clinical practice and challenges related to using digital health applications have not been evaluated from the perspective of healthcare workers during the Haj season in Makkah. The current study was planned to explore clinical training, practices and challenges related to the use of digital health among healthcare workers during the Haj season from June to August 2023. Of the 470 subjects, 347(73.8%) were males and 123(26.2%) were females. The overall median age was 40 years (interquartile range: 27-56 years). In the clinical practice of using digital health, 185(39.4%) of the subjects strongly agreed that digital health was useful and beneficial during transportation difficulties, and 167(35.5%) strongly agreed that digital health applications had changed their working routine during the Haj season. Negative outcome expectations were the challenge least reported by 72(15.3%) respondents.

Mapping and Deep Analysis of Hospital Radiology Department to Identify Workflow Challenges and Their Potential Digital Solutions

Mapping and Deep Analysis of Hospital Radiology Department to Identify Workflow Challenges and Their Potential Digital Solutions

DIGITALIZATION DOCUMENT CONTROL AND DATA RECORDS MANAGEMENT TO SUPPORT BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE OF INTEGRATED DOCUMENTED INFORMATION CONTROL ACTIVITIES AT PT X

Digitalization plays an important role in improving document control and data records management to support documented information control activities that integrate business intelligence. This research aims to analyze the impact of digitization in document control and data records management at PT X, as well as how digital technology can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of documented information management. This research uses a descriptive method with a qualitative approach, in the form of a case study at PT X. Primary data was obtained through in-depth interviews with PT X system management staff and direct observation, while secondary data was collected from company documents, annual reports, applied ISO standards, and related literature. The data analysis technique used was thematic analysis. The results showed that a digital document management system can organize documents more efficiently, enable easier and faster access, and improve compliance with ISO standards. Digitalization in document control and records management at PT X resulted in improved operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and competitive advantage. This research emphasizes the importance of managerial support and organizational culture change in the implementation of digital technology. Thus, the integration of digital solutions not only facilitates better information management but also supports the continuous improvement and business success of PT X in the modern business landscape.

Success Factors for Usability Testing of Digital Health Solutions.

The design and development of patient-centered digital health solutions requires user involvement, for example through usability testing. Although there are guidelines for conducting usability tests, there is a lack of knowledge about the technical, human, and organizational factors that influence the success of the tests. To summarize the success factors of usability testing in the context of patient-centered digital health solutions. We considered three case studies and collected experiences related to time management, relevance of results and challenges encountered. Success factors relate to participant privacy and data protection, test environment setup, device and application readiness, user comfort and accessibility, test tools and procedures, and adaptability to user limitations. Small organizational and technical details can have a big impact on the outcome of a usability test. Considering the aspects mentioned in this paper will not only save resources but also the trust of the participating patients.

Digital Health Empowerment in Surgery: Exploring Total Hip Arthroplasty as a Model for Transformation.

In the realm of modern healthcare, digital health solutions are poised to transform patient care, particularly in surgical interventions such as Total Hip Arthroplasty. Through a scoping review of 40 studies, this paper identifies six categories of digital interventions tailored for pre- and post-operative care in THA, spanning (Tele-)Rehabilitation, (Tele-)Monitoring and -Communication, Mobile Applications and Patient Portals, Digital Patient Assessment and Outcome Measurement, as well as Biomechanics and Robotics. These solutions, ranging from AI-driven communication tools to weight-shifting robot control systems, promise a more patient-centered, efficient, and accessible healthcare model. The paper concludes by advocating for continued exploration and development of digital health solutions to improve surgical outcomes and patient experiences across various medical contexts.

Challenges Implementing Patient and Public Involvement in a Digital Health Agile Project Which Includes Research, Business and Software Development.

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is a practice for involving future users in the design, development, and research of health technologies. There is increasing interest and demand for PPI, but little evidence based methodological support for integrating PPI in agile development processes. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition that severely impacts the lives of patients and requires active patient involvement. In this paper, we present the results of a case study, examining the adoption and integration of PPI into the development of a digital therapeutics solution for MS. The results highlight five critical phases that proved to be challenging: selecting patient participants, onboarding of patient participants and employees, framing tasks for patient participants, communication between patient participants and the rest of the development team, and reimbursements. The results are useful in creating evidence-based guidelines and methods for supporting the adoption of PPI.

INSAFEDARE Project: Innovative Applications of Assessment and Assurance of Data and Synthetic Data for Regulatory Decision Support.

Digital health solutions hold promise for enhancing healthcare delivery and patient outcomes, primarily driven by advancements such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science, which enable the development of integrated care systems. Techniques for generating synthetic data from real datasets are highly advanced and continually evolving. This paper aims to present the INSAFEDARE project's ambition regarding medical devices' regulation and how real and synthetic data can be used to check if devices are safe and effective. The project will consist of three pillars: a) assurance of new state-of-the-art technologies and approaches (such as synthetic data), which will support the validation methods as part of regulatory decision-making; b) technical and scientific, focusing on data-based safety assurance, as well as discovery, integration and use of datasets, and use of machine learning approaches; and c) delivery to practice, through co-production involving relevant stakeholders, dissemination and sustainability of the project's outputs. Finally, INSAFEDARE will develop an open syllabus and training certification for health professionals focused on quality assurance.

Video Consultations and Environmental Sustainability - Usability's Impact on Long-Term Use.

The rapid shift to digital healthcare, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, holds promise for sustainable healthcare delivery and climate change mitigation. This study evaluates the Alltid öppet application through the lens of usability and patient satisfaction and their correlation with the intention for continued use. A cross-sectional analysis of primary care patients revealed that alignment with user needs significantly predicts long-term adoption, while frustration during use discourages it. Ease of use did not significantly affect the intention to continue, suggesting that usability alone is insufficient to drive sustained engagement. These findings highlight user-centred design's importance in digital healthcare solutions, suggesting that enduring adoption hinges on value perception and reducing user frustration. As the healthcare sector navigates its digital future, this study offers crucial insights into the design and implementation strategies that could underpin the environmental sustainability and resilience of healthcare systems.

Multicomponent Support Program for Secondary Prevention of Stroke Using Digital Health Technology: Co-Design Study With People Living With Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack.

Few individuals (<2%) who experience a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) participate in secondary prevention lifestyle programs. Novel approaches that leverage digital health technology may provide a viable alternative to traditional interventions that support secondary prevention in people living with stroke or TIA. To be successful, these strategies should focus on user needs and preferences and be acceptable to clinicians and people living with stroke or TIA. This study aims to co-design, with people with lived experience of stroke or TIA (referred to as consumers) and clinicians, a multicomponent digital technology support program for secondary prevention of stroke. A consumer user needs survey (108 items) was distributed through the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry and the Stroke Association of Victoria. An invitation to a user needs survey (135 items) for clinicians was circulated via web-based professional forums and national organizations (eg, the Stroke Telehealth Community of Practice Microsoft Teams Channel) and the authors' research networks using Twitter (subsequently rebranded X, X Corp) and LinkedIn (LinkedIn Corp). Following the surveys, 2 rounds of user experience workshops (design and usability testing workshops) were completed with representatives from each end user group (consumers and clinicians). Feedback gathered after each round informed the final design of the digital health program. Overall, 112 consumers (male individuals: n=63, 56.3%) and 54 clinicians (female individuals: n=43, 80%) responded to the survey; all items were completed by 75.8% (n=85) of consumers and 78% (n=42) of clinicians. Most clinicians (46/49, 94%) indicated the importance of monitoring health and lifestyle measures more frequently than current practice, particularly physical activity, weight, and sleep. Most consumers (87/96, 90%) and clinicians (41/49, 84%) agreed that providing alerts about potential deterioration in an individual's condition were important functions for a digital program. Intention to use a digital program for stroke prevention and discussing the data collected during face-to-face consultations was high (consumers: 79/99, 80%; clinicians 36/42, 86%). In addition, 7 consumers (male individuals: n=5, 71%) and 9 clinicians (female individuals: n=6, 67%) took part in the user experience workshops. Participants endorsed using a digital health program to help consumers manage stroke or TIA and discussed preferred functions and health measures in a digital solution for secondary prevention of stroke. They also noted the need for a mobile app that is easy to use. Clinician feedback highlighted the need for a customizable clinician portal that captures individual consumer goals. Following an iterative co-design process, supported by evidence from user needs surveys and user experience workshops, a consumer-facing app that integrates wearable activity trackers and a clinician web portal were designed and developed to support secondary prevention of stroke. Feasibility testing is currently in progress to assess acceptability and use.

Improving electronic health record documentation and use to promote evidence-based pediatric care.

Electronic health records (EHRs) often lack the necessary functionalities to support the full implementation of national clinical guidelines for pediatric care outlined in the American Academy of Pediatrics Bright Futures Guidelines. Using HealthySteps (HS), an evidence-based pediatric primary care program, as an exemplar, this study aimed to enhance pediatric EHRs, identify facilitators and barriers to EHR enhancements, and improve data quality for delivering clinical care as part of HS implementation and evidence building. Three HS sites-each differing in location, setting, number of children served, and mix of child insurance coverage-participated in the study. Sites received technical assistance to support data collection and EHR updates. A comprehensive evaluation, including a process evaluation and outcomes monitoring, was conducted to gauge progress toward implementing study data requirements over time. Data sources included administrative records, surveys, and interviews. All sites enhanced their EHRs yet relied on supplemental data systems to track care coordination. Sites improved documentation of required data, demonstrating reductions in missing data and increases in extractable data between baseline and follow-up assessments. For example, the percentage of missing social-emotional screening results ranged from 0% to 8.0% at study conclusion. Facilitators and barriers to EHR enhancements included organizational supports, leadership, and capacity building. With significant investment of time and resources, practices modified their EHRs to better capture services aligned with HS and Bright Futures. However, more scalable digital solutions are necessary to support EHR updates to help drive improvements in clinical care and outcomes for children and families.