Digital Tools Research Articles

Digital accessibility tools and training and the DA4You course: views and experiences of users with disabilities

AbstractDigital technologies are now ubiquitous in our lives and it is of critical importance that people with disabilities benefit from full and equitable access to the digital world. However, digital accessibility training for users with disabilities is lacking, and there is little research on developing such training focusing on ways to use the broad and growing range of digital accessibility tools available today. The current study investigates the practices, views and experiences of users with disabilities regarding digital devices, accessibility tools and training. Data were collected from 91 participants with a range of disabilities using a questionnaire and 14 participants took part in a semi-structured interview. The findings confirm that while users with disabilities are making use of a wide variety of technologies and accessibility tools, digital accessibility training for such users is inadequate, with participants experiencing gaps and shortcomings in the training and support provided from their early years onwards, including at school, university and in their adult lives. Such gaps and deficiencies reinforce the digital divide between users with disabilities and non-disabled users. Participants gave several recommendations to improve digital accessibility training. The research informed the design of the training created as part of the DA4You project, presented in this article, which was positively evaluated by participants overall. However, greater efforts are needed to improve digital accessibility training for all users with disabilities, who are keen to have access to more and better training opportunities. The onus is on educators, trainers, administrators and policymakers, etc. to make this a priority.

A conceptual framework for digital health marketing strategies to enhance public health outcomes in underserved communities

This paper proposes a conceptual framework for integrating digital health marketing strategies with public health initiatives to enhance healthcare access and outcomes in underserved communities. The framework focuses on leveraging digital marketing tools such as social media, mobile applications, email campaigns, and search engine optimization to disseminate critical health information, promote preventive measures, and engage communities in healthier behaviors. It addresses the persistent challenges faced by underserved populations, including limited healthcare access, low health literacy, and cultural barriers, by utilizing the accessibility and broad reach of digital channels. The proposed framework incorporates three core components: (1) Health Information Dissemination, which explores the use of targeted digital campaigns to provide culturally relevant and accessible health education; (2) Community Engagement, which leverages interactive platforms such as social media and mobile apps to foster participation in preventive healthcare initiatives and healthy lifestyle practices; and (3) Behavioral Change Promotion, which emphasizes using digital tools to influence health behaviors through personalized messaging, reminders, and virtual support groups. By integrating digital marketing strategies into public health programs, the framework aims to improve healthcare outcomes by increasing awareness of preventive measures, enhancing early diagnosis, and promoting disease management. It also underscores the role of data analytics in refining outreach efforts by identifying specific health needs, tracking engagement, and measuring the effectiveness of interventions. This conceptual framework holds promise for healthcare providers, policymakers, and digital marketers seeking to enhance public health outcomes in underserved communities. It provides a structured approach to combining the strengths of digital marketing with public health goals, creating more inclusive, accessible, and effective health interventions. Future research and case studies can build on this model to refine digital health marketing strategies and assess their long-term impact on public health in underserved populations.

The Orientation in Space of the Maxillary Arch: New and Old Devices in the Prosthetic Digital Workflow.

In extensive prosthetic rehabilitations and in those involving the anterior area, a correct 3D spatial position is of fundamental importance for effective communication between the clinician and the dental technician. The aim of this article is to analyze the different methods used to position in space and/or in an articulator the maxillary arch in analog workflows highlighting shortcomings and difficulties in order to understand how to overcome them when employing digital workflows. Traditional mechanical devices, such as anatomical, kinematic, esthetic and postural facebows, have clear indications, but also limitations, especially in cases of skeletal asymmetries. Modern digital tools, including photography, CBCT, facial scanners and jaw recording devices, are here critically analyzed to illustrate the advantages of working in a virtual space. The adoption of digital tools in the prosthetic workflow represents a significant improvement compared to traditional techniques, as it reduces errors and artifacts of registration and transfer of the position of the maxillary arch in the articulator space. This contributes to more predictable esthetic and functional results, with a positive impact for clinicians and technicians, improving clinical-laboratory communication, operational efficiency and overall quality of work. The integration of digital tools into prosthetic workflows represents an important advancement in clinical practice since they reduce human error and facilitate communication between the clinician and the laboratory. When carrying out rehabilitations involving changes in esthetics or occlusal plane orientation, the proper and accurate positioning of the upper arch in space is particularly relevant.

TEACHING COMPUTATIONAL THINKING IN SAUDI ARABIAN SCHOOLS USING SMARTPHONE APPS

This study investigates the efficacy of smartphone applications in teaching computational thinking to students in Saudi Arabian primary and secondary schools. Computational thinking, encompassing problem-solving, computational logic, and algorithmic thinking, is an essential skill in the modern world. The research assesses various educational apps that support the development of computational thinking and examines their integration into the Saudi curriculum. This study incorporates qualitative and quantitative research techniques to provide an inclusive perspective. Participants included primary and secondary school students from various schools in Saudi Arabia. The research employed pre- and post-tests for quantitative analysis and interviews and questionnaires for qualitative data. Quantitative results include pre- and post-tests of the students in computational thinking with the aid of co-varying with Computational thinking, while interviews and questionnaires with teachers and students offer qualitative data. Best-selling educational applications for ScratchJr, Lightbot, Cargo-Bot, and Kodable are compared concerning how efficiently they introduce programming ideas and encourage rational thinking. Results have suggested that smartphone applications have a positive influence on students’ computational skills. An enhanced standard is also noticed regarding the students’ aspects that involve problem analysis, identification of pattern, and formation of algorithm. The use of applications such as ScratchJr and Lightbot is justified regarding an application’s capacity to improve students’ motivation and willingness to learn computational concepts. Teachers indicate that their students have shown more concern and engagement mainly when the teacher integrates these apps. Hence, based on the findings of the study, it is evident that incorporating Smartphone applications into the curriculum will lead to a reforming change in the teaching approaches towards efficiency as well as feasibility of the learners. These findings are valuable for the Saudi context for policy and teaching enhancement, signaling the need to provide more resources in digital tools and invest in the professional development of teachers to capture the virtues of advanced technology in improving learners’ performance.

The intersection of clinical trial management and patient advocacy: How research professionals can promote patient rights while upholding clinical excellence

The purpose of this study was to investigate the intersection of clinical trial management and patient advocacy, focusing on how research professionals can promote patient rights while upholding clinical excellence. As clinical trials evolve to become more patient-centered, balancing ethical obligations with scientific rigor remains a significant challenge. This paper explores key concepts such as informed consent, patient engagement, data privacy, and the ethical responsibilities of research professionals. Additionally, it examines the role of emerging technologies, including mobile health applications, wearable devices, telemedicine, and blockchain, in enhancing patient advocacy and improving trial outcomes. A thorough literature review and analysis were conducted to identify the challenges faced in integrating patient advocacy into clinical trial management. The study also highlights the critical role of research professionals in ensuring that patient rights are respected while addressing the complexities of global clinical trials, where varying ethical standards pose additional challenges. The findings suggest that patient-centric approaches, supported by digital tools, can significantly improve the ethical integrity of clinical trials, ensuring greater inclusivity, accessibility, and retention of participants. However, these innovations also raise concerns regarding data security, necessitating the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient confidentiality. In conclusion, the study recommends the adoption of decentralized clinical trials and the harmonization of global regulatory frameworks to ensure consistent ethical standards. Research professionals must prioritize patient welfare while embracing technological advancements that offer opportunities for more efficient and inclusive clinical research. By striking this balance, clinical trials can better serve both scientific progress and the ethical imperatives of patient advocacy.

The evolution of marketing research in the context of digital transformation of society

Marketing research’s relevance in digital transformation is paramount for ensuring business process efficiency. The article aims to analyse the impact of new digital tools on marketing research, identify the main advantages of these methods, and develop recommendations for their optimisation. The methodology involves a comprehensive approach, which includes analysing the experience of international companies, assessing the market, and the practice of applying the latest technologies in marketing research. The results revealed that using big data and social media analytics increases the accuracy and efficiency of marketing campaigns. The article highlights the need to adapt digital approaches to market specifics and consumer needs. The study results indicate that the revenues of the marketing research industry significantly influenced global GDP from 2009 to 2022, with the most substantial impact observed in North America and the weakest in Latin America. The practical significance lies in integrating modern technologies into the marketing research process, which requires marketers to have high technological proficiency. The article outlines the role of data privacy, which demands a responsible approach to information from companies. Several recommended measures are provided to improve marketing research, implement personalised strategies, and enhance staff qualifications. The prospects for further research include developing comprehensive programs that enable the effective use of digital technologies in marketing research.

Exploring Food Processing in Natural Science Education: Practical Applications and Pedagogical Techniques

Food processing is an essential link in the chain that connects agricultural production with consumer nutrition and safety. This paper attempts to discuss how effectively food processing can be integrated into the curriculum of natural sciences to further the understanding of students about scientific principles through practical applications. Discussion of relevance to food processing prepares the ground for biology, chemistry, and environmental science, focusing on such core processes as fermentation, pasteurization, and conservation. This paper outlines how reviewing successful strategies and case studies, concept concretization of science is realized through practical activities and interdisciplinary projects, and larger goals are achieved in education for sustainability, food safety, and healthier eating. Besides, it underscores the place of technology and innovation through digital tools and virtual simulation in making the lessons interactive for the students in a career-oriented manner. The article concludes with the following practical suggestions for educators and advocates of the partnership among schools, industry, and community toward an enriched education preparing students with vocational skills.

SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTION ON PUBLIC CONTRACT MANAGEMENT IN BRAZIL: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Efficient management of public contracts is essential to ensure the proper allocation of resources and the effectiveness of operations in government institutions, including military ones. This study conducts a systematic review of the scientific literature on contract management in Brazilian military institutions between 2013 and 2023, aiming to identify trends, gaps, and research opportunities. The research employed a mixed-method approach, combining systematic review and bibliometric analysis, and analyzed articles from the SPELL database. The results show a significant increase in the number of publications in 2023, with a focus on the Southeast and Northeast regions, while the North region exhibited a notable lack of studies. Revista de Administração Pública was the most productive journal, and Eduardo José Grin the most cited researcher. The analysis also revealed a concentration of studies in public universities in the Southeast. The study suggests that adopting technological innovations, such as automation and digital tools, has the potential to enhance transparency and efficiency in public procurement processes. The lack of research on contract management in the North region underscores the need for greater academic attention in this area, creating opportunities for further studies.

Digital tools and AI: Using technology to monitor carbon emissions and waste at each stage of the supply chain, enabling real-time adjustments for sustainability improvements

The increasing urgency of addressing climate change has necessitated the adoption of innovative technologies to monitor and mitigate carbon emissions and waste throughout the supply chain. This paper explores the role of digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) in enabling real-time tracking and analysis of environmental impact at each stage of the supply chain. By integrating IoT devices, big data analytics, and machine learning algorithms, organizations can gain comprehensive insights into their operations, identifying key areas where emissions and waste can be reduced. The use of AI-powered predictive analytics allows companies to model various scenarios, optimizing resource allocation and operational efficiency while minimizing environmental footprints. This research also highlights successful case studies where companies have implemented these technologies, resulting in significant sustainability improvements and cost savings. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges associated with data integration, system interoperability, and the need for industry-wide standards to ensure effective monitoring and reporting. The importance of stakeholder collaboration is emphasized, as engaging suppliers, customers, and regulatory bodies is essential for achieving comprehensive sustainability goals. Ultimately, this paper advocates for the strategic implementation of digital tools and AI as pivotal enablers of sustainable supply chain management, providing organizations with the capability to adapt to changing environmental regulations and consumer expectations. By leveraging technology to monitor and reduce carbon emissions and waste, businesses can enhance their competitiveness while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Enhancing ethical standards in clinical trials: A deep dive into regulatory compliance, informed consent, and participant rights protection frameworks

This study critically examines the ethical standards governing clinical trials, focusing on regulatory compliance, informed consent, and the protection of participant rights. The purpose is to assess the current ethical frameworks and explore emerging trends that shape the evolving landscape of clinical research. Through a detailed review of existing literature, this paper analyzes how global regulatory bodies and ethical guidelines, such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the Declaration of Helsinki, guide the ethical conduct of trials while identifying gaps that have emerged due to advances in technology and the globalization of clinical research. Key findings reveal that while informed consent remains central to participant autonomy, challenges persist in ensuring true comprehension across diverse populations, particularly in the context of complex interventions and digital tools. The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), decentralized trial designs, and precision medicine introduces both opportunities and ethical dilemmas, especially regarding data privacy, participant selection, and regulatory harmonization in multinational trials. Conclusions emphasize the need for adaptive ethical frameworks that address the unique risks and benefits associated with these emerging trends. Recommendations include strengthening global regulatory harmonization, enhancing transparency in AI-driven research, and ensuring that participant rights, particularly data security and informed consent, are prioritized in evolving clinical trial designs. These steps are crucial for maintaining public trust and advancing medical research ethically and responsibly.

Narrating a path: Digital humanities tools in the linguistics classroom

This paper embraces the premise in Mehl (2021: 331) that “linguists should care about the digital humanities … because collaborations between … linguistics and DH will be fruitful for all of us.” I discuss my incorporation of a selection of DH tools and practices into my teaching of three undergraduate linguistics courses, where in lieu of the traditional “research paper”, students learn about free web-based tools to create interactive exhibits and digitally edited volumes. These tools make multimodal writing and data presentation easy, and they are ideal for interactive presentation of ideas. They also allow students to weave concepts in linguistics with ways in which linguistics, usually more embedded in the social sciences, finds footing in the humanities, including language and identity, language endangerment and revitalization, or specific languages that they speak or are spoken in their worlds. These initiatives address justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) initiatives promoting cross-linguistic and cross-cultural understanding. They also allow students to actively interrogate the ways in which the discipline may perpetuate or challenge existing power structures and their biases.

Analysis of the Use of the Dana Application as a Digital Payment Tool in Facilitating Consumer Purchasing Transactions

This research aims to achieve the following objectives: (1) to explore how the implementation of the DANA e-wallet facilitates consumer transactions at the Ya'ahowu Market in Gunungsitoli City; (2) to examine the usage patterns of the DANA application within the Ya'ahowu Market; and (3) to identify the challenges and risks associated with using the DANA application in simplifying transactions for consumers at the market. The research methods employed include observation, interviews, and documentation collection, with five respondents participating in the study. Based on interviews with key informants, the study found that the increasing adoption of e-wallets, such as DANA, has significantly streamlined transaction processes at Ya'ahowu Market. Informants revealed that, prior to the introduction of the DANA application, transactions were conducted solely in cash. However, since the app’s integration, both buyers and sellers at Ya'ahowu Market have embraced e-wallets, recognizing their potential to simplify transactions and enhance overall market efficiency. This shift demonstrates the market's effort to keep up with technological advancements in digital payment systems.

Cultural Heritage and Educational Practices: A Conceptual Study of Cantonese Folk Song Education in Guangdong Province

This paper explores the intersection of cultural heritage and educational practices in the teaching of Cantonese folk songs in Guangdong Province. It examines the cultural significance of Cantonese folk songs as vital components of Guangdong's intangible cultural heritage and evaluates both formal and informal educational practices that support the transmission of these traditions. The study identifies key challenges, including limited resources, declining youth engagement, and the integration of folk songs into standardized curricula. Additionally, the paper discusses innovative pedagogical methods, such as the use of digital platforms and multimedia tools, that can enhance the preservation and revitalization of folk music. It concludes by suggesting future research directions, including comparative studies of folk song education across regions, the role of technology in cultural transmission, and strategies for increasing youth engagement with traditional music. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on cultural sustainability and the role of education in preserving intangible cultural heritage.

The Digital Classroom: Systematic Review of Use of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Teaching in Collaborative Online Settings

This study systematically reviews existing literature on the use of collaborative online settings for teaching English as a foreign language (EFL). Covering 37 peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2024, the review examines various aspects of online collaborative EFL teaching, including the digital platforms utilized, the educational environments, and the specific language skills targeted. The findings indicate that collaborative online environments can enhance EFL learners' language proficiency through interactive learning, feedback techniques, and personalized learning. Additionally, the review found that such environments primarily improve learners' writing skills, with oral and speaking skills also benefiting. However, challenges such as learner distraction, Internet connectivity issues, lack of resources, and limited technical skills were identified as barriers to adopting collaborative online settings in EFL teaching. Strategies to mitigate these challenges such as the use self-created video materials, training, access to the Internet, among others, were discussed. The implications of these findings suggest that educators should incorporate digital collaborative tools to enhance learning outcomes, policymakers should support technological integration in language education, and researchers should address the identified gaps to develop more effective teaching strategies and educational policies.

PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN PEMASARAN DIGITAL PADA UMKM DI DESA SUMBANG PURWOKERTO UNTUK MENINGKATKAN DAYA SAING DAN JANGKAUAN PASAR

This community service program was motivated by the problem of low utilization of digital marketing among MSMEs in Sumbang Village, Purwokerto, with 70% of participants not optimally using social media and only 30% utilizing the marketplace. The purpose of this program is to improve digital marketing skills through participatory training and intensive mentoring. The methods used include needs analysis, training sessions, and direct practice in the field. The evaluation results showed that 85% of participants started actively using social media, 60% succeeded in creating business accounts in the marketplace, and there was an increase in customer interaction of 75%. In addition, 45% of participants reported an increase in sales after utilizing paid advertising, and 90% of participants were able to use digital analysis tools such as Google Analytics to monitor the effectiveness of their campaigns. This program has succeeded in providing a positive impact on MSMEs in Sumbang Village, improving digital marketing skills that are essential to compete in a competitive market. It is recommended to continue the program with follow-up sessions and collaboration with third parties for ongoing support for MSMEs.

Customer interaction and engagement: A theoretical exploration of live promotional tactics in the arts

This paper explores the evolving role of live promotional tactics in enhancing customer interaction and engagement within the arts sector. It begins with an overview of customer engagement theories and their relevance to live events, highlighting the unique opportunities live interaction models present. The paper then examines various live promotional strategies, using case studies to demonstrate how these tactics have been successfully implemented to create immersive and interactive experiences. Challenges such as logistical, financial, and audience-related obstacles are discussed, alongside opportunities offered by digital platforms and tools. The paper concludes by offering recommendations for optimizing live promotional tactics to maximize customer engagement, emphasizing the role of personalization, sustainability, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. These findings underscore the importance of live promotional tactics in fostering deeper audience connections and driving long-term loyalty in the rapidly evolving digital landscape of the arts.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION THROUGH COOPERATIVE LEARNING

In today’s complex world, a continuous upgrade of knowledge is crucial. Digital literacy, as one of the key competencies of the 21st century, is becoming more critical since it enables an efficient use of digital devices and tools. The European Union has set five key competencies for digital literacy, including informational and data literacy, digital content creation and communication and collaboration. In education, communication is widely accepted as a crucial skill for achieving common goals. Collaborative learning has proven to be a practical approach to teaching since it encourages the active participation of learners, provides many valuable and innovative solutions, and enables the development of key competencies. The collaborative workability can be further enhanced through cross-curricular integration, where learners are taught independent learning, information-seeking skills and critical thinking. In the school context, combining digital competencies, collaborative learning, and cross-curricular integration is key to preparing students for life in the modern world. This research presents an example of developing digital competencies in technology engineering lessons. The example above is offered in three stages and covers a period of ten school lessons. In addition to digital competencies, students are developing other competencies that will benefit their daily lives. Research is aimed at teachers who want to build digital competencies in their students through experiential learning, collaborative work, and cross-curricular integration, as well as prepare them for future challenges. Keywords: digital competences, digital literacy, cross-curricular approaches, cooperative learning, technology and engineering learning, technology and engineering literacy

A comprehensive outline towards conciliation in the contemporary world of E-commerce

Since the start of the millennial era, technical advancements have led to exponential growth in electronic commerce, or e-commerce. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), e-commerce sales reached about US$25 trillion globally in 2021 [1] and are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9% through 2027, which is twice as fast as the 4% annual growth rate predicted for traditional in-person retail [2]. Online dispute resolution (ODR) techniques that aim to settle disagreements and lower the likelihood of expensive lawsuits are becoming more and more necessary as both individuals and corporations use online shopping platforms. Due of its legally binding nature, arbitration is the most formal method, as was briefly discussed [3]. Online arbitration is carried out using electronic methods, like email and digital tools designed to make the duties of arbitrators and parties to a dispute easier. It adheres to the same rules and processes as traditional arbitration. On the plus side of e-arbitration, advancements in technology allow for time and cost savings without sacrificing the ease of remote filing. The conclusion of e-arbitration agreements raises several negative issues, including privacy and data protection issues for the consumer signing the agreements and power imbalances between corporate entities and the consumer. The degree to which artificial intelligence (AI) is effectively and sufficiently analysing a dispute between parties is up for debate because it's unclear how new this adjudication process is.

Implementing agile management practices in the era of digital transformation

In the era of digital transformation, organizations face unprecedented technological changes that demand a shift toward more adaptive and responsive management practices. This paper Analyses how organizations can strategically implement agile management practices to navigate these rapid changes effectively. Agile management emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and customer-centricity, enabling organizations to respond swiftly to market dynamics and evolving customer needs. By adopting frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, and Lean, companies can enhance their management processes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. The paper explores the fundamental principles of agile management and their relevance in the context of digital transformation. It discusses how cross-functional teams, iterative development, and regular feedback loops can facilitate quicker decision-making and enhance collaboration among stakeholders. Additionally, the integration of digital tools, such as project management software and communication platforms, supports agile methodologies by streamlining workflows and improving transparency. Key considerations for successful implementation include aligning agile practices with organizational goals, investing in employee training, and promoting a mindset that embraces change. The paper highlights real-world case studies demonstrating the successful application of agile management in various industries, showcasing its potential to improve responsiveness and operational efficiency. Ultimately, this analysis underscores the critical role of agile management practices in enabling organizations to thrive amidst the challenges of digital transformation

Normative study of SATURN: a digital, self-administered, open-source cognitive assessment tool for Italians aged 50-80.

This study aimed to establish normative data for the Self-Administered Tasks Uncovering Risk of Neurodegeneration (SATURN), a brief computer-based test for global cognitive assessment through accuracy and response times on tasks related to memory, attention, temporal orientation, visuo-constructional abilities, math (calculation), executive functions, and reading speed. A sample of 323 Italian individuals with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) equivalent score ≥1 (180 females; average age: 61.33 years; average education: 11.32 years), stratified by age, education, and sex, completed SATURN using PsychoPy, and a paper-and-pencil protocol consisting of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and MoCA. Data analyses included: (i) correlations between the total accuracy scores of SATURN and those of MMSE and MoCA; (ii) multiple regressions to determine the impact of sex, age, and education, along with the computation of adjusted scores; (iii) the calculation of inner and outer tolerance limits, equivalent scores, and the development of correction grids. The mean total time on tasks was 6.72 ± 3.24 min. Age and education significantly influence the SATURN total accuracy, while sex influences the total time on tasks. Specific sociodemographic characteristics influence subdomain accuracies and times on task differently. For the adjusted SATURN total score, the outer limit corresponds to 16.56 out of 29.00 (cut-off), while the inner limit is 18.57. SATURN significantly correlates with MMSE and MoCA. In conclusion, SATURN is the first open-source digital tool for initial cognitive assessment in Italy, showing potential for self-administration in primary care, and remote administration. Future studies need to assess its sensitivity and specificity in detecting pathological cognitive decline.