Digital Formation Research Articles

Digital Influencers' Visual Narratives and Algorithmic Power: Identi-ty Construction and Impulsive Consumption on Social Networks

This study explores how visual narratives created by digital influencers, combined with personalized algorithmic recommendations, influence impulsive buying behavior and identity construction on social commerce platforms. Through a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with active social commerce consumers and methodological triangulation was used. The results indicate that impulsive purchases are not merely reactions to visual stimuli, but part of a broader strategy of self-expression and social validation. Additionally, algorithms play an active role in amplifying these behaviors by customizing recommendations that align with consumers’ identity aspirations. The research reveals that impulsive consumption in digital environments is driven by cultural, technological, and social factors, suggesting that social commerce platforms not only facilitate consumption but also serve as spaces for identity experimentation. These findings offer new theoretical insights into the role of consumption in digital identity formation and practical implications for brands seeking to engage consumers in a more authentic and personalized manner.

Current issues of digital skills formation in modern education

The article talks about current problems of formation of a set of students’ digital skills in a new learning format. The authors of the study, having studied European standards for teaching information skills at various levels, consider digital skills as necessary for mastering professional knowledge, managing modern and future life, techniques and technologies. The authors of the article analyze the conditions for their formation in the process of vocational education and make an attempt to define them within the framework of qualifications in five aspects: digital literacy and ability to organize information blocks, space for conversations and interaction; information security and search for solutions. The article also identifies and substantiates the need to design basic digital skills for students, updates the creation of a scientific and methodological basis for teaching digital skills during organized learning, and reveals the strategies of pedagogical approaches to blended learning. In addition, it is shown that digital didactics is the basis for creating modern methods and strategies for teaching a profession in a digital format, however, in order to implement all the principles and strategies of digital learning, it is necessary to eliminate the question of forming students' digital competencies and level digital skills.

Allometry in limb regeneration and scale-invariant patterning as the basis of normal morphogenesis from different sizes of blastemas.

Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) limb regeneration begins with blastemas of various sizes, in contrast to the limb developmental process. Despite this size variation, normal limb morphology, consistent with a limb stump size, is regenerated. This outcome suggests the existence of underlying scale-invariant mechanisms. To identify such mechanisms, we examined the allometric relationships between blastema size, and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) and Fibroblast Growth Factor 8 (Fgf8) expression patterns against limb stump size. We found that all factors showed allometric rather than isometric scaling; specifically, their relative sizes decrease with an increase in limb stump size. However, the ratio of Shh/Fgf8 signaling dominant region was nearly constant, independent of blastema/body size. Furthermore, the relative spatial patterns of cell density and proliferation activity and the relative position of first digit formation were scale-invariant in the summed Shh/Fgf8 crosstalk region. This scale-invariant nature may underlie the morphogenesis of normal limbs from different sizes of blastemas.

Генезис проблемы формирования цифровой коммуникативной компетенции в смешанном формате обучения в период с 1950 по 1990 год

Introduction. Digital transformation of science and higher education is a strategic direction of the state policy in the Russian Federation that contributes to qualitative changes in every area of life, including the field of science and education, supporting the idea of continuous professional development. The goal of digital transformation is to achieve a high level of digital fluency in educational establishments of higher education. Digital transformation is aimed at solving different problems, namely increasing the level of digital competence of specialists and students of educational organizations, especially when working in a new learning format. Therefore, we suggest considering the genesis of the problem of formation of digital communicative competence in a blended learning format. Theoretical analysis. This competence, implemented in a blended learning format, is highly-demanded in the digital reality. The article features the periodization of the genesis of the problem of digital communicative competence formation in a blended learning format. The main trends of the second phase of its formation are identified. The scientific, theoretical, historical and socio-cultural prerequisites of its development are determined. Conclusion. Digital competence improves the quality of education and promotes digital innovations in educational environment, maximizing the potential of modern technologies.

Infrastructure required, skill needed: Digital entrepreneurship in rural and urban areas

In this paper, we study the spatial implications of digital entrepreneurship. Leveraging detailed micro-data on the universe of new venture formations in Germany between 2011 and 2018, we illustrate regional determinants of digital entrepreneurship. Unlike conventional entrepreneurship, digital entrepreneurship demonstrates sustained growth rates throughout this time period, highlighting the policy importance of understanding the drivers of digital ventures’ location choices. The key insight of our study is that digital entrepreneurship requires both digital infrastructure and highly-skilled human capital. If both are present, digital entrepreneurship can flourish in rural areas, even if digital venture formations generally concentrate in urban centers.

Building digital resilience in the training of national security professionals and teachers of the «Defence of Ukraine»

The article reveals the peculiarities of forming digital resilience of national security specialists and teachers of the «Defense of Ukraine» as an important factor in countering modern challenges and threats, ensuring stable development of society and protecting its digital future. It is noted that specialists should identify sources of threats to the country's information space and apply mechanisms to discredit them, as well as take into account the focus of the enemy's destructive actions on vulnerable groups through social networks and targeted advertising. It is emphasized that the formation of digital resilience can be quite effective when studying the educational component «Strategic Communications»”, during which future national security specialists and teachers of the «Defense of Ukraine» study such key elements of this type of communication as informing, influencing and persuading; information efficiency; coordination and deconfliction; «communication by action” and reducing the gap in the «say-do» construct. Building digital resilience in national security professionals and teachers of the Defence of Ukraine involves mastering the skills of creating their own and using specialized critical platforms and tools necessary to identify and counter hybrid threats. Attention is focused on the mechanisms of digital resilience formation as a concept of «Society 5.0», which has become a kind of theoretical challenge to the socio-economic and socio-cultural transformations that occur as a result of the total introduction of digital technologies. It is noted that in the context of the problem under study, there is a risk of uneven development of digital media by people, which actualizes the need to introduce mechanisms to intensify adaptive processes at the state level.

Digital Tuvalu: state sovereignty in a world of climate loss

Abstract In a widely shared video, the government of the island state of Tuvalu posed an imaginary of Tuvalu as a digital nation in a situation of unabated climate change. In this article, we take the example of Digital Tuvalu as a paradigmatic case to advance the debates on international relations in the Anthropocene, demonstrating how the processes of climate catastrophe and digital state formation juxtapose. In linking climate loss and state extinction to notions of virtual sovereignty and cyber statehood, we are attentive to the infrastructural power of large information and communications technology companies, while at the same time acknowledging the agency of the Tuvaluan state in navigating the challenges of the Anthropocene. We discuss how a virtual deterritorial state mobilizes the Tuvaluan indigenous philosophy of fenua, to link land, sea, people and culture in a relational understanding of territory and sovereignty. Digital Tuvalu in this way envisions emerging digital technologies to rebuild Tuvaluan fenua in virtual space, thereby regaining agency in the face of existential climate threats. This, we argue, signals a new and highly relational model of digital state preservation, having profound implications for international relations in the Anthropocene.

Концептуальные сдвиги в системе макроэкономического воспроизводства в контексте становления цифровой экономики

целью статьи является исследование и описание изменений в системе макроэкономического воспроизводства, обусловленных переходом к цифровой экономике. Автор стремится выявить ключевые тенденции, процессы и последствия цифровизации для глобальной экономической системы, а также определить как эти изменения влияют на стабильность и устойчивое развитие экономики на различных уровнях. Исследование показывает, что цифровая трансформация приводит к значительным изменениям в макроэкономическом воспроизводстве, включая ускорение процессов создания добавленной стоимости и изменение структуры глобального капитала. Автор выявляет ряд проблем и вызовов, таких как усиление социального расслоения, возрастание фиктивного капитала и риски глобальных финансовых нестабильностей. В статье обсуждаются возможные пути смягчения негативных последствий цифровизации и подчеркивается необходимость формирования новой методологии и системы общественных ценностей, способных адаптироваться к изменяющейся экономической ситуации. the aim of the article is to investigate and describe the changes in the system of macroeconomic reproduction caused by the transition to the digital economy. The author seeks to identify the key trends, processes and consequences of digitalization for the global economic system, as well as to determine how these changes affect the stability and sustainable development of the economy at various levels. The study shows that digital transformation leads to significant changes in macroeconomic reproduction, including the acceleration of value-added processes and changes in the structure of global capital. The author identifies a number of problems and challenges, such as increasing social stratification, growing fictitious capital and risks of global financial instability. The article discusses possible ways to mitigate the negative consequences of digitalization and emphasizes the need to form a new methodology and a system of social values capable of adapting to the changing economic situation.

Education challenges in developing digital competence and critical thinking skills in a post-information age / Desafíos educativos en el desarrollo de la competencia digital y el pensamiento crítico en la era de la posinformación

Today’s post-information world dictates the necessity of investigating the limits and objectives of compulsory teacher education. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of digital competency formation in teachers with different pedagogical experience through critical thinking skill assessment. The investigation relied on the TRACK-21 self-assessment tool and Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (W-GCTA). The tests were administered to fifth-year pedagogy students and teachers with various years of experience (five, 10 and 15 years). The survey was conducted in three higher education institutions in the People’s Republic of China: Sichuan University of Arts and Sciences (Dazhou, China), Sichuan University (SCU), and Chengdu University of Technology. Time frame: September 2021. The study group included 103 students and 302 faculty members (401 people). The analysis of respondents’ techno-pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK-21) showed the strong leading position of fifth-year students (Group A) in digital competence distribution among all the respondents. Teachers with 15 years of professional experience (Group D) generally demonstrated lower digital competence. This study can be useful for specialists and managers of higher pedagogical institutions, graduate students, teachers and centres of professional development. The paper describes the distribution of critical thinking skills between teachers with different years of experience by assessing their digital skills.

Digital Identities and Aesthetic Expression: Uncovering Young Indonesians Argumentation in Filter Usage on Social Media

This study delves into the diverse motivations and impacts of Instagram filter usage among young Indonesians, focusing on how these digital tools influence selfrepresentation and social interaction within the digital sphere. While Instagram filters are traditionally viewed as aesthetic enhancements, this research highlights their broader roles, including entertainment, education, and personal branding. Utilizing a qualitative approach, this paper collects data through interviews and netnography, employing snowball sampling to gather in-depth insights from eight young Instagram users. Findings indicate that young people use filters not only for visual enhancement but also for fun, educational engagement, and the expression of personal traits like humor and intelligence. This usage underscores young people's agency as active consumers, manipulating digital tools to craft their public personas and navigate social media spaces. This study underscores the need for further quantitative research to explore the widespread patterns of filter consumption among youth, aiming to enrich the understanding of digital identity formation in a globalized context.

A Web of Our Own Making: The Nature of Digital Formation

A Web of Our Own Making: The Nature of Digital Formation

Influence of DNA-methylation at multiple stages of limb chondrogenesis

Precise regulation of gene expression is of utmost importance during cell fate specification. DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism that plays a significant role in the regulation of cell fate by recruiting repression proteins or inhibiting the binding of transcription factors to DNA to regulate gene expression. Limb development is a well-established model for understanding cell fate decisions, and the formation of skeletal elements is coordinated through a sequence of events that control chondrogenesis spatiotemporally. It has been established that epigenetic control participates in cartilage maturation. However, further investigation is required to determine its role in the earliest stages of chondrocyte differentiation. This study investigates how the DNA methylation environment affects cell fate divergence during the early chondrogenic events. Our research has shown for the first time that inhibiting DNA methylation in interdigital tissue with 5-azacytidine results in the formation of an ectopic digit. This discovery suggested that DNA methylation dynamics could regulate the fate of cells between chondrogenesis and cell death during autopod development. Our in vitro findings indicate that DNA methylation at the early stages of chondrogenesis is integral in regulating condensation by controlling cell adhesion and proapoptotic genes. As a result, the dynamics of methylation and demethylation are crucial in governing chondrogenesis and cell death during different stages of limb chondrogenesis.

Digitale Öffentlichkeit(en). Linguistische Perspektiven

Abstract In this thematic volume we ask how digitalization and mediatization are transforming public communication and its conceptual understanding. This introductory text delves into the historical shift from oral and body media to written media in societal communication, highlighting the evolution through telecommunication mass media to the replacement of analog communication by digital forms. It addresses the lack of consensus on the definition of ‘publics’ and public communication, underscoring the multidimensional, heterogeneous, and fluid nature of these concepts. We ask how digitalization and mediatization processes raise questions about fundamental changes in publics due to new technological-communicative possibilities. Furthermore, we discuss the concept of publics as communicatively constructed and maintained, shaped by media and community ideologies. We propose a continuum model for digital/digitized publics, ranging from dyadic communication to multi-party communication. It emphasizes four key aspects for linguistic engagement with digital publics: communicative construction, technical and social affordances, multiplicity of addressing, and practices of digital community formation. With this model and the contributions following the introduction we contribute to a nuanced understanding of digital publics, considering their scale, complexity, and the dynamics of content creation and audience interaction.

RESEARCH OF THE FEATURES OF DIGITAL SIGNAL FORMATION IN SATELLITE COMMUNICATION LINES

Context. Remote sensing of the Earth is now widely used in various fields. One of the challenges of remote sensing is the creation of inexpensive satellite systems operating in polar circular orbits. These systems require the development of a receptiontransmission system that allows tens of gigabits of video information to be transmitted to an earth receiving station within ten minutes. That is, there is a need to create a communication system that provides high speed data transmission from small satellites weighing up to 50 kg.
 Objective. The aim of the work is to study the features of digital signal formation in modern satellite communication lines and to develop a communication system with a high data transfer rate (usually 300 Mbit/s), which can be applied to small Earth Observation satellites.
 Method. Proposed concept for building a high-speed data transmitter from a remote sensing earth satellite using commercially available off-the-shelf technology. Calculations of the power flow density created at the input of the receiving earth station were performed to find out the possible power of the on-board transmitter.
 Results. A diagram of a communication system based on the DVB-S standard using the technology of commercially available off-the-shelf products has been developed. The high-speed data transmitter is implemented on a Xilinx® Zynq Ultrascale+ ™ MPSoC FPGA microchip, which is located on an Enclustra Mercury XU8 module with a high-performance dual 16-bit AD9174 DAC. The on-board transmitter with a power of up to 2 W meets the requirements of the ITU Radio Regulations for the power flux density on the surface of the Earth, which is created by the radiation of the space station EESS in the range 8025–8400 MHz. It is shown that the energy reserve of the communication line of 3 dB is achieved for various commands for coding and modulation changes with an increase in the elevation angle, which allows to increase the speed of information transmission.
 Conclusions. An original receiving-transmitting system was developed for use in small satellites for remote sensing of the Earth. It is shown that the function of adaptive modeling of ACM of the DVB-S standard allows you to automatically change the transmission parameters in real time depending on the changing conditions of the channel, providing opportunities for more flexible and effective data transmission in various conditions, which will allow to increase the volumes of information transmitted by communication session. The proposed system operates in the X-band and is built using commercially available off-the-shelf products. An antenna with double circular polarization is used as the emitter. Two physical channels represent two polarization modes: right circular polarization and left circular polarization, each of which has three frequency channels.

Scientific and methodological approaches to the creation of electronic library content

The article analyzes the principles of designing and forming digital collections of electronic libraries. Basic principles such as integration, strategic planning, quality assurance of digital content and its scientific and methodological support are considered. The need to create an expert council and working groups to determine the profile of electronic libraries and form the content of repositories is substantiated. The need to create an integrated electronic catalog of the cultural heritage of libraries, archives and museums to provide readers with information about the availability of archival documents and museum objects in library funds is emphasized. The main principles of its creation and functioning are given: use of a single data presentation format, use of a single method of description and indexing, use of single authoritative files to ensure control of access points; providing a single search interface. It was concluded that based on the results of theoretical research and practical activities of libraries in the field of digital collection formation, it is advisable to prepare a scientific and practical guide "Formation of digital collections", as well as to develop a program of lectures "Formation and use of digital collections.

“It's just a technological version of us”: Three‐generation family WhatsApp groups in Israel

AbstractObjectiveThis qualitative study analyzes communication practices, roles, and rules developed by family members while participating in a three‐generation WhatsApp family group (WFG).BackgroundAlthough instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp have become increasingly popular with families worldwide, study findings of the digital family formation process, roles, rules, and family communication styles have remained fragmented. Combining the rich familism ideology with technological skills makes the Israel digital family a good study case.MethodWe conducted 43 semistructured interviews with WFG participants representing three generations of Jewish Israeli families.ResultsAll WFGs were organized in the form of a three‐generation family tree, including one or a couple of older people in the core and a significant number of their younger relatives in the upper tree levels, where WFG membership was used as a marker of family belonging. WFG members played roles of kinkeepers, flickerers (rarely commenting participants), and silent warm experts. WFGs used two rules for communication—problematic discourse avoidance and exaggerated writing style—and two strategies for enforcing those rules—temporarily excluding rule breakers from the general group or ignoring messages of offending participant(s).ConclusionMaintaining the WFG is not a single initiative but a collective, well‐coordinated endeavor of all family generations, which helps to include grandparents in the digital family, gives WFG participants a sense of family belonging, and reproduces the image of the untroubled family.ImplicationsThe research findings can be helpful for educators, family therapists, social workers, and social policy professionals. Moreover, the study's results can benefit families who want to open WhatsApp family groups.

The influence of TikTok use on young people's identity formation and virtual socialisation

In contemporary society, the influence of social media on young people, along with its impact on interpersonal dynamics and self-perception, is classified as a pervasive phenomenon that not only shapes everyday interactions, but also significantly shapes the construction identity and virtual socialization patterns. In particular, TikTok has become a prominent platform for the younger population. Taking this into account, the present research focuses on the effects of TikTok on the identity construction and virtual socialization of students between 18 and 26 years old enrolled at the University of Ankara. To empirically address these objectives, a total of 30 students from Ankara University actively participated in this research by completing a questionnaire based on the object of study. This instrument was designed with the purpose of describing the case study and the resulting dynamics in identity formation, virtual socialization, and the perception of popularity by the sample. The findings obtained provide a concrete insight into the digital landscape among students at the University of Ankara. Consequently, this study not only sheds light on the complexities of digital identity formation but also emphasizes the intricate network of interactions that influence the social experiences of young individuals in these environments.

Avatars as Digital Identity: A Case Study of Avatar in Facial Recognition Technology & eKYC by IndoAI

In today’s digital era, avatars have metamorphosized their conventional role, emerging as important tools for safeguarding digital identities in response to the prevalence of facial recognition technology. This article-case study explores the expanding importance of avatars, not only as representations of identity but as protective shields in the digital space. Avatars, once confined to gaming and virtual worlds, now play a crucial role in digital identity formation across various fields. The case study on avatar generation in facial recognition technology with eKYC highlights sophisticated security measures, and fusion of facial recognition, eKYC, artrimetrics and avatar authentication signals a new era where avatars play a pivotal role in retail industry. This study anticipates the growing integration of avatars into our social existence, offering innovative solutions for identity management and security in the digital realm. Scholars Middle East Publishers

Protocol improvement and multisite validation of a digital soft agar colony formation assay for tumorigenic transformed cells intermingled in cell therapy products

Background aimsThe administration of human cell-processed therapeutic products (hCTPs) is associated with a risk of tumorigenesis due to the transformed cellular contaminants. To mitigate this risk, these impurities should be detected using sensitive and validated assays. The digital soft agar colony formation (D-SAC) assay is an ultrasensitive in vitro test for detecting tumorigenic transformed cells in hCTPs. Methods: In this study, we first evaluated the colony formation efficiency (CFE) precision of tumorigenic reference cells in positive control samples according to a previously reported D-SAC assay protocol (Protocol I) from multiple laboratories. However, the CFE varied widely among laboratories. Thus, we improved and optimized the test protocol as Protocol II to reduce variability in the CFE of tumorigenic reference cells. Subsequently, the improved protocol was validated at multiple sites. Human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) were used as model cells, and positive control samples were prepared by spiking them with HeLa cells. Results: Based on the previously reported protocol, the CFE was estimated using an ultra-low concentration (0.0001%) of positive control samples in multiple plates. Next, we improved the protocol to reduce the CFE variability. Based on the CFE results, we estimated the sample size as the number of wells (Protocol II) and assessed the detectability of 0.0001% HeLa cells in hMSCs to validate the protocol at multiple sites. Using Protocol I yielded low CFEs (mean: 30%) and high variability between laboratories (reproducibility coefficient of variance [CV]: 72%). In contrast, Protocol II, which incorporated a relatively high concentration (0.002%) of HeLa cells in the positive control samples, resulted in higher CFE values (mean: 63%) and lower variability (reproducibility CV: 18%). Moreover, the sample sizes for testing were estimated as the number of wells per laboratory (314–570 wells) based on the laboratory-specific CFE (42–76%). Under these conditions, all laboratories achieved a detection limit of 0.0001% HeLa cells in hMSCs in a predetermined number of wells. Moreover, colony formation was not observed in the wells seeded with hMSCs alone. ConclusionsThe D-SAC assay is a highly sensitive and robust test for detecting malignant cells as impurities in hCTPs. In addition, optimal assay conditions were established to test tumorigenic impurities in hCTPs with high sensitivity and an arbitrary false negative rate.

The future of digitalized project practices through data-savvy talent: A digital competence formation perspective

Amidst the disruptive backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations are navigating toward a new normal, leveraging digital technologies to reconfigure business processes and operational practices. This study delves into the transformative effects of digitalization on project management, with a focus on integrating data-savvy talent in a data-rich era. Employing a mixed methods approach, data were collected from June to November 2022, providing a comprehensive blend of various perspectives. Quantitative and qualitative methods were adopted successively in this study to explore the formation mechanism of digital competence of talents in project management and analyze the practical experience and expectations on the impact of data-savvy talents on project management. This study highlights the crucial role of organizations in actively shaping digital competencies to align with the changing demands of project management. It also emphasizes the increasing importance of data-savvy talents, whose intrinsic understanding of digital technologies and business models is essential in transforming the project management landscape. The outcomes of this study offer both theoretical insights into the nexus of digital competence, talent management, and project management, and practical guidelines for effectively integrating new talents into project management practices.