Digital Age Research Articles

Assessment of student-teachers' digital competencies across educational aspects: the current status and areas for improvement

In the present digital age, improved teacher digital competencies are increasingly becoming an important component of teachers' qualifications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the digital competencies level of student-teachers and probe the areas for improvement. The subject of this study was undergraduate student-teachers in their final year of Bachelor of Education degree programmes from the College of Education at one of the public Universities in Tanzania. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were employed to get a sample of 549 participants. The study employed the UNESCO ICT Competency Framework for Teachers (ICT CFT) as a theoretical framework. The study employed a quantitative approach and descriptive cross-sectional design. Data were collected through an online survey that included six competency areas linked to teachers' professional practices. Data analysis procedures included descriptive and inferential analysis. The findings revealed that student-teachers perceived their digital competencies as moderately higher at the knowledge acquisition level and moderately low at the knowledge deepening level of ICT CFT. The results also demonstrated that student-teachers were more competent in integrating technology in educational aspects that are indirectly linked to teaching (e.g. teacher professional learning, and organization and administration) and less competent in educational aspects that are directly linked to classroom teaching (e.g. pedagogy, and curriculum and assessment). The study further established a positive and statistically significant association between student-teachers' digital competencies and knowledge acquisition and knowledge deepening levels. The results of the present study signify the importance of developing student-teachers' digital competencies across all educational aspects. However, in order to guarantee technology integration in classroom teaching, it is recommended that teacher education programmes focus more on improving student-teachers' digital competencies in competency areas that are directly linked to classroom pedagogical practices.

Development Digital Maturity Attributes Based on Higher Education Business Processes

Transformation in the digital aspect is a crucial part of the higher education development in digital age transformation. The oject of this study is to identify the transformation of digital maturity requirements in universities as higher education institutions from Indonesia, which will later be used as criteria for forming a digital maturity model. The research method is mixed, involving both qualitative and quantitative analyses. The type of research applied is the Exploratory Sequential Design, where the data is collected and analyzed with the qualitative method, then follows up the results with a quantitative one to explore a phenomenon. The content validity index applied in this study is used to validate digital maturity requirements. It has been applied to various digital technology companies, government policies in higher education systems, and management applied to multiple universities. The results can guide universities in navigating digital transformation in their institutions. This study highlights that previously proposed digital maturity models need to sufficiently consider the business processes of higher education and the need for security and privacy dimensions, which have not been extensively discussed in the literature.

Unveiling human rights protection in China from the perspective of criminal procedure law

Abstract A significant portion of the misunderstanding surrounding China’s human rights protection stems from a failure to consider its legal progress in light of China’s unique cultural, ideological, and political contexts. The Criminal Procedure Law of China is closely linked to constitutional principles and the fundamental first generation of human rights, providing a clear framework for understanding China’s efforts in human rights protection. As widely accepted standards for human rights codification, Articles 9, 17, and 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) outline the right to personal liberty, privacy, and the defense of the accused. Initially, China’s Criminal Procedure Law of 1979 fell short of meeting these global standards. However, with substantial revisions in 1996, 2012, and 2018, this specific code has progressively aligned with the covenant’s requirements, marking significant strides in human rights protection in China. Despite these advances, there remains room for improving the Criminal Procedure Law, especially under the challenges of the digital age. China, alongside other nations, will focus on building a more comprehensive, robust, and globally integrated legal framework to address the forthcoming issues.

Securing privacy in the digital age: The quest for judicial protection of personal information

Personal information is a vital productive commodity in the digital economy, and its processing has seen unparalleled transformations in both breadth and depth. This article proposes to enhance the legal remedies for personal information rights in contemporary China. Research has revealed multiple practical challenges in China’s judicial practices, such as hesitance to prosecute owing to an absence of substantial legal foundation, improper distribution of the burden of proof, and inadequate integration of criminal-civil judicial safeguards for personal information. This paper advocates for China to elucidate the definition of personal information rights via legislation, enable the litigation of personal information infringement cases, and establish explicit criteria for their acceptance into judicial proceedings. Furthermore, China must develop an appropriate structure for distributing the burden of evidence. It must also use discretionary judgment to properly tackle the problems related to evaluating damages in instances of personal information violations.

Libraries and Archives in the Digital Age

Libraries and Archives in the Digital Age

Evolutive multi-attribute decision making with online consumer reviews

In the digital age, the sheer volume of online consumer reviews imposes a cognitive burden on consumers, complicating their purchasing decisions. Many studies have integrated consumer opinions to provide consumers with clear and concise information. However, these studies often prioritize mainstream opinions, overlooking the diversity and timeliness of other important perspectives. To address this challenge, we propose an evolutive decision-making method. Firstly, we propose an attribute rating evolution algorithm to address the online reviews based on the iterative self-organizing data analysis technique and time decay. This algorithm enables real-time analysis of the diverse opinions expressed in review data. Then, taking into account consumer attribute preferences and decision-making psychology, we formulate multiple product ranking strategies to offer personalized decisions based on the evolutive opinions. Our method decreases the bias towards review quantity, ensuring that significant opinions are not overshadowed by more frequent ones. Through data experiments and an application on OpenTable.com, we demonstrate that our method can provides effective decision recommendation for consumers.

Bridging the Digital Divide in Mexico: A Critical Analysis of Telecommunications Infrastructure and Predictive Models for Policy Innovation

This work presents an in-depth evaluation of the telecommunications landscape in Mexico from 2015 to 2023. The study’s primary focus is on the disparities in broadband access, telecommunications infrastructure, and digital inclusion across various regions, particularly between urban and rural areas. By employing predictive models and correlation analysis, the paper identifies key factors influencing technology adoption and service bundling in households. A significant contribution of this research lies in its identification of strong correlations between broadband access, GDP growth, and the penetration of multiple telecommunication services such as fixed telephony, broadband internet, and television. The predictive models developed offer crucial insights into the regional inequalities of digital access, revealing patterns that policymakers can use to prioritize infrastructure investments. The findings underscore the essential role of public policy innovation in promoting digital inclusion, particularly in underdeveloped regions, and provide a robust analytical framework for understanding how advanced telecommunications services contribute to socio-economic development. Through this analytical approach, the study demonstrates the critical relationship between telecommunications infrastructure and regional economic performance, offering data-driven recommendations to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity in underserved areas. The results offer significant value for future research and policy initiatives aimed at fostering equitable access to Information and communication technologies, promoting economic growth, and ensuring broader societal inclusion in the digital age.

Young people, media and politics in the digital age

Young people, media and politics in the digital age

Energy, publics, and the universe of communication: A dialogue with G. Thomas Goodnight

Professor G. Thomas Goodnight is a distinguished scholar and philosopher, renowned for his research on argumentation in the public sphere. Recently, he has devoted himself to developing the energy communication as a subfield. In this academic interview, Goodnight first explains what energy communication is and why it is important to our field. He then turns to emerging topics such as artificial intelligence, smart cities, and the Belt and Road’s energy diplomacy to share his latest insights on the energy issue in the digital communication age, as well as the argumentation, differences, dissensus, and their productive nature in the global transition.

CVC Involvement, Digital Transformation, and Risk-Taking of Investee Companies: Evidence from China

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the impact of corporate venture capital (CVC) involvement on digital transformation and the risk-taking behavior of investee companies. Based on data on manufacturing companies listed on the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) board and the Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2015 to 2022, we find that CVC involvement helps boost the risk-taking level of investee companies. This is because CVC promotes corporate digital transformation, which in turn enhances corporate risk-taking. Finally, we show that the promoting effect of CVC on corporate risk-taking is more pronounced for investee companies with a small size and investee companies with a high degree of operating leverage. Our findings provide novel evidence for the effect of CVC on corporate risk-taking in the digital age.

Pragmatic Perception of Sensationalism: A Comparison of British and Malaysian Online Newspapers Headline Constructions

This study examines the pragmatic features of sensationalist headlines in online newspapers, comparing The Times (UK) and The Star (Malaysia) in 2024. Using discourse analysis on 60 headlines, we investigate how sensationalism shapes public opinion in the digital age. The research addresses a gap in cross-cultural analysis of media influence and aims to enhance media literacy. Results indicate that headline writers employ various pragmatic elements, with speech acts being the most prevalent, to convey intended messages and engage readers. Both overt and implicit use of pragmatic features effectively express themes of victory and liberation across both publications. While the study provides insights into pragma-linguistic strategies in sensational headline construction, its limited sample size suggests the need for broader future research. The findings offer valuable insights for media practitioners, researchers, and consumers, highlighting the importance of critical media consumption in an era of increasing sensationalism.

Comparative Study of Complications and Incision Esthetic Satisfaction Between Single-Port Laparoscopy and Traditional Laparoscopy in Benign Gynecological Surgery

Objective Single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) is an effective, minimally invasive, feasible, and promising surgical technique for the treatment of various benign and malignant gynecological diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in surgical conditions, complications, and esthetic incisions between SPLS and traditional laparoscopic surgery (TLS) in benign gynecological surgeries. Methods Fifty-one eligible patients were included, and their general information (age, surgical approach), surgical conditions (surgical time, blood loss, postoperative first flatus), postoperative pain, and incision healing were collected. Results There was a significant difference in the results of hysterectomy between the two groups. The surgical time in the SPLS group was significantly shorter than that in the TLS group (p = 0.026). Furthermore, the SPLS group had less blood loss (p < 0.05) and earlier postoperative first flatus (p < 0.05) than the control group. There was no significant difference in postoperative conditions between the two groups. During the follow-up, it was found that the Vancouver Scar Scale score was 8.37 ± 2.30 in the control group and 6.81 ± 2.14 in the study group. The cosmetic effect and satisfaction were better in the SPLS group (p = 0.018). Subgroup analysis showed that in other benign gynecological diseases without uterine lesions, SPLS significantly improved surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative first flatus (p < 0.05). Conclusion SPLS demonstrated good clinical efficacy in benign gynecological surgery, with shorter surgical time, less blood loss, earlier postoperative first flatus, fewer complications, and better cosmetic effects of scars.

Nurturing Youth: Ethical Considerations in Pediatric Skincare Marketing.

In today's beauty-obsessed culture, children are increasingly targeted by skincare marketing, raising significant ethical concerns. The trend of children adopting skincare routines focused on anti-aging and skin lightening impacts their mental health and self-esteem, often imposing unattainable beauty standards. Marketing practices in the digital age frequently violate the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Framework for Responsible Marketing Communication. Disparities in skincare marketing particularly affect children in low- and middle-income countries. There is an urgent need for stringent regulations, enhanced media literacy education, and ethical marketing practices to safeguard young consumers and prioritize their well-being and dignity.

Age and energy aware data collection scheme for urban flood monitoring in uav-assisted Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have become pivotal in numerous applications, including environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, and disaster response. In the context of urban flood monitoring, utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) presents unique challenges due to the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the environment. The primary challenges involve designing strategies that maximize data collection while minimizing the Age of Information (AoI) to ensure timely and accurate decision-making. Efficient data collection is crucial to capturing all relevant information and providing a comprehensive understanding of flood dynamics. Simultaneously, reducing AoI is essential, as outdated data can lead to delayed or incorrect responses, potentially worsening the situation. Addressing these challenges is critical for the effective use of WSNs in urban flood monitoring. Initially, we formulate the problem as a mixed integer non-linear programming (MINLP) problem. Further, it is solved using a Lagrangian-based branch and bound technique by converting it into an unconstrained problem. Then, for large-scale WSN, we propose a hybrid optimization technique which combines a genetic algorithm with a particle swarm optimization technique to simultaneously maximize the data collection and reduce the AoI of the collected data with the constraint of energy consumption of the UAVs. Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm outperforms existing approaches in terms of both data collection and AoI.

Examining the Impact of Knowledge Management Use and Innovation on Business Performance of MSMEs in the Digital Age. Case Study MSMEs in Indonesia

Examining the Impact of Knowledge Management Use and Innovation on Business Performance of MSMEs in the Digital Age. Case Study MSMEs in Indonesia

Advancing a Practical Inquiry Model with Multi-Perspective Role-Playing to Foster Critical Thinking Behavior in e-book Reading

In the digital age, where media proliferation challenges traditional reading habits, this study investigated the impact of digital platforms on critical thinking (CT) and reading practices. Some conventional e-books may not sufficiently encourage reflective thinking or foster CT skills due to their linear nature and lack of engaging elements. Employing the Practical Inquiry Model (PIM) within the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework, this study highlights the integration of multimedia elements and the use of students' selfies to boost engagement and social presence in a digital learning environment. This study introduced selfie role-playing reading, along with group discussions from various perspectives as an innovative pedagogy to enhance cognitive presence within the CoI, ultimately enhancing learners’ CT performance. Using a quasi-experimental design, 63 participants were grouped into single-perspective or multiple-perspective categories by narrative perspective exposure, and then engaged in online story discussions with worksheets. Reading performance was measured through a detailed examination of their CT patterns via behavioral sequential analysis. Results revealed that students in the multi-perspective groups demonstrated superior CT and reflective thinking levels, underscoring the potential of innovative e-book designs in enhancing CT. This study not only validates the importance of diverse narratives and role-playing in CT development, but also pioneers a method for analyzing such skills through behavioral sequence analysis. It signifies a leap in applying the PIM to multimedia e-book reading, offering insights for future educational strategies and CT assessment in the digital era.

Embodied Spaces in Digital Times: Exploring the Role of Instagram in Shaping Temporal Dimensions and Perceptions of Architecture

This study explores Instagram’s influence on sensory and experiential engagement with architecture in the digital age. Using a phenomenological approach, we studied the impact of Instagram’s visual features, such as filters, geotagging, and hashtags, on user interactions and perceptions of architectural spaces. The research demonstrates that Instagram transforms traditional architectural experiences into dynamic visual narratives that integrate real and virtual elements, altering our understanding of space and time. While acknowledging that architectural experience encompasses form, function, and historical context, this paper specifically focuses on Instagram’s role in mediating perceptual experiences. By analyzing user engagement patterns and content trends, the study highlights how Instagram shapes architectural design practices and the creation of spaces tailored for digital interaction. This study offers a comprehensive view of the complex relationship between digital media and architectural perception, identifying both the opportunities and challenges presented by the platform in influencing our understanding of architectural spaces.

Study of the Framework and Attributes of Ethical Standards in Journalism

It has always been difficult to create fair evaluation criteria for journalists, especially when it comes to judging morality and ethical conduct in news reporting. These guidelines function as yardsticks for gauging the ethics of news topics and the objectivity of journalistic techniques. These criteria are becoming more and more difficult as journalism changes, especially in the digital age. Fostering ethical journalism requires an understanding of its categorization and internal structure. This analysis employs a conceptual framework to explore the evaluation standards of news ethics. The method involves: Literature Review: Examining existing academic literature, ethical codes, and industry guidelines to outline the prevailing evaluation standards in journalism. Thematic Analysis: Identifying and categorizing the components of evaluation standards into normative and quality standards, assessing their relevance to different aspects of journalistic practice. Case Studies: Analyzing specific instances where journalistic ethics were put to the test, allowing for a practical understanding of how these standards function in real-world scenarios. The primary objective of this study is to clarify the internal structure of journalistic ethics evaluation standards and highlight the distinctions between normative and quality standards. By doing so, the analysis aims to provide insights into how these standards can be effectively applied to evaluate news behaviors and moral character in journalism. What is deemed ethical in one context may not hold the same weight in another. This relativity underscores the importance of understanding the specific circumstances surrounding journalistic practices. Historical Context: The evolution of journalistic ethics is tied to historical events and societal changes. Standards that once sufficed may need reevaluation to address contemporary challenges, particularly with the rise of digital media and misinformation. Complex Internal Structure: The internal structure of evaluation standards can be multi-layered, with different levels of criteria applied depending on the context and specific ethical dilemmas faced by journalists. This complexity requires continuous dialogue and adjustment as new ethical challenges arise. Practical Implications: Journalists and media organizations must engage with these standards actively, incorporating them into training and policy development. By fostering an understanding of both normative and quality standards, the industry can promote a more ethical and accountable journalism practice.

Epistemic injustice and education in the digital age

The aim of this article is to function as a starting point for combining the study of epistemic injustice in a higher education framework with that of digitalization, including recent developments such as the entrance of AI in higher education. What is identified as the main problem is the power of digital technology and how technologies shape institutional practices of teaching and learning, often in opposition to democratic education aims. The introduction of AI in higher education deepens the mediatization process of higher education, demonstrated by a mainstream oriented usage of AI. In higher education, digital technology shapes practices that are indifferent to the epistemic claims and rights of students, and quite perfectly attuned to the ‘practical needs’ of digital technology which severely challenges the concept of knowing and also critical thinking in higher education.

Christian Zionism in the Twenty-First Century: American Evangelical Public Opinion on Israel by Motti Inbari and Kirill Bumin and: Messianic Zionism in the Digital Age: Jews, Noahides, and the Third Temple Imaginary by Rachel Z. Feldman (review)

Christian Zionism in the Twenty-First Century: American Evangelical Public Opinion on Israel by Motti Inbari and Kirill Bumin and: Messianic Zionism in the Digital Age: Jews, Noahides, and the Third Temple Imaginary by Rachel Z. Feldman (review)