Global Platform Research Articles

Unveiling the impact of machine learning algorithms on the quality of online geocoding services: a case study using COVID-19 data

AbstractIn today's era, the address plays a crucial role as one of the key components that enable mobility in daily life. Address data are used by global map platforms and location-based services to pinpoint a geographically referenced location. Geocoding provided by online platforms is useful in the spatial tracking of reported cases and controls in the spatial analysis of infectious illnesses such as COVID-19. The first and most critical phase in the geocoding process is address matching. However, due to typographical errors, variations in abbreviations used, and incomplete or malformed addresses, the matching can seldom be performed with 100% accuracy. The purpose of this research is to examine the capabilities of machine learning classifiers that can be used to measure the consistency of address matching results produced by online geocoding services and to identify the best performing classifier. The performance of the seven machine learning classifiers was compared using several text similarity measures, which assess the match scores between the input address data and the services' output. The data utilized in the testing came from four distinct online geocoding services applied to 925 addresses in Türkiye. The findings from this study revealed that the Random Forest machine learning classifier was the most accurate in the address matching procedure. While the results of this study hold true for similar datasets in Türkiye, additional research is required to determine whether they apply to data in other countries.

Design and functional characterization of Salmo salar TLR5 agonist peptides derived from high mobility group B1 acidic tail

Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) responds to the monomeric form of flagellin and induces the MyD88-depending signaling pathway, activating proinflammatory transcription factors such as NF-κB and the consequent induction of cytokines. On the other hand, HMGB1 is a highly conserved non-histone chromosomal protein shown to interact with and activate TLR5. The present work aimed to design and characterize TLR5 agonist peptides derived from the acidic tail of Salmo salar HMGB1 based on the structural knowledge of the TLR5 surface using global molecular docking platforms. Peptide binding poses complexed on TLR5 ectodomain model from each algorithm were filtrated based on docking scoring functions and predicted theoretical binding affinity of the complex. Circular dichroism spectra were recorded for each peptide selected for synthesis. Only intrinsically disordered peptides (6W, 11W, and SsOri) were selected for experimental functional assay. The functional characterization of the peptides was performed by NF-κB activation assays, RT-qPCR gene expression assays, and Piscirickettsia salmonis challenge in SHK-1 cells. The 6W and 11W peptides increased the nuclear translation of p65 and phosphorylation. In addition, the peptides induced the expression of genes related to the TLR5 pathway activation, pro- and anti-inflammatory response, and differentiation and activation of T lymphocytes towards phenotypes such as TH1, TH17, and TH2. Finally, it was shown that the 11W peptide protects immune cells against infection with P. salmonis bacteria. Overall, the results indicate the usefulness of novel peptides as potential immunostimulants in salmonids.

Az új típusú munkavállalás: a platform gazdaság és a platform munka sajátosságai

The industry value of the global platform economy exceeded 7 trillion US dollars by the end of the second decade of the 21st century. The income generated by the platform economy in the European Union produced an almost five-fold increase in the period between 2016-2020, as its volume increased from 3 billion euros to 14 billion euros. Nevertheless, due to the lack of global consensus and precedent, the delimitation of the platform business model and work, its legal regulation and verifiability and compliance, due to its innovative nature, are unresolved at the world and European level. The objective of the article is to define the conditions, rules and practical application of the platform economy and platform work, relying on international (English-language, mostly European) secondary information, thereby revealing the problems and difficulties, as well as discussing its advantages and disadvantages.

Beyond online disinformation: assessing national information resilience in four European countries

As social media is a key conduit for the distribution of disinformation, much of the literature on disinformation in elections has been focused on the internet and global social media platforms. Literature on societal and media trust has also grown in recent years. Yet, disinformation is not limited to global platforms or the internet, traditional media outlets in many European countries act as vehicles of disinformation often under the direction of the government. Moreover, the connection between trust and resilience to disinformation has been less discussed. This article is aimed at tackling the question of what makes a country vulnerable to or resilient against online disinformation. It argues that a society’s information resilience can be viewed as a combination of structural characteristics, features of its knowledge-distribution institutions including its media system, and the activities and capabilities of its citizens. The article makes this argument by describing these dimensions in four European case countries, based on comparable statistics and document analyses. The results indicate that European-wide strategies do not uniformly strengthen national resilience against disinformation and that anti-disinformation strategies need to be anchored in targeted assessments of the state of information resilience at the national level to be more effective. Such assessments are central, particularly to understanding citizens’ information needs in key democratic events such as elections.

Antidiabetic Potential of a Trimeric Anthranilic Acid Peptide Isolated from Malbranchea flocciformis.

Compound 3, a trimeric anthranilic acid peptide, and another three metabolites were isolated from an organic extract from the culture medium of Malbranchea flocciformis ATCC 34530. The chemical structure proposed previously for 3 was unequivocally assigned via synthesis and X-ray diffraction analysis. Tripeptide 3 showed insulinotropic properties by decreasing the postprandial peak in healthy and hyperglycemic mice. It also increased glucose-induced insulin secretion in INS-1E at 5 μM, specifically at higher glucose concentrations. These results revealed that 3 might act as an insulin sensitizer and a non-classical insulin secretagogue. Altogether, these findings are in harmony with the in vivo oral glucose tolerance test and acute oral hypoglycemic assay. Finally, the chemical composition of the extract was established by the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Network platform. Phylogenetic analysis using the internal transcribed spacer region revealed that M. flocciformis ATCC 34530 is related to the Malbrancheaceae.

Sharing travel experiences on TripAdvisor: A genre analysis of negative hotel reviews written in French, Spanish and Italian

The advent of the Web 2.0 brought about a significant transformation in the tourist experience and in its modes of communication. One of the prevailing genres in today's digital tourism discourse is represented by online reviews, produced and consumed daily by millions of users on global platforms such as TripAdvisor, Booking.com or Airbnb. Online tourist reviews are mainly used to share a personal (travel) experience with service providers and fellow travelers, at the same time they offer an evaluation of tourism services.The aim of the present case study is to provide an in-depth investigation of how tourists are sharing their post-trip experiences online from a linguistic and pragmatic standpoint. Specifically, we focused on negative hotel reviews posted on TripAdvisor and we adopted a cross-linguistic perspective. Building on previous work, we now focused on a different set of languages, considering reviews written in Spanish, Italian and French (N100 for each language, for a total of N300) posted between 1st of January 2021 and 31st December 2022. Ultimately, the aim was to verify whether users writing in different languages share their experiences adopting uniform linguistic norms and communicative habits or display different discursive preferences. In order to reach this goal, we analyzed not only which topics tourists include in their reviews, but also which communicative moves they adopted to share their experiences and opinions. Results indicate a tendency towards a cross-linguistic similarity. This finding seems to point toward a potential standardization process of how travel experiences are shared online in different languages, within the highly popular genre of online reviews.

Discovery of Streptomyces species CS-62, a novel producer of the Acinetobacter baumannii selective antibiotic factumycin.

Narrow-spectrum antibiotics are of great interest given their ability to spare the microbiome and decrease widespread antibiotic resistance compared to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Herein, we screened an in-house library of Actinobacteria strains for selective activity against Acinetobacter baumannii and successfully identified Streptomyces sp. CS-62 as a producer of a natural product with this valuable activity. Analysis of the cultures via high-resolution mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry, followed by comparison with molecules in the Natural Product Atlas and the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking platform, suggested a novel natural product. Genome mining analysis initially supported the production of a novel kirromycin derivative. Isolation and structure elucidation via mass spectrometry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analyses revealed that the active natural product was the known natural product factumycin, exposing omissions and errors in the consulted databases. While public databases are generally very useful for avoiding rediscovery of known molecules, rediscovery remains a problem due to public databases either being incomplete or having errors that result in failed dereplication. Overall, the work describes the ongoing problem of dereplication and the continued need for public database curation.

Intellectual Property Protection in Cross-Border E-Commerce

With the rapid development of Internet technology, electronic trade has become a significant player in the national and global economy. This thesis examines the complex issues surrounding intellectual property rights (IPR) in cross-border electronic trade. The rapid growth of internet technology has led to an increase in transnational economic disputes, particularly in online shopping platforms and e-commerce websites. The presence of pirated products, trademark counterfeiting, brand infringement, and copyright protection are major concerns in this context. Several factors contribute to these disputes, including different legal systems, cultural backgrounds, economic development levels, conflicting interests of countries, and varying stakeholder attitudes towards IPR protection. Notable cases, such as the Apple-Samsung patent dispute and the challenges faced by Alibaba regarding counterfeit goods, highlight the need for comprehensive solutions to safeguard IPR in a globalized marketplace. The thesis also explores how technology can contribute to addressing these challenges. Blockchain technology can provide enhanced security, transparency, and efficiency in managing intellectual property rights. Big data and artificial intelligence can automate the analysis and monitoring of digital content, enabling faster identification and action against infringement. Establishing global collaborative IP protection platforms and innovative dispute resolution mechanisms are also crucial steps forward.

Marketing Paper – Netflix

This study examines Netflix’s prospects for retaining and strengthening its position as a dominating media and entertainment company over the next decade. A solid foundation, competitive advantages, and adaptable strategy support Netflix’s meteoric rise. Netflix began as a DVD rental service and has grown to become a global streaming platform with over 200 million users in nearly every country. However, the company still confronts weaknesses such as rising content costs, fierce competition from streaming competitors, and managing varied regional rules. To prosper, Netflix must diversify its content inventory, focus on global content localization, invest in technology, and develop strategic relationships. By implementing these techniques, Netflix can ensure its dominance in the media and entertainment industries for the foreseeable future.

Analysis of influencing factors on long COVID in COVID-19 patients infected with omicron variant three months after discharge: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to analyze the influencing factors associated with Long-COVID in patients infected with Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Changchun City, Jilin Province, China three months after discharge in March 2022.MethodsIn this study, we conducted a telephone follow-up based on the real-world data collected from the Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun Tongyuan Shelter Hospital and Changchun Infectious Disease Hospital during the COVID-19 epidemic in Changchun in March 2022. We used the Global COVID-19 Clinical Platform Case Report Form for Post COVID condition as a follow-up questionnaire to collect the general information, past medical history, clinical symptoms, COVID-19 vaccine inoculation doses, and other relevant information to analyze the symptom characteristics of COVID-19 patients three months after discharge from the hospital and related factors affecting Long COVID.ResultsA total of 1,806 patients with COVID-19 were included in this study, 977 males and 829 females, with a mean age of 38.5 [30.0, 49.4] years, and the number of female patients suffering from Long COVID (50.87%) was greater than male patients (p = 0.023). The binary logistic regression analysis of factors influencing Long COVID showed that smoking history (OR (95%CI) = 0.551(0.425–0.714), p < 0.001, taking never smoking as a reference), allergy history (OR (95%CI) = 1.618 (1.086–2.413), p-value 0.018, taking no allergy as a reference), first symptoms (OR (95%CI) = 0.636 (0.501–0.807), p < 0.001, with no first symptoms as reference) and COVID-19 vaccine inoculation doses (OR (95%CI) = 1.517 (1.190–1.933), p-value 0.001, with ≤ 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine inoculation doses as reference) constituted its influencing factors. The first symptoms of patients on admission mainly included fever (512 cases, 71.81%), cough (279 cases, 39.13%) and dry or itchy throat (211 cases, 29.59%). The most common symptoms of Long COVID were persistent fatigue (68 cases), amnesia (61 cases), insomnia (50 cases) and excessive sweating (50 cases).ConclusionThe first symptoms on admission were predominantly fever, cough and dry or itchy throat. The most common symptoms of Long COVID were persistent fatigue, amnesia, insomnia and excessive sweating, and female patients were at a higher risk of Long COVID.

In conversation with ghosts: towards a hauntological approach to decolonial design for/with AI practices

ABSTRACT This is a critique of how designers deal with temporality in design to speculate about socio-technical futures. The paper unpacks how embedded definitions and assumptions of temporality in current design tools contribute to coloniality in designed futures. Based on this critique, we reject the notion that it is only AI that needs fixing, as design practice becomes implicated in how oppression extends from physical systems to global digital platforms. To make these issues visible, we dissect the Futures Cone model used in speculative design. As an alternative, the paper then presents hauntology as a vocabulary that can aid designers in accommodating pluriversal histories in anticipatory futures and reorienting their speculative tools. To illustrate the benefits of the proposed metaphors, the paper highlights examples of coloniality in digital spaces and emphasizes the failure of speculative design to decolonize future imaginaries. Using points of reference from hauntology, ones that engage with states of lingering or spectrality, and notions of nostalgia, absence, and anticipation, the paper contributes to rethinking the role that design tools play in colonizing future imaginaries, especially those pertaining to potentially disruptive technologies.

An Open World of Stories: A Critical Examination of Open-Access Global Digital Picturebook Platforms

Abstract: This article presents a critical examination of four open-access global digital picturebook platforms to determine the messages the books could convey to readers about specific cultural groups, and what opportunities are provided for young readers to make important cross-cultural connections to strengthen their socioemotional development and prepare them to engage with diverse individuals in a global society. The sample included five books from each of the open-access platforms. Using both visual content analysis and semiotics, researchers examine how cultures are illustrated—in character demographics, themes, color choices, use of cultural symbols, and any notable differences or similarities between the books in each platform. Each platform was evaluated for its ability to provide opportunities for readers to make important connections with characters in the books, as well as for its potential to support the United Nations Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals of preserving and providing access to the world's culture and heritage. The study provides insight into how children's books in open-access platforms represent different cultures and how this in turn influences the potential for readers to make cross-cultural connections.

Leveling up the Mission: HBCUs’ Potentials towards a Global U.S. Study Abroad.

The effort to expand the U.S. study abroad programs to have a global impact has never been fully expressed by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and study abroad administrators. Study Abroad since its inception has not been a truly global platform. This article constructively points out the existing potential of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to make the U.S. study abroad a truly global program capable of defending U.S. national interest in this era of inter-dependence among nations, especially as the global knowledge economy and cultural competence advantage take center stage. Study abroad is at a crossroads at the moment, new ideas must be developed for study abroad to justify the true potential of education abroad. Over two decades, four countries in Western Europe have been hosting the highest number of U.S. students in study abroad. There is no evidence that this trend will reach the entire globe as a reciprocity of international students in U.S. colleges and universities.

Compreendendo a economia brasileira de plataforma: tendências e desafios regulatórios

Abstract The proliferation of digital platforms has transformed economic landscapes, orchestrating connections among diverse agents and fostering innovation. Yet, the regulatory oversight remains a concern, prompting the need for comprehensive data on the platform economy. This is the first study that provides aggregate data on Brazil's digital platform economy. Our research aimed to address two critical issues: Are Brazilian companies aligned with the global platformization trend, and what distinctive attributes characterize them? Identifying 556 platform companies in the country, the study confirms Brazil's active participation in the global platform economy. However, these companies, primarily young and SMEs, exhibit regional concentration and reliance on foreign investments. The study outlines the need for nuanced regulatory frameworks considering company size, market share, and user base. In conclusion, the research sheds light on Brazil's participation in the global platform economy, emphasizing its unique attributes and offering insights crucial for policymakers and future investigations.

Protocol for surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria causing community-acquired urinary tract infections in low-income countries.

The spread of drug-resistant bacteria into the community is an urgent threat. In most low-middle-income countries (LMICs) settings, community-acquired infection (CAI) is empirically treated with no data to support the choice of antibiotics, hence contributing to resistance development. Continuous antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data on community-acquired pathogens are needed to draft empirical treatment guidelines, especially for areas with limited culture and susceptibility testing. Despite the importance of addressing antibiotic-resistant pathogens in the community setting, protocols for the surveillance of AMR bacterial infections are lacking in most (LMICs). We present a protocol for surveillance of AMR in LMICs using urinary tract infection (UTI) as a proxy for CAI to enable users to quantify and establish the drivers of AMR bacteria causing UTI. The protocol intends to assist users in designing a sustainable surveillance program for AMR in the community involving children above two years of age and adults presenting to a primary health facility for healthcare. Implementation of the protocol requires initial preparation of the laboratories to be involved, surveillance areas, selection of priority bacteria and antimicrobials to be used, and the design of a coordinated sampling plan. Recruitment should occur continuously in selected health facilities for at least 12 months to observe seasonal trends of AMR. At least 10 mL of clean-catch mid-stream urine must be collected into 20 mL calibrated sterile screw-capped universal bottles lined with 0.2 mg boric acid and transported to the testing laboratory. Utilise the data system that generates standard reports for patient care to be shared internally and externally in the regions and the world through global platforms such as the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System.

Can Social Media be Used as a Tool to Increase the Income of Artisans - A Study with Specific Reference to Marble Artisans of Makrana, Rajasthan

The wave of social media has stormed all parts of the world, including India, with several platforms being used as marketplaces to sell traditional Indian handicrafts. Marble handicraft, deeply rooted in the historical city of Makrana, Rajasthan, faces a paradox where the artisans, despite their extraordinary craftsmanship, remain ensnared in low-income brackets. This research explores the potential of social media as a tool to increase the income of Makrana's artisans and elevate their work to a national and global platform. It aims to assess the effectiveness of social media in increasing artisans' income.

Positive effects for Russian manufacturing enterprises from the expansion of ecosystem interactions within international digital platforms

The purpose of this study is to consider new opportunities and positive effects for Russian industrial enterprises from the use of international digital platforms to expand ecosystem interaction. Currently, this issue is unexplored, but it seems almost inevitable that its importance will increase in the coming years due to the expansion of opportunities for internationalization of the business of industrial companies through global platforms. Based on a comprehensive theoretical review and interviews with a focus group of 14 representatives of Russian companies responsible for business development, digitalization and internationalization, the study suggests a comprehensive list of positive effects for Russian enterprises from the expansion of ecosystem interactions within the framework of international digital platform models. A separate important aspect of consideration in this study is approaches to overcoming the problem of monopoly power in digital platforms and ensuring a productive balance of interests of all participants and stakeholders. By analogy with how it happened in the e-commerce sector, one can assume an increase in monopolistic behavior and an imbalance of interests of participants on digital production platforms that unite many manufacturing enterprises. An analysis of some approaches to identifying and solving this problem is proposed.

A Closer Look at MOOC Accessibility: Comparing Local and Global Platforms with WCAG 3.0 in Mind

This paper aims to assess the accessibility of various Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) provider platforms on both national and international scales and compare their adherence to the World Wide Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 3.0, as of the draft version released on June 8, 2021. The methodology involved the use of four automated tools for data collection and contrast: WAVE, LERA, ARC Toolkit, and A11Y. These automated processes were complemented by manual validation and the filtering of duplicated results. Furthermore, manual data collection was employed in instances where tools were insufficient, enhancing the comprehensiveness of the evaluation. Subsequently, a new quantitative scoring system was applied to the gathered data. The assessment focused on four critical activities: searching for a course, creating an account, enrolling in a course, and reviewing course content pages. These activities are deemed fundamental for accessing knowledge on the four platforms under scrutiny, encompassing two international providers (Coursera and edX) and two national platforms (CEC-EPN and MOOC UTPL). Results indicate that the international platforms chosen exhibit better accessibility than the national platforms. This comprehensive evaluation provides insights into the accessibility status of MOOC platforms and highlights areas for improvement in aligning with WCAG 3.0. The integration of automated evaluations with manual contributions proved essential for comprehensive results. Further research is necessary to advance web accessibility and ensure MOOCs positively impact education.

A Comprehensive Exploration of Machine Learning Models for Predicting Online Auction Prices

The transformative impact of traditional commerce by online marketplaces is exemplified through eBay, a global platform that facilitates diverse transactions via auctions. In this research, the dynamics of eBay auctions, crucial for buyers, sellers, and researchers, are delved into. The central inquiry revolves around the key factors shaping auction outcomes, examining bid behaviors and types. The study leverages a robust dataset from eBay, meticulously curated to encompass auction identifiers, bid details, pricing information, auction types, and temporal aspects. A comprehensive approach involves data preprocessing, ensuring reliability by addressing missing values and outliers. Rigorous exploration and validation validate the dataset's integrity. Machine Learning Techniques, including MLP, SVR, Linear Regression, Extra Trees, and Gradient Boosting, form the analytical backbone. Model evaluation reveals top-performing candidates, such as MLP Regressor (0.8084), SVR (0.8210), and Linear Regression (0.8173), exhibiting superior accuracy and reliability. These models are identified for adoption in future work, emphasizing nuanced predictions in eBay auctions. This research contributes to understanding online auction dynamics, offering practical insights for eBay users and the broader e-commerce community. The models identified pave the way for enhanced predictive capabilities and continuous refinement in deciphering factors influencing auction outcomes.

ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL SOCIALIZATION CONCEPTS: INDICATORS AND CRITERIA OF DIGITAL SOCIALIZATION

In the era of the development of global digital platforms for social communication, it is important to scientifically substantiate the concept and structure of the process of digital socialization of an individual. Digital socialization of the younger generation is considered as a process aimed at developing social skills for effective interaction in the digital environment, relationships and identity through digital technologies. The purpose of the study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the leading modern concepts of digital socialization and to highlight the indicators and criteria of digital socialization of an individual. Based on the results of the analysis of the concept of digital socialization, the author's questionnaire "Diagnostics of the level of digital socialization of adolescents in the educational environment" was developed. As part of this study, a survey was conducted among students of secondary comprehensive schools in Uralsk and district schools in the West Kazakhstan region. The study identified the need for comprehensive psychological work to develop a skill in the creative use of digital technology, ability to think critically with media sources, and instill skills of emotional self-control and regulation in online communication. The results of this study complement knowledge in the field of social psychology, psychological diagnostics of personality. The identified indicators and criteria of digital socialization can be used as a basis for developing new methods of psychological diagnostics of the level of successful digital socialization of children and adolescents.