Reliable Internet Access Research Articles

Digital Empowerment of Women: The Role of the Internet in an Online University Setting

This study explores the impact of digital empowerment on female students in online university settings, focusing on internet connectivity, digital tools, and barriers to success. Using a survey distributed through Google Forms, we collected responses from 120 female participants across four faculties: Medical, Economics, Computer Science, and Education. The purpose was to assess how reliable internet access influences academic performance and engagement, evaluate the effectiveness of digital resources for professional skill development, and identify obstacles affecting women's participation. Results revealed that reliable internet access significantly enhances academic performance and engagement. Digital tools were highly rated for their effectiveness in skill development and career advancement. However, technological limitations and socio-economic factors were identified as major barriers. The findings suggest that while online universities offer valuable opportunities, addressing technological and socio-economic challenges is crucial for maximizing their benefits. Recommendations include improving internet infrastructure and providing targeted support to overcome socio-economic barriers. Future research should explore the longitudinal effects of digital empowerment initiatives and their impact on long-term academic and career outcomes for women.

Long-Term Mandatory Homeschooling during COVID-19 Had Compounding Mental Health Effects on Parents and Children.

Most studies have linked mandatory homeschooling during COVID-19 to mental health harm in parents and children, while a minority have found non-significant or beneficial effects. Past studies have not measured mandatory homeschooling continuously over an extended period; consequently, they could not capture compounding mental health effects, which may explain conflicting results. We asked whether children's cumulative time spent homeschooled during COVID-19 school closure mandates caused compounding harm for parent and child mental health, and whether parent employment, child internet access and educational support from schools (live and pre-recorded online classes, home learning packs) impacted this relationship. We aimed to identify the families at greatest risk of mental health harm during mandatory homeschooling and the educational support that may have mitigated this risk. Couples completed retrospective, cross-sectional survey questionnaires assessing parent depression, anxiety and stress, child internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and the family's homeschooling experience. Data were analyzed using mediation analysis total effects, ordinary least squares regression and simple slopes analysis. Both parents and children experienced compounding mental health harm during mandatory homeschooling. Live online classes protected parents and children, while home learning packs protected children. Unexpectedly, reliable internet access and the employment of both parents placed children at greater risk. Findings suggest that long-term mandatory homeschooling during COVID-19 placed families at greater risk of mental health harm. To protect family mental health during homeschooling mandates, schools should provide children with evidence-based educational support.

Eksplorasi Pemetaan Pelanggan dan Prioritas Pengembangan Jaringan Internet : Pendekatan Sistem Informasi Geografis Berbasis Web dan AHP

ArsyaNet, a local internet service provider, strives to deliver fast and reliable internet access to its customers. This study aims to implement a web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) for customer mapping and network development prioritization using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method at ArsyaNet. Leaflet is employed to map the distribution of ArsyaNet customers within the RT/RW network in the Pringgasela District. The main objective of this research is to accurately and efficiently map the distribution of internet customers to support optimal network development. By integrating AHP into the GIS, customer preferences and other relevant factors such as access speed, service quality, and infrastructure needs in specific areas will be considered in determining the priority locations for network development. The AHP method allows for the grouping of customers based on their preferences and determining locations by considering weights on each relevant aspect. Integrating Leaflet into the GIS enables accurate and interactive mapping results using a lighter map compared to the Google Maps API. This research is conducted to enhance the quality of internet services provided by ArsyaNet by better understanding the needs and preferences of customers in selecting internet service providers and their customer distribution.

Rapid jail-based implementation of overdose education and naloxone distribution in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundPeople incarcerated in jails are highly impacted by the opioid epidemic, and overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) is an effective strategy to reduce opioid overdose deaths. This study examines barriers and facilitators of fast-track OEND implementation within the jails in the Wave 1 Kentucky counties of the HEALing Communities Study during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsMeeting minutes with jail stakeholders were qualitatively coded using the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) as the coding framework. The analysis highlighted the top barriers and facilitators to fast-track OEND implementation within the PRISM framework.ResultsSpace and staffing shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions in interorganizational programming from pandemic-related service suspensions, and a lack of technological solutions (e.g., reliable Internet access) for socially distanced delivery were the top barriers to fast-track OEND implementation. In addition, there were limitations on non-jail staff access to jails during COVID-19. Top facilitators included jail leadership support, the option to prioritize high-risk groups, and the incorporation of OEND processes into existing communications and management software. While the COVID-19 pandemic strained jail infrastructure, jail and partner agency collaboration led to creative implementation strategies for the successful integration of OEND into jail operations. Urban jails were more likely than rural jails to be early adopters of OEND during the public health emergency.ConclusionsUnderstanding the barriers to and facilitators of OEND within jails will improve implementation efforts seeking to curb opioid overdose deaths. Jail leadership support and interorganizational efforts were key facilitators to implementation; therefore, it is recommended to increase buy-in with multiple agencies to promote success. Challenges brought on by COVID-19 have resulted in a need for innovative solutions for implementation.Clinical trial informationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04111939, Submitted 30 September 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04111939?titles=HEALing%20Communities%20Study&rank=1.

A Graph Reinforcement Learning-Based Handover Strategy for Low Earth Orbit Satellites under Power Grid Scenarios

Amidst the escalating need for stable power supplies and high-quality communication services in remote regions globally, due to challenges associated with deploying a conventional power communication infrastructure and its susceptibility to natural disasters, LEO satellite networks present a promising solution for broad geographical coverage and the provision of stable and high-speed communication services in remote regions. Given the necessity for frequent handovers to maintain service continuity, due to the high mobility of LEO satellites, a primary technical challenge confronting LEO satellite networks lies in efficiently managing the handover process between satellites, to guarantee the continuity and quality of communication services, particularly for power services. Thus, there is a critical need to explore satellite handover optimization algorithms. This paper presents a handover optimization scheme that integrates deep reinforcement learning (DRL) and graph neural networks (GNN) to dynamically optimize the satellite handover process and adapt to the time-varying satellite network environment. DRL models can effectively detect changes in the topology of satellite handover graphs across different time periods by leveraging the powerful representational capabilities of GNNs to make optimal handover decisions. Simulation experiments confirm that the handover strategy based on the fusion of message-passing neural network and deep Q-network algorithm (MPNN-DQN) outperforms traditional handover mechanisms and DRL-based strategies in reducing handover frequency, lowering communication latency, and achieving network load balancing. Integrating DRL and GNN into the satellite handover mechanism enhances the communication continuity and reliability of power systems in remote areas, while also offering a new direction for the design and optimization of future power system communication networks. This research contributes to the advancement of sophisticated satellite communication architectures that facilitate high-speed and reliable internet access in remote regions worldwide.

An exercise-based international polymer syllabus

Abstract The IUPAC Subcommittee on Polymer Education has been pursuing the development of a compact syllabus covering the essential topics required for a tertiary education in polymer science, with numerical and short answer exercises addressing each topic. The primary goal of the document is to provide a framework for a complete course made freely available worldwide so that any educator can implement a professionally-curated course in polymer science for their students without needing expensive textbooks or reliable internet access. An important secondary goal is to popularize the use of approved IUPAC terminology in polymer science by using it consistently throughout the document and providing references to IUPAC source documents. Professor Melissa Chin Han Chan was an active and enthusiastic participant in the project who played a significant role in its design and implementation. The late Professor Richard ‘Dick’ Jones also had a keen interest in the project and had a great influence on its direction and structure. This brief note is dedicated to these two illustrious polymer scientists.

Comparing the effectiveness of delivery style in produce safety training for growers.

The Produce Safety Alliance grower training has been offered since 2016. Prior to the pandemic, the course was offered exclusively in-person. During the pandemic, trainers were allowed to offer the course remotely. The effectiveness of in-person and remote delivery options was compared utilizing four methods: course evaluations completed at the training; a pre- and post-training knowledge assessment; a 1-year follow-up survey; and focus groups with course trainers. All methods, except the focus groups, were used as evaluation tools starting before and continuing during the pandemic. On the course evaluations, remote delivery and in-person participants rated their satisfaction with the training and their confidence in their ability to make changes at the same high rate. The knowledge assessment found remote delivery participants scored higher on the posttest than in-person participants when controlling for pretest score (p<0.001); the effect size was between low and medium (ηp 2=0.025). On the follow-up survey, remote delivery participants reported making changes to food safety practices or infrastructure at a higher rate than in-person participants (68% vs. 53%, respectively, Χ2 (1, N=700)=6.372, p=0.012, Cramer's V=0.012 (very low)). There were demographic differences in educational level, job description, and number of years farming between the two populations. The focus group revealed advantages and disadvantages of both delivery methods, including internet availability, engagement activity, and course logistics and planning. Because no practical differences in outcome were measured between delivery methods and each had unique strengths, researchers recommend that educators should utilize both methods in the future. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: 1. When deciding between offering in-person or synchronous virtual training, trainers can feel confident that both delivery methods result in positive experiences from participants, learning, and behavior change. 2. PSA trainers may choose to offer the training remotely to increase accessibility for people who live in areas where there may not be enough growers to warrant holding an in-person training nearby, but should also consider that reliable high-speed internet access may not be available to all. 3. Remote delivery trainings can be smoother by hosting remote delivery participants at local extension or other partner offices where high-speed internet is available.

E-Government Issues in Developing Countries Using TOE and UTAUT Frameworks: A Systematic Review

E-government, or electronic government, refers to the utilization of information and communication technology to improve and simplify the provision of government services and information to citizens, businesses, and government agencies. The adoption and implementation of e-government may be seen as an imperative for governments in developing nations. This research observes the intricacies of e-government implementation in developing countries, aiming to identify and analyze pivotal issues. By employing the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis method, this research discovers the intricate landscape of e-government implementation. Also, utilizing the Technology-Organization-Environment and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology frameworks, the study uncovers substantial issues rooted in organizational limitations like limited awareness and inadequate top management support. The scarcity of essential infrastructure, notably reliable internet access, exacerbates these issues, deepening the digital divide between urban and rural areas. These findings emphasize the crucial role of clear regulations and unwavering top management support. Success in technology adoption hinges on the synergy between organizational, technological, and environmental factors. This thorough investigation illuminates the complex dynamics associated with the implementation of e-government in developing countries, providing invaluable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers navigating the complexities of digital governance.

Access and use of mobile health applications among Medicaid-insured pregnant and postpartum individuals

Mobile health applications can address health disparities in prenatal care due to adverse social determinants of health. We assessed the uptake and use of, preferences for, and barriers to mobile health applications among Medicaid-insured pregnant and postpartum individuals enrolled in prenatal care from March to May 2021. Medicaid-insured pregnant and postpartum individuals frequently used (56 %) and were potentially interested in using (90 %) mobile health applications for health-related tasks and had reliable internet access to do so (94 %). Over two fifths (44 %) reported barriers to using mobile health applications. Further research is needed to understand whether using mobile health applications to address social needs in the peripartum period can affect prenatal care utilization and decrease health disparities.

Exploring Barriers Toward Telehealth in an Underserved, Uninsured Patient Population.

Telehealth has untapped potential to improve health care for underserved communities. However, it remains underutilized, limiting opportunities to improve continuity of care and health care outcomes. This pilot study investigates attitudes and barriers to telehealth at Stony Brook HOME, Renaissance School of Medicine's student-run free-health clinic in Suffolk County, NY. Surveys (n = 100) were electronically administered bimonthly during clinic waiting room time from May 2022 to August 2023 in both English (40%) and Spanish (60%). Surveys collected information on patient demographics, perceived patient barriers and attitudes to telehealth, and technological comfort levels. Most patients were Hispanic/Latino (68%), female (54%), and 40-60 years old (52%). Spanish speakers often come from high social vulnerability regions. English speakers were more likely to own a smartphone, computer, or tablet than Spanish speakers (p = 0.046). English speakers reported higher levels of technological comfort using a smartphone or tablet (p = 0.0033) and using it for their health care (p = 0.03). Finally, 100% of English speakers reported reliable internet access compared to 66.7% of Spanish speakers. These results demonstrate that barriers to telehealth are being disproportionately felt by Spanish speakers, thus necessitating survey-directed interventions to address this disparity.

Exploring Student Adaptation to Emergency Online Learning: Psychological Readiness and Study Environments

This study explores the influence of study environments on the psychological readiness of students during emergency online learning scenarios in a post-pandemic context. Conducted during a festive season at a Malaysian university, the research examines how factors such as quietness, comfort, internet connectivity, and family dynamics shape the ability of 80 diploma students to adapt to the sudden shift to fully online classes. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through an open-ended survey, and thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes. The findings reveal that conducive study environments, initiated by minimal distractions, comfortable workspaces, reliable internet access, and supportive family interactions, are crucial for enhancing students’ focus and engagement in online learning. The study highlights the need for educational institutions to provide guidelines and resources to help students optimise their study environments. Additionally, it emphasises the importance of fostering family communication strategies to reduce disruptions. These insights offer valuable implications for future emergency learning scenarios, suggesting that targeted interventions could significantly improve student adaptation and academic performance. Future research should further investigate the long-term effects of these environmental factors and the effectiveness of specific interventions in enhancing students’ psychological readiness.

THE INTERNET COVERAGE IN UZBEKISTAN SERVES AS A PRIMARY SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

This article explores Uzbekistan's recognition of the significance of the fourth industrial revolution and the crucial role of internet connectivity in integrating transformative technologies such as AI, big data, cloud computing, and IoT. The country has made substantial investments in technology and infrastructure to support this revolution. However, this article goes beyond the emphasis on quantity and delves into the importance of fostering quality internet users and improving internet coverage in Uzbekistan. By focusing on both the quantity and quality of internet access, Uzbekistan aims to create an environment conducive to innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital skills development. The analysis presented in this article sheds light on the country's efforts to maximize the benefits of the digital economy by ensuring widespread and reliable internet access, empowering individuals with digital literacy, and fostering a competitive position in the global digital landscape.

Evaluating The Impact of E-Learning on Girl’s Education in Afghanistan: A Case study of Samangan University

This study delves into the impact of E-Learning on girls' education at Samangan University in Afghanistan, focusing on evaluating the efficacy of digital programs within the nation's intricate socio-cultural landscape. The research, encompassing responses from 106 female students through surveys, highlights the critical need for robust infrastructure, reliable internet access, and accessible devices to facilitate active participation in digital learning. Teacher training programs emerge as pivotal for the successful implementation of E-Learning. Factors such as learning support systems and the overall learning experience play significant roles in shaping student engagement and satisfaction. Despite these positive aspects, social barriers, notably gender discrimination, persist, impeding female students' access to and engagement in digital learning. In conclusion, the study suggests that E-Learning holds immense potential to broaden educational opportunities in Afghanistan. It emphasizes the necessity of substantial infrastructure investment, comprehensive teacher training, and addressing social inequalities to foster an inclusive learning environment. Policymakers and educational institutions can leverage these insights to formulate strategies ensuring equitable access to quality education for all female students at Samangan University. The research significantly contributes valuable guidance for prospective investigations and the development of E-Learning initiatives, emphasizing the transformative role of digital learning in advancing education in Afghanistan, particularly for female students.

Students’ Perspective on Digital Education Interventions During COVID-19 Pandemic and Academic Performance of University Students in Punjab

This study aimed to comprehensively assess university students' perspectives on digital education during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on academic performance. It focused on gauging satisfaction with digital learning, identifying challenges faced, and providing insights for future educational strategies. Sampling 1,309 students from Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts departments across six public sector universities, the study revealed that female students exhibited greater awareness of online learning. While gender didn't affect computer skills or gadget availability, more females had reliable internet access (51%) compared to males (43%). Challenges included connectivity issues, time management, and power outages. Students expressed moderate satisfaction with study environments and support, signaling a need for improved online education solutions. Regional variations underscored the necessity for tailored strategies to address disparities in perceptions and experiences across different areas.

Digitalization of home-based records for maternal, newborn, and child health: a scoping review

BackgroundAt least 163 countries use a form of home-based record, a document to record health information kept at home. These are predominantly paper-based, although some countries are digitalizing home-based records for improved access and use. This scoping review aimed to identify efforts already undertaken for the digitalization of home-based records for maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) and lessons learned moving forward, by mapping the available peer-reviewed and grey literature.MethodsThe scoping review was guided by Arskey and O’Malley’s framework. A literature search of references published from 2000 until 2021 was conducted in Medline, Embase, CINAHL, EBM reviews, Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore as well as a grey literature search. Title and abstract and full texts were screened in Covidence. A final data extraction sheet was generated in Excel.ResultsThe scoping review includes 107 references that cover 120 unique digital interventions. Most of the included references are peer-reviewed articles in English language published after 2015. Of the 120 unique digital interventions, 80 (66.7%) are used in 31 different countries and 40 (33.3%) are globally available pregnancy applications. Out of the 80 digitalization efforts from countries, most are concentrated in high-income countries (n=68, 85%). Maternal health (n=73; 61%) and child health (n=60; 50%) are the main health domains covered; the main users are pregnant women (n=57; 48%) and parents/caregivers (n=43; 36%).ConclusionsMost digital home-based records for MNCH are centered in high-income countries and revolve around pregnancy applications or portals for home access to health records covering MNCH. Lessons learned indicate that the success of digital home-based records correlates with the usability of the intervention, digital literacy, language skills, ownership of required digital devices, and reliable electricity and internet access. The digitalization of home-based records needs to be considered together with digitizing patient health records.

Implementing Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Disparities in Utilization in an Urban Pain Medicine Practice.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a drastic expansion in utilizing telemedicine, circumventing some of the geographical barriers to accessing pain care. However, uncertainties around the impact of telemedicine across various sociodemographic groups still exist, prompting further exploration. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of sociodemographic factors in telemedicine utilization during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. All outpatient non-procedural visits at the pain medicine division of a large academic institution in the epicenter of the pandemic (New York, USA), between March 2019 and October 2021, were retrospectively included. Sociodemographic data including gender, age, ethnicity/race, postal code, and type of health insurance, across three time periods associated with the COVID-19 pandemic - pre-lockdown (in-office visits only), lockdown (telemedicine visits only) and post-lockdown (offering both in-office and telemedicine visits) - were analyzed and compared. In total, 12,615 unique patients - The majority being women (58%) - were seen during the whole study period. In the post-lockdown period, telemedicine was utilized by 42% of all patients. Follow-up visits, younger patients, white patients, patients residing further away from the hospital, and privately insured patients were more likely to utilize telemedicine post-lockdown (p <0.05). Older patients, minorities, Manhattan residents, and Medicare/Medicaid recipients, were more likely to use in-office visits post-lockdown (p <0.05). We identified disparities in the utilization of telemedicine in Pain Medicine, which may be due to socioeconomic factors such as lack of access to reliable internet access, cost of devices, and technological know-how. This emphasizes the need for further studies to better understand the reasons for and barriers to telemedicine use. This could help inform policymaking to safeguard equitable access to telemedicine use for pain care.

Empirical Evidence of Internal and External Factors Influencing Users' Motivation Toward Teleconsultation Use.

Introduction: The use of teleconsultation systems has increased in recent years, which has improved patients' access to health care providers and enabled seamless interaction between them. The literature points out several factors that either facilitate or impede the use of teleconsultation. However, there is a lack of studies that provide empirical evidence of factors that influence consumers' motivation toward the use of teleconsultation systems. Aim and Objective: This study aimed to provide empirical evidence of the internal and external factors that influence consumers' motivation toward the use of teleconsultation systems. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from consumers who used a real-time teleconsultation system called the Sehha application in Saudi Arabia between March 13 and June 14, 2021. SPSS 27.0.1 was used for descriptive analysis. Results: Four hundred eighty-five participants completed the survey, 471 of whom were included in the analysis. The findings confirmed that internal and external factors exert an influence on consumers' motivation toward the use of teleconsultation systems. The findings indicated that the presence of factors such as saving time, saving cost, accessibility to health care, ease-of-use, reliable internet access, availability of devices, and appropriate places during the online connection would increase consumers' motivation toward teleconsultation systems use. Also, the findings indicated that users' familiarity with systems similar to teleconsultation systems, users' perception of teleconsultation convenience, the influence of others on users' decision to use teleconsultation, and user's skills and confidence in using teleconsultation easily, and their trust in the teleconsultation system would also increase their motivation to use it. Furthermore, the findings showed that demographic factors, including age, gender, level of education, and employment status, did not influence users' motivation toward the use of teleconsultation Conclusions: This study provided empirical evidence of a variety of internal and external factors that exert an influence on consumers' motivation toward the use of teleconsultation systems.

Pengaruh Penerapan Teknologi Digital Terhadap Penggunaan Bilyet Giro dalam Bisnis Perdagangan

The development of digital technology has had a significant impact on the use of demand deposits in the trading business. This discussion aims to analyze the effect of the application of digital technology on the use of demand deposits in the retail industry. Several retail companies are still facing challenges related to technological infrastructure and the availability of reliable internet access. In order to optimize the use of demand deposits in the trading business with the adoption of digital technology, retail companies need to involve employees in training and developing technology skills. Attention to data protection and customer privacy is also required and the development of strategies to promote consumer acceptance of digital payment methods.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Caregiving for Older Adults With Dementia During the Time of COVID-19: A Multi-State Exploratory Qualitative Study.

This qualitative semi-structured interview study explores how 64 family caregivers for older adults with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias across eight states experienced and executed caregiving decisions before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, caregivers experienced challenges communicating with loved ones and healthcare workers in all care settings. Second, caregivers displayed resilient coping strategies in adapting to pandemic restrictions, finding novel strategies to balance risks while preserving communication, oversight, and safety. Third, many caregivers modified care arrangements, with some avoiding and others embracing institutional care. Finally, caregivers reflected on the benefits and challenges of pandemic-related innovations. Certain policy changes reduced caregiver burden and could improve care access if made permanent. Telemedicine's increasing use highlights the need for reliable internet access and accommodations for individuals with cognitive deficits. Public policies must pay greater attention to challenges faced by family caregivers, whose labor is both essential and undervalued.

Analyzing Digital Features Of Accommodation Products Leading To Consumer Purchase

Accommodation industry experiences shifts in the customer preferences as digital era of e-commerce arrives. This shift forces business to focus more on integrated service delivery that leverages technology and applications. This further opens the opportunity to use customer narratives in providing valuable insights on what aspects these accommodation providers have to consider. This study explored the narratives from accommodation customers using qualitative analysis. Thirty-two (32) customers were purposively sampled to elicit information-rich narratives through one-on-one interviews. Findings indicated that reliable and fast internet access is particularly crucial for customers who have remote work responsibilities and those who heavily rely on the internet for communication purposes. Customers value the availability of digital resources such as laptops and computers, especially for situations where work or communication emergencies arise. Addressing customers' concerns about internet security and catering to their preferences for digital amenities can lead to increased customer satisfaction, positive reviews, and ultimately boost bookings and revenue for accommodations. It is essential for accommodation providers to stay technologically relevant and continuously adapt to meet customers' evolving digital needs to remain competitive in the ever-changing hospitality industry. By doing so, they can establish a stronger position in the market and create a positive impact on their overall business performance.