Social Communication Technologies Research Articles

SUSTAINABLE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: THE NEXUS BETWEEN ICT AND GLOBAL GREEN ECONOMIC GROWTH

As a new engine to promote global economic and social development, information and communication technology (ICT) plays a key role in the field of modern economy. The aim of this paper is to investigate the nexus between ICT and green total factor productivity (GTFP) on a global scale. An extended data envelopment analysis model (DEA), named WINDOWS-US-SBM, was constructed for calculating the GTFP of 65 countries from 2007 to 2019. This paper empirically analyzes the spatial effect and the transmission mechanism of ICT development on GTFP in countries from different income groups. The results show a prominent imbalance between ICT development and GTFP in various countries. ICT can effectively improve GTFP and play a crucial role in lower middle-income countries. The development of ICT can improve GTFP through technological progress, energy intensity, and trade openness. This paper is helpful to provide policy guidance for the development of ICT and give a new perspective of global green development.

Recruitment, Retention, and Training of Citizen Scientists in Translational Medicine Research: A Citizen Science Initiative on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Citizen science is a participatory science approach in which members of the public (citizens) collaborate with scientists and professional researchers and become involved in research and innovation activities, resulting in the co-creation of scientific knowledge and innovation. Citizen science has been widely applied in research, particularly in the social sciences, environmental sciences, information and communication technologies, and public health. However, the application of this approach inclinical sciences, particularly in translational medicine research, is still nascent. This exploratory study involved members of the public (citizen scientists) in a translational medicineexperiment on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that incorporated a lifestyle and weight-loss intervention. The aim of this paper is to report successful methods and approaches for the recruitment, retention, and training of citizen scientists. For the citizen scientists' recruitment, online calls placed on the websites of our research project and biomedical research centerand targeted emails were the most helpful. Of the 14 members of the public who expressed interest in our study, six were recruited as citizen scientists. Citizen scientists were mostly female (n = 5, 83%), white (n = 3, 50%), over 50 years of age (n = 4, 67%), educated to postgraduate level (n = 5, 83%), and either retired or not in employment (n = 5, 83%). The retention rate was 83% (n = 5), and the dropout rate was 17% (n = 1). We arranged instructor-led interactive online training sessions (an hour-long one-on-one session and two-hour group sessions). Research skills training covered ethics in research and qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Citizen scientists were given several incentives, such as reimbursement of travel and care costs, selection as citizen scientists of the month, publications of their blogs and perspective articles, and co-authorship and acknowledgement in papers and project deliverables. To conclude, members of the public (particularly middle-aged white women with postgraduate education) are interested in becoming citizen scientists in translational medicine research. Their retention rate is higher, and they can contribute to different research activities. However, they need training to develop their research skills and expertise. The training should be simple, comprehensive, and flexible to accommodate the schedules of individual citizen scientists. They deserve incentives as they work on a voluntary basis.

The use of new technologies in the development and maintenance of sustainable schools

The sustainable school arises from the need to rethink a new school and reflect on the future of humanity, with regard to concepts that have not been explored so far. It highlights the concepts of the idealized system for creating sustainable environments, involving socio-economic, environmental and ethical areas. The aim of this work is to analyze the use of these new information technologies, or ecotechnologies, in the implementation and maintenance of sustainable schools, in order to elucidate the latest discoveries in this area. In addition to carrying out a bibliographical review on the subject, it measures the possibilities for its use in a practical and objective way. The methodology used was bibliographical research on the subject in question, breaking it down through a qualitative approach, using scientific articles and more recent works considered to be the most relevant in the field of ecology and sustainability, with a focus on the implementation and use of technologies aimed at environmental education in schools. It was concluded that the use of new information technologies, or ecotechnologies, whether they are social communication technologies or not, in the context of implementing and maintaining sustainable schools, although paradoxical, is necessary in order to develop viable solutions and/or alternatives to an unavoidable social reality, especially for new generations and students. It should be noted that integrating multimedia information technology into environmental education and, consequently, into sustainable schools, raises students' awareness and knowledge of different environments and encourages the dissemination of new possibilities despite the existing distance.

Social media and communication technology in education: A Literature review

This article aims to examine the impact of the use of social media and communication technologies in the context of education in the digital age. Utilizing a literature review as its primary method, the study collects and analyzes data from various prior studies using the PRISMA 2020 methodology. The analysis technique involves comparing research findings and integrating insights from diverse academic sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the research topic. The results reveal that social media and communication technology enhance student engagement and motivation in learning. Additionally, the use of social media and communication technology in education demonstrates varied effects on students' learning motivation and poses potential risks to their mental well-being. These findings provide crucial insights for educators and policymakers in effectively and safely integrating digital technology into education.

Strengthening and supporting parent–child relationships through digital technology: Benefits and challenges

AbstractObjectiveThis paper explores Australian military families' use of social media and digital communication to maintain and strengthen parent–child relationships during military deployments.BackgroundThe physical and emotional well‐being of children and partners of military serving members is affected by service. Maintaining positive family relationships between military members and their children during periods of absence (including deployment) is important for parental relationships as well as the well‐being of the child.MethodA qualitative meta‐analysis is used to collate data from two previous studies of Australian Defence Force (ADF) families with children, in order to generate a new data set from which novel insights were drawn.ResultsFamilies show a preference for social media and digital communication methods, and digital technologies affordances and practicalities are well suited for Defence families with children. There are a range of benefits; digital technologies are used to strengthen relationships between children and their deployed parent. The study highlights a range of challenges for deployed parents as well as points to the work required from the at‐home parent in facilitating these connections.ConclusionMaintaining positive family relationships between military members and their children during times of absences is important for both relationships. This paper explores how ADF families use social and digital communication during military absences and outlines the role these technologies play as a medium for strengthening familial relationship.Implications.The findings of this paper highlight the importance of digital and social communication technologies for supporting families during absences. This has implications for the ADF, who might look to reduce members' access to such communication for security concerns. Reduced family well‐being may also have impacts on retention, a key issue for military organizations. Accordingly, the findings of this paper may be used to inform decisions about restricting internet and social media access for deployed military members.

The Impact of Social Media, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) On Reading Habit

This systematic review study goals to carefully examine the influence of social media and information technology on reading habits. With the fast development of technology and the universal impact of social media in contemporary society, concerns have arisen regarding their effects on traditional reading practices. The study synthesizes existing research to provide a complete understanding of how social media and information technology have prejudiced reading habits across various individuals. By analyzing the literature, we recognize both positive and negative impacts, shedding light on possible strategies to mitigate the encounters and exploit the opportunities presented by these technologies. The findings highlight the need for a balanced approach that harnesses the benefits of technology while preserving and enhancing reading habits

Highly Skilled Migrant Youths: Emotional Intimacy through Social Media and Communication Technologies

Highly Skilled Migrant Youths: Emotional Intimacy through Social Media and Communication Technologies

An Evaluation of the Implementation of ICT Framework in Jigawa State: A Case Study of Galaxy Backbone Dutse

Rapid development in information and communication technology (ICT) has basically transformed the process and procedure of almost all forms of endeavour within health, education, business, governance, and civil service. Despite the devastating impact of Covid-19 pandemic on world economy, schools closure, businesses, and social activity, the information and communication technology has enhanced economic growth, generated business opportunities and employment, provided effective productivity and enhanced social and government services during the pandemic. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the implementation of ICT framework in Jigawa State. The study employed qualitative case study, where a sample of 20 staff were purposely selected to participate in the study. The findings of the study revealed that the state government has adequately provided physical infrastructural development for the take up of Galaxy Backbone. The government payroll and integrated financial management information system was fully computerized. Surprisingly, the assessment showed that no single amount of money was generated through ICT in the state, and that their target of becoming regional hub for software development and hardware assembling were not achieved. Based on the above findings, recommendations were put forward to the state government that the implementation of ICT framework in the state should be reviewed in order to meet the set target and a trained and professional ICT expert should be employed in the agency to guide the implementation and achievement of the set target.
 Keywords: ICT, evaluation, ICT framework, model of evaluation, CIPP model

The Impact of Economic Corridor and Tourism on Local Community's Quality of Life under One Belt One Road Context.

Economic corridors unlock new economic opportunities and tourism development in the region to achieve sustainable development goals. Green economic growth is conducive to environmental sustainability. Economic mega-projects of CPEC promote tourism that leads to communities' well-being and better quality of life. Modern infrastructure development contributes significantly to economic growth and tourism activities. This study's objectives emphasize exploring tourism and sustainable development pursuits under OBOR economic projects that open doors to improving residents' quality of life. The growing world is an eyewitness to a continuous rise in emissions and its severe consequences for humankind. It is necessary to show off the leading factors that result in tourism and economic activities causing environmental pollution rather than blame policymakers. Undoubtedly, many studies previously focused on demonstrating the influence of socio-economic factors that lead to better environmental quality. However, the empirical literature on tourism, social well-being, foreign direct investment, and the Environment in Belt and Road developed economies needed improvement. This research applied a series of advanced estimators that help demonstrate the study's probable results. This study explores the role of Social well-being (HDI), tourism development, FDI, renewable energy, information & communication technology (ICT), and urbanization on CO2 emissions in Belt and Road (BRI) developed economies.Estimated results exhibited the significant contribution of ICT and renewable energy to sustainability. Besides, FDI contributes to emissions reduction after its threshold level. Conversely, urbanization and tourism activities contribute to environmental pollution. The study outcomes stated inverted/EKC U-shaped hypotheses related to specified economies. Finally, the analysis based on the D-H panel causality test constructs exciting results.The present study concludes that economic corridor plays a vital role in tourism development, the community's well-being, and SDGs goals (sustainable development) impact on environmental safety. The findings suggest essential and applicable policies to attain the desired sustainability level. Findings contribute to the literature on tourism, well-being, and sustainability. Further studies can use insights using this methodology.

The Impact of Social Media, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on Reading Habit

This systematic review study goals to carefully examine the influence of social media and information technology on the reading habit. With the fastdevelopment of technology and the universalimpact of social media in contemporary society, concerns have arisen regarding their effects on traditional reading practices. The study synthesizes existing research to provide a complete understanding of how social media and information technology have prejudiced reading habits across various individuals. By analyzing the literature, we recognize both positive and negative impacts, shedding light on possible strategies to mitigate the encounters and exploit on the opportunities presented by these technologies. The findings highlight the need for a balanced approach that harnesses the benefits of technology while preserving and enhancing reading habits

Pre-service teachers’ perceptions of data protection in primary education

The protection of personal data and privacy are important issues closely related to use of social media, information and communication technologies, and the Internet in the area of education. The treatment of academic information and use of tools and programs for instruction, communication, and learning have revealed the handling of a significant volume of personal data from different sources. It is essential to protect this information from possible privacy violations. This descriptive study, which is of transversal nonexperimental design, focuses on how 384 pre-service teachers’ enrolled in educational technology courses in their education programs view the protection of personal data. The goals are to describe and analyze how these teachers perceive the risks associated with protection of data on the Internet and what they know about protection of data in primary education. We administered a questionnaire within the framework of an educational activity that focused on digital competence in data protection in education. The results show a high perception of risk in topics such as accepting cookies when surfing the Internet or transferring banking information. The knowledge the students claim to have shown a lack of information on the protection of minors’ data in issues related to the development and schooling of primary school students, as well as their health, background, and family environment. Curricular treatment of these areas that includes content, practices on regulations, and adopts a situated, critical, and responsible approach in pre-service teacher education is recommended.

The Role of Social Media and Communication Technology in Addressing Challenges Confronting Women Entrepreneurs in Social Development Projects

The Role of Social Media and Communication Technology in Addressing Challenges Confronting Women Entrepreneurs in Social Development Projects

Chaka, P. (2013). An Implimentation of an online based registration system in tertiary institutions in Zimbabwe. International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT), 2(10). Curelaru, M.; Curelaru, V.; Cristea, M. (2022). Students’ Perceptions of Online Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Approach. Sustainability, 14, 8138. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138138 Dung, D.T.H. (2020). The Advantages and Disadvantages of Virtual Learning. IOSR Journal of

Web-based services offer users convenient access to and the ability to manipulate information that is of concern to such services. Not only does online registration address the manageability issue of a growing student population, but it also ensures greater constancy and reusability of information. These advantages in turn lead to better productivity and hence better quality of the overall registration system. Furthermore, online system can be used not only for registration, but also for making payments, accessing school record, and updating information. Using a descriptive sequential qualitative-quantitative method, this paper investigated the perceptions and experiences of some freshmen concerning online registration system as opposed to traditional paper-based central registration system. Data were collected from 28 participants at a medium size public university in Niger via online questionnaires and online group discussions. The study found that participants are in general very receptive to online registration system and that Computer Skills positively correlated with Perceptions. These results have implications for Niger’s public institutions of higher education wishing to innovate or revolutionize their registration system to better manage the growing number of incoming freshmen each year.

Digital media in intergenerational communication: Status quo and future scenarios for the grandparent–grandchild relationship

Communication technologies play an important role in maintaining the grandparent–grandchild (GP–GC) relationship. Based on Media Richness Theory, this study investigates the frequency of use (RQ1) and perceived quality (RQ2) of established media as well as the potential use of selected innovative media (RQ3) in GP-GC relationships with a particular focus on digital media. A cross-sectional online survey and vignette experiment were conducted in February 2021 among N = 286 university students in Germany (mean age 23 years, 57% female) who reported on the direct and mediated communication with their grandparents. In addition to face-to-face interactions, non-digital and digital established media (such as telephone, texting, video conferencing) and innovative digital media, namely augmented reality (AR)-based and social robot-based communication technologies, were covered. Face-to-face and phone communication occurred most frequently in GP-GC relationships: 85% of participants reported them taking place at least a few times per year (RQ1). Non-digital established media were associated with higher perceived communication quality than digital established media (RQ2). Innovative digital media received less favorable quality evaluations than established media. Participants expressed doubts regarding the technology competence of their grandparents, but still met innovative media with high expectations regarding improved communication quality (RQ3). Richer media, such as video conferencing or AR, do not automatically lead to better perceived communication quality, while leaner media, such as letters or text messages, can provide rich communication experiences. More research is needed to fully understand and systematically improve the utility, usability, and joy of use of different digital communication technologies employed in GP–GC relationships.

Strengthening the social performance of Indian SMEs in the digital era: a fuzzy DEMATEL analysis of enablers

PurposeIn the modern digital age technologies like Industry 4.0 has revolutionized the manufacturing sector. There are many economic and technological advantages of digitalization. Along with economic benefits, manufacturing enterprises especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) need to take advantage of digitalization in strengthening their social performance. Observing the importance of social performance of Indian SMEs and availability of limited research in this direction, the current study has done a holistic analysis of social performance enablers.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review with a series of personal interviews of experts has been conducted to identify the enablers of social performance and supportive digital technologies. A fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach has been applied to find the degree of influence and interrelation between enablers. Sensitivity analysis is also performed to validate the results obtained.FindingsAuthors observed that policies of corporate and social responsibility, support by top management, awareness of social performance issues, and ethical practices and collaboration amongst supply chain members are leading causing enablers of social performance. Preparedness for the uncertainty of pandemics, improved work conditions and ergonomics, green practices, improvement in global business and improved living standards of employees and their families are leading the effect group of enablers. Further authors also observed that social media, information and communication technologies (ICT), websites, smart surveillance, e-mails and cloud computing are few supportive digital technologies of social performance issues.Research limitations/implicationsSMEs all over the globe are passing through a transition due to digitalization and influence of pandemics. The finding of current study highlights the importance of strategic management of social performance enablers. Since the research is very limited in the social performance area, especially in Indian SMEs, this study makes a notable contribution to the literature too.Originality/valueNovelty of this study is that social performance enablers of Indian SMEs in the digital era have been analysed holistically. The content of this research is the original work of the authors and has not been submitted for any other publication.

КОНСТРУЮВАННЯ НОВИННОЇ РЕАЛЬНОСТІ В МАСМЕДІА

<p><strong><em>The purpose</em></strong><em> of the research is to characterize the construction of news reality in the information environment.</em></p><p><strong><em>Research methodology.</em></strong><em> The methodological basis of the study is the empirical method – we determined the news content, we characterized the researched news content on information platforms using the analysis method, the content of the news was singled out with the help of mass communication using the comparison method, where information penetrates into all spheres of social life, the observation method to influence the audience as a consumer of mass information. </em></p><p><strong><em>Results.</em></strong><em> News journalism in the modern information space is in the process of constructing reality, since all events taking place in the world receive an objective and unbiased reflection in the mass media. Quite naturally there is the question: what are the criteria that journalists use to determine the correctness of writing news, what should be transferred from the status of an event to the status of news , and which ones are not. If this issue remains understudied in both social communication theory and applied social communication technology research, there is a tacit consensus. Therefore, at the time of rapid development of online platforms, mass</em><em> </em><em>media should improve their news products for high-quality and successful promotion. Thus, the considered professional tradition of selection and presentation of news is paradoxically proportional to the imagination with the lens of ectivism and intuitionism.</em></p><p><strong><em>Novelty.</em></strong><em> The directions of construction of news reality are outlined, the advantages and disadvantages of news platforms are determined, and a comparative characterization of the essence of the genre-forming news tools, which serves for prompt, reliable, objective, balanced display of events, is carried out.</em></p><p><strong><em>Practical meaning.</em></strong><em> The obtained results of research work can be used in the empirical-applied component for the training of young specialists in news, cross-media journalism and news agency journalism.</em></p><strong><em>Key words:</em></strong><em> news journalism, mass media, media, information society, genreology, audience.</em>

The impact of ICT, green finance, and CSR on sustainable financial performance: moderating role of perceived organizational support

Recently, the financial performance of the steel industry has faced several challenges due to a lack of focus on corporate social responsibilities (CSR), green finance, and information communication technology (ICT). Hence, this study investigates the impact of CSR, green finance, and ICT on the financial performance of the steel industry in China. The present research also investigates the moderating role of organizational support among CSR and firm performance and ICT and firm performance. We applied structural equation modeling to analyze the primary data of 290 employees collected from the employees of the steel industry in China. The findings indicated that CSR, green finance, and ICT have a positive and significant impact on the financial performance of this industry. The results also showed that organizational support significantly and positively moderates the interaction between CSR, ICT, and financial performance. These findings suggest that Chinese steel industries should adopt CSR practices and implement an ICT adoption strategy for better financial performance.

Blockchain-Based Intelligent Transportation Systems: The Human Use of Cyberphysical–Social Transportation Systems [President’s Message

The interconnected objects, infrastructure, and data that form the base of cyberphysical systems use a broad range of electronic technologies to improve the usage of civil infrastructure and make transportation systems safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly. These existing relationships have established a strong relevance for potential future developments in automation and data exchange in the field of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Collaborative platforms to acquire data; advanced driver assistance systems; or other tools, such as simulation platforms with connectivity and automation capabilities, are examples of the possibilities for the systemic coverage of many aspects of the automotive, transport, and mobility system, and they make it possible to address interdisciplinary holistic problems that include aspects from social sciences, transport, planning, robotics, and communication technologies.

Normalization of technology for social contact in a Norwegian care facility during COVID-19

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has seen unprecedented growth in the use of interactive technologies in care facilities for social contact between residents and their close contacts due to the need for social distancing. As the pandemic is transitioning into a new phase, there is a need to critically examine the new practices associated with technology usage.ObjectiveOur analysis is based on a case study of how a care facility in western Norway adopted a novel technology called KOMP. We empirically investigate the stability of practices with KOMP for maintaining social communication between residents and their relatives and consider whether these practices are likely to last beyond the pandemic. We draw on normalization process theory (NPT) to interpret our findings and critically examine how stable embedding of new technologies for social communication occurs under extraordinary circumstances.MethodsWe conducted a case study based on participant observation and interviews, and the data were analyzed through inductive thematic analysis. Participants are health care professionals from a public care facility in western Norway.ResultsFour major themes emerged from the data. The first revolved around the pressing need for communications between residents and relatives with a suitable tool. Second, staff showed engagement through motivation to learn and adapt the technology in their practices. A third theme centered on how staff and the organization could work effectively to embed KOMP in daily practice. Our fourth theme suggested that the professionals continuously assessed their own use of the technology.ConclusionFrom the perspective of NPT, practices with KOMP have been partially embedded by developing a shared understanding, engaging through cognitive participation, working collectively with staff and the organization, and reflexively monitoring the benefits of using KOMP. However, staff engagement with the technology was continuously threatened by factors related to diverging staff preferences, the burden of facilitating KOMP for residents with impaired cognitive and physical abilities, issues of privacy and ethics, and the technical skills of the residents’ relatives. Our analysis suggests that caring practices via KOMP have become relatively stable despite barriers to engagement and are therefore likely to persist beyond the pandemic.

Use of Social Media in Enhancing Farmer’s Satisfaction Level on Agricultural Extension Services: A Case Study of Farmers Club in Thoubal District, Manipur

Social media has become universal and practically inescapable, revolutionizing the way farmers communicate, interact and socialize; and has become an integral part of their social education through expressing opinion on varied issues. The agriculture sector is embracing social media and utilising it to increase knowledges of the farming and cropping management as well as interacting with others like agricultural professionals, Scientists, Subject Experts including research scholars. Social media tools can be viewed as social communication technologies in which opportunities of farmers’ feedback, interaction, and networking are much higher than other forms of extension information delivery. Besides all these opportunities provided by the social media, the farmers’ satisfaction level is also an important measures in dissemination of the information specially for agricultural extension and advisory services in order to improve the present communication system between farmers and the services provider. The present study sought to assess farmers’ satisfaction level towards agricultural extensions servicesby means of social media.