Use Of Digital Technologies Research Articles

Stronger Together: A Qualitative Exploration of Social Connectedness in Parkinson's Disease in the Digital Era.

Social isolation is a common consequence of Parkinson's disease (PD), and social prescribing has become a crucial aspect for fostering well-being in this population. In fact, group work has been shown to improve levels of social connectedness in older adults across different domains. Increased technology use in older adults may also contribute to increased social connections, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, the impact of digital use on social connectedness remains to be further explored in individuals with PD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of social connectedness in relation with group-based activities and use of digital technologies in this population. Ten individuals with PD participated in focus groups. Transcripts of the video-recorded groups were analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis. The three constructed themes not only revealed changes and challenges in social connectedness but also underscored the power of family and new relationships established through PD. Results also highlighted the overall positive impact of current digital technologies, although the view on telehealth per se was multifaceted. Referrals for group rehabilitation programs can enhance social connectedness in individuals with PD through fostering new social connections and community building. Hence, group rehabilitation programs should be viewed as a form of social prescribing. The use of digital technologies should be further explored as a means to maximize social engagements in this population.

A model for integrating palliative care into Eastern Mediterranean health systems with a primary care approach.

Palliative care in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) faces challenges despite the high number of patients in need. To provide accessible, affordable, and timely services, it is crucial to adopt a suitable care model. World health organization (WHO) recommends integrating palliative care with primary health care (PHC). Given the unique conditions of EMR countries, there is a need to design a model tailored to these contexts. This study is a multi-method research project conducted through several sub-studies, including a literature review, policy analysis, expert opinion (Delphi Method), dimension-specific analysis, model development, and its validation and refinement (Delphi Method). Drawing from the WHO model, six dimensions: policy, drug availability, education, community integration, service delivery, and research were considered to developing the model and implementation requirements. Within each dimension, evidence-based solutions tailored to the region's context were explored. A successful palliative care model requires, in the policy dimension, oversight by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Having a focal-person or working group within the MOH is crucial for policy-making, formulation, and approval of clinical guidelines, as well as addressing care challenges. It is essential to provide access to morphine and other essential medications, along with facilitating the administration and consumption of morphine at home. Conducting empowerment courses for care providers, can address various challenges. Community involvement through volunteers, charities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is also important. To ensure service provision, monitoring and evaluating systems are crucial, along with striving for service continuity through an appropriate payment system. Lastly, research is necessary for needs assessment, evidence-based practice, and designing evaluation indicators. The proposed model relies on community health workers, especially nurses, as multitasking professionals available for community palliative care. In the presented model, special attention has been given to networking, collaboration, and the use of digital health technologies to support nurses. The model proposed for integrating palliative care into PHC should serve as a framework that enhances access to available and affordable services for countries in the region. While this model was developed based on the overall conditions of the region, each country can tailor it to its unique strengths and opportunities.

Exploring the perceptions and experiences of older people on the use of digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

Physical inactivity is an ongoing problem throughout the lifespan. For older people, inactivity has a negative impact on wellbeing, which worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital technologies can be employed to encourage uptake of social and physical activity through remotely delivered interventions to improve wellbeing, however, we need to understand older people's perceptions and experiences of using digital technologies before implementing these interventions. To explore the perceptions and experiences of older people on the use of digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 community dwelling older people from Hertfordshire, United Kingdom who were all programme participants in a remotely delivered mind-body physical activity programme called Positive Movement. Interviews were conducted before programme participation. The audio recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged from the data. The perceived impact of COVID-19 on social contact, perceived impact of COVID-19 on mental wellbeing, using digital platforms for health or exercise and using digital platforms for social contact. Participants reported reduced social contact due to COVID-19. Most participants reported using digital technologies for social inclusion rather than health reasons, and there were mixed views on the willingness to use digital technologies for physical activity. Digital technologies offered a lifeline during COVID-19 to maintain social contact and their use was found acceptable by older people. Digital platforms such as Zoom can be further employed to conduct remotely delivered interventions with the aim to increase uptake of social and physical activity interventions within this population.

Exploring the attitudes and experiences of Hungarian primary care physicians on the utilisation of digital health solutions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital health solutions ensured the continuity of care especially in primary healthcare practices. COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of digital health solutions. The aim of this study is to describe the digital health-related attitudes and experiences of Hungarian Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) and also analyse the socio-demographic effects on digital health attitudes among PCPs. This study used a quantitative and qualitative mixed methodological approach to examine the digital health-related attitudes and experience of Hungarian PCPs. As part of the "E-physicians and E-patients in Hungary" survey, we conducted an online survey among medical doctors working in Hungary between July 2021 to May 2022. A total of 1,774 questionnaires were received, consisting of 1,576 medical doctors and 198 dentists. Among the medical doctors there were 415 primary care physicians (PCPs). In addition to the online questionnaire survey, qualitative research in the form of semi-structured interviews with doctors was also conducted. These interviews took place between October 2021 and June 2022. A total of 62 interviews were conducted,19 with PCPs. Primary care physicians are more open to technologies that facilitate communication and collaboration with patients, while showing less interest in technologies that support clinical work. Of the demographic variables (age, gender, type of settlement), age was found to have the most significant effect on digital health knowledge, use and intended use. Both the interviews and the multivariate analysis indicate that individuals with greater knowledge, expertise, and experience are more likely to perceive the advantages of digital solutions. This highlights the importance of training, especially given the significant aging population among Hungarian primary care physicians, who may not be accustomed to using these tools naturally. The way PCPs perceive patient expectations regarding the use of digital health tools has a significant impact on the PCPs' use and intended use of digital tools. When looking at perceived patient needs among PCPs the effect of age and municipality type of PCPs is significant. As age increases, the perception of patient needs decreases (from 5.02 to 4.47), and by municipality type, the average number of perceived needs decreases as one moves from larger cities to smaller municipalities (from 4.85 to 4.14). Digital health solutions have the potential to enhance the work of PCPs, but successful implementation requires addressing specific needs, demographic differences, and challenges faced by PCPs. Development of infrastructure, education, and institutional support is necessary to ensure more efficient and higher-quality healthcare delivery through the use of digital technologies.

Digital skills in social work education: a human rights issue?

ABSTRACT Through a social justice lens, this article explores the growing digitalization of society that created ripe environments for a deepening digital divide that impacts access to the modern digital world for vulnerable populations in the European Union, Spain, and the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic response highlighted the need for and use of digital technology and skills, which brought the digital divide between the world’s regions, countries, and societies to the forefront. This digital divide is defined as the lack of access or adoption of high-speed internet/broadband services. As of 2016, the UN recognized the need to acknowledge internet access as a vehicle to reach other human rights, such as the right to work or access basic education. In today’s post-pandemic society, it has become more evident that the lack of access to the internet hinders access to information, services, and participation in the socio-political landscape. In social work higher education, the increase in the quality of eLearning and digitalization transformed the way teaching and learning happen and the perception of distance learning. Recommendations regarding including digital skills in every aspect of the social work curricula using a human rights framework are included.

The Influence of Digital Economic Growth and Productive Work Force Toward Human Development Index in Indonesia Viewed from a Maqashid Sharia Perspective

Introduction: Community productivity is critical in maintaining quality of life to avoid disasters. The use of digital technology in the economic aspect has also provided opportunities for people far from the market to earn income to meet their living needs. Objective: The research problem is formulated as follows: What is the influence of digital economic growth and productive labor on the Human Development Index in Indonesia in 2018-2022, both partially and simultaneously, and how is this viewed from a maqasid syariah perspective?Method: This research is presented as five-year time series data and analyzed using quantitative descriptive methods and multiple linear regression analysis, using Eviews 10 as an analytical tool. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling, with sample criteria in the form of digital economic growth, productive workforce, and data during the 2018-2022 period. Result: The digital economic growth variable partially has a negative and insignificant effect on the Human Development Index. Meanwhile, the productive labor variable positively and significantly affects the Human Development Index. Simultaneously, the growth of the digital economy and productive workforce has had a positive and significant effect on the Human Development Index in Indonesia in 2018-2022. From a maqasid syariah perspective, digital economic activities are permitted if no arguments prohibit them. Implication: This research provides valuable insights that can influence how we view and approach digital economic growth and productive labor in Indonesia's human development context. By considering these impacts, various parties can optimize their strategies to advance people's quality of life more effectively.

Unveiling Digital Transformation and Teaching Prowess in English Education During COVID‐19 With Structural Equation Modelling

ABSTRACTThe present research looks at the reputation of digital platforms in online pedagogical English education in Pakistan, and the use of digital technology in virtual classrooms during public health emergencies. It explores how faculty members use digital technology in their pedagogical English teaching approaches by analysing their technological skill level. To achieve the study's objectives, an online survey was undertaken to gather primary data. University teachers delivering online courses during COVID‐19 in several cities throughout Punjab Province answered an online questionnaire survey. Smart‐PLS 3.3.9 and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to investigate the recommended research framework. SEM analysis results showed that all proposed hypotheses were confirmed. This research presents an overview of faculty members' online pedagogical teaching abilities and digital technology during COVID‐19. The research findings are critical for determining how to incorporate technology during the pandemic period and to integrate technology into higher education during the new normal.

Analisis Penggunaan Teknologi Digital dalam Berkomunikasi Driver Tour Guide untuk Meningkatkan Pengalaman Wisatawan

This study aims to analyze the use of digital technology in communication between driver tour guides and tourists in Bali, as well as its impact on the tourist experience. This research employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative approach was conducted through a survey of tourists using driver tour guide services in Bali, while the qualitative approach was conducted through in-depth interviews with driver tour guides. Quantitative data were analyzed using correlation analysis and the F-test, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques.The results indicate that the use of digital technologies, such as mobile applications and chatbots, significantly improves the quality of communication and tourist satisfaction. Correlation analysis shows a very strong relationship between the use of digital technology by drivers and tourist satisfaction (correlation coefficient R = 0.911). The F-test indicates that the effect of digital technology use on tourist satisfaction is significant (F-value = 61.814; p < 0.05). Qualitative findings also reveal that digital technology facilitates more accurate and faster information, thereby enhancing the overall tourist experience.This research provides significant contributions to the development of theory and practice in the tourism field and offers practical recommendations for enhancing tourism services through digital technology.

Effectiveness of a digital health and financial incentive intervention to promote physical activity in patients with type 2 diabetes: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial with a nested qualitative study-ACTIVATE trial.

The prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is recognised as a health care priority in the UK. In people living with T2DM, lifestyle changes (e.g. increasing physical activity) have been shown to slow disease progression and protect from the development of associated comorbidities. The use of digital health technologies provides a strategy to increase physical activity in patients with chronic disease. Furthermore, behaviour economics suggests that financial incentives may be a useful strategy for increasing the maintenance and effectiveness of behaviour change intervention, including physical activity intervention using digital health technologies. The Milton Keynes Activity Rewards Programme (MKARP) is a 24-month intervention which combines the use of a mobile health app, smartwatch (Fitbit or Apple watch) and financial incentives to encourage people living with T2DM to increase physical activity to improve health. Therefore, this randomised controlled trial aims to examine the long-term acceptability, health effects and cost-effectiveness of the MKARP on HbA1c in patients living with T2DM versus a waitlist usual care comparator. A two-arm, single-centre, randomised controlled trial aiming to recruit 1018 participants with follow-up at 12 and 24months. The primary outcome is the change in HbA1c at 12months. Secondary outcomes included changes in markers of metabolic, cardiovascular, anthropometric, and psychological health along with cost-effectiveness. Recruitment will be via annual diabetes review in general practices, retinal screening services and social media. Participants aged 18 or over, with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and a valid HbA1c measurement in the last 2months are invited to take part in the trial. Participants will be individually randomised (1:1 ratio) to receive either the Milton Keynes Activity Rewards Programme or usual care. The intervention will last for 24months with assessment for outcomes at baseline, 12 and 24months. This study will provide new evidence of the long-term effectiveness of an activity rewards scheme focused on increasing physical activity conducted within routine care in patients living with type 2 diabetes in Milton Keynes, UK. It will also investigate the cost-effectiveness of the intervention. ISRCTN 14925701. Registered on 30 October 2023.

Digital competence of faculty members in health sciences measured via self-reflection: current status and contextual aspects.

This descriptive study aims to determine the digital competence level of faculty members who teach in the health sciences, empirically considering possible contextual aspects. Two data collection instruments were used: a self-reflection questionnaire to assess digital competence, and a survey querying demographics and aspects of teaching and learning context. In total, 306 health sciences faculty members from six universities voluntarily participated the study. The results revealed that a majority of the faculty members have intermediate (integrator or expert) level of digital competence, which is described as being aware of the potential use of digital technology in teaching and having a personal repertoire for its use under various circumstances. Age, digital teaching experience, perception of work environment, and previous teaching experience in fully- or partially-online courses were identified as influencing factors for digital competence. Faculty members in health sciences were able to integrate digital technologies in their teaching practices. Health education institutions may facilitate the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning environments. Moreover, institutions or stakeholders should consider that digital competence requires practice and experience in meaningfully-designed digital environments and tools.

Domestic Violence: Modern Challenges and Areas of Counteraction In Ukraine

Objective: The purpose of the article is to determine the role and significance of the interaction between the police and society as the main factor in combating crime, taking into account Ukrainian and foreign legislation, different opinions of scholars and empirical data. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical basis for this study is the scientific studies dedicated to fundamental issues of human interaction in modern conditions, the essence and general social significance of the institution of the family, as well as have thoroughly studied the problems of domestic violence. Method: The methodological basis of the research is systemic, comparative and legal analysis, formal and legal method, interpretive method, as well as methods of analysis and synthesis. Results and Discussion: A number of problematic aspects of the essence of combating domestic violence has been analyzed, which made it possible to form an understanding of this phenomenon as an extremely complex and multifaceted category that depends on a number of factors both at the individual and public levels. Contributions: It has been concluded that it is important to distinguish the areas of combating domestic violence for a more complete understanding of this process, especially in terms of large-scale armed aggression and new digital challenges. In particular, it has been emphasized on such areas as the prevention of domestic violence by servicemen and veterans, as well as the active use of digital technologies in fighting against domestic violence.

Be digital to be sustainable! The mediating role of sustainable supply chain practices in triggering the effects of digitalisation on Sustainable Development Goals in the European Union

Research background: European Union (EU) economies need to enhance sustainable supply chains (SSCs) through digitalisation to realise sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, the impact of digitalisation on the SDGs is complex and multifaceted, and the role of SSCs in mediating this relationship is not fully understood. While extant research has delved into the influence of digitalisation on SSCs, predominantly within specific industries or geographic regions, a research gap persists concerning large-N samples and the generalisability of results. Purpose of the article: This study evaluates the role of digitalisation in achieving SDGs along with the mediation of SSCs based on the resource-based view, the triple-bottom-line, and dynamic capabilities theories. Methods: The study has extracted panel data from Eurostat from 2013 to 2022 and evaluated these data through partial least squares structural equation modelling to estimate the association among constructs. The sample covers the EU–27 countries and consists of 270 observations. Digitalisation is operationalised as the use of digital technologies to, for instance, innovate business models, provide new revenue streams and value-producing opportunities, and enhance, streamline, and make supply chain processes more efficient and environmentally sustainable. SSC practices encompass the design, planning, execution, and monitoring of supply chain activities to create value, optimise resources, and minimise environmental impact. Findings & value-added: The findings indicate that digitalisation has a positive association with SDGs and SSC practices. The study also noted that SSC initiatives play a mediating role between digitalisation and SDGs among the EU economies. These interesting insights could direct policymakers to enforce the initiative of digitalisation in SSCs to boost SDGs in EU economies. Although the literature on digitalisation and SSCs has gained significant attention, this is the first study in these domains.

Administrative and legal framework for the introduction of the electronic notarial system in Ukraine

The article is dedicated to the study of the administrative and legal foundations for the implementation of the electronic notarial system in Ukraine. The author examines the process of transitioning from the traditional paper-based notarial system to a digital one, highlighting the benefits of increased efficiency, document security, and accessibility. The study focuses on the phased approach adopted by the government to implement the e-notary system, outlining key stages such as the creation of electronic registries, the development of a digital archive for notarial acts, and the introduction of a system for online notarial services. These developments represent a significant modernization of Ukraine’s notarial services. The author emphasizes the need for substantial legal reforms to support the full-scale digitalization of notarial services. It is highlighted that the Ukrainian Law on Notariate currently lacks explicit provisions for the use of digital technologies, which necessitates amendments to accommodate electronic notarial acts, remote notarization, and the integration of digital signatures. Additionally, the article discusses the challenge of aligning the e-notary system with European standards, especially regarding the cross-border recognition of electronic documents. The alignment of Ukrainian notarial laws with international frameworks is crucial for ensuring the system’s compatibility with global legal standards. The article identifies several key advantages of the e-notary system, including the automation of processes, which significantly reduces the time and administrative burden involved in notarial acts. Enhanced security measures, such as digital signatures and QR codes, provide protection against forgery and unauthorized alterations of notarial documents. Furthermore, the integration of the e-notary system with state databases facilitates efficient information exchange, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of notarial services. These factors contribute to a more transparent and effective notarial system that can better meet the needs of modern society. Of particular note is the author’s focus on the importance of cybersecurity and data protection in ensuring the long-term success of the e-notary system. The article underscores the need for robust security measures to protect sensitive legal information from cyber threats, which are increasingly becoming a concern in the digital age. The author concludes by outlining prospects for further research, particularly in the areas of legal reform, public trust in digital notarial services, and the technological infrastructure needed to ensure the resilience and security of the electronic notarial system.

DIGITAL TOOL FOR CALCULATING PROJECTED INITIAL RECOVERABLE OIL RESERVES AND OIL RECOVERY FACTOR

In today's realities, digitalization of production activities of companies and enterprises, including those involved in hydrocarbon production, is becoming increasingly important, allowing to create a single digital space for all employees, ensure transparency of the results obtained and provide prompt access to relevant information stored in a single database. The formation of a unified digital space implies the creation of an environment for employees, within which it is possible to use unified tools in solving production tasks. Data transparency eliminates the variability of results, demonstrating each step performed to achieve the result recorded in the database system. A unified database allows you to quickly familiarize yourself with all available relevant information, saving your employees time and effort. All these points are ultimately aimed at improving the efficiency of production processes, as well as optimizing the activities of employees working in different geographical locations, excluding from the work activities such routine processes as: manual recalculation of multiple indicators, search and review of information stored in different sources. Digitalization of production processes implies the use of digital technologies and tools formed on a certain technological basis. Based on the above, the authors have identified the criteria for the effectiveness of digital tools to perform production tasks: reducing the share of routine processes, providing digital transparency and storing results in a single database. The authors of the paper consider an example of digitalization of the oil recovery factor calculation process thanks to the implemented «Target Oil Recovery Factor» tool as part of the implementation of the RN-KIN Express corporate software.The purpose of the work under consideration is to confirm the performance of the implemented digital tool «Targeted EOR Express» (correct calculation of oil recovery factor and initial recoverable oil reserves) by means of retrospective analysis at fields in Western Siberia and Bashkortostan, and compliance with the stated criteria of an effective digital tool.Thanks to the retrospective analysis, the results confirming the accuracy of calculations of forecast values of residual recoverable oil reserves and oil recovery factor were obtained.Based on the results of the work, the implementation of «Targeted EORExpress» tool complies with the general trend of digitalization of production processes and includes all the criteria of an effective digital tool for production tasks.

The Impact of Digital Transformation on Educational Leadership: Assessing Digital Burnout and Mental Health in Virtual Teaching

This paper explores the role of digital transformation in altering the effects of educator burnout and mental wellbeing by affecting virtual teachers. The increased use of digital technologies in educational institutions has introduced educators with dual content management and technological platform duties that have led to levels of stress among educators. The research methods applied were quantitative, incorporating data that was sourced from 385 teachers. Various educational levels were included: the relationship between digital workload, digital literacy, support administration offered, and psychological indicators of mental health. The findings of this research revealed very highly positive correlations between digital workload and burnout (r = 0.62) and between burnout and mental health, notably anxiety and depression (r = 0.60 and r = 0.65 respectively). Indeed, the study found that increased digital literacy and administration support showed a positive relationship with reduced burnout. Results raise an enormous need for educational leaders to take strategic interventions through the enhancements of support systems, the development of digital literacy, and other resources related to mental health to counter some of the complexities of teaching related to the point of digital teaching. With such strength at its findings, there are indeed still limitations to this study, among which it relied on the self-reported data and the cross-sectional designs where it could not make way for causal inference. Future research should focus on long-term effects of digital transformation for educators' mental health as well as the potency of interventions to prevent burnout in digital educational settings. Findings from this study have implications for policymakers and education institutions looking to develop environments that promote educator wellbeing in the context of digital transformation.

The Development of Operational Model Integrating Digital Technologies into Public Mental Healthcare Services in Nigeria

The availability and utilization of digital technologies can leverage the challenges of the sharp-depleting workforce due to the consistent migration of healthcare professionals (HCPs), the alarming ratio of the number of patients to HCPs, discretional use of digital technologies among HCPs in providing effective therapeutic interventions and mental healthcare services. This study aimed to develop an operational model that integrates digital technologies in mental healthcare service delivery for public facilities in Nigeria. The practice-oriented theory guides the development of the model. A qualitative method assessed the digital technologies used during the COVID-19 pandemic. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique that employed the snowball method was used in selecting the sixteen (16) HCPs from four (4) neuropsychiatric hospitals in South-West Nigeria. Thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data. Findings from the qualitative analysis revealed several challenges in providing adequate and efficient services in public mental healthcare facilities in Nigeria, such as human resource challenges, brain drain, lack of infrastructure, and strains on HCPs. Findings from this study indicated that digital technologies are sparingly utilized in public mental healthcare service delivery due to a lack of policy and framework. HCPs perceive digital technologies to be beneficial to themselves and their clients. The highlighted benefits to patients are reduced stigmatization levels, decreased financial burden, enhanced accessibility to therapists, strengthened adherence, mitigated relapse incidences and improved intervention. The transition from the traditional/conventional space of mental healthcare service delivery to digital space requires a collaborative approach with Computer scientists (software developers, database administrators), Data scientists, investors, stakeholders and mental HCPs. The proposed model serves as a contemporary framework that the Government, policymakers in the Ministry of Health and management of mental health facilities in Nigeria can adopt, providing the needed awareness of the benefit of technological intervention.

Digital ambitions vs. classroom reality in Norwegian lower secondary schools: What digital competencies are students developing over time?

Despite high political ambitions, the increased use of digital technology in lower secondary school has resulted in little indication of the advanced use of digital skills. Drawing on video-recorded lessons (N = 29) from five schools in Norway over time and across two national curricula, this study mapped the opportunities students had to develop digital skills in English classrooms. The findings provide nuanced insight into the instruction of digital skills in highly digitalised schools. Despite a slight increase in digital skills after the 2020 reform, our findings indicate that digital ambitions in the curriculum were not reflected in classroom reality.

TEACHING ANGLES AND POLYGONS USING GEOGEBRA SOFTWARE

The objective of this paper is to describe a didactic-pedagogical sequence developed to teach angles and polygons to an 8th grade class of a public state school in Palmeira dos Índios, Alagoas, Brazil. The sequence is part of the Extension Project "Mathematics and Active Methods" and addresses some common difficulties in teaching geometry, such as the abstraction of formal concepts and the students' lack of understanding of the connection of these concepts to real situations. Studies indicate that the use of digital technologies facilitates the visualization and interaction with mathematical concepts, promoting more dynamic and meaningful learning. In view of this, the sequence, applied in four classes, involved activities contextualized to sports, using the GeoGebra software. The results show that, although some students still face difficulties, the interactive and contextualized approach improved engagement and understanding of formal mathematical concepts, especially geometric ones.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT: STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE CONTINUOUS LEARNING

This research addressed the issue of the effectiveness of formative assessment in the teaching and learning process, with the aim of analyzing how this practice impacts student motivation and performance. The methodology used was a bibliographic review, in which articles, books and academic documents on the subject were examined. The results indicated that formative assessment, when applied appropriately, promoted significant learning, allowing students to become autonomous and engaged in their educational trajectories. In addition, the analysis revealed that educators' resistance and the lack of continuous training were barriers to the implementation of formative assessment. It was observed that teacher training and the use of digital technologies facilitated the application of this approach, providing dynamic monitoring of learning. The final considerations emphasized the importance of teacher training and the integration of technological tools in assessment practices. The research concluded that formative assessment is a strategy that contributes to improving the quality of education. However, the need for future research to deepen the discussion on formative assessment in different educational contexts was highlighted.

Helping a f(r)iend in need? Rethinking the role of linkages in authoritarian covert repression

ABSTRACT Covert repression techniques, such as the use of digital technologies in surveillance, censorship and disinformation, have become a pervasive tool of autocracies worldwide. This research note discusses one of the possible explanatory factors fostering covert repression: autocratic linkages. Building on policy-learning, autocratic regional integration and linkages literature: How can strong linkages with each other help autocracies achieve high levels of covert repression? By using Kazakhstan as a typical case of an informational autocracy, three possible causal channels through which autocratic linkages could impact covert repression are proposed: policy-learning, preferential trade in repression tech and preferential provision of expertise. In doing so, the note aims to encourage more comparative and process-tracing-based research on the role of autocratic linkages in authoritarian repression.