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The rise of industry 4.0 has led to the implementation of new technology-based manufacturing standards (TMSs). This study proposes a new contract to support a manufacturer, Haier, in diffusing its home-country TMSs into host countries with technology gaps. The manufacturer conducts the diffusion by operating two-sided networks (i.e. consumer and supplier networks) and dual sourcing (i.e. placing orders from two suppliers in different countries). A procurement contract is designed to coordinate the two-sided networks; it defines a market-pricing and part-procurement problem to maximise the scale of customers and local suppliers, respectively. These suppliers decide whether to accept the contract after considering their production conditions and technology gaps. A part-supply contract is executed if the procurement contract is accepted. Surplus parts are procured from the manufacturer's home country if the local supply is insufficient. The coupling of procurement and supply contract (PSC) design is inherent, while a hierarchical collaborative optimisation (HCO) model based on Stackelberg game theory is formulated. The HCO model deploys a multi-objective bi-level programming decision structure to examine the PSC coupling. A nested non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II is designed to address this HCO model, while a case study of refrigerator TMS diffusion is analysed for verification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, the author discusses how public libraries can promote a vibrant local music community by citing their efforts at the New Orleans Public Library to support artists through their Crescent City Sounds streaming service. Also cited are how libraries can provide more credibility and recognition of artists to the listening public and the comment of Justin Powers of Marina Orchestra on the role of libraries in promoting the music industry.

A more equal and sustainable digital future depends on the inclusion of digitally marginalized communities in the socioeconomic opportunities created by digital technologies. Digital inclusion is a complex process that involves all stages of digital innovation, including development, adoption, use, and maintenance. However, past research has largely approached digital inclusion as an adoption and use challenge. In this paper, we develop a view of digital inclusion as a design challenge. We focus on the activities of requirements elicitation (RE) as a critical element of the design process and draw on a design-based interpretive study involving the design of two mobile apps for agricultural communities in India and China. We analyze how the conditions of digital inequality underlying the digital marginalization of these communities affect their sensemaking as they participate in RE activities. We conceptualize these challenges as limitations on the emergence of technology affordances. Our findings reveal various shifts, or translations, in the emerging affordances, which enabled the RE activities to be more generative and consequently more inclusive. These affordance translations manifested along three main dimensions: specificity, temporality, and collectivity. We discuss the implications of these findings for the inclusion of marginalized communities in the design of new technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Digital technology is a social determinant of health that affects older peoples ability to engage in health maintenance and disease prevention activities; connect with family and friends; and, more generally, age in place. Unfortunately, disparities in technology adoption and use exist among older adults compared with other age groups and are even greater among low-income older adults. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we described the development and implementation of a digital literacy training program designed with the dual goals of training low-income older adults in the community and teaching students about aging using a community-engaged learning (CEL) approach. METHODS: The training program was embedded within a 10-week CEL course that paired undergraduates (N=27) with low-income older adults (n=18) for 8 weeks of digital literacy training. Older adults and students met weekly at the local senior center for the training. Students also met in the classroom weekly to learn about aging and how to use design thinking to train their older adult trainees. Both older adults and students completed pre- and posttraining surveys. RESULTS: Older adults demonstrated increased digital literacy skills and confidence in the use of digital technology. Loneliness did not change from pre to postassessment measurements; however, older adults showed improvements in their attitudes toward their own aging and expressed enthusiasm for the training program. Although students fear of older adults did not change, their comfort in working with older adults increased. Importantly, older adults and students expressed positive feelings about the trainee-trainer relationship that they formed during the training program. CONCLUSIONS: A CEL approach that brings together students and low-income older adults in the community has a strong potential to reduce the digital divide experienced by underserved older adults. Additional work is needed to explore the efficacy and scalability of this approach in terms of older adults digital literacy as well as other potential benefits to both older and younger adults.

This paper discusses the impact of smart city on technological innovation and the underlying mechanism. Based on county-level panel data in China from 2005 to 2020, we use the 'smart city' construction as a quasi-natural experiment to identify its impact on technological innovation. Our findings show that: (1) Smart city construction significantly promotes technological innovation. (2) Smart cities indirectly promote technological innovation through technology resource allocation, industry agglomeration effects, and entrepreneurial spirit. (3) Due to 'digital divide', the innovation effects of smart cities are more pronounced in eastern regions and cities with high levels of digital infrastructure and information technology talent endowment. (4) The 'smart city' pilots generate spatial spillover effects, which enhance the technological innovation level of neighbouring cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital equity and accessibility for higher education (HE) students have become crucial since the early 21st century, especially for underserved, deprived, marginalised and oppressed students. The present study aimed mainly to reveal the barriers to digital access (BDA) faced by marginalised groups and to find effective strategies for promoting digital inclusion (DI). Another objective of the paper was to provide actionable policy insights (API) to improve DI in Pakistani universities. Participants (students from marginalised groups who face unique barriers to accessing digital education) were selected using a simple random sampling technique from the four provinces of Pakistan (Punjab, Sindh, KPK and Baluchistan). We used a cross‐sectional research design to collect quantitative data from 590 students selected from 12 universities in Pakistan using a self‐developed questionnaire via online platforms. The study's findings revealed a significant difference in digital access for marginalised groups, which contributes to educational inequalities for students in low‐income areas and remote areas facing enormous challenges. We also identified practices to improve digital accessibility, including technology‐based interventions and policy reforms to improve digital infrastructure. Based on preliminary findings, a combined effort toward digital equity can significantly improve educational outcomes for marginalised students, providing a roadmap for universities to bridge the digital divide. The present paper not only highlights the current state of digital equity and accessibility but also focuses on practical insights for policy and teachers and ensures that universities are inclusive and accessible to everyone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The rapidly evolving landscape of effective treatment options in multiple sclerosis has led to a shift of treatment objectives towards a treat‐to‐target approach aiming to suppress disease activity below the level of detectability early during the disease. To enable treat‐to‐target, a thorough reappraisal of available outcome measures with respect to their ability in this regard is required. Methods: To that end, we conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review of more than 1000 studies using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) 2020 methodology focusing on underlying evidence as well as utility and implementability in clinical practice. Results: From there, we propose a set of measurable outcomes for everyday routine clinical practice as well as advanced/aspirational measurables requiring additional resources. We also outline remaining knowledge/technology gaps that need to be overcome to enable a treat‐to‐target approach. Conclusions: This work provides the basis for an evidence‐based definition of outcome targets for relevant stakeholders and regulatory authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent developments in communication networks are catering to dynamic requirements as well as providing facilities for future potential applications that are significantly expanded. This necessitates the emergence of mm-wave components that exhibit desirable electrical characteristics, such as compactness, cost efficiency, and minimal manufacturing complexity. Gap waveguide (GW) technology is being considered a potential solution since it provides a promising guiding structure for millimetre-wave applications. This paper presents a novel out-of-phase power divider using the standard waveguide WR-15 interface. The presented power divider is based on a trapped printed gap waveguide (TPGW), which is designed to employ aperture coupling to achieve a stable 180 ∘ phase imbalance. The power divider and transition have been designed and optimised to minimise the reflection coefficient at the input WR-15 port within the desired frequency range of 50-65 GHz. A deep matching level of beyond - 20 dB is sufficient to obtain a relative bandwidth of 29% at 60 GHz. A back-to-back model is developed to validate the performance of the proposed power divider configuration and a standard WR-15 waveguide. Furthermore, mathematical analyses are performed to investigate the relationship between the back-to-back model and the individual power divider. A prototype for the proposed power divider through a back-to-back structure is fabricated to validate its performance, and good agreement is achieved between the simulated and measured results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data is the new asset of the current digital revolution. It is heralded as the "new oil" that will transform the world and function as a magic tool for development policies, with great potential to solve global health dilemmas. However, deep societal inequalities give datafication the risk of escalating disparities through data policies instead of solving them. The pandemic unmasked the price to pay for ignoring deep inequalities, helping this research to answer the question: "How did inequalities impact data policies for the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil?" To investigate this link, the author develops a theoretical model linking the World-historical model of relational inequalities to the capability approach and data colonization theory. This model sustains the analysis of the data collected in 5 months of participant observation in the Covid-19 Favelas Unified Dashboard plus governmental data analysis and semi-structured interviews with data policymakers for Covid-19 in Brazil. As a result, the author demonstrates how inequalities worked as a trap for data policies and argues that data inequalities go beyond the digital divide. Data inequalities skyrocket vulnerability of the poor, increasing contamination rates, and inhibiting development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While our societies are developing into digital information societies, most prisoners do not have access to modern information and communications technologies. Smart prisons that provide digital devices for prisoners aim to grant prisoners more autonomy, provide access to education and information, strengthen contact with relatives and friends and reduce the effects of deprivation. The concept of 'digital rehabilitation' suggests that digital devices have a positive effect on rehabilitation in various areas. Nonetheless, technological developments also entail risks that go beyond security concerns such as misuse of the devices by prisoners. Based on qualitative interviews with Austrian prisoners and theoretical reflections on the opportunities and risks of digital technologies in prison, we point out ambivalences and possible negative effects for prisoners that have received little attention so far. We outline the importance of a needs-oriented implementation in order to avoid negative outcomes such as a mere expansion of surveillance, an outsourcing of institutional responsibility, a loss of important social interactions and a deepening of the digital divide within the institution. In this paper, we further contend that the selective digital transformation of prisons can function as a 'Potemkin façade' enabling prisons to present themselves as modern without structurally improving the conditions of the majority of the prison population. These risks, which might be less obvious than security concerns, must be taken into account when evaluating and implementing digitalisation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deriving from a large-scale research project on intimacy in data-driven culture in Finland, I build on a sub-study examining Finland's presumed sexual digital divide between generations. I analysed in-depth, semi-structured research discussions with six social media users who actively participated in the online discussion following the posting of a video on TikTok by the National Board of Investigation on the potential risks and dangers of sending nude images online. I wanted to know why this particular 'awareness-raising video' gained so much negative feedback from its young audiences on TikTok and other social media platforms. By using the idea of 'generational sexualities', I focus on the shared social imaginary the research participants seem to have on the sexual and digital divide between generations. As a result of my analysis, I propose that the idea of a generational gap regarding the digital modes of sexual engagement is a culturally and socially shared narrative contributing to a disconnective effect between the generations in sexual matters. Furthermore, the analysis of my research materials reveals that young people's 'full sexual rights' operate as a specific generational narrative that organises and structures my research participants' perspectives of what is inclusive and socially just sexual education. The educational efforts must go beyond risk and harm as 'no-sexting' educational materials may contribute to sexual discrimination and marginalisation, increase social inequality and negatively impact young people's sexual wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personalized news recommendations shape social media users' information environment. However, whether news recommendation algorithms asymmetrically influence users' news engagement remains largely unknown. Drawing on the three-level digital divide framework (access, use, and outcomes), we test a moderated mediation model in which social media usage motivations influence social capital via news engagement, conditional on using algorithmic news. Using two waves of survey data from South Korea (N = 948), the results show that the indirect effects of motivations for social media use on social capital via news enagement are conditional on the level algorithmic news usage. News algorithms enable information- and socialization-oriented users to increase news engagement and develop social capital but fail to help highly entertainment-focused users increase news engagement, and thus, they do not develop social capital well. We discuss the possibility that news recommendation algorithms lead to a Matthew effect in which the poor become poorer and the rich become richer, exacerbating information inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study investigated the perspectives of urban K-12 educators regarding the challenges they confronted when endeavoring to implement online learning effectively. The quantitative investigation involved 204 full-time urban teachers in a Midwestern state, all completing a researcher-developed questionnaire. The findings illustrated that participants encountered diverse obstacles, encompassing aspects related to readiness, along with external and internal factors. Educators identified a need for more time for crafting impactful online lessons as the most prominent barrier to preparedness. Respondents selected dependable student access to the internet at home as the primary external factor influencing their capacity to instruct in a virtual setting. The findings offer a specific perspective and an opportunity to stimulate dialogues concerning the provision of resources to enhance preparedness. By cultivating a deeper comprehension of how urban educators perceive their aptitude for online teaching, this study empowers current educators, educational leaders, and teacher preparation faculty to formulate more contemplative curricula. Future research should expand across multiple states to better equip aspiring educators and keep practicing professionals informed about empirically supported best practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper provides novel evidence on the role of gender in the performance of university students, which is particularly relevant to the debate on the performance of female students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Design/methodology/approach: Our approach relies on the metafrontier approach proposed by Huang et al. (2014), which measures students' efficiency within a given faculty and the impact of the faculty's technology on students' efficiency. We use a sample of 53,159 first-year students in 8 faculties from a large university in southern Italy from 2002–2003 to 2010–2011. Findings: Students' efficiency is relatively low, reflecting an essential role of unobserved heterogeneity. The different technologies of somewhat similar faculties have minimal impact on efficiency. There is a performance gap against women in five faculties, which on average is strongest for the faculties in the pure and applied science area. This gap increases with the proportion of female students and decreases with female lecturers. Practical implications: The metafrontier has the benefit of providing relevant policy information on the drivers of student success by relying on data that universities routinely generate and preserve. Originality/value: The stochastic metafrontier approach allows us to separate the group-specific frontiers from the metafrontier, yielding a decomposition of the efficiency scores of various faculties into technical efficiency scores and technological gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the utilisation of e-government services by digitally vulnerable individuals in South Korea. The research questions focus on understanding the current status of e-government use among digitally vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income, the disabled, and multi-cultural families, the level of inclusivity of e-government services for them, and the policy implications for improving access to these services. Using data from the 2021 National E-government Survey (NES) in South Korea, the study found that only a small percentage of digitally vulnerable populations are aware of e-government services and that most web-based and app-based information transaction, financial transaction, e-participation, and social welfare services are not inclusive for age and income level. However, the study also revealed that most web-based and app-based e-government services examined, except e-business services, provide inclusive services to the disabled and multi-cultural families. The study concludes with recommendations for policy makers to improve inclusivity and access to e-government services for digitally vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2020, COVID-19 thrust newsrooms into lockdown, affecting how journalists source, gather and report news. According to media giant News Corp, the pandemic fast-tracked its axing of more than 112 community newspapers, already vulnerable following a decade of gradual decline exacerbated by the arrival of digital technology. Consequently, hundreds of jobs were slashed and 'news deserts' were created across vast swathes of rural Australia, including far north Queensland. This article looks closely at the mediascape in far north Queensland from a journalism industry perspective during COVID-19, a time which saw a raft of differing and, sometimes, conflicting pressures exerted on journalists – from complying with health and safety regulations to fulfilling the community's insatiable hunger for information. Through an online survey and long-form interviews with journalists, the study informing this article focuses on what happens when newsrooms are centralized, diminished in resources and the most senior journalists are made redundant and, as such, no longer available to mentor or control journalistic quality. It also observes the arrival of a new and independent press or 'green shoots' while casting an eye on the future of local news. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While mobile technology is rapidly evolving, it remains a challenge for some older adults to use smartphones worldwide. To address this issue through tailored skill training and product design, this study developed a questionnaire to assess the smartphone proficiency of older adults. The Smartphone Proficiency Questionnaire for Chinese Older Adults (SPQ-COA) assessed proficiency based on 30 up-to-date tasks (e.g., mobile payment), that covered common operations in daily life of Chinese older adults. The questionnaire was distributed to 452 older adults (age ≥60), as well as 100 young adults (age: 18–30) as a control group. The questionnaire performed well in terms of reliability, difficulty, and discrimination. Among older adults, higher scores were associated with lower age, longer daily use duration, more years of use, higher monthly income, and higher education level, further validating the questionnaire. Overall, the SPQ-COA is a valid tool for evaluating Chinese older adults' smartphone usage skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the concept of digital health, also known as e-healthcare, and discusses its current state of the art, enabling factors, and barriers. The focus is on the level of e-health literacy among the elderly population, the factors that influence it, the relevance of innovative digital health projects, the usability of digital tools, organizational models, and implications for the national health system. The study employed a research methodology consisting of two phases. A review of journal articles was conducted, followed by a longitudinal analysis of a case study of a project (TS4.0) launched by the Trentino Region. The study emphasises the need for training programmes on key IT and health technologies for underserved groups to improve the adoption of eHealth technologies by patients. Specific actions to achieve this goal are proposed, with emphasis on the crucial role of public institutions. For hospitals to fully embrace technology and become digital, healthcare facilities must undergo a business and managerial transformation that involves the use of technology. This case study highlights the importance of supporting healthcare start-ups to comprehensively improve healthcare. Although this study is limited to a single case, the results may be useful for further research in identifying other factors that enable or hinder the adoption of digitalisation in the healthcare sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper scrutinises the evolving digital security landscape, encompassing technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and industry-specific challenges. It explores the influence of technologies like AI, quantum computing, and blockchain on security paradigms whilst identifying emergent threats. The study analyses the interplay between digital security and legislative policies, underlining their impact on industry practices and individual behaviours. Sector-specific examinations are conducted, pinpointing unique security concerns in sectors such as healthcare and finance and advocating bespoke solutions. The study highlights discrepancies between security intentions and actions, proposing strategies to bridge this divide. Projecting into the future, we anticipate shifts in technology and regulation, culminating in pragmatic recommendations for stakeholders. This article offers an informed perspective on digital security, laying the groundwork for proactive approaches in a dynamic digital environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial Revolution 4.0 is fundamentally changing the economy, the labor market, and the requirements for training professionals. The Concept of Education 4.0 and the Model of the University 4.0 link the requirements of the new industry and the information economy with the development and transformation of education. The study purpose is to identify areas for growth and areas of research excellence in the field of university readiness for the transition of the University 4.0 Model. The study is based on the method of systematic review. The study sample included initially 8389 research articles from the Scopus, World of Science, and Google Scholar databases, from which duplicate sources were filtered and 128 articles relevant to the research area of knowledge were selected. As a result of the algorithmic and human-assisted identification of the main research domains, it was found that the transformation of education toward University 4.0 is actively developing and has reached a peak in terms of the number of publications in 2022; discovery of significant differences in the processes of transformation of university education in different countries and the manifestation of special forms of digital inequality; the crucial role of distance learning and the formation of a digital environment for the transformation toward the University Model 4.0; and the greatest attention to the level of readiness of students and teachers to the processes of transformation of education. The significance and novelty of the study lies in closing the research gap of reviews of this field of research and predicting further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the dramatic shifts in the workforce that have emerged in the post–COVID-19 world, workers' emotions have often presented very negatively, causing people to overtly display the dark aspects of their personality while at work. At the same time, organizations have been forced to adopt new technologies to fill the gaps in their desired outcomes and cope with changes in market demand. The ensuing clash between negative emotions and technological implementation may lead to intense conflicts and adverse work outcomes. This study hypothesizes a direct relationship between dark personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) and technology acceptance. Using a multiple regression model with a sample of general workers from various industries (n = 396), the study found that narcissism and psychopathy significantly impacted technology acceptance, while Machiavellianism did not. The findings offer valuable theoretical, practical, and managerial insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: In this review, we discuss the importance of digital health equity and how social determinants of health (and intersectionality with race, ethnicity, and gender) affect cardiovascular health-related outcomes in digital health trials. We propose strategies to improve digital health equity as we move to a digitally-connected world for healthcare applications and beyond. Recent Findings: Digital health has immense promise to improve population health by reaching individuals in their homes, at their preferred times. However, initial data demonstrate decreased patient engagement and worse cardiovascular outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities, leading to unequal uptake of digital health technologies. In addition, while women generally have higher uptake of technology, they are less likely to be referred by clinicians for digital health interventions. We highlight several exemplar trials and analyze their methodology for replication in future digital health research. Summary: The promise of digital health equity has not been reached due to exclusionary practices. Specific focus must be placed on societal/governmental policies that enable digital inclusion, particularly of racial and ethnic minority populations and women, to ensure that the expansion of digital health technologies does not exacerbate existing health disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the organizational structures, financial capacities, citizen engagement mechanisms, technology utilization, and common challenges faced by Local Government Units (LGUs) across Southeast Asian nations. Drawing insights from a diverse range of scholarly works, including books, theses, published dissertations, and electronic journals, the research investigates key dimensions that shape local governance dynamics in the region. The investigation into organizational structures delves into the nuances of centralization vs. decentralization, federal structures, hierarchical frameworks, policy harmonization, and community engagement practices. The study uncovers how these structural variances impact the efficiency and effectiveness of local governance. Examining financial capacities and resource management practices, the research reveals substantial differences among LGUs in terms of the system of government and the subdivision of state. This prompts a call for tailored fiscal policies and collaborative initiatives to optimize resource utilization and financial autonomy. Citizen engagement mechanisms emerge as a focal point, with a notable emphasis placed on fostering inclusive decisionmaking processes. The study finds a high commitment to citizen involvement within Southeast Asian LGUs, urging continued support for transparent and responsive local governance. Technological adoption and digital strategies come under scrutiny, highlighting disparities, diverse adoption rates, and an increasing embrace of digital communication strategies. Recommendations include addressing digital divides and promoting comprehensive digital strategies for efficient public service delivery and citizen engagement. Finally, the study explores common challenges faced by LGUs in Southeast Asian nations, such as corruption, political dynamics, and capacity constraints. It underscores the interconnected nature of these challenges, emphasizing the need for holistic solutions and comprehensive reforms to strengthen governance structures. This research contributes to the existing literature by synthesizing insights from various sources, providing a nuanced understanding of local governance in Southeast Asia. Policymakers, researchers, and practitioners can leverage these findings to inform strategic interventions, foster collaboration, and promote effective governance practices across the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital finance provides new possible ways to promote innovation-driven development strategies. Using data of 257 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2019, this paper examines the impact of digital finance on regional innovation, as well as the mediating effect of resource mismatch underlies it. The empirical results are as follows. First, digital finance can significantly boost innovation, both in terms of the quantity and quality. Second, the incentive effects of innovation have been more obviously observed in the eastern cities and the cities with high financial levels or light digital divides in China. Third, the mechanism effect implies that digital finance works positively on innovation through improving the factor allocation efficiency by alleviating the misallocation of labour and capital. These conclusions indicate that to better promote regional innovation, it is crucial to encourage the digital transformation of the financial industry, enhance digital infrastructure development, and facilitate the free flow of resources among regions. The paper offers both theoretical and empirical evidence that digital finance influences regional innovation by alleviating resource mismatches. It also examines the role of the ‘digital divide’ in shaping innovation through digital finance. These two points constitute the key innovations of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Globally, life expectancy has been increasing with South Korea focusing on improving health to enhance quality of life. The COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the need for digital transformation in healthcare, accelerating digital health adoption. This study explores the digital divide between 'Digital Natives (20–39 Y)' and 'Digital Immigrants (40–69 Y)', focusing on digital device usage and confidence. Methods: This study utilized national survey data from the Digital Health Literacy Survey Results and Policy Implications, focusing on differences in digital device use and confidence between young adults (20–39 Y) and middle-aged adults (40–69 Y). The participants comprised 1000 adults aged 20 to 69 in the Republic of Korea. Respondents were queried about their use of digital health tools, such as wearable devices and mobile apps. Confidence in using digital systems and managing health via digital tools was assessed using a five-point Likert scale. Results: The findings indicated that while young adults have lower rates of using digital devices for healthcare, they exhibit higher confidence in using such devices. In contrast, middle-aged adults, despite having lower confidence, report higher usage of digital devices for healthcare purposes. Conclusions: This study explored differences in digital confidence and healthcare usage between age groups and aimed to propose effective health management strategies based on digital accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poor social connections are associated with poor digital literacy. Poor digital literacy could induce poor outcomes in daily life or health status, especially among older adults. This study aimed to investigate the effect of social participation based on its absolute magnitude on digital literacy and to confirm the well-known fact that social participations are good for digital literacy is applicable regardless of activity types in a sample of older Korean adults. Methods: A total of 9,297 adults aged 65 years or older from the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans were analyzed. All data were self-reported. Poor digital literacy was defined by limited usage of digital devices. Offline social participation was evaluated using seven different social activities: senior community activities, learning activities, religious activities, volunteer work, leisure, political groups, and club activities. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with covariate adjustment was used for the analysis. Results: Engaging in more than two types of social participation was associated with higher digital literacy: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.965, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.567–2.465 for two types of participation, and aOR 2.558, 95% CI 2.040–3.208 for more than three types of participation. Additionally, social participation occurring less than once a month and most types of offline activities were associated with improved digital literacy. However, senior community activities were negatively associated with digital literacy (aOR 0.762; 95% CI 0.681–0.852). Conclusions: In this sample of older Korean adults, it was found that the lower the social participation, the poorer the digital literacy. This association may induce the isolation of older adults from societies especially for older adults with senior community activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mental health is the cornerstone of public health, especially where middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic were concerned. The impact of Internet usage on mental health in the time of the crisis still presents a mixed picture. Methods: This study employs the PSM-DID method according to longitudinal data (CFPS) to explore whether Internet usage reduced the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of middle-aged and older adults. Results: The results reveal that Internet use improves the mental health of middle-aged and older adults during the pandemic in China, but that the impact varies between urban and rural residents. Furthermore, the moderator effects model shows that people's perceptions of the Internet have an impact upon the length of time spent online and its consequent effect on mental health. Discussion: These findings suggested that Internet use had a significant effect on alleviating the levels of depression in middle-aged and older adults. Greater marginal gains may be realized by enhancing the digital capacity of and narrowing the digital divide that exists among rural residents. The enhancement of digital capacity and proper guidance in digital education should be taken into consideration where the mental health of middle-aged and older adults is at issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the relationship and influence of financial inclusion on the business performance of micro and small enterprises (MSEs). The level of financial inclusion was investigated through access, usage, quality, and welfare. Business performance with its dimensions of sales growth, capital growth, labor increase, market growth and profit growth were also examined. Consequently, the relationship between financial inclusion and business performance, and the influence of financial inclusion on the business performance of MSEs were studied. Descriptive-correlational design was used to explore and describe connections between financial inclusion and business performance. Data were collected from the fifty (50) owners and managers of MSEs using stratified random sampling technique. Upon careful analysis of the results, it became evident that micro and small enterprises demonstrate a very high level of financial inclusion, coupled also with high results of their business performance. Further, it is found that there exists a statistically significant and positive relationship between financial inclusion and business performance. Moreover, it was revealed that financial inclusion significantly influences the business performance of MSEs. These findings underscore the critical importance of enhancing the financial inclusion initiatives for MSEs as it directly impacts and improves their overall business performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews "The Routledge International Handbook of Digital Social Work," emphasizing the increasing importance of integrating digital technologies into social work practice, especially in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The book explores various aspects of digital social work, including client engagement, digital storytelling, collaboration, and ethical implications. It provides a comprehensive analysis of digitalization in social work, offering insights into current practices and future directions, making it a valuable resource for professionals and academics in social work, law, and computer science. [Extracted from the article]

We investigate the evolution of Internet speed and its implications for access to key digital services, as well as the resilience of the network during crises, focusing on six major Brazilian cities: Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Fortaleza, Manaus, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. Leveraging a unique dataset of Internet Speedtest® results provided by Ookla®, we analyze Internet speed trends from 2017 to 2023. Our findings reveal significant improvements in Internet speed across all cities. However, we find that prosperous areas generally exhibit better Internet access, and that the dependence of Internet quality on wealth have increased over time. Additionally, we investigate the impact of Internet quality on access to critical online services, focusing on e-learning. Our analysis shows that nearly 13% of catchment areas around educational facilities have Internet speeds below the threshold required for e-learning, with disadvantaged areas experiencing more significant challenges. Moreover, we investigate the network's resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding a sharp decline in network quality following the declaration of national emergency. We also find that less wealthy areas experience larger drops in network quality during crises. Overall, this study underscores the importance of addressing disparities in Internet access to ensure equitable digital services and enhance network resilience during crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn this systematic review on the educational digital divide, we examined 77 studies for publication trends, context, research methods, digital divide factors, dimensions and interventions using a multidimensional approach. This review identified factors such as socioeconomic status, gender, geography, age, ethnicity, parent knowledge/educational level, school type and second language influencing digital divide and found gender, geography, and socio-economic status were the most studied. Among multidimensional digital divide dimensions, utilization and access dimensions were most studied compared to cognitive and affective dimensions. Among 17 digital divide sub-dimensions examined, student use, internet access, and hardware access were the most studied. Interventions recommended in research for digital inclusion include providing technology resources; training, instruction and support for teachers, students and parents; and organizational practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on adolescents were extensive, touching aspects of their lives such as those reviewed in this Special Section : school experiences, family relationships, peer relationships, and civic engagement. In parallel with these effects on individuals, the fields of developmental and psychological science were shaken up by this global crisis. The accelerated transition to online data collection and collaboration presented opportunities to expand research on adolescence, breaking down many physical and social barriers to participation and sparking methodological innovation. Yet, this crisis also shed light on the global digital divides and the uneven impacts of the pandemic across the research community. This commentary reflects on the influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the methods and methodologies of developmental science, the challenges and opportunities it surfaced, and the populations included and omitted in this period of research. We integrate reflections on how the pandemic shaped our own research and on how the pandemic has shaped the future of developmental science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the intersection of healthcare accessibility and digitalisation from a rights perspective. Drawing from two illustrative cases presented to a filariasis management clinic in Puducherry, where the authors are affiliated, the article argues that despite the multiple benefits that digital health poses, there are individuals and sections of society that experience marginalisation in healthcare owing to digitalisation. Collating the data generated through the observations of the authors and the narratives of the patients, the article illustrates that such marginalisation can originate even from a relatively simple ICT adaptation like text message-based appointments, inducing health inequities. The impact of such digital marginalisation disproportionately affects vulnerable sections like older adults and the rural population in an intersectional pattern where disadvantages compound to produce larger health inequities for the affected. The study advocates for bridging the digital divide through efforts including digital literacy–when possible–and alternative solutions like dedicated helpdesks, training healthcare staff and involving NGOs and voluntary organisations to ensure health equity for the digitally marginalised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability and self-efficacy to utilize the internet and technological devices has become critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. By examining the role of on- and offline social capital as a moderator in the relationship between technological self-efficacy (TSE) and subjective well-being, this study aims to contribute to the understanding of whether the social compensation or social enhancement hypotheses explain the well-being of immigrants in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed data from the 2020 Digital Divide Survey of immigrants (n = 700) and native-born Koreans (n = 6,910) aged ≥18 years. In the ordinary least squares regression model, subjective well-being (SWB) was the dependent variable and TSE was the independent variable. Online social capital, including bonding and bridging, was the moderating variable. Moreover, we tested the moderated moderation of nativity and on- and offline social capital. The results showed that bonding and bridging on- and offline social capital played a positive role in the SWB of both immigrants and native-born Koreans; bridging played a greater role among immigrants than among native-born Koreans. Furthermore, the interaction between TSE and online bonding social capital has a stronger association with the SWB of immigrants, as supported by the moderated moderation model. In line with the social enhancement hypothesis, immigrants with more online bonding social capital showed a stronger positive association between TSE and subjective well-being. Our results suggest that culturally adapted technological education for immigrants can be tailored to meet their unique needs and experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Understanding the sources of telehealth disparities can inform efforts to ensure equity. This study examines disparities in telehealth offer and use to understand the role of health care providers in increasing telehealth access. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis of the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (n = 5,295) used survey-weighted proportions to characterize telehealth use and multivariable logistic regressions to test associations of sociodemographic and social determinants with (1) telehealth offer and (2) use among those offered the option. Results: Among U.S. adults, 57% were offered telehealth, 80% of whom used it. Technology difficulties and privacy concerns were barriers for 15%−20% of U.S. adults. Compared to telehealth users, most nonusers preferred in-person care (25% versus 84%). Age, education, geographic location, and broadband internet access were related to telehealth offer, whereas no significant disparities emerged in telehealth use. Conclusions: Telehealth use is widespread, but structural and provider-level engagement are needed to achieve equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to explore the relationship between Internet use and intrinsic capability among Chinese older adults, and the potential mediating role of social participation. Methods: We verified the correlation between Internet use and intrinsic capacity using multiple linear regression and verified the mediating role of social participation using the Sobel and Bootstrap tests. Results: The results of multiple linear regression show that there is a significant positive association between Internet use and intrinsic capacity (B = 0.717, p <.001); and social participation plays a mediating role, explaining a total of 20.5% of the association (indirect effect = 0.147, 95% CI: 0.067–0.227). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Internet use significantly improves intrinsic capacity among Chinese older adults, with social participation playing a mediating role. Increasing Internet adoption rates and promoting social participation may help improve intrinsic capacity among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown measures in many countries have increased young people's engagement with digital media. The digital divide goes beyond just having devices and includes differences in how well young people can use digital technology. In this paper, we shift our attention beyond screen time to the nature of the adolescents' digital media use. Our study looks at two adolescents from different backgrounds to understand how their digital media experiences differ in viewing, play, and reading. We add to the literature on the influence SES has on the ways in which adolescents are using digital media during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Singapore. Our study was conducted during the pandemic and participants were selected using convenience stratified sampling and the snowballing method. Our findings show that the adolescents' digital viewing was motivated by the need to be a part of an affinity group and that while the viewing was passive, it served a social function to develop a sense of connectedness with peers. We also found that adolescents from high socioeconomic backgrounds tended to engage in more digital reading compared to their peers from low socioeconomic backgrounds. In addition, while the adolescents' digital play was shaped by their socioeconomic realities, they were able to make the most from their circumstances and demonstrated both creativity and savviness. By demonstrating the disparities in digital media experiences between two adolescents from contrastive socioeconomic backgrounds, we shed light on the implications of the digital divide, where both equitable access to digital resources and the development of digital literacies necessary to navigate the digital landscape is currently lacking. We argue for the importance for researchers and policymakers to move beyond acknowledging long‐standing concerns and take actionable steps to address these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital divide remains a formidable challenge in emerging economies, highlighting disparities in technology access and utilisation. This study explores consumer engagement with mobile payment applications for transportation in Lagos, Nigeria, a critical context where these disparities manifest. The research presents consumer perceptions and behaviours using a triangulated approach encompassing ethnographic observation, semi‐structured interviews, and the ALARA model of information search. Anchored in the Engel–Kollat–Blackwell (EKB) theory of consumer behaviour, which depicts the five stages of consumer decision‐making—problem recognition, information search, evaluation of alternatives, purchase decision, and post‐purchase behaviour—this study identifies five key themes: awareness, information search, alternatives evaluation, engagement, and post‐engagement evaluation. Insights from the study reveal that cultural preferences and trust in traditional payment methods significantly influence users' willingness to adopt mobile payment apps. These insights underscore the importance of addressing socio‐cultural factors in technology adoption strategies. The findings highlight the need for an inclusive technological strategy to bridge the digital divide, emphasising the necessity of accessible information channels and user‐friendly interfaces to enhance consumer engagement. Continuous app refinement based on user feedback is crucial for optimising usability. Additionally, a nuanced understanding of socio‐cultural influences on technology adoption is essential for informing policy and business strategies. Overall, this study contributes to understanding technology adoption in emerging economies and provides actionable insights to foster inclusive digital transformations and mitigate the digital divide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the relationship between information and communications technology (ICT) development and its impact on a country's economy during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study has two primary objectives: (1) to understand how ICT development influences a country's economic resilience during a crisis, and (2) to examine the interrelationships between various country‐level ICT development measures. We use multi‐year, country‐level data made available by the United Nations, the World Bank, and World Health Organization to empirically examine our research model. Partial least squares path analysis is the primary research methodology employed in this study. Our results suggest that ICT development has a positive impact on economic resilience in the face of the COVID‐19 pandemic. In addition, our results specify the interrelationships between individual ICT development measures and economic resilience. This research contributes to the extant body of knowledge on the impact of country‐level ICT development on economy by empirically validating a research model that explores the relationships between the various measures of ICT development and economic resilience of countries during the COVID‐19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]