Journal Description
Digital
Digital
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on digital technologies and digital application, particularly with how such technologies affect our health, education and economy, published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, EBSCO, and other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 22.7 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.5 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q2 (Computer Science (miscellaneous))
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
Latest Articles
Algorithm Literacy as a Subset of Media and Information Literacy: Competences and Design Considerations
Digital 2024, 4(2), 512-528; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4020026 - 6 Jun 2024
Abstract
Algorithms, indispensable to understand Artificial Intelligence (AI), are omnipresent in social media, but users’ understanding of these computational processes and the way they impact their consumption of information is often limited. There is a need for Media and Information Literacy (MIL) research investigating
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Algorithms, indispensable to understand Artificial Intelligence (AI), are omnipresent in social media, but users’ understanding of these computational processes and the way they impact their consumption of information is often limited. There is a need for Media and Information Literacy (MIL) research investigating (a) how MIL can support algorithm literacy (AL) as a subset of competences and with what working definition, (b) what competences users need in order to evaluate algorithms critically and interact with them effectively, and (c) how to design learner-centred interventions that foster increased user understanding of algorithms and better response to disinformation spread by such processes. Based on Crossover project research, this paper looks at four scenarios used by journalists, developers and MIL experts that mirror users’ daily interactions with social media. The results suggest several steps towards integrating AL within MIL goals, while providing a concrete definition of algorithm literacy that is experience-based. The competences and design considerations are organised in a conceptual framework thematically derived from the experimentation. This contribution can support AI developers and MIL educators in their co-design of algorithm-literacy interventions and guide future research on AL as part of a set of nested AI literacies within MIL.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital in 2024)
Open AccessArticle
Assistive Technology for Higher Education Students with Disabilities: A Qualitative Research
by
Konstantinos Papadopoulos, Eleni Koustriava, Lisander Isaraj, Elena Chronopoulou, Flavio Manganello and Rafael Molina-Carmona
Digital 2024, 4(2), 501-511; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4020025 - 23 May 2024
Abstract
The objective of this qualitative investigation is to identify the assistive technology recognized by students with disabilities and to determine the assistive technology (software apps and devices) they require both at university and at home. A total of forty-two students, comprising 20 males
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The objective of this qualitative investigation is to identify the assistive technology recognized by students with disabilities and to determine the assistive technology (software apps and devices) they require both at university and at home. A total of forty-two students, comprising 20 males and 22 females, were recruited from four different countries (Germany, Greece, Italy, and Spain) for participation in this study. The sample encompassed 10 students with visual impairments, 11 with hearing impairments, 11 with mobility impairments, and 10 with specific learning disabilities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the students either online or in person. Content analysis was employed to scrutinize the data obtained from these interviews. The outcomes of this analysis shed light on the assistive technology acknowledged, utilized, or desired by students with disabilities in both academic and domestic settings. The findings from this study carry practical implications for fostering inclusive and accessible education within higher education institutions, benefiting accessibility units/offices staff as well as teaching personnel.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital in 2024)
Open AccessArticle
A Method for Solving Problems in Acquiring Communication Logs on End Hosts
by
Youji Fukuta, Yoshiaki Shiraishi, Masanori Hirotomo and Masami Mohri
Digital 2024, 4(2), 483-500; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4020024 - 16 May 2024
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In the process of collecting evidence of activities and events in network devices, there are problems with content and storage, and we aim to solve the problems faced by network devices in network forensics. In this paper, we propose a simple method for
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In the process of collecting evidence of activities and events in network devices, there are problems with content and storage, and we aim to solve the problems faced by network devices in network forensics. In this paper, we propose a simple method for solving the problems with content and storage in acquiring communication logs on end hosts, implement a sniffing tool that captures raw packets with communication event control, compare it with existing tools, and conduct experiments and considerations. Through these experiments and considerations, we confirmed that the proposed communication log acquisition method can be implemented on the end host, and that the problem can be solved by using a tool that implements the proposed method. Also, we confirmed that it can be applied to real-world communication log collection scenarios, and that it can coexist with existing systems and tools that collect communication logs.
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Open AccessArticle
Digital K–12 STEM Education through Human–Robot Interaction: Investigation on Prerequisites
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S. M. Mizanoor Rahman
Digital 2024, 4(2), 461-482; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4020023 - 13 May 2024
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This article aims to explore, investigate, and determine the prerequisites that learners (students) should possess for participating in and being adequately benefitted from digital (robotics-enabled) K–12 STEM education offered through intuitive human–robot interaction. We selected 23 middle school mathematics and science teachers who
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This article aims to explore, investigate, and determine the prerequisites that learners (students) should possess for participating in and being adequately benefitted from digital (robotics-enabled) K–12 STEM education offered through intuitive human–robot interaction. We selected 23 middle school mathematics and science teachers who received training on how to design, develop, and implement robotics-enabled lessons. The teachers then implemented robotics-enabled lessons in actual classroom settings, and separately responded to a survey based on their training, classroom experiences and observations, and self-brainstorming. We derived a set of prerequisite knowledge, skills, and abilities, including their relative importance for the students by analyzing the survey responses. The results showed that the students should not only possess prerequisite knowledge in the subject matter, but also possess behavioral, social, scientific, cognitive, and intellectual skills and abilities to participate in and receive benefits from robotics-enabled human–robot interactive digital STEM education. Out of the many prerequisites, the computational thinking ability of students was identified as one of the most required prerequisites to participate in robotics-enabled digital STEM education. To validate the derived prerequisites, teachers separately assessed the fulfillment of prerequisites by 38 participating students, and the results showed user acceptance, effectiveness, and suitability of the derived prerequisites set. We also identified a set of limitations of the studies and proposed action plans to enable students to meet the prerequisites. The results presented herein can help determine required instructional efforts and scaffolds before implementing robotics-enabled digital STEM lessons, and thus foster incorporating technology-enhanced (robotics-enabled) digital STEM education into K–12 curricula.
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Open AccessArticle
Advanced Swine Management: Infrared Imaging for Precise Localization of Reproductive Organs in Livestock Monitoring
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Iyad Almadani, Brandon Ramos, Mohammed Abuhussein and Aaron L. Robinson
Digital 2024, 4(2), 446-460; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4020022 - 2 May 2024
Abstract
Traditional methods for predicting sow reproductive cycles are not only costly but also demand a larger workforce, exposing workers to respiratory toxins, repetitive stress injuries, and chronic pain. This occupational hazard can even lead to mental health issues due to repeated exposure to
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Traditional methods for predicting sow reproductive cycles are not only costly but also demand a larger workforce, exposing workers to respiratory toxins, repetitive stress injuries, and chronic pain. This occupational hazard can even lead to mental health issues due to repeated exposure to violence. Managing health and welfare issues becomes pivotal in group-housed animal settings, where individual care is challenging on large farms with limited staff. The necessity for computer vision systems to analyze sow behavior and detect deviations indicative of health problems is apparent. Beyond observing changes in behavior and physical traits, computer vision can accurately detect estrus based on vulva characteristics and analyze thermal imagery for temperature changes, which are crucial indicators of estrus. By automating estrus detection, farms can significantly enhance breeding efficiency, ensuring optimal timing for insemination. These systems work continuously, promptly alerting staff to anomalies for early intervention. In this research, we propose part of the solution by utilizing an image segmentation model to localize the vulva. We created our technique to identify vulvae on pig farms using infrared imagery. To accomplish this, we initially isolate the vulva region by enclosing it within a red rectangle and then generate vulva masks by applying a threshold to the red area. The system is trained using U-Net semantic segmentation, where the input for the system consists of grayscale images and their corresponding masks. We utilize U-Net semantic segmentation to find the vulva in the input image, making it lightweight, simple, and robust enough to be tested on many images. To evaluate the performance of our model, we employ the intersection over union (IOU) metric, which is a suitable indicator for determining the model’s robustness. For the segmentation model, a prediction is generally considered ‘good’ when the intersection over union score surpasses 0.5. Our model achieved this criterion with a score of 0.58, surpassing the scores of alternative methods such as the SVM with Gabor (0.515) and YOLOv3 (0.52).
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(This article belongs to the Topic Artificial Intelligence Models, Tools and Applications)
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Open AccessReview
A Benchmarking Study of Irrigation Advisory Platforms
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Soukaina Boujdi, Abdelkhalek Ezzahri, Mourad Bouziani, Reda Yaagoubi and Lahcen Kenny
Digital 2024, 4(2), 425-445; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4020021 - 26 Apr 2024
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In the contemporary agricultural landscape, agriculture faces four pressing demands: competitiveness, ensuring food security for a growing population, environmental sustainability, and providing farmers with acceptable living conditions. To meet this global challenge, digital technologies represent a major avenue for innovation and development towards
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In the contemporary agricultural landscape, agriculture faces four pressing demands: competitiveness, ensuring food security for a growing population, environmental sustainability, and providing farmers with acceptable living conditions. To meet this global challenge, digital technologies represent a major avenue for innovation and development towards modernized digital agriculture. In this context, irrigation advisory platforms have proven to be transformational tools for both farmers and policymakers, offering insights into the appropriate crop water requirements. This article presents a benchmarking analysis of around 20 professional irrigation advisory platforms. The methodology involves selecting 20 platforms based on accessibility ensuring geographical characteristic diversity. Our findings highlight key criteria shaping the ecosystem of such platforms, including the services offered and their objectives, the types of covered crops, the target users, the form, as well as the source, the availability of the platform, and the variety of data utilized. Lastly, we discuss the main conclusions drawn from our analysis and provide insights into the challenges and future perspectives of irrigation advisory platforms in enhancing agricultural practices and sustainability.
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Open AccessArticle
Empowering Community Clinical Triage through Innovative Data-Driven Machine Learning
by
Binu M. Suresh and Nitsa J. Herzog
Digital 2024, 4(2), 410-424; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4020020 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Efficient triaging and referral assessments are critical in ensuring prompt medical intervention in the community healthcare (CHC) system. However, the existing triaging systems in many community health services are an intensive, time-consuming process and often lack accuracy, particularly for various symptoms which might
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Efficient triaging and referral assessments are critical in ensuring prompt medical intervention in the community healthcare (CHC) system. However, the existing triaging systems in many community health services are an intensive, time-consuming process and often lack accuracy, particularly for various symptoms which might represent heart failure or other health-threatening conditions. There is a noticeable limit of research papers describing AI technologies for triaging patients. This paper proposes a novel quantitative data-driven approach using machine learning (ML) modelling to improve the community clinical triaging process. Furthermore, this study aims to employ the feature selection process and machine learning power to reduce the triaging process’s waiting time and increase accuracy in clinical decision making. The model was trained on medical records from a dataset of patients with “Heart Failure”, which included demographics, past medical history, vital signs, medications, and clinical symptoms. A comparative study was conducted using a variety of machine learning algorithms, where XGBoost demonstrated the best performance among the other ML models. The triage levels of 2,35,982 patients achieved an accuracy of 99.94%, a precision of 0.9986, a recall of 0.9958, and an F1-score of 0.9972. The proposed diagnostic model can be implemented for the CHC decision system and be developed further for other medical conditions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital in 2024)
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Open AccessArticle
A Digital Vaccination Pass Using Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources: A Proof of Concept
by
Tobias Klausen, Valentin Hartig, Dominik Fuchs, Nils Krueger, Vincent Melchior Jeltsch, Raffael Bild and Raphael Scheible
Digital 2024, 4(2), 389-409; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4020019 - 24 Apr 2024
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The traditional manual recording of vaccination records in Germany faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the introduction of a COVID smartphone app with QR codes. However, this solution brought new challenges, emphasizing the need for a centrally managed European digital vaccination record
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The traditional manual recording of vaccination records in Germany faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the introduction of a COVID smartphone app with QR codes. However, this solution brought new challenges, emphasizing the need for a centrally managed European digital vaccination record for efficiency and validity. This study assesses the feasibility of using the HL7 FHIR standard in the healthcare industry for implementing a digital vaccination pass management and monitoring system. The system aims to offer convenience and improved efficiency for both patients and healthcare providers while promoting interoperability with other healthcare systems. To this end, we developed a prototype using modern technologies, such as React, Quarkus, and Keycloak. Results indicate potential benefits for patients and healthcare providers, offering access to immunization records, personalized recommendations, and streamlined management. However, integrating nuanced vaccination processes into the standardized FHIR system requires custom extensions, which might hinder interoperability. Manual data entry and the integration of an identity provider present further obstacles in industry scenarios. Despite these challenges, this study suggests that implementing HL7 FHIR can enhance efficiency, data accessibility, and accuracy in the vaccination process, supporting broader digitization efforts in the German healthcare system and beyond.
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Open AccessArticle
Key Challenges of Cloud Computing Resource Allocation in Small and Medium Enterprises
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Abdulghafour Mohammad and Yasir Abbas
Digital 2024, 4(2), 372-388; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4020018 - 23 Apr 2024
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Although cloud computing offers many benefits, such as flexibility, scalability, and profitability, some small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are still unable to fully utilize cloud resources, such as memory, computing power, storage, and network bandwidth. This reduces their productivity and increases their expenses.
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Although cloud computing offers many benefits, such as flexibility, scalability, and profitability, some small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are still unable to fully utilize cloud resources, such as memory, computing power, storage, and network bandwidth. This reduces their productivity and increases their expenses. Therefore, the central objective of this paper was to examine the key challenges related to the allocation of cloud computing resources in small and medium enterprises. The method used for this study is based upon qualitative research using 12 interviews with 12 owners, managers, and experts in cloud computing in four countries: the United States of America, the United Kingdom, India, and Pakistan. Our results, based on our empirical data, show 11 key barriers to resource allocation in cloud computing that are classified based on the technology, organization, and environment (TOE) framework. Theoretically, this research contributes to the body of knowledge concerning cloud computing technology and offers valuable understanding of the cloud computing resource allocation approaches employed by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In practice, this research is useful to aid SMEs in implementing successful and sustainable strategies for allocating cloud computing resources.
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Open AccessArticle
Data-Driven Enterprise Architecture for Pharmaceutical R&D
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Nailya Uzhakova (née Sabirzyanova) and Stefan Fischer
Digital 2024, 4(2), 333-371; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4020017 - 22 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper addresses the research gap in the realm of data-driven transformation by leveraging the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory and the dynamic capabilities concept to the contours of a data-driven enterprise. It confronts the limitations of conventional digital and data transformation programs, which
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This paper addresses the research gap in the realm of data-driven transformation by leveraging the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory and the dynamic capabilities concept to the contours of a data-driven enterprise. It confronts the limitations of conventional digital and data transformation programs, which often prioritize technological enhancements over crucial organizational and cultural shifts. Proposing a more holistic perspective, the Data-Driven Enterprise Architecture Framework (DDA) is introduced, emphasizing the domain decomposition and productization of an architecture, distributed ownership, and federated governance, while ensuring the continuous harmonization of data, application, and business architecture. A case study featuring a leading pharmaceutical company illustrates the practical implementation of the DDA framework as a pillar of their Digital Transformation Strategy. By integrating scalable and distributed data architecture into the overarching Enterprise Architecture landscape, the company has initiated their data-driven transformation journey, showcased through their initial and very early results. This research not only offers valuable insights for pharmaceutical organizations navigating the complexities of data-driven transformations, but also addresses a research gap in the field.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Digital Transformation of Healthcare)
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Generative Artificial Intelligence Image Tools among Future Designers: A Usability, User Experience, and Emotional Analysis
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Joana Casteleiro-Pitrez
Digital 2024, 4(2), 316-332; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4020016 - 17 Apr 2024
Abstract
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) image tools hold the promise of revolutionizing a designer’s creative process. The increasing supply of this type of tool leads us to consider whether they suit future design professionals. This study aims to unveil if three GenAI image tools—Midjourney
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Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) image tools hold the promise of revolutionizing a designer’s creative process. The increasing supply of this type of tool leads us to consider whether they suit future design professionals. This study aims to unveil if three GenAI image tools—Midjourney 5.2, DreamStudio beta, and Adobe Firefly 2—meet future designers’ expectations. Do these tools have good Usability, show sufficient User Experience (UX), induce positive emotions, and provide satisfactory results? A literature review was performed, and a quantitative empirical study based on a multidimensional analysis was executed to answer the research questions. Sixty users used the GenAI image tools and then responded to a holistic evaluation framework. The results showed that while the GenAI image tools received favorable ratings for Usability, they fell short in achieving high scores, indicating room for improvement. None of the platforms received a positive evaluation in all UX scales, highlighting areas for enhancement. The benchmark comparison revealed that all platforms, except for Adobe Firefly’s Efficiency scale, require enhancements in pragmatic and hedonic qualities. Despite inducing neutral to above-average positive emotions and minimal negative emotions, the overall satisfaction was moderate, with Midjourney aligning more closely with user expectations. This study emphasizes the need for significant improvements in Usability, positive emotional resonance, and result satisfaction, even more so in UX, so that GenAI image tools can meet future designers’ expectations.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital in 2024)
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Open AccessReview
Digital Communication in the Age of Immediacy
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Luís Miguel Pedrero-Esteban and Andrés Barrios-Rubio
Digital 2024, 4(2), 302-315; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4020015 - 31 Mar 2024
Abstract
The media has become a central aspect of everyday life, providing information and entertainment, and serving as a basis for citizen consumption. The content that appears on the internet today is the result of numerous experiences accumulated throughout the history of media, particularly
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The media has become a central aspect of everyday life, providing information and entertainment, and serving as a basis for citizen consumption. The content that appears on the internet today is the result of numerous experiences accumulated throughout the history of media, particularly in the last four decades of technological and social development. The following text analyses how the hybridisation of analogue and digital technologies affects audience consumption patterns and expectations, leading to a more flexible relationship with the media. This study employed a theoretical examination of documentary sources, including texts, articles, and digital materials. The findings indicate a shift from simple, vertical, and linear communication systems to networks that enable horizontal and personalised consumption. The conclusion drawn is that technology has redefined structures and concepts, with the smartphone serving as the focal point of media consumption. Living culture is shaped by technology, because the message, more than the specific content, is the meaning, recognition, and exchange of a world that needs to be re-thought.
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Open AccessArticle
Creating Location-Based Mobile Applications for Tourism: A Virtual AR Guide for Western Macedonia
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Athanasios Evagelou, Alexandros Kleftodimos and Georgios Lappas
Digital 2024, 4(1), 271-301; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4010014 - 1 Mar 2024
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Augmented reality (AR) applications are currently used in many fields for communication and educational purposes. Tourism is also a sector where augmented reality is used for destination marketing and cultural heritage promotion. This study will focus on mobile location-based AR applications and their
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Augmented reality (AR) applications are currently used in many fields for communication and educational purposes. Tourism is also a sector where augmented reality is used for destination marketing and cultural heritage promotion. This study will focus on mobile location-based AR applications and their potential in tourism. Such applications can guide tourists to places of interest and enhance their overall experience. The aim of this paper is to present a mobile application that was created for tourists visiting the region of Western Macedonia, Greece. The application was developed in order to guide the users in the region, entertain them, and educate them about the region’s sights, cultural heritage, and other special characteristics. The paper also aims to present a large set of features that are present in the application, including various types of AR (marker-based, markerless, and location-based) in order to provide designers who wish to create AR applications for tourism with new ideas. The application was validated by a usability test, and its features were evaluated by 39 participants who completed a questionnaire with 29 Likert-scale items. This procedure revealed the level of acceptance for the application features, and valuable feedback was also received during a discussion with the participants about how the application could be upgraded in the future.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Digital Systems for Tourism)
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Decoding the Relationship of Artificial Intelligence, Advertising, and Generative Models
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Camille Velasco Lim, Yu-Peng Zhu, Muhammad Omar and Han-Woo Park
Digital 2024, 4(1), 244-270; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4010013 - 1 Mar 2024
Abstract
Although artificial intelligence technologies have provided valuable insights into the advertising industry, more comprehensive studies that properly examine the applications of AI in advertising using scientometric network analysis are needed. Using publications from journals indexed in the Web of Science, we seek to
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Although artificial intelligence technologies have provided valuable insights into the advertising industry, more comprehensive studies that properly examine the applications of AI in advertising using scientometric network analysis are needed. Using publications from journals indexed in the Web of Science, we seek to analyze the emergence of AI through the examination of keyword co-occurrences and co-authorship. Our goal is to identify essential concepts and influential research that have significantly impacted the advertising business. The findings highlight noteworthy patterns, indicating the growing importance of machine learning tools and techniques such as deep learning, and advanced natural language processing methods like word2vec, GANs, and others, as well as their societal impacts as they continue to define the future of advertising practices.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital in 2024)
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Open AccessArticle
Quality Control Methods Using Quality Characteristics in Development and Operations
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Daiju Kato and Hiroshi Ishikawa
Digital 2024, 4(1), 232-243; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4010012 - 1 Mar 2024
Abstract
Since the Software Quality Model was defined as an international standard, many quality assurance teams have used this quality model in a waterfall model for software development and quality control. As more software is delivered as a cloud service, various methodologies have been
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Since the Software Quality Model was defined as an international standard, many quality assurance teams have used this quality model in a waterfall model for software development and quality control. As more software is delivered as a cloud service, various methodologies have been created with an awareness of the link between development productivity and operations, enabling faster development. However, most development methods are development-oriented with awareness of development progress, and there has been little consideration of methods that achieve quality orientation for continuous quality improvement and monitoring. Therefore, we developed a method to visualize the progress of software quality during development by defining quality goals in the project charter using the quality model defined in international standards, classifying each test by quality characteristics, and clarifying the quality ensured by each test. This was achieved by classifying each test by quality characteristics and clarifying the quality ensured by each test. To use quality characteristics as KPIs, it is necessary to manage test results for each test type and compare them with past build results. This paper explains how to visualize the quality to be assured and the benefits of using quality characteristics as KPIs and proposes a method to achieve rapid and high-quality product development.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue “Management of Digital Ecosystems”: Dedicated to the Memory of Prof. William I. Grosky 8/4/1944–11/13/2020)
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Open AccessArticle
An Improved Approach for Generating Digital Twins of Cultural Spaces through the Integration of Photogrammetry and Laser Scanning Technologies
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Markos Konstantakis, Georgios Trichopoulos, John Aliprantis, Nikitas Gavogiannis, Anna Karagianni, Panos Parthenios, Konstantinos Serraos and George Caridakis
Digital 2024, 4(1), 215-231; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4010011 - 16 Feb 2024
Abstract
The paper introduces an innovative methodology that combines photogrammetry and laser scanning techniques to create detailed 3D models of historic mansions within the Kifissia region of Attica, Greece. While photogrammetry excels in capturing intricate textures, it faces challenges such as lighting variations and
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The paper introduces an innovative methodology that combines photogrammetry and laser scanning techniques to create detailed 3D models of historic mansions within the Kifissia region of Attica, Greece. While photogrammetry excels in capturing intricate textures, it faces challenges such as lighting variations and precise image alignment. On the other hand, laser scanning offers precision in capturing geometric details but struggles with reflective surfaces and large datasets. Our study integrates these methods to leverage their strengths and address limitations, resulting in comprehensive and accurate digital twins of cultural spaces. The methodology section outlines the step-by-step process of integration, emphasizing solutions to specific challenges encountered in the study area. Preliminary results showcase the enhanced fidelity and completeness of the digital twins, demonstrating the effectiveness of the combined approach. The subsequent sections of the paper delve into a detailed presentation of the methodology, provide a comprehensive analysis of obtained results, and discuss the implications of this innovative approach in cultural preservation and broader applications.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital in 2024)
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The Effects of Augmented Reality on Very Young Learners’ Motivation and Learning of the Alphabet and Vocabulary
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Eleni Korosidou
Digital 2024, 4(1), 195-214; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4010010 - 13 Feb 2024
Abstract
This study aspires to contribute some initial results to the growing area of research regarding technology potential in the field of early foreign language literacy. An experiment was conducted to examine very young learners’ alphabet and vocabulary learning and retention in an early
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This study aspires to contribute some initial results to the growing area of research regarding technology potential in the field of early foreign language literacy. An experiment was conducted to examine very young learners’ alphabet and vocabulary learning and retention in an early foreign language (FL) learning context when implementing augmented reality (AR) applications, while very young learners’ motivation was also assessed. A pilot intervention was implemented in a state school in northern Greece. The participants (n = 26) were primary school first-graders (5.5–6 years old) and were assigned into two groups, experimental (13) and control (13). To examine the effects of the intervention, this current study employed two instruments: (a) a pre-test–post-test model to assess young learners’ alphabet and vocabulary learning during three phases and (b) a questionnaire to assess their motivation during the learning process. The findings of this study reveal that both groups displayed significant improvements in FL alphabet and vocabulary learning; however, there are statistical differences in favor of the experimental group regarding long-term alphabet and vocabulary learning and retention. Furthermore, qualitative results regarding children’s perceptions of the technology used indicate that AR was highly appealing and motivating to participating students.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Multimedia-Based Digital Learning)
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Open AccessOpinion
On Enhancing the COVID-19 Certification System for the Digitally-Illiterate People Inclusion in the European Union
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Bartłomiej Hadasik and Maria Mach-Król
Digital 2024, 4(1), 182-194; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4010009 - 11 Feb 2024
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread restrictions globally, prompting governments to implement measures for containment. Vaccines, while aiding in reducing virus transmission, have also introduced the challenge of identifying vaccinated individuals for the purpose of easing restrictions. The European Union (EU) addressed this
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The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread restrictions globally, prompting governments to implement measures for containment. Vaccines, while aiding in reducing virus transmission, have also introduced the challenge of identifying vaccinated individuals for the purpose of easing restrictions. The European Union (EU) addressed this through the “digital COVID-19 certification” system, allowing citizens to travel within the EU based on their vaccination, recovery, or negative test status. However, the system’s digital format poses challenges for those who are not digitally proficient, such as seniors and those with low educational or socioeconomic status. This study aims to propose enhancements to the current system, considering the mobility needs of all citizens. The methodology involves reviewing literature on digital literacy, the digital divide, and information systems related to vaccination and certification. The paper presents straightforward recommendations to make the COVID-19 certificate more accessible to digitally excluded individuals. These proposals may serve as a valuable starting point for healthcare executives to evaluate and adapt the certification scheme to be inclusive of a broader range of stakeholders.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Healthcare in Pandemics)
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Open AccessArticle
Contribution of Social Media Addiction on Intention to Buy in Social Media Sites
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Ângela Leite, Anabela Rodrigues, Ana Margarida Ribeiro and Sílvia Lopes
Digital 2024, 4(1), 169-181; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4010008 - 1 Feb 2024
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The aim of this study is to assess whether social media addiction contributes to the intention to buy; it is based on the model of Hajli (2014) that assesses the relationships between the constructs of social media use, trust, perceived usefulness, and intention
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The aim of this study is to assess whether social media addiction contributes to the intention to buy; it is based on the model of Hajli (2014) that assesses the relationships between the constructs of social media use, trust, perceived usefulness, and intention to buy in social media sites. To this end, a confirmatory factor analysis was carried out to evaluate whether the Hajli model applied to this sample, as well as multigroup CFA to measure invariance across gender and across following influencers or not. Finally, the path analysis evaluates the intersection of social media addiction with the Hajli model (2014). The results confirmed the Hajli model as well as the inclusion in the model of social media addiction as a variable that contributes to purchase intention on social media. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance were found across genders and across the following influencers or not. Also, the values found for internal consistency and composite reliability, convergent reliability, and discriminant reliability were within the reference values.
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Open AccessArticle
Aleppo Pixelated: An Urban Reading through Digitized Historical Maps and High-Resolution Orthomosaics Case Study of al-ʿAqaba and al-Jallūm Quarters
by
Rahaf Orabi
Digital 2024, 4(1), 152-168; https://doi.org/10.3390/digital4010007 - 23 Jan 2024
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This article relies on a combination of digital and analog data to analyze the 2D urban development of al-ʿAqaba and Jallūm districts in the Old City of Aleppo. The dataset consists of vectorized historical maps of the city spanning various historical periods. The
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This article relies on a combination of digital and analog data to analyze the 2D urban development of al-ʿAqaba and Jallūm districts in the Old City of Aleppo. The dataset consists of vectorized historical maps of the city spanning various historical periods. The oldest map in the collection dates back to the 1900s. Additionally, there are high-resolution orthomosaics created from a 3D model obtained through Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Aerial Photogrammetry techniques. Through the analysis and integration of these various data types, the article proposes an analog-digital workflow that tracks the alterations in the urban fabric of the designated study area. The analysis primarily examines the alterations in the city’s two-dimensional layout and the distribution of mass and void. Tracking the changes in the street network of the studied area is the main goal of this research, along with recognizing the spatial changes in the built environment. The article identified changes in both the open spaces and the street layout.
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