Social Capital in the Age of Online Networking: Genesis, Manifestations, and Implications


Book Description

Social networking sites have transformed traditional networking into a new form, prompting researchers to consider whether social capital accrues through online networking. This edited book, titled Social Capital in the Age of Online Networking: Genesis, Manifestations, and Implications, provides current and prospective theoretical and applied understandings of this newer source of investments. Edited by Dr. Najmul Hoda, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Business Administration at the College of Business, Umm Al-Qura University, this book is an ideal resource for scholars and practitioners interested in exploring the benefits of online social capital. The book is targeted towards academic scholars and is an excellent supplementary reading material for higher education institutions. It covers a range of topics such as social capital theory in online networking, empirical findings of online social capital formation, scales to measure online social capital, and online social capital and sustainable development. The book also explores the impact of technological innovations on online social capital and the applications of online social capital in business, society, and the economy. The book's objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current and prospective state of theory and applications of this phenomenon, and it will benefit researchers, government and private research institutions, business corporations, and students in various fields such as business, economics, information technology, psychology, medicine, and humanities.




Research, Innovation, and Industry Impacts of the Metaverse


Book Description

Imagine a world where the digital and physical worlds intertwine seamlessly - this is the metaverse. This complex digital environment has the potential to revolutionize our lives in a multitude of ways. Yet the lack of standardized frameworks and guidelines creates a fragmented ecosystem with varying levels of security, privacy, and usability that can hinder the integration of the metaverse into our daily lives in cohesive, safe, and beneficial ways. Research, Innovation, and Industry Impacts of the Metaverse offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges posed by the metaverse. It serves as a roadmap for researchers, academics, and practitioners by providing a structured framework for exploring the metaverse. It covers foundational technologies, academic research, real-world applications, and challenges, offering insights into defining the metaverse, its technologies, and future potential. The book equips readers with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of the metaverse and contribute to its responsible development. Showcasing the latest research contributions, this book initiates academic discourse and innovation. It fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring a holistic understanding of the metaverse's impact on society, education, commerce, and more, while empowering readers to harness the metaverse's full potential.




AI Applications for Business, Medical, and Agricultural Sustainability


Book Description

Climate change, natural resource depletion, and unsustainable agricultural practices pose unprecedented challenges to our planet. The increasing environmental footprint of computer networks, communication systems, and other IT infrastructures exacerbates these issues, contributing significantly to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Without innovative solutions, these challenges will continue to escalate, threatening the sustainability of our planet for future generations. AI Applications for Business, Medical, and Agricultural Sustainability offers a comprehensive solution by harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High-Performance Computing (HPC). This book is ideal for educators, environmentalists, industry professionals, researchers, and academics. By introducing new energy models, algorithms, and methodologies, the book provides a roadmap for developing next-generation computing and communication infrastructures that are environmentally sustainable.




Harnessing High-Performance Computing and AI for Environmental Sustainability


Book Description

The world is addressing the insistent challenge of climate change, and the need for innovative solutions has become paramount. In this period of technical developments, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful instrument with enormous prospects to combat climate change and other environmental subjects. AI's ability to process vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make intelligent predictions offers unprecedented opportunities to tackle this global crisis. High-Performance Computing (HPC) or super-computing environments address these large and complex challenges with individual nodes (computers) working together in a cluster (connected group) to perform massive amounts of computing in a short period. Creating and removing these clusters is often automated in the cloud to reduce costs. Computer networks, communication systems, and other IT infrastructures have a growing environmental footprint due to significant energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. To address this seemingly self-defeating conundrum, and create a truly sustainable environment, new energy models, algorithms, methodologies, platforms, tools, and systems are required to support next-generation computing and communication infrastructures. Harnessing High-Performance Computing and AI for Environmental Sustainability navigates through AI-driven solutions from sustainable agriculture and land management to energy optimization and smart grids. It unveils how AI algorithms can analyze colossal datasets, offering unprecedented insights into climate modeling, weather prediction, and long-term climate trends. Integrating AI-powered optimization algorithms revolutionizes energy systems, propelling the transition towards a low-carbon future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing efficiency. This book is ideal for educators, environmentalists, industry professionals, and researchers alike, and it explores the ethical dimensions and policies surrounding AI's contribution to environmental development.




Creator's Economy in Metaverse Platforms: Empowering Stakeholders Through Omnichannel Approach


Book Description

In the era of the metaverse, a big challenge permeates the digital landscape—a challenge that resonates both with creators seeking to thrive in this dynamic space and policymakers attempting to navigate its uncharted territories. Creators, driven by innovation, grapple with a myriad of uncertainties in monetizing their virtual content effectively. Simultaneously, policymakers find themselves at a crossroads, caught between the rapid evolution of the virtual realm and the lack of clear regulatory guidelines. This struggle is exacerbated by the issue of cybersecurity threats that cast a shadow over the metaverse's transformative potential. It is within this context of challenges that Creator's Economy in Metaverse Platforms emerges, poised to tackle the pressing issues at the intersection of creativity, regulation, and the ever-expanding metaverse. Creator's Economy in Metaverse Platforms dissects, analyzes, and offers solutions to the multifaceted challenges prevailing in the metaverse. By addressing fundamental questions about the creator economy, the elusive concept of the metaverse economy, and the indispensable role policymakers play, the book provides a holistic understanding of the landscape. Delving into topics such as stakeholder engagement, digital asset management, and the intricacies of various monetization models, it equips readers with actionable insights. Not content with a reactive approach, the book takes a proactive stance, offering solutions to foster interoperability and create an ecosystem where creators and policymakers can mutually thrive. It envisions not just a book but a catalyst for transformative change in the metaverse.




Data Visualization Tools for Business Applications


Book Description

In today’s data-driven business landscape, the ability to extract insights and communicate complex information effectively is paramount. Data visualization has emerged as a powerful tool for businesses to make informed decisions, uncover patterns, and present findings in a compelling manner. From executives seeking strategic insights to analysts delving into operational data, the demand for intuitive and informative visualizations spans across all levels of an organization. Data Visualization Tools for Business Applications comprehensively equips professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage data visualization tools effectively. Through a blend of theory and hands-on case studies, this book explores a wide range of data visualization tools, techniques, and methodologies. Covering topics such as business analytics, cyber security, and financial reporting, this book is an essential resource for business executives and leaders, marketing professionals, data scientists, entrepreneurs, academicians, educators, students, decision-makers and stakeholders, and more.




Global Perspectives on Social Media Usage Within Governments


Book Description

Social media applications have emerged in the last 20 years to meet the different needs of individuals, and private sector and public organizations have not been indifferent to these technologies. Social media tools help public institutions and organizations communicate directly with citizens as well as enable two-way communication and enable citizens to participate in all stages from agenda setting to evaluation of policy processes. Central and local governments, which use innovative methods to involve citizens in this process, attach significance to the development of e-participation tools. Ensuring the participation of citizens in policy processes not only determines the wishes and priorities of citizens but also uses scarce resources effectively and efficiently. Global Perspectives on Social Media Usage Within Governments reveals the best practices of various countries regarding the use of social media by central and local governments according to public administration models. The book presents various case studies on the impact of public administration models on social media use in order to contribute to public administration and social media use. Covering topics such as climate action, knowledge behaviors, and citizen participation, this premier reference source is an essential resource for government officials, public administrators, public policy scholars, social media experts, public affairs scholars, students and educators of higher education, librarians, researchers, and academicians.




AI-Enhanced Teaching Methods


Book Description

The digital age has ushered in an era where students must be equipped not only with traditional knowledge but also with the skills to navigate an increasingly interconnected and technologically driven world. As traditional teaching methods encounter the complexities of the 21st century, the demand for innovation becomes more apparent. This paves the way for the era of artificial intelligence (AI), a technological frontier that carries the potential to reshape education fundamentally. AI-Enhanced Teaching Methods recognizes the urgency of the ongoing technological shift and delves into an exploration of how AI can be effectively harnessed to redefine the learning experience. The book serves as a guide for educators, offering insights into navigating between conventional teaching methodologies and the possibilities presented by AI. It provides an understanding of AI's role in education, covering topics from machine learning to natural language processing. Ethical considerations, including privacy and bias, are thoroughly addressed with thoughtful solutions as well. Additionally, the book provides valuable support for administrators, aiding in the integration of these technologies into existing curricula.




Critical Roles of Digital Citizenship and Digital Ethics


Book Description

The digital age has brought about significant changes to our society, creating a complex and ever-evolving digital landscape. To navigate this landscape effectively, it is crucial to foster a deep understanding of ethics and citizenship in all domains of life. This imperative holds true at every level of education, and it is equally important to explore the historical origins of these concepts. Critical Roles of Digital Citizenship and Digital Ethics delves into the multifaceted realm of digital ethics and citizenship, shedding light on the latest research studies conducted in the educational field, as well as insights from the humanities, history, social sciences, sociology, and civics. This comprehensive research handbook provides a platform for in-depth discussions and empirical investigations into the philosophical foundations and practical implications of digital citizenship. By examining how digital ethics have been and continue to be shaped, the book offers valuable insights into the ways in which educators and researchers can approach these topics in the realm of education. Designed for researchers in humanities, sociology, and educational fields, as well as students seeking a deeper understanding of the historical and contemporary dimensions of digital ethics and digital citizenship, this book offers a rich exploration of their roots and current implications. It explores the historical underpinnings of these concepts, advocates for asset-based approaches to digital citizenship, and examines the current educational strategies implemented at both the K-12 and post-secondary levels. Additionally, it delves into the theoretical foundations of digital ethics and citizenship, considering the impact of digital landscapes on young learners, adolescents, and adults. The book also presents insightful reports on the latest studies pertaining to digital ethics and digital citizenship.




Networks of Outrage and Hope


Book Description

Networks of Outrage and Hope is an exploration of the new forms of social movements and protests that are erupting in the world today, from the Arab uprisings to the indignadas movement in Spain, from the Occupy Wall Street movement to the social protests in Turkey, Brazil and elsewhere. While these and similar social movements differ in many important ways, there is one thing they share in common: they are all interwoven inextricably with the creation of autonomous communication networks supported by the Internet and wireless communication. In this new edition of his timely and important book, Manuel Castells examines the social, cultural and political roots of these new social movements, studies their innovative forms of self-organization, assesses the precise role of technology in the dynamics of the movements, suggests the reasons for the support they have found in large segments of society, and probes their capacity to induce political change by influencing people’s minds. Two new chapters bring the analysis up-to-date and draw out the implications of these social movements and protests for understanding the new forms of social change and political democracy in the global network society.




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