An Asian–African dialogue and partnership for nutrition and health

BackgroundHealth data is one of the most valuable assets in health service delivery yet one of the most underutilized in especially low-income countries. Health data is postulated to improve health service delivery through availing avenues for optimal patient management, facility management, and public health surveillance and management. Advancements in information technology (IT) will further increase the value of data, but will also call for capacity readiness especially in rural health facilities.We aimed to understand the current knowledge, attitudes and practices of health workers towards health data management and utilization.MethodsWe conducted key informant interviews (KII) for health workers and data staff, and focus group discussions (FGD) for the village health teams (VHTs). We used both purposive and convenience sampling to recruit key informants, and convenience sampling to recruit village health teams. Interviews and discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. We manually generated the codes and we used thematic analysis to identify the themes. We also developed a reflexivity journal.ResultsWe conducted a total of 6 key informant interviews and 3 focus group discussions of 29 participants. Our analysis identified 7 themes: One theme underscored the health workers’ enthusiasm towards an optimal health data management setting. The rest of the six themes resonated around working remedies to the systemic challenges that grapple health data management and utilization at facilities in rural areas. These include: Building human resource capacity; Equipping the facilities; Improved coordination with partners; Improved data quality assurance; Promotion of a pull supply system and Reducing information relay time.ConclusionOur findings reveal a plethora of systematic challenges that have persistently undercut optimal routine health data management and utilization in rural areas and suggest possible working remedies. Health care workers express enthusiasm towards an optimal health management system but this isn’t matched by their technical capacity, facility readiness, systems and policy willingness. There is an urgent need to build rural lower facilities’ capacity in health data management and utilization which will also lay a foundation for exploitation of information technology in health.

Cet article traite de la difficulte d'effectuer des recherches documentaires dans les bibliotheques, a cause de la complexite des divers modes da classification des informations. En s'appuyant sur une relecture de trois textes precurseurs en la matiere, l'auteur cherche a confirmer la necessite d'un mode de classement universel, qui rendrait l'acces aux documents plus facile au plus grand nombre, et non uniquement aux specialistes

Editorial

Dietary nutrients may serve as antioxidants, co‐enzymes in energy production and metabolic processes, and components of tissue structures that keep the body’s systems functioning properly and maintain good overall health, including oral health. Nutrients that are thought to be especially important for maintaining the periodontium have been the focus of epidemiological studies for many years. However, such research has not consistently found significant associations between periodontal disease incidence or prevalence and the intake levels of these and other nutrients. To date, there is insufficient evidence that current dietary intake recommendations and guidelines need to be changed in order to promote optimal periodontal health. It is important to consider the range of nutrient intakes or biomarkers in any given study population and how they relate to recommended levels when evaluating the evidence. This information is often lacking in studies of nutritional associations in periodontal research. A number of methodological issues may arise in terms of study design, data collection and analysis of dietary data, and these may affect the interpretation of epidemiological study results and the ability to draw inferences and reach conclusions about appropriate dietary recommendations. These issues are critically reviewed.

Context Contrary to other ocean basins, Indian Ocean catches have increased consistently since 1950, although reported data are known to be incomplete. Fish is a crucial food source in the Indian Ocean; however, ineffective management often empowers over-exploitation. Aims We synthesised and reviewed Indian Ocean reconstructed catch and effort data by fishing sector and fishing country at the ocean-basin scale. Methods We aggregated reported and reconstructed unreported catch and effort data for the Indian Ocean and derived catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) time-series by sector. Key results Indian Ocean rim country catches dominated in the Indian Ocean. Small-scale catches in the Indian Ocean have grown continuously by over 300% from 1.9 × 106 tonnes (Mg) year-1 in 1950 to 6.5 × 106 tonnes year-1 by 2018. By contrast, total industrial catches from the Indian Ocean have reached a plateau at ~8.5 × 106 tonnes year-1 since the late 1990s, after having steadily risen from very low levels in the early 1960s. Unreported catches declined from 45 to 25% of total catches. Total fishing effort, driven by the industrial sector, has increased 30-fold since 1950 from 0.4 × 109 to 11 × 109 kW-days by 2010, whereas CPUE has declined 78%, with steeper declines in the small-scale (>80% since 1950) than in the industrial sector (65% from its 1981 peak). Conclusions The different sectoral patterns in the Indian Ocean compared with other ocean basins are likely to be due to the region’s high dependence on small-scale fisheries and the later onset but swift growth of industrial fishing. The declining CPUE suggests strong decreases in stock biomass caused by strongly increasing fishing effort, especially in the industrial sector. Implications Indian Ocean countries should prioritise lower-impact well-managed domestic small-scale fisheries to maximise long-term, sustainable nutrient supply for local livelihoods.

To trust means to have expectations about others’ (the trustees’) socially acceptable behavior. One of the central effects of this trust in the context of IT adoption is to increase the perceived usefulness (PU) of Information Technology (IT) associated with the trustee’s agency. One way of increasing this trust is through greater sociocultural similarity. Taking previous research into the realm of electronic voting, this paper posits that because trust is culture-dependent, it should decrease considerably as cultural diversity and differentiation increases. To investigate the role of trust in IT adoption in different cultures where dissimilar concepts of socially acceptable behavior exist, this study compares trust-related perceptions of an emerging IT (i.e., electronic voting) between the United States of America (USA) and the Republic of South Africa (RSA). More specifically, the question was addressed by comparing the unique circumstances of the cultural changes in the RSA with the more socially integrated mainstream USA culture. In both cultures, a perceived sociocultural similarity between the individual and the agency in charge of the electronic voting IT contributed to both the establishment of trust and to an increase in the perceived usefulness of the IT, supporting and extending the extrapolations of past propositions to this new realm. However, only in the USA did trust contribute to the PU of the IT. The results suggest that when cultural diversity is large, trust becomes of lesser importance, perhaps because it can no longer reduce social uncertainty. Implications for researchers and governmental voting agencies are discussed, and future research directions are proposed.

To trust means to have expectations about others’ (the trustees’) socially acceptable behavior. One of the central effects of this trust in the context of IT adoption is to increase the perceived usefulness (PU) of Information Technology (IT) associated with the trustee’s agency. One way of increasing this trust is through greater sociocultural similarity. Taking previous research into the realm of electronic voting, this paper posits that because trust is culture-dependent, it should decrease considerably as cultural diversity and differentiation increases. To investigate the role of trust in IT adoption in different cultures where dissimilar concepts of socially acceptable behavior exist, this study compares trust-related perceptions of an emerging IT (i.e., electronic voting) between the United States of America (USA) and the Republic of South Africa (RSA). More specifically, the question was addressed by comparing the unique circumstances of the cultural changes in the RSA with the more socially integrated mainstream USA culture. In both cultures, a perceived sociocultural similarity between the individual and the agency in charge of the electronic voting IT contributed to both the establishment of trust and to an increase in the perceived usefulness of the IT, supporting and extending the extrapolations of past propositions to this new realm. However, only in the USA did trust contribute to the PU of the IT. The results suggest that when cultural diversity is large, trust becomes of lesser importance, perhaps because it can no longer reduce social uncertainty. Implications for researchers and governmental voting agencies are discussed, and future research directions are proposed.

Purpose- This research aims to explore the impact of highly advanced technology in reducing cross-cultural language conflicts, especially in Indonesia, which boasts rich linguistic and cultural diversity. Information technology has significant potential to serve as a catalyst in mitigating language conflicts amid the cultural and linguistic diversity in Indonesia. Design/Methodology/Approach- The research employs a descriptive-analytical literature review method, which highlights various relevant theories supporting an understanding of how technology can play a crucial role in dampening language conflicts. Data collection from literature reviewed by several researchers is conducted to gain a profound understanding of the impact of information technology in mitigating language conflicts among different language and cultural groups. Findings- The findings indicate that information technology serves not only as a tool to reduce conflicts among groups with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds but also as a facilitator in building intercultural and interreligious communication. By exploring digital solutions, it is evident that technology plays a significant role in deepening cross-cultural understanding and strengthening inter-country relationships. With technological advancements, it is expected that these solutions will continue to innovate and contribute to creating a more inclusive and mutually understanding society amidst the linguistic and cultural diversity in Indonesia. Research Limitation/Implications- This research is still in the theoretical realm and does not involve field testing as a comparative method. Nevertheless, this study can be considered as a preliminary step in exploring the role of rapidly developing technology in addressing language conflict issues.

Trust is a cornerstone of society, and it enables democratic institutes. It captures people’s expectations about others’ (the trustees) socially-acceptable behavior. In the context of information technology (IT) adoption, trust also increases the perceived usefulness (PU) of IT associated with the trustee’s agency. One way of increasing this trust is through greater sociocultural similarity. Extrapolating based on previous research to the realm of electronic voting, this chapter posits that because trust is culture-dependent, it should decrease considerably as cultural diversity and differentiation increases. To investigate the role of trust in IT adoption in different cultures where dissimilar concepts of socially-acceptable behavior exist, this study compares trust-related perceptions of an emerging IT, namely electronic voting, between the United States of America (USA) and the Republic of South Africa (RSA). More specifically, the question was addressed by comparing the unique circumstances of the cultural changes in the RSA with the more socially-integrated mainstream USA culture. In both cultures, perceived sociocultural similarity between the individual and the agency in charge of the electronic voting IT contributed to both the establishment of trust and to an increase in the perceived usefulness of the IT, supporting and extending the extrapolations of past propositions to this new realm. However, only in the USA did trust contribute to the PU of the IT. The results suggest that when cultural diversity is large, trust becomes of lesser importance, perhaps because it can no longer reduce social uncertainty. Implications for researchers and governmental voting agencies are discussed, and future research directions are proposed.

Trust is a cornerstone of society, and it enables democratic institutes. It captures people’s expectations about others’ (the trustees) socially-acceptable behavior. In the context of information technology (IT) adoption, trust also increases the perceived usefulness (PU) of IT associated with the trustee’s agency. One way of increasing this trust is through greater sociocultural similarity. Extrapolating based on previous research to the realm of electronic voting, this chapter posits that because trust is culture-dependent, it should decrease considerably as cultural diversity and differentiation increases. To investigate the role of trust in IT adoption in different cultures where dissimilar concepts of socially-acceptable behavior exist, this study compares trust-related perceptions of an emerging IT, namely electronic voting, between the United States of America (USA) and the Republic of South Africa (RSA). More specifically, the question was addressed by comparing the unique circumstances of the cultural changes in the RSA with the more socially-integrated mainstream USA culture. In both cultures, perceived sociocultural similarity between the individual and the agency in charge of the electronic voting IT contributed to both the establishment of trust and to an increase in the perceived usefulness of the IT, supporting and extending the extrapolations of past propositions to this new realm. However, only in the USA did trust contribute to the PU of the IT. The results suggest that when cultural diversity is large, trust becomes of lesser importance, perhaps because it can no longer reduce social uncertainty. Implications for researchers and governmental voting agencies are discussed, and future research directions are proposed.

Trust is a cornerstone of society, and it enables democratic institutes. It captures people’s expectations about others’ (the trustees) socially-acceptable behavior. In the context of information technology (IT) adoption, trust also increases the perceived usefulness (PU) of IT associated with the trustee’s agency. One way of increasing this trust is through greater sociocultural similarity. Extrapolating based on previous research to the realm of electronic voting, this chapter posits that because trust is culture-dependent, it should decrease considerably as cultural diversity and differentiation increases. To investigate the role of trust in IT adoption in different cultures where dissimilar concepts of socially-acceptable behavior exist, this study compares trust-related perceptions of an emerging IT, namely electronic voting, between the United States of America (USA) and the Republic of South Africa (RSA). More specifically, the question was addressed by comparing the unique circumstances of the cultural changes in the RSA with the more socially-integrated mainstream USA culture. In both cultures, perceived sociocultural similarity between the individual and the agency in charge of the electronic voting IT contributed to both the establishment of trust and to an increase in the perceived usefulness of the IT, supporting and extending the extrapolations of past propositions to this new realm. However, only in the USA did trust contribute to the PU of the IT. The results suggest that when cultural diversity is large, trust becomes of lesser importance, perhaps because it can no longer reduce social uncertainty. Implications for researchers and governmental voting agencies are discussed, and future research directions are proposed.

This article deals with the problem of developing and implementing a mobile software product for compiling a healthy human nutrition ration using IT technologies. An analysis of existing software applications in this area for desktops; developed functional requirements for a mobile computer system for healthy nutrition, formulated the conceptual foundations of information technology, formalized the general decision-making support algorithm in the preparation and optimization of a healthy diet.

Software as a Service (SaaS), a type of cloud computing is based on information technology (IT) capabilities in a utility model that enhances the reliability and scalability at relatively low costs as compared to on-premise IT systems. Other benefits SaaS provides to customers include: no upfront investment cost required, elasticity of computing resources, vendor support and upgrades, agile response to markets, usage metered as utility, resource pooling the ability to add computing resources as needed. Consequently, organisations may decide to adopt SaaS model based on these potential benefits. However, these benefits may have some implications on the roles of IT workers and functions of IT department. These implications include: changing IT workers' skill sets requirements, widespread of layoffs of hardware IT workers, and IT department loses control of IT-Servers, and focuses more on data security, vendor management, as IT system support moves to cloud service provider. Similarly, IT workers believe that turning IT resource and support to a cloud service provider poses significant risks to their own jobs [1]. There is a lack of research conducted on the implications of SaaS model on IT department and associated human resource management. Thus, this paper seeks to fill this gap by examining how SaaS adoption may change IT workers' roles and tasks, and functions of IT department. Drawing on adaptive structuration theory, a modified framework is constructed to support the change dynamics from SaaS adoption. Using examples of functions of IT department in tertiary institutions, we explored sources of structures from advanced IT and the ways in which organisational and human interactions have an impact on how SaaS is appropriated and institutionalised into business processes, and brings about changes in an organisation. This paper contributes to the theory by examining the way emergent and new structures are formulated at the macro and group level of the organisational structure. Implications for researchers and practitioners are provided.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Governance is strongly associated with the successful of an organization's management especially about how to control physical assets, data and information were applied. In organizations, universities (Higher Education) Data and information is extremely important given the orientation of utilization is in the form of shared knowledge, through teaching and learning, research and community service (Tri Dharma). With a potential source of threats posed by humans (Human Threats), natural disasters (Natural Threats), and disruption of the environment (Environmental Threats) can interfere with the management of ICT colleges. NIST Framework Model is implemented by integrating the concept of Information Technology (IT) Risk Management through assessment risk mitigation strategies and recommendations to measure the probability of the threat and the level of impact on the institution. Then, through indepth interviews with ICT department/unit using IT General Control Questionnaire (ITGCQ) and also review operational documents to found risk analysis issues. Risk analysis results are summarized in the form of safeguard implementation plan to reduce the level of IT risk governance PTS. XYZ. More and more ICT management activities that do not have control, the higher the level of risk management of ICT.

This study explores the impact of information technology (IT) integration and supplier participation on the management and enhancement of supplier sustainability performance, addressing a research gap in understanding how collaborative IT systems and supplier involvement jointly influence sustainable practices. By analyzing a global dataset of manufacturing firms, we employ a quantitative research methodology to test a conceptual model that examines these relationships. The findings demonstrate that IT integration with suppliers significantly fosters sustainable management practices, which subsequently improve suppliers’ sustainability performance. Furthermore, the study reveals that the effectiveness of IT integration is significantly enhanced when suppliers are actively involved, underscoring the importance of collaboration in driving sustainability outcomes. These insights contribute to the literature on supplier sustainability management by highlighting the synergistic role of IT and supplier engagement. Future research should explore the long-term effects of IT integration on sustainability performance across diverse industries, investigate the role of emerging technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence in supplier collaboration, and examine the impact of cultural and organizational differences on the effectiveness of IT-driven sustainability initiatives. This study provides practical guidance for manufacturers aiming to optimize their sustainability efforts through strategic IT integration and supplier involvement.