Card Technology Research Articles

An investigation of healthcare professionals’ intention to use Smart Card Technology

An investigation of healthcare professionals’ intention to use Smart Card Technology

Impact of knowledge factors on implementation of smart card technology in public healthcare

Background: Healthcare quality continues to advance with the use of innovative, adaptable technology, which will also reduce costs, increase efficiency, divide the number of errors, boost patient satisfaction, and enhance reimbursement for inpatient and outpatient healthcare professionals.Aim: The study’s aim was to investigate the impact of knowledge factors on the implementation of smart card technology (SCT) in public healthcare. Furthermore, it contributes equally to the understanding of the important determinants that influence the implementation of SCT in these hospitals.Setting: The study examined how knowledge factors affected the use of smart card technology in public healthcare in Southern Africa.Methods: The study used quantitative research approach. There were 489 healthcare professionals who took part in the initial data collection. As a result, 439 questionnaires were sent out and 406 of them were analysed.Results: The outcome of this study revealed that healthcare professionals had an impact on SCT implementation. According to the data, 2.2% and 2.5% of respondents, respectively, had very excellent and decent knowledge of SCT, compared to 33% of respondents who have a good understanding of SCT. A significant correlation between the application of SCT and effort expectancy (EE) may also have an impact on these outcomes. Effort expectancy was found to have a positive, considerable influence on the application of SCT in public healthcare in this study.Conclusion: This study showed that the Department of Health’s ability to properly administer SCT depends on certain factors that affect how it is implemented in South African public hospitals. Given these reasons, the possibility for adopting these e-health programs is of utmost importance.Contribution: The study can assist the Department of Health to understand how different knowledge-related factors impact the implementation of SCT in public healthcare.

Pycallingcards: an integrated environment for visualizing, analyzing, and interpreting Calling Cards data.

Unraveling the transcriptional programs that control how cells divide, differentiate, and respond to their environments requires a precise understanding of transcription factors' (TFs) DNA-binding activities. Calling cards (CC) technology uses transposons to capture transient TF binding events at one instant in time and then read them out at a later time. This methodology can also be used to simultaneously measure TF binding and mRNA expression from single-cell CC and to record and integrate TF binding events across time in any cell type of interest without the need for purification. Despite these advantages, there has been a lack of dedicated bioinformatics tools for the detailed analysis of CC data. We introduce Pycallingcards, a comprehensive Python module specifically designed for the analysis of single-cell and bulk CC data across multiple species. Pycallingcards introduces two innovative peak callers, CCcaller and MACCs, enhancing the accuracy and speed of pinpointing TF binding sites from CC data. Pycallingcards offers a fully integrated environment for data visualization, motif finding, and comparative analysis with RNA-seq and ChIP-seq datasets. To illustrate its practical application, we have reanalyzed previously published mouse cortex and glioblastoma datasets. This analysis revealed novel cell-type-specific binding sites and potential sex-linked TF regulators, furthering our understanding of TF binding and gene expression relationships. Thus, Pycallingcards, with its user-friendly design and seamless interface with the Python data science ecosystem, stands as a critical tool for advancing the analysis of TF functions via CC data. Pycallingcards can be accessed on the GitHub repository: https://github.com/The-Mitra-Lab/pycallingcards.

ECC-based three-factor authentication and key agreement scheme for wireless sensor networks

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), protocols with authentication and key agreement functions can enhance the security of the interaction between users and sensor nodes, guaranteeing the security of user access and sensor node information. Existing schemes have various security vulnerabilities and are susceptible to security attacks (e.g., masquerading user, password guessing, internal privilege, and MITT attacks), so they cannot meet the anonymity requirements or achieve forward security. To effectively improve the security performance of WSNs, an elliptic curve cryptography (ECC)-based three-factor authentication and key agreement scheme for WSNs is proposed. The scheme is based on the ECC protocol and combines biometrics, smart card and password authentication technology; uses a challenge/response mechanism to complete the authentication between users, gateways, and sensors; and negotiates a secure session key. The Burrows, Abadi and Needham logic for formal security analysis proves the correctness and security of the scheme, and the informal analysis of multiple known attacks proves that the scheme can resist various attacks and has high security characteristics. The feasibility of the scheme has been analysed and verified with the ProVerif tool. The efficiency analysis results show that the scheme is suitable for resource-constrained WSNs.

Penerapan Sistem Absensi ID Card RFID Terhadap Perhitungan Honorarium, Kedisiplinan Pegawai dan Peningkatan Kualitas di Perguruan Darulfunun El-Abbasiyah

This research discusses the implementation of the RFID ID Card attendance system in the context of salary management and teacher and employee discipline at Darulfunun El-Abbasiyah College. The main objective of this research is to identify how the application of RFID ID Card technology in an attendance system can influence salary management and the level of discipline among teachers and employees in an institution or organization. The research method used is a descriptive method with a case study approach, then analyzed qualitatively to describe the impact of implementing the RFID ID Card attendance system on salary management and discipline. The results of this research show that the implementation of the RFID ID Card attendance system has several significant impacts. First, in terms of salary management, this system allows more accurate salary calculations based on real absences, reduces calculation errors, and minimizes the potential for system abuse. Second, regarding discipline, this system tends to increase the discipline of teachers and employees because their attendance is recorded accurately. This can also reduce the tendency to be late or absent from work for no apparent reason. Although implementing an RFID ID Card attendance system provides various benefits, this research also identified several challenges. The main challenges include the need for adequate training for system users, regular maintenance of RFID ID Card technology, and the importance of maintaining the privacy and security of user data. Overall, this research concludes that implementing an RFID ID Card attendance system can have a positive impact on salary management, discipline of employees, and quality improvement. However, successful implementation depends on a good understanding of this technology, adequate training, and appropriate actions to overcome challenges that may arise.

Secure Transactions in a Chip: A Contemporary Review of Smart Card Innovations

Smart card technology has emerged as a powerful tool in the field of secure identification, authentication, and transaction processing. This abstract provides a comprehensive overview of smart card technology, highlighting its key features, applications, and benefits. Smart cards, also known as integrated circuit cards, are portable devices that incorporate a microprocessor and memory to securely store and process information. These cards have revolutionized various industries by enabling secure access control, secure payment transactions, and secure storage of sensitive data. The abstract begins by exploring the fundamental components and architecture of smart cards. It delves into the different types of smart cards, such as contact-based and contactless cards, and explains the communication protocols employed in their operation. Furthermore, the abstract discusses the extensive range of applications where smart cards have found widespread adoption. These applications include identification cards, payment cards, healthcare cards, transportation cards, and more. The abstract highlights the advantages of using smart cards in each of these domains, such as enhanced security, convenience, and interoperability.

Electoral Malpractice and Card Reader System in Nigeria: A Study of the 2019 Presidential Election

The adoption of smart card technology in various parts of Africa has reduced electoral malpractices, resulting in election credibility and acceptability. However, its use in Nigeria’s electoral process is believed to have downsides. The paper investigates how adopting smart card technology reduced electoral malpractices during the 2019 presidential election, making it more transparent, credible, and reliable than the traditional technique. It uncovers the flaws of the technology in Nigeria, including card reader malfunction, delays in accreditation and voting, the inability of the INEC staff to operate the technology efficiently during voting, and election postponement, among others. It is therefore recommended that the INEC improve public awareness of the use of the technology and train its staff.

STRATEGI GURU DALAM MENUMBUHKAN MINAT BACA ANAK MELALUI MEDIA KARTU GAMBAR DI SEKOLAH


 
 
 
 The purpose of this study is to document and analyze the experience and impact of using picture card technology to increase children's interest in reading. Descriptive qualitative research allows researchers to thoroughly understand how children engage and respond to this learning approach. As part of this study, several young children were provided with a learning environment enriched with picture cards. Data was collected through participant observation, interviews with teachers and children, and recording of learning activities.We then used a thematic coding process to identify patterns, themes and other key elements that emerged as children navigated their learning strategies. We then used a thematic coding process to identify patterns, themes and other key elements that emerged as children navigated their learning strategies. The research showed that picture cards made young children more interested in reading. Children's comprehension of stories increased, their creativity in connecting pictures and words increased, and their enthusiasm for reading activities increased. In addition, the results revealed qualitative elements in the learning process, such as the influence of social interaction between children and visual approaches on children's literacy development.
 
 
 

Investigation of the performance of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics using Triumfetta cordifolia and thermoplastic fibers, compared to other commercial bast fibers used in preformed biosourced composites

In an attempt to increase biodiversity in natural plant fiber nonwovens, new sources of natural fibers must be discovered. Nonwoven fabric is a promising commercial product for upgrading the new bast fiber Triumfetta cordifolia (TCF) and giving it an opportunity to be used in composite nonwoven applications. Two types of TCF nonwoven mats blended with polylactide fibers for one and polypropylene fibers for the other at a mass ratio of 50 : 50 were manufactured using carding and needling technology. The aim of the present work is to compare the different types of TCF-based nonwovens with other nonwovens based on commercial bast fibers, namely flax and hemp, known for their use in automotive interiors. The nonwoven fabrics were characterized in terms of weight per unit area, thickness, tensile strength and flexural rigidity. In addition, morphological aspects of fiber organization, density and distribution within the nonwoven reinforcement were observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The results revealed great variability in terms of surface density and thickness. Increasing the surface mass of nonwovens led to an increase in mechanical performance in terms of strength and stiffness, while retaining anisotropy in terms of fiber orientation, which has a significant effect on mechanical behavior due to the preferential fiber orientation generated during carding. In addition, the type of thermoplastic polymer fiber in the nonwoven mat has an influence on the characteristics evaluated. The results obtained showed that TCFs are good candidates, given their competitive performance and availability compared with flax and hemp fibers, and that they can be used in the same composite applications. Such a non-woven mattress based on TCFs from the tropical African region, manufactured using carding and needling technology, could open up opportunities to create new value-added products that can benefit these countries from an economic and ecological point of view.

Views and Needs of Students, Parents, and Teachers on Closed-Circuit Television, Proximity Trackers, and Access Cards to Facilitate COVID-19 Contact Tracing in Schools: Thematic Analysis of Focus Groups and Interviews.

Contact tracing is considered a key measure in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Governments around the world adopted contact tracing to limit the spread of COVID-19 in schools. Contact tracing tools utilizing digital technology (eg, GPS chips, Bluetooth radios) can increase efficiency compared to manual methods. However, these technologies can introduce certain privacy challenges in relation to retention, tracking, and the using and sharing of personal data, and little is known about their applicability in schools. This is the second of two studies exploring the potential of digital tools and systems to help schools deal with the practical challenges of preventing and coping with an outbreak of COVID-19. The aim was to explore the views, needs, and concerns among secondary school stakeholders (parents, teachers, pupils) regarding the implementation of three digital tools for contact tracing: access cards, proximity tracking, and closed-circuit television (CCTV). Focus groups and interviews were conducted with secondary school students, parents, and teachers. The topic guide was informed by the Unified Theory of Technology and Acceptance. Data-driven and theory-driven approaches were combined to identify themes and subthemes. We recruited 22 participants. Findings showed that there is no single solution that is suitable for all schools, with each technology option having advantages and limitations. Existing school infrastructure (eg, CCTV and smart/access cards technology) and the geography of each school would determine which tools would be optimal for a particular school. Concerns regarding the cost of installing and maintaining equipment were prominent among all groups. Parents and teachers worried about how the application of these solutions will affect students' right to privacy. Parents also appeared not to have adequate knowledge of the surveillance technologies already available in schools (eg, CCTV). Students, who were mostly aware of the presence of surveillance technologies, were less concerned about any potential threats to their privacy, while they wanted reassurances that any solutions would be used for their intended purposes. Findings revealed that there is not one tool that would be suitable for every school and the context will determine which tool would be appropriate. This study highlights important ethical issues such as privacy concerns, balancing invasions of privacy against potential benefits, transparency of communication around surveillance technology and data use, and processes of consent. These issues need to be carefully considered when implementing contact tracing technologies in school settings. Communication, transparency, and consent within the school community could lead to acceptance and engagement with the new tools.

Multi-Centered Field Evaluation of a Salmonella spp. Point-of-Care PCR Assay Using Equine Feces and Environmental Samples

The introduction of microfluidic card technology has opened the field for rapid point-of-care (POC) molecular assays, including fecal and environmental Salmonella spp. testing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel POC PCR assay for the detection of Salmonella spp. in feces and environmental samples. A total of 143 fecal samples and 132 environmental samples were collected for POC PCR Salmonella spp. testing as well as qPCR testing. Each sample was inoculated into selenite broth and incubated for 18 to 24 hours. For the POC PCR assay, 14 μl of selenite broth were mixed with 126 μl of PCR reaction mix and pipetted into a microfluidic test card targeting the invA and ttrC gene of Salmonella enterica. For qPCR analysis, 200 µl of the selenite broth were processed for DNA purification and Salmonella spp. testing targeting the invA gene. The overall agreement between the POC PCR Salmonella spp. assay and qPCR assay was 88.1% for feces and 97.0% for environmental samples. Strong agreement and short turn-around-time make the POC device the first molecular diagnostic platform allowing detection of Salmonella spp. in a hospital setting without having to ship out samples to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. The availability of an accurate POC PCR assay for the detection of Salmonella spp. will enhance the diagnostic capability of equine veterinarians to timely support a diagnosis of salmonellosis and also monitor the environment in order to reduce the risk of nosocomial infections.

Direct antiglobulin test positivity in Serbian blood donors in the era of gel card technology.

In the era of gel cards, we aimed to determine the incidence of a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) in a population of blood donors in Serbia and to compare results with the period when a conventional tube technique was used. A retrospective study was conducted on 184,171 blood donors over 10 years (2012-2021). Positive DAT results initially were detected after positive result of the compatibility test. After a DAT had been initially performed on fresh blood samples, a control DAT was performed 6 months later. Using gel cards, we found a low incidence (0.09%) of DAT positivity among 55,254 female and 128,917 male blood donors, with no difference found in the occurrence of a positive DAT between them. Positive DAT moderately positively correlated with increasing age of blood donors, but without statistical significance. The vast majority of blood donors (98.86%) were IgG positive. All donors were in good health, did not take medication or had anaemia or haemolysis. During the period 1980-1989, when the test tube technique was used, we found 0.05% DAT-positive blood donors. The incidence of positive DAT results in Serbian blood donors is higher compared with that found using the previous test tube technique, but the incidence is consistent with the findings of other studies.

Identification of operational risk of embedded Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) technology based on ISO 31000: Systematic Literature Review

In the current digital era, telecommunications industry technology is growing rapidly, impacting the demands for innovation in the telecommunications operator business. One of them is the change in the size of the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card model, which is getting smaller, and the use of embedded SIM (eSIM) technology on smartphones. This study aims to identify operational risk factors from the change in SIM card technology to eSIM. The research method used is the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method. This study documents and reviews scientific journal papers from scientific databases published from 2015 to 2022 on risk management in the information technology field, following this research's objectives. The results obtained from this study showed that there were 43 journals studied, of which four had the theme of technology-embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM), and 13 discussed risk operations technology

Power Visualization System Based on IoT and eSIM Card Technology

To improve the quality and efficiency of power system management in power transmission and transformation equipment, a visualization system based on IoT and eSIM card technology is designed. The scheme adopts RFID, network development, .NET technology, MSSQL and related technologies and tools to realize the basic functions of the life-cycle management system of power transmission and transformation equipment. At the same time, the On air card writing of eSIM card is used to directly correct the communication parameter settings of the terminal, and the dialing and positioning information are integrated into a module. The visual component uses the latest Web development technology to design and complete the view editor function. Finally, the visual monitoring and data presentation functions of the equipment are tested based on the scenario design, and the results show that the system can achieve real-time monitoring and centralized management under the IoT environment, and comprehensively improves the intelligent level of the power system.

Critical success factors of smart card technology in South African public hospitals

Background: Even though the government has set several admirable targets for raising the standard of healthcare, as highlighted by communities and media reports, public health institutions’ services continue to fall short of patients’ expectations and basic standards of care. For this reason, the general public has lost faith in the healthcare system. The public healthcare system in South Africa is completely dysfunctional and urgently needs to be transformed to serve the majority of those who use public hospitals.Objectives: The study aimed to improve healthcare for the majority of South Africans by investigating the critical success factors (CSFs) that influence the adoption of smart card technology (SCT) in South African public hospitals.Methods: A thorough review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted to determine potential barriers to adopting SCT. Furthermore, a hybrid model that combines the Health Unified Technology of Acceptance Theory (HUTAUT) model, DeLone and McLean IS success model (DM) and the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory will be developed, validated and tested to identify the CSFs adoption of SCT in public hospitals in South Africa.Results: The validated research model has been developed to be adopted by nurses at public hospitals.Conclusion: This research will contribute to the development of a new framework that identifies the CSFs for SCT adoption in South African public hospitals.Contribution: The study’s results will make a special contribution to the body of knowledge in the fields of health informatics, particularly e-health.

Reuse of Textile Waste in the Production of Sound Absorption Boards

Textile waste is formed in various stages, from the preparation of raw materials to the utilisation of textile products. One of the sources of textile waste is the production of woollen yarns. During the production of woollen yarns, waste is generated during the mixing, carding, roving, and spinning processes. This waste is disposed of in landfills or cogeneration plants. However, there are many examples of textile waste being recycled and new products being produced. This work deals with acoustic boards made from waste from the production of woollen yarns. This waste was generated in various yarn production processes up to the spinning stage. Due to the parameters, this waste was not suitable for further use in the production of yarns. During the work, the composition of waste from the production of woollen yarns was examined-namely, the amount of fibrous and nonfibrous materials, the composition of impurities, and the parameters of the fibres themselves. It was determined that about 74% of the waste is suitable for the production of acoustic boards. Four series of boards with different densities and different thicknesses were made with waste from the production of woollen yarns. The boards were made in a nonwoven line using carding technology to obtain semi-finished products from the individual layers of combed fibres and thermal treatment of the prepared semi-finished product. The sound absorption coefficients in the sound frequency range between 125 and 2000 Hz were determined for the manufactured boards, and the sound reduction coefficients were calculated. It was found that the acoustic characteristics of soft boards made from woollen yarn waste are very similar to those of classic boards or sound insulation products made from renewable resources. At a board density of 40 kg/m3, the value of the sound absorption coefficient varied from 0.4 to 0.9, and the noise reduction coefficient reached 0.65.

Distribution of Maternal Red Cell Antibodies and the Risk of Haemolytic Disease of the Foetus and Newborn in Sokoto Nigeria

Background: The incidence is still of clinical importance because sensitization of the mother may occur through the placenta, blood transfusion, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, amniocentesis as well as lack of prophylaxis of alloantibody except RhD.
 Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of clinically significant red blood cell alloantibodies among pregnant women.
 Study Design: This was a cross- sectional study.
 Duration of Study: The study lasted for a period of one year between January to December, 2021.
 Methodology: About 1250 consecutively recruited pregnant women were screened for alloantibody and identification was done to determine the specificity of the antibody using NHSBT reagent with column agglutination card technology.
 Results: Among the 1250 apparently healthy pregnant women studied, 73(5.8%) had alloantibodies with specificity as follows: Multiple antibody of C, E 3 (4.1%), D 23 (31.5%), C 6(8.2%), E 5(6.8%), e (1.4%), Jka 2 (2.7%), Jkb 2 (2.7), M 1 (1.4%), S 1 (1.4%), Lea 7 (9.6%), Leb 8 (11%), I 4 (5.5%), and Lu 7 (9.6%). When the demographic and obstetric characteristics were compared with the presence of alloantibodies, statistically significant differences were observed in gestational age, past history of pregnancy, preeclampsia, and previous baby delivered with jaundice and previous administration of anti-D prophylaxis.
 Conclusion: There is high prevalence of alloantibody among pregnant women that may be linked to lack of premarital testing to know couple at risk and lack of standard protocol of alloantibody testing.

Adoption for the implementation of smart card technology in public healthcare

This study enhances the critical factors for the implementation of smart card technology (SCT) by proposing a conceptual framework based on the healthcare unified theory of acceptance of user technology model (2008), the DeLone and McLean information systems success model and the diffusion of innovation theory (2003) recommending the strategies to be used. The framework was tested using regression analysis on the collected data from 406 self-administered questionnaires from Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Tshwane District Hospital, Kalafong Hospital and Pretoria West Hospital. The structural equation modelling and principal component analysis methods in Statistical Package for Social Sciences were used to analyse the data. The findings of this study show that seven factors – behavioural intention, system use, information quality, service quality, communication, compatibility and trialability – were significantly accepted to ensure the adoption of SCT in public healthcare.Transdisciplinary contribution: The healthcare sector has not fully addressed the technology use for healthcare professionals. However, the sector exploited much for the patients’ needs to improve quality of healthcare. Therefore, this study recommends that this framework will contribute towards the implementation smart card technology within the public healthcare. The study will contribute to the implementation of SCT and ensure the quality of service delivery in public healthcare.

Alternate Approach in Storing and Shipment of SARS-CoV-2 RNA Samples with the Use of FTA Cards.

Shipment of COVID-19 specimens within the country or overseas at long distances requires cold chain facility using dry ice and triple packing to prevent the risk of COVID-19 infection to the personnel involved in sample transport. The present study aimed to utilize FTA card technology as an alternate means of sample transport and storage across the country. Twenty-one SARS-CoV-2 lab confirmed samples with different Ct value (High, medium & low) were used to detect viral load in samples loaded on FTA card and further compared with VTM samples. The SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by rRT-PCR after storing for 14days at 4°C and 37°C. The present study evaluated the utility of FTA cards for preserving the SARS CoV-2 RNA for 14-day period. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in the cycle threshold (ΔCt 4-5) values obtained from FTA and VTM viral samples but it did not affect the positivity. The SARS-CoV-2 RNA could be recovered efficiently from FTA sample stored at 4°C and 37°C for 14days. Thus, FTA cards could be an alternate option for transporting the samples at ambient temperature for a long time.

Fare Policy and Vertical Equity: The Trade-off between Affordability and Cost Recovery

Vertical equity and the maximization of farebox revenue are important but conflicting goals in the development of fare policy in the United States. Reducing fares for low-income riders reduces revenue for a transit agency, while increasing fares could disproportionately impact lower-income riders. This paper details this conflict, explores strategies that could account for both goals, and evaluates fare programs in the United States. Two types of low-income strategies are discussed: first generation strategies and targeted subsidy strategies. First generation strategies have several limitations that targeted subsidy strategies account for; first generation strategies focus more on supply, while targeted subsidy strategies focus more on demand. The evaluation of US low-income fare programs found that organizational partnerships can reduce administrative and financial impacts to agencies, local ridership characteristics need to be considered in designing a program, and that smart card technology is useful but not required to create a targeted subsidy program.