Communication Technology Devices Research Articles

Improving care pathways through BPM and telemedicine: an Italian study

PurposeThe future increase of chronic diseases in the world requires new challenges in the health domain to improve patients' care from the point of view of the organizational processes, clinical pathways and technological solutions of digital health. For this reason, the present paper aims to focus on the study and application of well-known clinical practices and efficient organizational approaches through an innovative model (TALIsMAn) to support new care process redesign and digitalization for chronic patients.Design/methodology/approachIn addition to specific clinical models employed to manage chronic conditions such as the Population Health Management and Chronic Care Model, we introduce a Business Process Management methodology implementation supported by a set of e-health technologies, in order to manage Care Pathways (CPs) digitalization and procedures improvement.FindingsThis study shows that telemedicine services with advanced devices and technologies are not enough to provide significant changes in the healthcare sector if other key aspects such as health processes, organizational systems, interactions between actors and responsibilities are not considered and improved. Therefore, new clinical models and organizational approaches are necessary together with a deep technological change, otherwise, theoretical benefits given by telemedicine services, which often employ advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems and devices, may not be translated into effective enhancements. They are obtained not only through the implementation of single telemedicine services, but integrating them in a wider digital ecosystem, where clinicians are supported in different clinical steps they have to perform.Originality/valueThe present work defines a novel methodological framework based on organizational, clinical and technological innovation, in order to redesign the territorial care for people with chronic diseases. This innovative ecosystem applied in the Italian research project TALIsMAn is based on the concept of a continuum of care and digitalization of CPs supported by Business Process Management System and telemedicine services. The main goal is to organize the different socio-medical activities in a unique and integrated IT system that should be sustainable, scalable and replicable.

Impact of ict on the performance of sustainable logistics

The environment of the planet Earth has been the concern of the governments, academia and researchers so the impacts of various factors on it have become the prime focus so that the things that damage it can be investigated and the environmental damage can be minimised accordingly. Logistics and transport is the sector which is responsible for the greater percentage of greenhouse gases and carbon emissions. The transport sector has been initiated towards the sustainable side because in many countries public transport is being operated on electricity and the manufacturers have also introduced electric vehicles for the citizens to drive and travel. Freight transport still is a problem because of its carbon footprint; therefore technological advancement has made it easier to minimize the carbon emission generated from freight transport and logistics with the advent of information communication technology (ICT) devices. With the help of the Internet of Things (IoT), geographical positioning systems, and sensors, it has become easier to monitor the routes of vehicles their fuel consumption and the optimization of routes as well. The various innovations can potentially help the logistics sector to increase the overall efficiency of the sector. Minimizing the carbon footprint in the logistics sector makes it green logistics. In the present research paper, the authors have conducted a literature review by which they intended to highlight the impacts of ICT on green logistics. It was indicated by the results that ICT positively influences the performance of green logistics but at the same time, it was concluded that poor quality of logistics` infrastructure, service quality of logistics and cargo transportation timeliness consume a greater quantity of fossil fuels and therefore cause an increased carbon emissions which negatively impacts human health and the environment of the planet.

원격 음운변동중재가 읽기부진학생의 단어인지와 읽기유창성에 미치는 효과

Purpose: Communication technology and electronic devices are developing rapidly, and as many students have experienced remote education since COVID-19, the interest in the necessity and effects of telepractice has also grown in the field of speech-language pathology. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of telepractice for poor readers. Method: The subjects of the study were three 2nd-3rd grade students with poor reading. They were able to read words using the phonics principle but had difficulty reading words adapted to phonological processes. For these subjects, phonological processing intervention was conducted for 4 types of 7 coda rule, lenition, tensification, and aspiration. Both intervention and evaluation were conducted remotely using ZOOM. An intermittent multiple baseline design was applied to determine whether remote phonological processing intervention had a positive effect on the word identification of poor readers, and a pre-post design was applied to confirm improvements in reading fluency. Results: Results indicate that, following remote phonological processing intervention, all students demonstrated improvements in word identification scores compared to the baseline. Furthermore, their reading fluency scores exhibited enhancement in the post-test compared to the pre-test. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of remote phonological processing intervention for poor readers. We explored models and directions for future telepractice.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY TOOLS AND STUDENTS’ HEALTHCARE IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN EDO STATE

The global outbreak of Covid-19 in late 2019 and early 2020 altered how information and communication technology platforms and devices were used. Virtual learning was incorporated into traditional classrooms by schools, digital marketing platforms were purchased by marketers, online transactions increased in financial services, online ticketing was purchased by transportation companies, and so forth.  People adopted digital technology as a way of life as a result of this. Most locals became heavy users as a result. Has this had a negative impact on Edo State citizens' access to healthcare in the post-COVID-19 era? The goal of this study is to determine whether digital technologies have any detrimental effects on students' access to healthcare in Edo State's institutions of higher learning.  Three research questions and hypotheses were presented and developed to direct this investigation, and the survey research methodology was chosen. For this study, 900 respondents were chosen using the basic random sample approach.  The Digital Technology and Healthcare Questionnaire is the tool used to gather data (DTFHQ).  At the 0.05 level of significance, the hypotheses were tested using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). It was shown that students' health in postsecondary institutions is significantly impacted by their usage of ICT technologies.  It is advised that the usage of ICT tools in many spheres of life be moderated in light of these findings. Furthermore, it is advised that medical professionals and home managers conduct an awareness training regarding the potential health risks associated with the use of ICT technologies.

Virtual Reality Solutions for Sports Training Data Management with 5G UWB Communication Technology and Wearable Devices

Virtual Reality Solutions for Sports Training Data Management with 5G UWB Communication Technology and Wearable Devices

Three Years of Continuous Vital Signs Monitoring on the General Surgical Ward: Is It Sustainable? A Qualitative Study.

Continuous monitoring of vital signs using a wireless wearable device was implemented in 2018 at a surgical care unit of an academic hospital. This study aimed at gaining insight into nurses' and patients' perspectives regarding the use and innovation of a continuous vital signs monitoring system, three years after its introduction. This qualitative study was performed in a surgical, non-intensive care unit of an academic hospital in 2021. Key-user nurses (nurses with additional training and expertise with the device) and patients were selected for semi-structured interviews, and nurses from the ward were selected for a focus group interview using a topic list. Transcripts of the audio tapes were deductively analysed using four dimensions for adoptions of information and communication technologies (ICT) devices in healthcare. The device provided feelings of safety for nurses and patients. Nurses and patients had a few issues with the device, including the size and the battery life. Nurses gained knowledge and skills in using the system for measurement and interpretations. They perceived the system as a tool to improve the recognition of clinical decline. The use of the system could be further developed regarding the technical device's characteristics, nurses' interpretation of the data and the of type of alarms, the information needs of patients, and clarification of the definition and standardization of continuous monitoring. Three years after the introduction, wireless continuous vital signs monitoring is the new standard of care according to the end-users at the general surgical ward.

Adjustable Ti2C3Alx-based segregated composite network for enhanced electromagnetic shielding and fire safety

With the rapid development of communication technology and portable electronic devices, the demand for the design of electronic devices with superior electromagnetic interference shielding and fire safety performance is increasing. Herein, epoxy resins (EPs) with typical segregated networks were designed by emulsion polymerization and adhesion self-assembly strategies and novel polyphosphonitrile microspheres (PZS) synthesized by precipitation polymerization were used to improve the fire safety of EP composites. It is worth noting that the oil-water (EP to water) ratio in emulsion polymerization is closely related to the microscopic morphology of the segregated network. A smaller ratio of EP to water results in more paths for electrical charge transfer through the EP composites. As a result, EP/PT-3 with a minimum oil-to-water ratio exhibits a high EMI SE (electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness) in the X-band ranging from 40.12 to 40.30 dB at a loading of 7.20 vol% Ti3C2Alx. Besides, the synergistic action of the adjustable Ti3C2Alx network with PZS endows EP superior flame retardant performance. Compared with EP, the PHRR and THR values of EP/PT-3 are down 55.7 % and 72.6 %, respectively. There is no doubt that EP/PT-3 has provided a new route for the preparation of Ti3C2Alx-based electromagnetic shielding and fireproof materials.

INCORPORATION OF ICT INTO EDUCATION: THE REQUIREMENT FOR EMERGING NATIONS TO COORDINATE ICT IN THE EDUCATING AND LEARNING OF MATHEMATICS SUCCESSFULLY

The world is growing technologically in various circles of life; education is not left out. Countries are attempting to get together with this turn of events. In the education sector, many information communication technology devices have been invented to supplement the normal customary technique for education. Numerous soft wares can be applied in educating/learning. These ICT tools are utilized in the instructing and studying of mathematics that make it clearer and more practical for students to comprehend the concepts of mathematics. Regardless the benefits of technology to the teaching of mathematics, a few nations are yet to incorporate it in their schools most particularly the developing nations. Many developed nations have incorporated the ICT into their schooling however the vast majority of the developing nations are as yet lingering behind; it might be because of their administration's disregard for the significance of the ICT use. The study reviews some related literature on ICT use. The study looks at the meaning of ICT, ICT use and mathematics learning, ICT use and developing countries’ institutions, and the benefit of ICT usage and students’ performance in mathematics.

The Originality of Digital Evidence and the Retention of Seized Digital Devices by Law Enforcement Officers in South Africa

Information and communication technology (ICT) devices, including mobile phones, laptops, computers and data storage mediums, such as memory sticks, are being seized daily by law enforcement agents. These devices are seized for different reasons in terms of the provisions of sections 21 to 23 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 and now, in terms of the provisions of sections 28 and 29 of the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020. The seizure and extended retention of such devices by law enforcement can have a devastating impact on businesses and individuals. In virtually all cases, the main objective of seizing an ICT device is to secure its data for purposes of investigation and the collection of evidence. This excludes, inter alia, cases where a device contains contraband and cannot be handed back to the suspect or in a case where circumstances justify forfeiture to the state. This article is limited to cases where the physical device has no evidential value. It is contended that the content of the evidential data and the requirement of originality on an ICT device is met by scientifically created forensic duplicates of the data, which negate law enforcement from unnecessary seizure and retaining the original device. The authors contend that ICT devices should only be seized in situations where a forensic duplicate of the evidential data cannot be created on the scene and, if seized, the evidential data should be forensically duplicated, and the original device returned within a pre-determined period. An extension of the pre-determined period should only be granted by a magistrate upon application. It is recommended that the subject be researched further, to arrive at a reasonable, pre-determined period, and that the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 and Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 be amended accordingly.

Protocol for a cluster randomised trial of a goal-oriented care approach for multimorbidity patients supported by a digital platform

IntroductionHealth information systems represent an opportunity to improve the care provided to people with multimorbidity. There is a pressing need to assess their impact on clinical outcomes to validate this...

Proposal of a Token-Based Node Selection Mechanism for Node Distribution of Mobility IoT Blockchain Nodes.

Various elements, such as evolutions in IoT services resulting from sensoring by vehicle parts and advances in small communication technology devices, have significantly impacted the mass spread of mobility services that are provided to users in need of limited resources. In particular, business models are progressing away from one-off costs towards longer-term costs, as represented by shared services utilizing kick-boards or bicycles and subscription services for vehicle software. Advances in shared mobility services, as described, are calling for solutions that can enhance the reliability of data aggregated by users leveraging mobility services in the next-generation mobility areas. However, the mining process to renew status ensures continued network communication, and block creation demands high performance in the public block chain. Therefore, easing the mining process for state updates in public blockchains is a way to alleviate the high-performance process requirements of public blockchains. The proposed mechanism assigns token-based block creation authority instead of the mining method, which provides block creation authority to nodes that provide many resources. Blocks are created only by a group of participants with tokens, and after creation, tokens are updated and delivered to new nodes to form a new token group. Additionally, tokens are updated in each block after their initial creation, making it difficult to disguise the tokens and preventing resource-centered centralization.

A validation study for wide-range remote assessment of cognitive functions in the healthy older Japanese population: a pilot randomised crossover trial

BackgroundThe assessment of a wide range of cognitive functions using video teleconference (VTC) systems cannot be applied in practice yet. We aimed to determine the feasibility and reliability of previously unvalidated remote cognitive function tests in Japan using common information and communication technology (ICT) devices, software, and VTC systems compared with face-to-face (FTF) assessment.MethodsThe sample consisted of 26 participants from senior citizens clubs and an employment service centre in Sapporo Japan, including 11 females and 15 males (age averaged 78.6 ± 6.8 years). Tests included the RCPM, Story recall, 10/36 spatial recall, selective reminding test, SDMT, PASAT, FAB, TMT-A, TMT-B, visual cancellation task, digit span, tapping span. The experimental design was a counterbalanced crossover randomised controlled trial. Intraclass correlations (ICCs), paired-samples t-tests, Cohen’s Kappa (κ) coefficients, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were calculated to compare the scores between VTC and FTF assessments.ResultsAll ICCs were significant and ranged from 0.47 (RCPM time) to 0.92 (RCPM score and PASAT), with a mean ICC of 0.75. Digit span using Cohen’s Kappa (κ) coefficient was significant, but the tapping span was not. Paired samples t-test showed statistically significant differences in SDMT, RCPM time, and cancellation time.ConclusionsThe results suggest that remote video conference-based neuropsychological tests even using familiar devices and software may be able to assess a wide range of cognitive functions in the Japanese older population. As for the processing speed tasks, we need to create our own standards for the remote condition. For the tapping span, we should consider increasing the number of trials.

Addressing the quality of higher education among the pandemic in Nueva Ecija, Philippines through the establishment of the community e-learning resource center

The Community E-learning Resource Center (CeLRC) has enabled faculty members and students to have access to the online facility at higher education institutions in collaboration   with the Local Government Units (LGUs) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Tech4Ed centers available in the area. It specifically targets students and faculty members who do not have access to the internet or information and communications technology (ICT) devices such as computer desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones that support online classes. This study assessed and evaluated the three newly established Community e-Learning Resource Centers in three municipalities in Nueva Ecija, San Isidro, Papaya and Penaranda. A researcher constructed questionnaire and quantitative research design are used. Results showed that the facilities found in three community e-Learning resource centers are safe, secure, functional in every aspect, highly acceptable and comfortable to use. The CeLRC staff is competent and shows a strong sense of interpersonal skills. It is recommended that the results of this study be used by the CeLRC managers to improve the services of the center to ensure its viability, efficacy and efficiency.

A Cyber-Physical Power System Risk Assessment Model Against Cyberattacks

With the integration of cyber devices into power systems, such as information communication technology devices and intelligent electronic devices, there are currently a large number of software vulnerabilities (SVs) in cyber devices, which are probably used to obtain the authority of cyber devices for malicious attackers and be carried out subsequently severe attacks on power systems. Thus, it is inappropriate to only consider the power risks as the risk assessment for the system with the strong coupling between cyber systems and power systems. In this article, we investigate a dynamic risk assessment model for the cyber-physical power system (CPPS) against cyberattacks, combining the network security vulnerability of the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system in a substation and physical consequences in power systems caused by it under malicious control. By construction, a dynamic network security vulnerability assessment method for the SCADA system is well studied by considering SVs and deployed network security defense measures, which is also corrected by the propagation characteristics. Moreover, we estimate physical consequences by minimum shedding loads in N-1 contingencies caused by the SCADA system in a substation under malicious control. Finally, simulations on modified IEEE 14-bus and IEEE 118-bus systems verify the proposed model's effectiveness, highlighting the importance of network security in CPPS.

Does workplace telepressure get under the skin? Protocol for an ambulatory assessment study on wellbeing and health-related physiological, experiential, and behavioral concomitants of workplace telepressure

BackgroundThe daily working life of many employees requires the use of modern information and communication technology (ICT) devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. The double-edged nature of digital work environments has been increasingly highlighted. Benefits such as increased flexibility come at a personal cost. One of the potential downsides is workplace telepressure, i.e., the experience of urge and preoccupation to quickly reply to work-related messages and demands using ICT. There is initial − mainly survey-based−evidence that workplace telepressure may have negative effects on a variety of wellbeing and health outcomes.Aims and hypothesesAdopting the Effort-Recovery Model and the concept of allostatic load as theoretical frameworks, the present study aims to investigate the hypothesis that workplace telepressure is significantly associated with increased “wear and tear”, in the form of more psychosomatic complaints, worse sleep quality (self-reported and actigraphy-based), worse mood, and biological alterations (lower cardiac vagal tone, lower anabolic balance defined as the ratio of salivary dehydroepiandrosterone to salivary cortisol, and higher salivary alpha-amylase). Additionally, the study aims to investigate the hypothesis that connection to work defined as work-related workload and work-related perseverative cognition plays a significant role in the mediation of these relationships.MethodsTo test our hypotheses, we will conduct an ambulatory assessment study with a convenience sample of 120 healthy workers regularly using ICTs for job communication. For one week, participants will be asked to complete electronic diaries assessing their level of workplace telepressure, psychosomatic complaints, sleep quality, mood, work-related workload, and work-related perseverative cognition. They will also continuously wear the Bittium Faros 180L ECG monitor, the wrist-worn actigraph MotionWatch 8, and perform saliva sampling five times per day.DiscussionThis study will be the most comprehensive ambulatory investigation of workplace telepressure and its psychophysiological concomitants to date and constitutes an important step towards understanding how high levels of workplace telepressure may lead in the long term to secondary alterations (e.g., hypertension, chronic inflammation) and disease (e.g., heart disease). The findings of this study are also anticipated to contribute to guiding the development and implementation of interventions, programs, and policies relevant to employees’ digital wellbeing.

Experiences on the Utility and Barriers of Telemedicine in Healthcare Delivery in Kenya.

Telemedicine is the provision of health services over a distance using information communication technology devices. Telemedicine is emerging as a promising component of healthcare care delivery worldwide, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed the factors promoting uptake, barriers, and opportunities for telemedicine among doctors in Kenya. Methodology. A semiquantitative, cross-sectional online survey was conducted among doctors in Kenya. During a month, between February and March 2021, 1,200 doctors were approached by email and WhatsApp, of whom 13% responded. Findings. A total of 157 interviewees participated in the study. The general usage of telemedicine was 50%. Seventy-three percent of doctors reported using a mix of in-person care and telemedicine. Fifty percent reported using telemedicine to support physician-to-physician consultations. Telemedicine had limited utility as a standalone clinical service. The inadequate information communication technology infrastructure was the most reported barrier to telemedicine, followed by a cultural resistance to using technology to deliver healthcare services. Other notable barriers were the high cost of initial setup limited skills among patients, limited skills among doctors, inadequate funding to support telemedicine services, weak legislative/policy framework, and lack of dedicated time for telemedicine services. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the uptake of telemedicine in Kenya. The most extensive use of telemedicine in Kenya supports physician-to-physician consultations. There is limited single use of telemedicine in providing direct clinical services to patients. However, telemedicine is regularly used in combination with in-person clinical services, allowing for continuity of clinical services beyond the physical hospital infrastructure. With the widespread adoption of digital technologies in Kenya, especially mobile telephone technologies, the growth opportunities for telemedicine services are immense. Numerous mobile applications will improve access capabilities for both service providers and users and bridge the gaps in care.

Heat transfer performance analysis of an ultra-thin aluminum vapor chamber with serrated microgrooves

With the advancements in communication technology and micro devices, the trend of miniaturization has resulted in severe challenges of heat dissipation. To address this issue, aluminum vapor chambers have emerged as a promising solution due to their low cost, lightweight, and high reliability. In this study, a novel ultra-thin aluminum vapor chamber, measuring only 2 mm in thickness and featuring support columns and micro-grooves, was developed using a one-piece extrusion process. The heat transfer performance of the chamber was investigated under water-cooled conditions by evaluating the effect of heat load, working inclination, and cooling water flow rate. The results demonstrate that the vapor chamber offers exceptional temperature uniformity, with a temperature difference (ΔT) of less than 7 °C when horizontally placed, and exhibits a minimum thermal resistance of 1.07 °C/W at a thermal load of 6 W. Positive tilt conditions enhance the heat transfer performance by 250 % through mass reflux, leading to a significant reduction in thermal resistance by half. Furthermore, the thermal resistance decreases as the inclination angle increases, and the vapor chamber demonstrates excellent anti-gravity performance. Cooling conditions have little effect on the heat transfer performance of the vapor chamber, and the idealized heat transfer performance can be achieved with a cooling water flow rate of 0.5 L/min.

Anti-Systemic Movements in the Attention Economy

In recent decades, anti-systemic movements feature new forms of communication for organizing efforts: the use of information and communication technologies. Research on information and communication technologies suggests that mobile phones and internet access have increasingly facilitated horizontal communication for anti-systemic movements across the world-system, creating space for rapid and instantaneous organization and mobilization. However, existing scholarship benefits from a critical evaluation of claims about horizontality by addressing the political economy of information and communication technologies from a world-systems analysis perspective. Specifically, information and communication technology devices and platforms—from cellphones to social media channels—are designed by powerful corporations that are often based in powerful core and semi-periphery nations. The majority of these corporations are based in the hegemonic core of the United States. Within the present context of waning material resources across the world-system, these corporations profit from an online attention economy. Just as traditional material economies exploit the labor and natural resources from the periphery to extract wealth for core states, the attention economy exploits the psychologies and behaviors of periphery populations to extract wealth for core countries. Thus, some of the most powerful institutions in the world-system control the algorithms and structures where anti-systemic movements compete for peoples’ attention. This study utilizes the Mass Mobilization Data Project 1990-2018 historical dataset to determine which kinds of anti-systemic movements thrive as information and communication technology access expands globally. Using population-averaged negative binomial panel models on protest counts, I determine that as information and communication technologies expand, anti-systemic movements that are unlikely to threaten U.S. hegemony thrive, and conversely, anti-systemic movements that pose serious threats to U.S. hegemony and the present capitalist world-system are stifled. To unpack these findings, I draw from the cultural political economy approach, a framework that describes how some imaginations become a zeitgeist over competing imaginations for economic and political realities.

Pelatihan Pengenalan dan Penerapan Aplikasi Komputer Microsoft Excel pada SMU Swasta Dharmawangsa Medan

Dharmawangsa Private High School Medan is one of the national standard schools that is required to always develop and improve the quality of education and professionalism of service to students. Training in the use of information and communication technology devices is urgently needed so that later students and students can use them properly. The students have not been able to fully use Microsoft Excel, especially material related to macros because it is not taught at school and the high cost of computer courses among students in the Medan area. One of them is to train the ability to use a word processing application, namely Microsoft Excel. Community service activities are emphasized in the form of training on how to apply Microsoft Excel for 20 students in Dharmawangsa Medan Private High School. It is hoped that with this training, students will be able to know more about the technique of using Microsoft Office by utilizing Microsoft Excel from the service activities carried out to provide experience and skills for students in using Microsoft Office. Thus, the implementation of community service activities at Dharmawangsa Private High School Medan Using Microsoft Excel provides significant benefits for improving the skills of students and students in utilizing information technology and computers, they are very enthusiastic to participate in further activities. They already understand and canoperate Microsoft Office.

Trust Components: An Analysis in The Development of Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus Mobile Application

Trust in information and communication technology devices is an important factor, considering the role of technology in carrying out supporting tasks in everyday human activities. The level of trust in technology will influence its application and adoption. Recognizing the importance of trust in technology, researchers in this study will examine trust components for the development of a type 2 diabetes mobile application. The results of this study resulted in three major focuses, namely the application design (consisting of architecture), UI design, and evaluation of trust factors of the application: functionality, ease of use, usefulness, security and privacy, and cost. This analysis of trust components will be useful for the application or adoption by users of a type 2 diabetes mellitus mobile application so that users will trust the application both in terms of functionality and the generated information.