Information Communication Technology Research Articles

Advancing information search through GenAI: the roles of search type, travel motive and GenAI customization level

Purpose The advancements in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) encourage disruptive transformation in the hospitality industry. Previous discussions predominantly focused on the impact of AI-powered agents on the labor force. This research extends previous studies by investigating the feasibility of GenAI as an information search agent in comparison to the predominant role of search engines. Design/methodology/approach Based on the Tourist Online Information Search Behavior framework, the authors proposed that consumers’ GenAI adoption may vary upon search purpose (search type), individual differences (travel motive) and situational differences (GenAI task-oriented customization level). Four studies with a total number of 813 participants were conducted. Findings Taking GenAI over traditional search engines for pre-trip information search significantly increased with a non-decision-based (vs decision-based) purpose. To enhance the adoption of GenAI in its less effective but more important decision-based situations, the authors proposed and confirmed the incremental effect of utilitarian travel motives and task-oriented customization levels. Practical implications This study highlights GenAI’s potential as an information communication technology (ICT). This encourages tourism and hospitality businesses to consider integrating GenAI to strengthen ICT services. Moreover, search type, travel motive and task-oriented customization level are important in deploying GenAI for ICT improvement. Originality/value This study deepens the understanding of GenAI adoption in the tourism and hospitality sector by elaborating on the GenAI-as-ICT perspective and offers fresh insights into AI for pre-trip or pre-consumption information search.

The Role of ICT in Enhancing Student Participation in Physical and Health Education in Public Secondary Schools in Plateau State, Nigeria

The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into Physical and Health Education (PHE) has the potential to revolutionise teaching and learning by enhancing student participation, engagement and performance. This study investigated the role of ICT in enhancing student participation in PHE in public secondary schools in Plateau State, Nigeria. We collected data from 340 students and 104 staff members across 32 secondary schools using a stratified sampling technique, employing a descriptive research design. A structured questionnaire titled Information Communication Technology and Physical and Health Education (ICTAPHE) was used for data collection, with a Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.82. Findings revealed that ICT tools, such as fitness apps, online platforms, and interactive multimedia, positively influenced student interest, understanding and collaboration in PHE. However, limited access to ICT facilities, inadequate teacher training, and inconsistent power supply posed significant challenges. The study recommends targeted interventions to improve ICT infrastructure, professional development for teachers, and policy support to ensure successful integration of ICT in PHE. These findings underscore the transformative role of ICT in PHE and its potential to foster a more engaging and effective learning environment.

Impact of renewable and non-renewable energy consumption, economic growth, and ICT on environmental degradation: Evidence from Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation countries

ABSTRACT This study aims to examine how renewable and nonrenewable energies affect environmental degradation in APEC countries in the face of economic growth and information and communication technology (ICT). Specifically, it examines (i) the role of renewable energy consumption in lowering CO2 emissions, (ii) the effect of information communication technology on environmental degradation, and (iii) how economic growth influences environmental degradation. The panel autoregressive distributive lag (PARDL) model and its non-linear variant were employed and findings revealed a two-way causal relationship between CO2 emissions and economic growth, ICT, and renewable energy and a one-way causal relationship flowing from CO2 emissions to nonrenewable energy. This implies that CO2 predicts economic growth, ICT, and renewable energy as they, in turn, predict it. Furthermore, environmental sustainability improves with greater economic growth, renewable energy, and nonrenewable energy, but not with the changes in ICT. Moreover, environmental degradation declines asymmetrically with changes in renewable energy, as an increase yields a higher magnitude of decline. Therefore, improved economic growth and greater renewable energy consumption levels can be used to achieve environmental sustainability in APEC, and hence, investments in various renewable energies should be promoted alongside economic growth policies to lower pollution and reverse the climate change crisis.

Building a Sustainable Future: The Nexus Between Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, Green Human Capital, Geopolitical Risk, and Carbon Emissions Through the Moderating Role of Institutional Quality

Countries worldwide are focusing on energy efficiency, economic sustainability, and responsible resource management to address climate change and meet sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study investigates how factors such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, green human capital, geopolitical risk, natural resource rent, and information and communication technology influenced CO2 emissions in 36 countries between 2000 and 2021. The study also explores how institutional quality moderates these relationships. We employed advanced econometric techniques to address this gap, including panel-correlated standard errors (PCSE) and the Driscoll–Kraay estimations (DKSE) models. A two-step system GMM approach was also used to strengthen the robustness of our findings. The findings reveal that green human capital, renewable energy consumption, and institutional quality can significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Conversely, artificial intelligence, geopolitical risk, natural resource rent, and information communication technology contribute to increased CO2 emissions. Institutional quality enhances the positive impact of green human capital and renewable energy on emission reduction. However, it has the opposite effect on artificial intelligence, leading to an even greater increase in CO2 emissions. These findings underscore the importance of green policies in achieving sustainable development goals. We recommend that policymakers prioritize investing in clean energy and green human capital while strengthening institutional quality to effectively mitigate carbon emissions and meet SDGs. They also regulate AI and ICT carbon footprints and address geopolitical risks through energy diversification and international cooperation.

Examining the Versatility and Misuse of Information Communication Technology in Community Policing in Malawi

Technology has modernized citizens’ social networks and interaction gaining active engagement to security management. Internet evolution popularity have revolutionized public policing through technology creating superhuman over security challenges. Paper aims to examine the versatility and misuse of technology in community policing in Malawi. This is qualitative study that purposely selected five published papers from a research “Community policing, citizen’s participation, and information communication technology in Muloza, Malawi.” Systematic review of published papers through content analysis will identify and consolidate work to date and guide future research on the topic. Data analysis followed transcription, coding, codes grouped into sub themes, sub themes into themes answering research questions. Respondents answered to (a) what are versatilities of information communication technology in security? (b) What are misuses of information communications technology in security? Through frame theory of communication, social disorganization and participatory democracy theories results indicate (1) technologies store, replicate, disseminate data for depositing evidence (2) Empower citizens to (a) communicate, share information between citizens and police, (b) be aware of rights violations, safety needs, (c) allow people’s involvement in rights violations, (d) facilitate citizen’s involvement in crime prevention, (e) maintain community dialogue and engagement, (f) help citizens look for faster emergency response times (g) promote evidence sharing with authorities. (3) Revolutionize communications allowing use SMS, WhatsApp, Telephone calls, pictures, videos, VNs, promoting wide, formal and non-formal channels improving accountability and transparency according real-time updates, responses, capacity. (4) Enhance citizens’ engagement to (i) reporting, requesting transport to police, (ii) organizing patrols (iii) mobilizing help during neighborhoods activities. (5) Encourage citizens to participate virtually allowing citizens (i) improve communications between police and community, (ii) identify a wider variety of insecurities (Transparency), (iii) promote the effective use of limited resources, (iv) move beyond the customary bureaucratic procedures, (v) improve participation of women, minorities, and vulnerable population, (vi) contribute to empowerment of the community. Technology misuse in security were; (a) some officials could inform suspects about intended ambushes (b) some citizens could fabricate false information to deceive others (d) some citizens used social media to deal with marginalized groups (e) some officials and citizens could disseminate and replicate confidential organization official client information. Other studies have concluded technology may help reduce corruption through wide formal and non-formal interactions. Currently, technology empower, revolutionize, transform citizens to get involved to fight corruption. Recommends more civic education to masses on need to adopt use of digital platform of community policing.

The Effects of At-Scale Career Pathway Investments on the Transition from High School to College

Abstract In this study, we examine the impact of a large-scale effort in California aimed at establishing career pathways and estimate its causal effects on community college enrollment. By leveraging a discontinuous assignment rule for awarding grant funds, we obtain credibly causal estimates of a $500 million initiative to expand career and technical education (CTE) pathways between K-12 districts and community colleges. The competitive grant application process used a standardized rubric, and those receiving a score above a predetermined threshold were awarded funding (i.e., treatment group) while those just below received no funding (i.e., control group), allowing for a regression discontinuity design. We found no overall enrollment increases at partner community colleges for successful grantees. However, there were suggestive enrollment increases of 13.5 percent to 14.8 percent in CTE health sector, which was the primary career sector targeted for expansion. Other targeted programs, such as manufacturing and information communication technology, saw no increases in postsecondary enrollment. The health sector enrollment increases were concentrated among female students, aligning with earlier findings by Bonilla (2020) on reduced high school dropout rates for females. These findings suggest that K-12 postsecondary partnerships may be a viable avenue for aligning enrollment with high-growth sectors.

Assessing the improvement of information communication technology for the construction SMES in the 4IR

Purpose: The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is assured to transform the construction sector from a project-based industry to a market-based industrialised process. Yet, its slow uptake can be attributed to current emphasis on technological adoption. This study focused on the development of small medium enterprises (SMEs) in the construction industry (CI) of South Africa (SA). The study explicitly focused on the adoption of information communication technology (ICT) in the construction SMEs. In a bit to further advance SMEs, the study observed the practice of communication technology tools. The purpose of this paper is to investigate to what extend ICT is practised in the construction SMEs. Methodology: the research design was established on explanatory case study approach in Gauteng province, South Africa – the methodology adopted is quantitative method. The approach was done via the use of survey questionnaires which was distributed virtually by means of emails, LinkedIn and WhatsApp. Participants are questioned regarding their experience of practicing ICT tools within their organizations. Findings: The study findings indicated that ICT tools have been in practice to a negligible extend in SA construction SMEs, the empirical results affirm that the number 1 classified communication tool used in SA construction SMEs is face to face meetings, seconded by phone calls. However, the experience is diverse; it shows that ICT tools are being practised in the organizations with 4IR experience unlike the SMEs without experience that portrays the highly practised paper-based system in their organizations. Originality: the study recommends that the SMEs review the influence of ICT tools in construction and implement them in their organizations considering their benefits to the industry in this era (4IR). This will help maximise the opportunities brought by ICT and further improve the South Africa construction SMEs in terms of technology adoption.

Optimizing Teacher Working Groups in Improving the Competence of Islamic Religion Teachers in Rantau Selamat, East Aceh

Teachers as the main actors of educational success need to continuously improve their competence in order to innovate and be creative in teaching and learning to improve the quality of education in general. This study aims to find out the optimization strategy of the Teachers Working Group (KKG) of Rantau Selamat Sub-district and analyze how the success rate of KKG in improving the competence of PAI teachers in Rantau Selamat Sub-district? Through a qualitative approach, primary data were extracted from 8 informants. Data collection techniques were observation and structured interviews. The results showed that the optimization of the teachers' working group strategy in Rantau Selamat was carried out by strengthening the vision and mission of the organization, sharing knowledge and experience between senior and junior teachers, and training learning models such as calligraphy and music in PAI teaching. Optimizing KKG has had an impact on improving teachers' professionalism, pedagogical competence and skills. The teachers' working groups have been able to improve teachers' mastery of learning materials, syllabus preparation, learning methods, maximizing the use of facilities and infrastructure, and utilizing learning resources from Information Communication Technology (ICT). The implication of this research is that teachers' working groups need to be optimized to change the work culture and improve teachers' knowledge, competencies and performance so that the quality of education and learning processes in Aceh continues to improve.

Ultra-broad Schmidt modes for biphoton states generated by SPDC in the chirped QPM crystals

In the realm of quantum optics, the manipulation and characterization of biphoton states hold significant importance for advancing quantum information processing and communication technologies. This study explores the Schmidt decomposition of ultra-broad biphoton states, revealing that most modes are fulfilled with the frequency response points, and certain modes exhibit exceptionally broad Schmidt spectra. These Schmidt modes in frequency domain are significantly reshaped and widened by a crystal at a moderate chirp-rate when pump bandwidth is about several Giga-Hertz.

COMMUNICATION MODELS IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

This paper reviewed suitable communication models that bring about the changes in farmers’ behavior and farming practices for increase in the social economic status and livelihoods of farm families. The main focus of agricultural extension includes transferring knowledge from researchers, advising farmers on decision-making and educating farm families on how to make accurate decisions which will enable them clarify goals and stimulate desirable agricultural development. Disseminating innovations and technologies through extension education using various communication models involves agricultural and non-agricultural issues in the immediate environment and so the wellbeing of inhabitants in a particular area should be considered when using communication models. Advantages and disadvantages of these models are highlighted to show the relevance of communication models in agricultural extension and advisory services. The study highlights the implications of communication models in communicating agricultural and non-agricultural issues to farmers which is pertinent to agricultural productivity. It is recommended that competent extension agents properly trained in Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) extension approaches and the appropriate communication models educate farmers. Extension agents should also work with more contact farmers in various communities to have result oriented extension service delivery in Nigeria.

Effects of Information Communication Technology (ICT) on Instructional Competences of Teachers

Information Communication Technology (ICT) is the current expansion and advanced innovation of today's informative world, becoming a functional tool that manufactures the world into a virtual reality. The study focuses on understanding the need to enlarge teachers' education about ICT and its effects on teachers' instructional competencies. It is important to develop alternative approaches for teachers' preparation that reflect a holistic and integrated approach which addresses students' concerns for technology training and teachers' preparation programs due to the changing nature of the learning and teaching process in universities. Moreover, the research was a survey method and quantitative in nature. The research population were 63 teachers from the Faculty of Social Sciences at the International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan. However, objectives of study were to identify the effective instructional competencies of teachers in using Information Communication Technology and to find out the effects of Information Communication Technology in enhancing teacher's instructional competencies at university level. Further, to collect data, closed-ended questionnaires were used, and descriptive statistic was used to analyse the data. The result discovered that it's easy to teach by using ICT, and teachers can create a positive and healthy atmosphere in the classroom by using Information Communication Technology. Teachers have the freedom to design their own teaching aids, but unfortunately, lack of ICT access prevents teachers from using them. The researcher recommended that university management should conduct seminars and workshops on ICT training for teachers so that they can teach their students with the help of Information Communication Technology.

Analyzing the Impact of Digital Information Communication Technologies (DICT) on Literacy Development in Third Grade Primary School: A Case Study on Education

This study aims to answer the question of how digital information communication is linked to students’ literacy development during third-grade primary education. This study is significant considering the ongoing debate on how to deal with digital media in schools. Many schools are asked to include digital tools in their education. Literacy is one of the main aims of early education, with children starting to learn to read and write at school. Third-grade primary education was chosen in this study of decision-making alongside other years in primary education, as reading comprehension has become a new focus this year. The focus shifts from learning to reading. The teachers made use of digital tools to manifest the connection between new pieces of information and stored relevant background knowledge when stimulating their reading comprehension. This study directly examined the potentially significant influence of digital communication on literacy development. It is crucial to ensure that all elementary school educators receive training to responsibly and effectively incorporate technological advancements into the primary education curriculum. This study reveals how various digital platforms and tools may impact different aspects of literacy, such as reading comprehension, writing skills, and vocabulary acquisition. By investigating these relationships, educators can develop targeted strategies to leverage digital communication and enhance learning outcomes. Furthermore, the findings from this research could inform policy decisions regarding technology integration in elementary education, ensuring that digital resources are used to complement rather than replace traditional literacy instruction.

The Effect of Information and Communication Technologies on Unemployment: The Case of Selected OECD Countries

With the rapid pace of technological developments in the 1970s, Information Communication Technologies (ICT) has revealed its existence. In the modern world, ICT has direct or indirect effects on social and economic life. The use of ICT has an impact on globalisation as well as on macroeconomic dynamics such as growth, development and unemployment. These effects are the subject of research in various countries and dynamics. The aim of this study is to apply the bootstrap causality analysis presented by Emirmahmutoglu & Kose (2011) from panel data techniques covering the years 2005-2021 of countries selected according to certain criteria within the OECD. In the selection criterion, the countries whose internet access rate variable representing ICT development is the most similar to Türkiye are taken into consideration. As a result, although the countries have similar characteristics due to the selection criterion, the existence of country-specific differences in the direction of the causality relationship between the unemployment and the internet access rate representing ICT is investigated. In Brazil, which has similar characteristics with Türkiye, a causality relationship was found from ICT to unemployment rate.

Analysis of Lecturers’ Opportunities and Challenges Regarding Formative Online Assessments at a University of Technology

During COVID-19, formative online assessments became widely employed at universities. Face-to-face academic activities were suspended, increasing the use of information and communications technology (ICT) and online assessments. University lecturers were forced to change their pedagogical strategies, teaching and learning paradigms, and evaluation procedures. The trend continued after the COVID-19 era and has become a norm at higher education institutions. This change brought about mixed feelings among lecturers as some saw opportunities while others experienced challenges. This empirical paper, therefore, discussed the opportunities and challenges experienced by lecturers when using formative online assessments. The theoretical framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) was used. Six purposively selected lecturers from the Faculty of Humanities at the Central University of Technology in South Africa were sampled and interviewed. The findings revealed that online formative assessments enabled lecturers to be more flexible on assessment schedules, meet various student demands and learning preferences, and give their students immediate feedback on their academic performances. The main challenges were formative online assessments’ validity, reliability, dishonesty, and academic integrity. The study underscores the importance of clear communication about academic integrity, making the audience feel the need for proactive measures to ensure the integrity of online assessments. The study recommended that lecturers should, among other things, make technical assistance resources available to students, explicitly convey expectations about academic integrity and cheating, and outline clear learning objectives for each assessment. This paper provides a significant contribution to the scholarship surrounding the opportunities and challenges that lecturers face when implementing formative online assessments at a university of technology. Keywords: COVID-19, Information Communications Technology (ICT), Formative Online Assessment, Student Teachers, Teacher Education.

Research on Computer Technology Empowering Life in Smart Elderly Care Communities

As the global trend of aging accelerates, smart elderly care has become an important solution for improving the quality of life for older adults. This paper explores the application of computer technology in smart elderly care communities, analyzing how information technology, communication technology, and IoT collectively enhance health management, social interaction, and independence for seniors. Through case studies of multiple smart elderly care communities and supporting statistical data, this paper reveals the significant improvements in quality of life brought by technology to older adults, while discussing the current challenges and future development directions. The research demonstrates that computer technology not only improves the management efficiency of communities but also provides a safer and more convenient living environment for seniors, laying a solid foundation for the development of smart elderly care.

The contribution of information communications technology on improved human resources performance in Kinondoni Municipality, Tanzania

The contribution of information communications technology on improved human resources performance in Kinondoni Municipality, Tanzania

Design and research of numerical control simulation platform in discrete manufacturing disturbed by vibration

It is of great significance to study the deep integration of manufacturing technology and new-generation information communication technology under vibration interference of machine tools to improve the intelligence level of CNC machine tools. In this paper, a numerical control manufacturing workshop affected by vibration in discrete manufacturing is taken as the research background, and a solution for a digital workshop operation simulation platform based on the industrial internet is proposed. By constructing the simulation environment of the operation process of the digital factory, the generation and transmission of manufacturing information in the digital factory are simulated. The application architecture of the machining workshop based on a numerical control simulation platform is proposed, and the business process of the numerical control machining workshop is analyzed. Then, the key technologies of NC machine tool modeling, synchronous mapping of data and model, data integration, and fusion are studied. Through the integration and implementation of the NC machine tool simulation platform in the machining workshop, the top-down data instructions can be issued accurately, and the bottom-up feedback information can be confirmed in time. Finally, the system is applied to the electronic information and ship machining workshop to verify the effectiveness of the system framework and method proposed in this paper.

OPTIMIZING ICT TOOLS FOR DISSEMINATION OF COVID19- INFORMATION BY LIBRARIANS IN NIGERIAN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES

Information Communication Technology tools have been considered indispensable tools for successful delivery of library services especially in the COVID 19 global pandemic. This study answers three research questions about ICT tools as it is applicable to librarians for dissemination of information during Covid-19 era. First, how often do information professionals use ICT tools for dissemination of covid-19? Second, what are the ICT tools used for dissemination of covid-19 information, third, what benefits do information professionals’ derive from usage of ICT tools as well as challenges they encounter in getting information about covid-19 across to their patrons using ICT tools ?. Data were obtained in both quantitative and qualitative formats using one hundred and forty-four librarians as respondents. Total enumeration sampling technique was adopted because the population was minimal. Findings of the study revealed that; ICT tools are being used regularly by librarians for dissemination of covid-19 information, Videoconferencing, WhatsApp, Teleconferencing, Web-based Learning Applications, LinkedIn, Instagram , Software programmes and Facebook were identified as the ICT tools being used by librarians in Nigerian academic libraries for dissemination of covid-19 information, ICT tools are useful and beneficial to librarians as; it facilitates easy participation and engagement of library users in discussions pertaining to covid-19 which in turn curbs the spread of the virus, it facilitates easy education of students about the virus itself and to teach basic hygiene, with ICT tools, Covid 19 information is easily shared between librarians and their users, it also brings about reduction in the barrier of social distancing. The study also found epileptic power supply, poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, low band - with and lack of search skills as the major impediments to successful usage of ICT tools for dissemination of covid-19 information. Thus, it was recommended that libraries across Nigeria should prioritize training of their staff on the required digital skills they need to be able to cope in this advanced technology era.

Financial Health Management of Otolaryngology by Telemedicine: Opportunities and challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world and medical branches are affected too, this article shows otolaryngology (Otlogy) management like patient care in the outpatient (OP) remotely by the implementation of business strategy of telemedicine (TME). The research explains how the applications of management strategies in TME for Otlogy can reduce the medical expenses and also offer profits to the medical practitioners. This article suggests the advantages of TME for (Otlogy) related health risks and advises health centers to implement the business strategy of TME which can provide services using remote Information Communications Technology (ICT) to evade exposure risks to HCR providers, patients, and the general community. The realization of TME, or virtual services, can help the Otolaryngologists to provide needed care to patients amid COVID pandemic. This research illustrates the challenges in the application of TME and benefits to the patients as well as for the medical professionals.

Improving business performance: Role of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in SMTEs

In light of the globalisation of businesses and the competitive expansion drive, the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) has become essential. The purpose of this study was to explore how ICT could improve business performance in the context of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises in the Great Kei Municipality. Descriptive and qualitative research approach was employed in this study. A survey questionnaire was used as the main tool for data collection. The findings elucidate that 94.9% of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMTEs) concur that the use of ICT as a tool helps to achieve company goals. The findings further indicate that 46.2% of companies surveyed operate accommodation facilities. The study’s conclusions highlight that 25.6% of entrepreneurs indicated that expensive ICTs appear to be a barrier, while 23.1% reported that access to technology was a barrier. It is recommended that small and medium-sized tourism enterprises utilise ICT as a tool to enhance business performance. In addition, the study suggests that managers and owners make technological investments to ensure the overall success of SMTEs. Moreover, the study provides a foundation for further research.