Information And Communication Technology Devices Research Articles

Developing Geriatric Nursing Competency Using Information and Communication Technology: Focusing on a Case of Depression Assessment

Purpose The aim of this study was to describe problems and solutions for older adults living alone and using wearable devices to report depressive moods in daily life. In addition, gerontology nurses' competencies and strategies were discussed based on lessons learned from the observational study. Methods A hybrid method was used, combining literature review and content analyses based on interviews with 53 participants and observations done by the research team. Results Main issues and relevant strategies were identified in terms of (1) applicability of information and communications technology (ICT) devices for older adults, (2) feasibility of older adults' use of ICT devices, (3) integration of ICT devices into daily life, and (4) relevant issues when older adults use ICT. Important roles and competencies were discussed regarding general and gerontology aspects of ICT. Conclusion Findings indicate that a wearable device is feasible to measure daily depressive moods in older adults living alone in community settings. To extend our research protocol to practice, gerontology nurses must adequately prepare to meet emerging health care trends and end users’ needs for ICT-based nursing. It is necessary to develop diverse educational programs and active involvement in research and design of relevant devices and programs. 주요어: 컴퓨터 ì‚¬ìš©ëŠ¥ë ¥, ì •ë³´í†µì‹ ê¸°ìˆ , 간호교육 Key Words: Computer literacy, Information technology, Education, Nursing

Estudio psicométrico de un cuestionario para medir la competencia digital de estudiantes universitarios (CODIEU)

Para que la integración de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) en las aulas universitarias contribuya al desarrollo de procesos pedagógicos de calidad, es necesario que los estudiantes posean un adecuado nivel de competencia digital. Para investigar esta competencia, necesitamos de instrumentos válidos y fiables que permitan recoger información sobre la misma. El principal objetivo que se pretende conseguir es el de identificar las propiedades psicométricas de un cuestionario para medir el nivel de formación en competencia digital de alumnos universitarios, a partir de la autoevaluación que realizan los mismos, de acuerdo a tres dimensiones: conocimientos sobre TIC; manejo de dispositivos, herramientas y servicios TIC; y actitudes hacia las mismas. Todo ello con una muestra compuesta por 656 estudiantes de la Facultad de Educación de la Universidad de Salamanca y de la Universidad de Oporto. Los resultados obtenidos en el análisis de fiabilidad permiten afirmar que este cuestionario es un instrumento con una consistencia interna apropiada, válido para medir los constructos propuestos. De la misma manera, el análisis factorial explora los factores previstos por lo que podemos concluir que el cuestionario diseñado se ajusta al modelo propuesto en sus tres dimensiones.

Exergy cost of information and communication equipment for smart metering and smart grids

Abstract Future smart grids are expected to offer numerous advantages over the current electricity grid due to an improved efficiency of electricity production, distribution, consumption as well as sophisticated grid management and integration of distributed renewable energy sources. In order to enable these functionalities, however, additional equipment has to be installed, which, on the other hand, will lead to increased electricity consumption and more e-waste. This paper provides, for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, insights into the overall exergy cost related to the introduction of additional information and communication technology (ICT) equipment such as smart meters and other ICT devices required for future smart grids. We present results obtained using a model for the city of Vienna and considering all life cycle phases. Additionally, the impact of the components’ lifetime and various implementation options is shown. Since the environmental impact of the additional ICT equipment for smart grids is presented in a simple and transparent manner using a holistic approach referred as to as the exergy-based life cycle assessment (E-LCA) method, the results presented in this paper can easily be integrated in a more complete model of smart grids with the aim of assessing the exergy efficiency of various concepts and applications for future smart energy generation, distribution, and consumption systems.

Adoption Practice of Climate Change Adaptation Options among Nepalese Rice Farmers: Role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)

This study attempts to understand the role of ICTs on adoption of climate change adaption options among the Nepalese rice farmers, using data from 773 households from seven districts—3 from Terai region and 4 from hilly region. Individual Farmer’s Awareness Index was developed to categorize the respondent knowledge of climate change adaptation and Ordered Logit Model was used to examine the factors influencing their adaptation options in present of ICTs. The result revealed that 65% farmers perceived knowledge about temperature, rainfall and other relative information from various ICT devices that they pose. Farmers received such information mostly from Radio (71%), TV (69%) and mobile phone (62.5%) and argued these three devices are the most prominent, easy access and practical devices to receive such information. 86% farmers used such devices on the daily basis and 90% and more users opined that the information provided from such devices is in their own language and fully understandable. From ICT devices they pose, 71% of the farmers are receiving climate change information and 61% received agro-related information and the majority of them argued that such available information is very much informative and supportive of their resilience to climate change and use of available adaptation options. From the Farmers Awareness Index, this study found 19.8% farmers are high aware, 65.1% medium aware and 15.1% were less aware of the changing climate and its anomalies. Similarly, result from Ordered Logit Model shows that age (0.45***), gender (0.48**), market center (0.32*), bank access (0.54***), availability of subsidy (1.0***), agro-extension services (0.71**), access to TV (0.67***) and membership to a social network (3.20**) played a significant role in increasing farmers’ awareness of climate change which in turn lead to increased adoption of adaptation options available to the farmers. The findings suggest the need for further improvement on ICT devices and publicity of such ICT devices and proper investment to boost rice farmers’ adaptation to climate change, which will in turn help to improve their livelihoods and well-being.

A survey on consumers’ attitude towards storing and end of life strategies of small information and communication technology devices in Spain

This study analyses the current habits and practices towards the store, repair and second-hand purchase of small electrical and electronic devices belonging to the category of information and communication technology (ICT). To this end, a survey was designed and conducted with a representative sample size of 400 individuals through telephone interviews for the following categories: MP3/MP4, video camera, photo camera, mobile phone, tablet, e-book, laptop, hard disk drive, navigator-GPS, radio/radio alarm clock. According to the results obtained, there is a tendency to store disused small ICT devices at home. On average for all the small ICT categories analysed, 73.91% of the respondents store disused small ICT devices at home. Related to the habits towards the repair and second-hand purchase of small ICT devices, 65.5% and 87.6% of the respondents have never taken to repair and have never purchased second-hand, respectively, small ICT devices. This paper provides useful and hitherto unavailable information about the current habits of discarding and reusing ICT devices. It can be concluded that there is a need to implement awareness-raising campaigns to encourage these practices, which are necessary to reach the minimum goals established regarding preparation for reuse set out in the Directive 2012/19/EU for the category small electrical and electronic equipment.

The use of ICT devices by older people with a special focus on their type and respondents’ age: A Czech case study

ABSTRACTThe recent demographic trends show a rapid increase of aging population, especially in developed countries. Therefore, there is an urgent need to look for the opportunities of maintaining the quality of life of this aging population. One of the solutions seems to be the use of information and communication technology (ICT) devices, which can promote autonomy of older people by facilitating the execution of many routine activities such as shopping or communication. The purpose of this study is to explore the use of ICT devices among older people in the Czech Republic with respect to their type and respondents’ age. The methods include a questionnaire survey, as well as statistical processing of data collection. The results indicate that present seniors are becoming more digitally literate, especially in the use of mobile phones. However, the use of the technological devices then dramatically drops at the age of 75 years. In addition, the results indicate that future research should focus on the use of mobile phones, respectively smartphones, and its effectiveness on the improvement of quality of life of older generation groups.

Determinants of Access to Education and ICT in Nigeria

The world where development is driven by advancement in education and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is fast emerging. This study therefore examined the determinants of access to education and ICT in Nigeria. The study used information from 4,508 households from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) General Household Survey (GHS) Data. Probit regression model and descriptive statistical tools were used to analyze relevant data. Analysis of the data showed that average household size was fairly large consisting of 7 members with majority (85.1percent) of the households headed by men. Average age of the household heads was 52 years while average years of education was 4 years. Also, 82.0percent and 61.2percent of the households in urban and rural Nigeria respectively had access to education. Therefore, inequality in access to education exists based on location. The factors influencing access to education in Nigeria were found to include age, gender, marital status and household size. The results also revealed age, years of education, marital status, gender and household size as determinants of access to ICT. Analysis of different ICT devices used in Nigeria showed that Radio (88.1percent), Mobile Phones (86.4percent) and Television (55.1percent) were the most widely used. Meanwhile, a significant difference exist in the factors influencing access to education and ICT in rural and urban Nigeria. The study therefore recommended increased investment in education and infrastructure. Government and private organizations should encourage gender equality in access to ICT through gender sensitive interventions.

Determinants of Access to Education and ICT in Nigeria

The world where development is driven by advancement in education and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is fast emerging. This study therefore examined the determinants of access to education and ICT in Nigeria. The study used information from 4,508 households from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) General Household Survey (GHS) Data. Probit regression model and descriptive statistical tools were used to analyze relevant data. Analysis of the data showed that average household size was fairly large consisting of 7 members with majority (85.1percent) of the households headed by men. Average age of the household heads was 52 years while average years of education was 4 years. Also, 82.0percent and 61.2percent of the households in urban and rural Nigeria respectively had access to education. Therefore, inequality in access to education exists based on location. The factors influencing access to education in Nigeria were found to include age, gender, marital status and household size. The results also revealed age, years of education, marital status, gender and household size as determinants of access to ICT. Analysis of different ICT devices used in Nigeria showed that Radio (88.1percent), Mobile Phones (86.4percent) and Television (55.1percent) were the most widely used. Meanwhile, a significant difference exist in the factors influencing access to education and ICT in rural and urban Nigeria. The study therefore recommended increased investment in education and infrastructure. Government and private organizations should encourage gender equality in access to ICT through gender sensitive interventions.

Use of Information and Communication Technology in Healthcare Context by Older Adults in Germany: Initial Results of the Tech4Age Long-Term Study

Abstract In 2016 the interdisciplinary research team Tech4Age started its long-term survey to evaluate the use of information and communication technology (ICT) by older adults (60+) in Germany. This study focuses on the use of ICT devices and applications, the evaluation how these devices are operated in terms of ergonomic hand positions, the investigation of health information usage as well as technology affinity, health literacy and computer literacy. The first run of the Tech4Age long-term study was done by sending a paper-based questionnaire to 5,000 individuals older than 60 years randomly selected from the total German population and equally locally distributed within Germany. Responses were collected from N = 551 participants with a mean age of 69.17 years (SD = 5.787). The gender ratio of the sample is balanced, including 51.3% male and 48.7% female. Results provide descriptive insights into technology usage and knowledge about influencing factors. Older adults already use modern ICT on a large scale, for example to do online banking or for mobility reasons (navigation, booking tickets, etc.), but health-related ICT products and applications have been used less, mainly due to mistrust. Investigation of health information usage showed that doctors and pharmacists are the main sources older adults rely on. Two thirds of all participants were satisfied with general information they got about health. The evaluation of the ergonomic use of ICT devices revealed a common way of use, namely that a majority of older adults prefer to use their ICT devices in the case of a small display in portrait mode and in the case of larger displays in portrait as well as landscape mode. Touch input is always performed with a finger or the second hand, the one not holding the device. The article will present and discuss the results in detail.

Examining students’ experience with the use of some selected ICT devices and applications for learning and their effect on academic performance

Empirical evidence regarding the direct effect of students’ experience with the use of information and communications technology (ICT) devices and applications and their academic performance is sparse especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, the global literature on this subject provides mixed findings. This paper examines students’ experience with the use of some selected ICT devices and applications and their academic performance. The research question is: Can the use of ICT devices and applications for students’ learning impact on academic performance? A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 320 final year undergraduate students of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana. Cumulative Grade Point Average was used as a proxy for academic performance. The ordinary least square was employed to estimate the effect of ICT on academic performance. Overall, the study shows a positive and statistically significant relationship between expenditures on some selected ICT tools and applications for learning and academic performance. Also, the use of e-mails was found to exert a positive effect on academic performance, while iPad had a negative impact on academic performance. The paper suggests that ICT could be harnessed to improve students’ academic performance at the University level. It is recommended that the use of e-mail interface for academic-related activities be intensified among students in order to harness its full potential in improving academic performance.

Green ICT framework to reduce carbon footprints in universities

The world today has reached a certain level where it is impossible to get the quality education at the tertiary level without the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). ICT has made life better, communication easier and faster, teaching and learning more practical through computers and other technology based learning tools. However, despite these benefits ICT has equally contributed immensely to environmental problems. Therefore there is the need to use ICT resources efficiently in universities for environmental sustainability so as to save both the university environment and the world at large from the effects of global warming. This paper evaluates the carbon footprints from the use of ICT devices and comes up with a proposed green ICT framework to reduce the carbon footprints in universities. The framework contains techniques and approaches to achieve greenness in the data center, personal computers (PCs) and monitors, and printing in order to make ICT more environmentally friendly, cheaper, safer and ultimately more efficient. Concerned experts in their respective departments at Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) Malaysia evaluated the proposed framework. It was found to be effective for achieving efficiency, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Challenges in Real-Time Vital Signs Monitoring for Persons During Exercises

Although there have been a variety of wearable Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices around us, which are easily connectable to smart phones, unfortunately, very few people are practicing everyday healthcare using them. There must be some causes in it. This paper examines educational and literate causes in the impracticality of everyday healthcare using wearable ICT devices, which may be inherent to Japan, and emphasizes the importance of real-time vital signs monitoring for schoolchildren in classroom learning and physical training, namely, persons during exercises. Then, the paper points out technical problems in its realization in terms of vital sensing and wireless networking, and introduces some solutions which we have been making up to the present. And finally, the paper shows some challenges of the future towards realization of real-time vital signs monitoring for schoolchildren during physical training, with the possibility of wireless multi-hop networking taking the mobility and location of vital sensor nodes into consideration.

ICT and environmental sustainability: A global perspective

The positive and negative environmental impacts of information and communication technologies (ICTs) are widely debated. In theory, ICT is among the sources contributing to the increasing levels of CO2 emissions in terms of production of ICT machinery and devices, energy consumption, and recycling of electronic waste. However, ICT is also expected to reduce CO2 emissions on a global scale by developing smarter cities, transportation systems, electrical grids, industrial processes, and energy saving gains. These two effects work in opposite direction, creating an inverted-U relationship between ICT and CO2 emissions. The aim of this study is to investigate this non-linear relationship between ICT and CO2 emissions on a global scale. Given that global warming is a global issue, it is necessary to look at this relationship in countries at all levels of development. To this end, we use a panel data set consisting of 142 economies, split into 116 developing and 26 developed countries, over the period 1995–2010. The results of our empirical study confirm that the relationship between ICT and CO2 emissions is an inverted U-shaped relationship. Moreover, while for the sample of developing countries, the ICT turning point is well above the mean value, the opposite is true for the sample of developed countries. This implies that many developed countries have already attained the level of ICT development, at which CO2 emissions decreases as the level of ICT development improves further.

EFFECTS OF USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICTS) ON FARMERS’ AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AND WELFARE IN ORLU AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on farmers’ agricultural practices and welfare in Orlu Agricultural Zone, Imo State. Data were collected with structured questionnaire distributed to 130 respondents randomly selected from the 10 extension blocks in Orlu Agricultural Zone. Percentages, bar graphs, mean scores, standard deviation, presented in frequency table and Likert type scale were used to analyze the data. The result obtained showed that ICT devices available in the area included radio, mobile phones, television, and newspapers among others. However, radio is the most readily available ICT device (99.2%), followed by mobile phone (97.7%). It was also observed that ICTs have significant effects on the farmers’, agricultural practices and welfare as indicated by a high mean score on the statements. Several factors constrained the use of ICT devices. Among these factors were erratic power supply (98.5%), low level of education (93.1%), language barrier (92.3%), lack of ICT skills (91.5%), low income of farmers (88.5%), unavailability of ICT centers (82.3%) and high cost of ICT facilities (79.2%). This study thus recommended that Government should provide financial support to farmers through the provision of interest free loans to enable them acquire and use the technologies. Government should improve rural infrastructures particularly electricity supply in the study area. The rural dwellers should be given the requisite skills required for information management. They should be exposed to practical computer training for the enhancement of ICT use. Keywords – ICTs, Farmers, Welfare, Agriculture, Nigeria

Information and Communication Technology Enabled and Assistive Devices Used by Differently Abled: A Detailed Analysis

Aim: This study aims to assess the utilization of ICT enabled and assistive devices for differently abled and to assess the purpose of using various ICT and assistive devices by differently abled. Respondents were selected from three categories of the disability (visual impairment, hearing impairment and locomotor impairment) pursuing higher education courses. Methodology: Multistage random sampling technique has been used for the selection of respondents. Fifty respondents were from visual impairment, forty respondents from hearing impairment and ninety were from the category of locomotor impairment to make a total of 180 respondents. Information was collected with the help of interview method using self made and standardized tool. With the help of developed tool, information was collected regarding uses of ICT and assistive devices and for what purpose they are using these devices. Data was coded, tabulated and analyzed using PAS software. ‘T’ test has been calculated to see the significant differences in the usage of ICT and assistive devices between male and female respondents. Descriptive statistics was calculated to know the number of respondents using particular devices. Results and Discussion: Findings of this study revealed that highly significant differences in the usage of mobile phones, radio and DAISY books between male and female respondents and significant differences were found in usage of JAWS software, tape recorder and kurzweil reading machine among visually impaired. Results also highlighted that male respondents prefer to use mobile phones than female respondents among locomotor impaired. Conclusion: In the line of above, the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) allow the removal of many of the remaining obstacle faced by differently abled persons.

Energy Efficient Design of 100Gb/s Optical DPSK Transmitter Design using UltraScale FPGA

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is growing rapidly, and ICT devices are consuming plenty of energy, for communication systems. In Gb/s transmission system high range and high- speed optical transmitter requires high power for transmitting information at long distance. The existing techniques are consuming vast amount of power, exhibits heating effect, and leakage power problems for optical transmitter of 40 Gb/s or more. In this work, an energy efficient 100Gb/s optical DPSK transmitter is designed using UltraScale Field Programming Gate Array (FPGA). The design is realized by controlling the impedance of 100Gb/s optical DPSK transmitter using Digitally Controlled Impedance (DCI) IO (Input/ Output) Standards available on UltraScale FPGA. It is determined that 80% power is reduced using designed 100Gb/s optical DPSK transmitter, for 100 GHz, 300 GHz, 900 GHz and 12 THz using High Speed Low Voltage DCI (HSLVDCI_15) IO Standard compared to optical transmitter design without IO Standard. Furthermore, using designed system 90% leakage power is also reduced. The designed energy efficient optical transmitter can be interfaced with other optical components, to provide the green optical communication.

The problematic use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in adolescents by the cross sectional JOITIC study

BackgroundThe emerging field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has brought about new interaction styles. Its excessive use may lead to addictive behaviours.The objective is to determine the prevalence of the problematic use of ICT such as Internet, mobile phones and video games, among adolescents enrolled in mandatory Secondary Education (ESO in Spanish) and to examine associated factors.MethodsCross sectional, multi-centric descriptive study. Population: 5538 students enrolled in years one to four of ESO at 28 schools in the Vallès Occidental region (Barcelona, Spain). Data collection: self-administered socio-demographic and ICT access questionnaire, and validated questionnaires on experiences related to the use of the Internet, mobile phones and video games (CERI, CERM, CERV).ResultsQuestionnaires were collected from 5,538 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 20 (77.3 % of the total response), 48.6 % were females. Problematic use of the Internet was observed in 13.6 % of the surveyed individuals; problematic use of mobile phones in 2.4 % and problematic use in video games in 6.2 %.Problematic Internet use was associated with female students, tobacco consumption, a background of binge drinking, the use of cannabis or other drugs, poor academic performance, poor family relationships and an intensive use of the computer.Factors associated with the problematic use of mobile phones were the consumption of other drugs and an intensive use of these devices.Frequent problems with video game use have been associated with male students, the consumption of other drugs, poor academic performance, poor family relationships and an intensive use of these games.ConclusionsThis study offers information on the prevalence of addictive behaviours of the Internet, mobile phones and video game use.The problematic use of these ICT devices has been related to the consumption of drugs, poor academic performance and poor family relationships.This intensive use may constitute a risk marker for ICT addiction.

Assessment of The Awareness and Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) among Small Scale Farmers in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria.

The study assessed the awareness and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) among small scale farmers in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Seventy-five (75) farmers were sampled and interviewed using the random sampling technique. The results showed that majority of the farmers (74.6%) were between (31-60) years of age. Most of the respondents (80%) were males and (80%) of them are educated. The result showed that all the respondents are aware of the use of Radio and Television as a means of communicating agricultural information. Based on usage of ICTs, Radio recorded the highest usage (40%) followed by mobile phone (33.3%), print Media (10.0%), Television (8.0%) and lastly computer/internet (5.3%). The result also indicated that lack of constant power supply (with mean score of (3.89). High cost of ICTs (with mean score of 3.72), complexity of ICTS (With mean score of 3.64), and lack of credit and loan to obtain ICTS (with mean score of 3.56) were the major constraints to ICTs utilization by small scale farmers in the study area. It was therefore recommended that extension agents should encourage farmers on the use of the various ICT devices. Government should provide infrastructures like electricity and internet services in the rural areas to enable farmers make use of some necessary ICT devices. Government should also partner with relevant non-governmental organizations in order to provide the ICTs devices at subsidized and affordable rate to farmers.

Assessing the use of ICT systems and their impact on construction project performance in the Nigerian construction industry

Purpose The use of information and communication technology (ICT) for business processes has witnessed exponential growth over the past two decades. This paper aims to explore the level of use of ICT infrastructure in the Nigerian construction industry and analyse the implications for construction management practice. Design/methodology/approach Using quantitative questionnaire survey, data from 148 respondents were analysed with the help of descriptive and inferential statistics as well as multiple regression analysis. Findings Findings establish project managers, site managers and quantity surveyors as the primary users of ICT with regards to the variety of ICT devices in the Nigerian construction industry, while the foremen are the least users. Besides, word processing/accounting systems, electronic communication systems and project management systems are the three top rated in terms of frequency of use, while quality as well as cost impacts of ICT infrastructure use are established as the most important factors contributing to overall project performance. Originality/value The study establishes causal relationships between ICT infrastructure use and project performance within the context of Nigeria’s construction industry.

Attributes of digital natives as predictors of information literacy in higher education

AbstractDigital natives are assumed to possess knowledge and skills that allow them to handle information and communication technologies (ICT) tools in a “natural” way. Accordingly, this calls for the application of different teaching/learning strategies in education. The purpose of the study was to test the predictive strength of some attributes of digital nativeness (ICT ownership, ICT experiences, internet confidence and number of ICT‐rich university courses) on the information literacy (IL) of 299 Slovenian university students. Correlation and regression analysis based on survey data revealed that the attributes of digital natives are poor predictors of IL. The principal findings are: ICT experiences expressed as the sum of the use of different applications do not necessarily contribute to IL; some applications have a positive and some a negative effect; personal ownership of smartphones, portable computers and desktop computers has no direct effect on IL, while ownership of a tablet computer is actually a negative predictor; personal ownership of ICT devices has an impact on ICT experiences and Internet confidence, and, therefore, an indirect impact on IL; and ICT‐rich university courses (if not designed to cultivate IL) have only a marginal impact on IL, although they may have some impact on ICT experiences and Internet confidence. The overall conclusion is that digital natives are not necessarily information literate, and that IL should be promoted with hands‐on and minds‐on courses based on IL standards.