Information And Communication Technology Devices Research Articles

Are American households willing to pay a premium for greening consumption of Information and Communication Technologies?

The United States lags other nations in adapting policy approaches that would stimulate cleaner consumption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) by limiting the use of potentially toxic materials in electronics production. This study analyzes nationally-representative U.S. data from a unique web-based survey to investigate whether American households are willing to support greening the ICT devices by paying a premium for a green cell phone. Green cell phone does not contain hazardous materials and can be safely disposed with general municipal waste. A survey-based economic technique of contingent valuation was utilized to examine the relationship between socio-psychological and economic parameters for evaluating and explaining a stated willingness to pay a green phone premium, controlling for socio-economic and demographic characteristics. The findings indicate that respondents with higher scores on general environmental beliefs, greater engagement in pro-environmental behavior, and positive attitudes toward recycling small electronics are likely to be willing to pay a premium to purchase a green cell phone compared to a conventional cell phone with similar capabilities. This suggests that educating the public about benefits of electronics recycling, promoting pro-environmental norms, and encouraging pro-environmental behavior can help increase public support for implementing policies aimed at greening ICT production and consumption in the United Sates.

Use Of Informatıon And Communıcatıon Technology (Ict) Devıces For Instructıonal Delıvery In Secondary Schools In Ebonyı State Of Nıgerıa

The study examined teachers perceptions on the use of information and communication technology (ICT) devices for instructional delivery in secondary schools in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study. The population of the study comprised of all the three thousand two hundred and eighty-five (3,285) teacher in the two hundred and twenty-one (221) public secondary schools in Ebonyi State. Simple random sampling technique was used to select (8) teachers each from ninety schools used for the study to give a sample of seven hundred and twenty (720) respondents. The instrument used for data collection was structured questionnaire. Pearson’s Moment Correlation Co-efficient was used to calculate the reliability co-efficient of the pilot tests to get established reliability value of 0.79. The data collected were analysed using mean scores. It was found among other things that ICT devices are not adequately available, most available ICT devices are not in good working condition in schools studied, hence they are not adequately used and above all trained personnel are not also adequately available to operate the functional ones. Government through her appropriate agencies should as a matter of urgency procure and distribute the necessary ICT devices to secondary schools, more trained personnel should be recruited but for the interim the available ones could be retrained through short term holiday programmes, workshops and conferences to ensure adequate use and maintenance of these ICT devices as this will go a long way in improving instructional delivery in Ebonyi State Secondary Schools.

An Exploration of Families Use of Information and Communications Technology: The Case of Korea and the United States

Abstract As information and communications technology (ICT) becomes increasingly integrated into the daily lives of people around the world, it is important to know how the technology is influencing the behaviors of individuals and families. This study looked at the ecology of families as it is related to ICT and the changes to processes that occur as ICT devices and services are integrated into the family. A survey of 1084 families was conducted. Five hundred of the families were from the United States and 584 families were from Korea. Significant differences were found in the use of ICT by Korean and American families although the source of this difference was not clearly identified in this study. Three clusters of families were identified based on their use of devices and services. These were labeled as; ‘The Tech Savvy’, ‘The Wireless Users’, ‘The In-betweeners’, ‘The Wired’, and ‘The Just Mobile’. ‘The Tech Savvy’ used the greatest variety of ICT technologies and ‘The Wired’ used the fewest. Other clusters fell in the middle with families seemingly using the devices which met their particular needs. Two factors related to ICT integration into the family were identified. These were related to family intimacy and family relationship maintenance. The family cluster identified as ‘Tech Savvy’ made significantly greater use of ICT in these relationships and ‘The Wired’ made the least use of ICT in these areas. The other clusters tended to be between the two ends and tended not to be significantly different from each other in their use of ICT. Finally, models for ICT use by families showed that demographics, nation of origin, types of devices and services used, and attitude and interest in ICT all had a significant impact.

Education and ICT Facilities of Royal Belum Orang Asli School Children

An effective teaching and learning using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is necessary to facilitate students to the easy access world of knowledge. The use of ICT essentially leads to significant impact on a condusive learning environment and also on the students’ achievements. In Malaysia, the students come from different background and ethnics, which include orang Asli. The urban students might face less difficulties in accepting the ICT in their lessons. A question then raised regarding the readiness of the Orang Asli students, particularly in remote areas, like Royal Belum, Malaysia. This paper investigates the readiness of the primary students, namely from the Jahai group, in Royal Belum on the use of ICT devices, such as notepad and laptop. In addition to that, we studied the internet facilities and its connectivity at the schools, including some other related issues. Outcome of the observations showed positive readiness of Orang Asli students in using ICT devices. Nevertheless, a substantial effort from the ICT teachers seems crucial to the effective delivery of the ICT syllabus. Additionally, the schools suffer with slow connectivity as the data rate of 20 Mbps needs to be shared with other nearby schools. This has affected the students’ learning and also the teachers’ daily tasks, for instance, in meeting District Education Department (PPD) requirements regarding uploading marks online. Therefore, it is appropriate for the government agencies to search some initiatives in solving the current issues.

New Technologies for Disseminating and Communicating Agriculture Knowledge and Information: Challenges for Agricultural Research Institutes in Tanzania

AbstractThis paper explores how a wide range of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) available in Agricultural Research Institutes (ARIs) if used effectively by agriculture researchers can improve agriculture productivity in Tanzania. A structured questionnaire and telephonic interviews were used to collect data from a randomly selected sample of 64 respondents made up of agricultural researchers, agriculture managers and other agricultural stakeholders in the selected institutes. Data were analyzed using statistical tools. The results indicate that ICTs tools are available in ARIs for the day to day research activities. However, utilization of agriculture journals is very limited due to unreliability and poor connectivity of the Internet and frequent power cuts. Results also show that the uses of specialized ICT devices have not taken a great recognition in agriculture activities which is attributed by low investment of ICTs that can be used for teaching and learning modern agriculture productivity techniques in institutes under this study. Among the challenges hindering the use of ICTs in ARIs includes: inadequate computers and the supporting technological infrastructure, lack of electricity needed to operate computers, unreliable Internet connectivity and lack of systematic ICTs investment; low coordination of agriculture stakeholders due to institutional diversity and department fragmentation. This study recommends that the Government of Tanzania (GoT) should formulate and implement ICT for Agriculture (ICT4A) projects based on a researched conceptual framework related to ICT4A use and Information and Communication Management (ICM) in ARIs in Tanzania.

Analysis of Sustainable Computing for Mainstream Agricultural and Rural Applications in Developing Countries

Effective utilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has been identified as a sure route for agriculturists and rural inhabitants of developing countries to take advantage of modern technology and survive at the least if not actively participate in global trend of events. However, pervasive complexities in developing countries such as unreliable grid electricity, limited availability of resources, and climate change pose serious challenges to the use of ICTs; these create an urgent need to find sustainable alternatives, especially in rural areas that sharply depend on agriculture for livelihoods. This research involved a comprehensive assessment of the potential of sustainable computing as a solution to the aforementioned challenges for agricultural and rural applications in developing countries. Primary data was obtained from 77 respondents in nine developing countries using questionnaires. Respondents came from varying,largely rural occupations such as animal rearing, agricultural marketing, crop farming and agricultural research and extension. Solar-powered computers were identified as one of the most strategic and relevant solutions to the current limits to access of rural people – especially from agricultural backgrounds – who have much to gain from improved access to information and computing technology (ICT). To strike a balance between affordability of mainstream respondents and their need for greater ICT access, we identified integrated netbook-scalesolar powered laptop as the most relevant, which can satisfy the identified ICT needs, plus – besides powering the computer – will power mobile phones and other portable ICT devices. We determined that solar powered computers cangreatly increase access to ICTs benefits to rural, off grid societies and yield carbon savings of up to 22kg of CO2, per year. The results of our research are intended to be helpful in promoting off-grid access to ICT in rural societies so as to improve agriculture and extend the additional benefit of “bridging the digital divide in a way that advances sustainable development.

The impact of eLearning on health professional educators' attitudes to information and communication technology.

BackgroundThe use of information and communication technology (ICT) in health professional education is increasing rapidly. Health professional educators need to be responsive to health professionals’ information and communication technological needs; however, there is a paucity of information about educators’ attitudes to, and capabilities with, ICT.MethodsFifty-two health professional educators, enrolled in health professional education postgraduate studies, participated in an online subject with specific eLearning components requiring the use of ICT. They completed a pre- and postquestionnaire pertaining to ICT attitudes, confidence, and usage.ResultsParticipants reported significant increases in overall ICT confidence during the subject despite it being high at baseline (mean: 7.0 out of 10; P=0.02). Even with increased ICT confidence, there were decreases in the participants’ sense of ICT control when related to health professional education (P=0.002); whereas, the amount of time participants engaged with ICT devices was negatively correlated with the sense of ICT control (P=0.002). The effect of age and health discipline on ICT attitudes and confidence was not significant (P>0.05).ConclusionThis study reports that health professional educators have perceptual deficits toward ICT. The impact of eLearning increased confidence in ICT but caused a reduction in participants’ sense of control of ICT. Health professional educators require more ICT training and support to facilitate better ICT integration in health professional education settings.

SITUACE A TRENDY V INFORMAČNÍCH TECHNOLOGIÍCH PRO PODPORU OBCHODOVÁNÍ

During last years information and communication technologies (ICT) are developing very dynamically and are penetrating into a lot of various business areas. Its perceiving is progressively changing from something rather sporadic, bringing a competitive advantage on the market, to absolute necessity determining existence or inexistence of certain enterprise among organizations able to compete.The paper maps actual state and evaluates develop needs in area of trade support by ICT devices in czech as well as european society in general, and this on the basis of accessible statistical evidences, publicised studies and various researches outcomes and other conducting sources. It notices problems or lacks in this area and it identifies trends in its solution.Some simple indicators and also complex indicator so-called “e-business index” are monitored for evaluating of actual state of ICT using in sphere of trading and also in order to possibility of successive identification of trends in this area. This summary indicator measures level of ICT using in certain enterprise, and integrates in itself, among others, some from mentioned simple statistics too. It is constructed from four main general subcategories, which are in more detailed way separated onwards.

Status of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Health Profession Education in Kenya

Because ICT is an integral component of health care and education, we evaluated the status of ICT among health profession students (n=310) at 5 universities in Kenya.  Most students owned a computer (73%) or smart phone (60%). Ownership of ICT devices was significantly associated with familiarity of technology and Internet accessibility. Most students (54%) agreed that computer instruction (CAI) was available in their curriculum, but only 39% used it routinely. Males were more familiar with ICT than females, which was the only important gender difference. These data and the variability in responses across universities provide important information for the continued development of policies to promote ICT in health education.

Knowledge and attitudes of nurses in community health centres about electronic medical records.

Nurses in primary healthcare record data for the monitoring and evaluation of diseases and services. Information and communications technology (ICT) can improve quality in healthcare by providing quality medical records. However, worldwide, the majority of health ICT projects have failed. Individual user acceptance is a crucial factor in successful ICT implementation. The aim of this study is to explore nurses' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions regarding ICT so as to inform the future implementation of electronic medical record (EMR) systems. A qualitative design was used. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with nurses at three community health centres (CHCs) in the King Sabata Dalyindyebo Local Municipality. The interview guide was informed by the literature on user acceptance of ICT. Interviews were recorded and analysed using content analysis. Many nurses knew about health ICT and articulated clearly the potential benefits of an EMR such as fewer errors, more complete records, easier reporting and access to information. They thought that an EMR system would solve the challenges they identified with the current paper-based record system, including duplication of data, misfiling, lack of a chronological patient record, excessive time in recording and reduced time for patient care. For personal ICT needs, approximately half used cellphone Internet-based services and computers. In this study, nurses identified many challenges with the current recording methods. They thought that an EMR should be installed at CHCs. Their knowledge about EMR, positive attitudes to ICT and personal use of ICT devices increase the likelihood of successful EMR implementation at CHCs.

Comparing Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Modern Computing and Electronics Products

Information and communications technology (ICT) contributes substantially to global greenhouse gas (GHG) pollutant emissions, but it is time-consuming to estimate the environmental impacts caused by the production of ICT devices, and the literature lacks coverage for newer products. Using a process-sum life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, we estimate and compare the embodied GHG emissions of 11 ICT products, including large- and small-form-factor desktop and laptop personal computers, a thin client device, an LCD monitor, newer mobile devices (an Apple iPad, an iPod Touch, and an Amazon Kindle), a rack server, and a network switch. Full bills of materials are provided via hand disassembly and weighing and are mapped to processes in the ecoinvent v2.2 database to produce impact estimates. Results are analyzed to develop simplified impact estimation models using linear regressions based on product characteristics. A simple and robust linear relationship between mass and embodied emissions is identified; a more sophisticated linear model using display mass, battery mass, and circuit board mass as inputs is slightly more accurate. Embodied GHG emissions for newer products are 50-60% lower than corresponding older products with similar functionality, largely due to decreased material usage, especially reductions in integrated circuit content.

Integrating Emotional Attachment and Sustainability in Electronic Product Design

Current models for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products encourage frequent product replacement with newer versions that offer only minor incremental improvements. This pattern, named planned obsolescence, diminishes user experience and shortens product lifespan. This paper presents the conceptual basis for a two-part integrated approach to combating planned obsolescence in ICT devices. First, design for emotional attachment, which creates products that users enjoy, value, and use for longer. Second, technological adaptability, which anticipates product upgrades and repairs as new technologies emerge. A model interdisciplinary design course in industrial design and sustainability, also described herein, trains students to apply this approach to create innovative ICT products with smaller environmental footprints.

Analysis of Effects of Activities While Traveling on Travelers' Sentiment

Travel involves various onboard activities. The emergence of information and communication technologies (ICT) has added new dimensions to the activities. This study analyzed the effects of various onboard activities, including the use of ICT devices, on trip makers' feelings during trips. This study employed the daily reconstruction method to examine whether the feelings that trip makers had were positive or negative. In addition, the seemingly unrelated probit regression and univariate probit models were used to analyze the association between onboard feelings and types of onboard activities by travel mode. This study found that onboard activities using ICT devices were valued by trip makers and tended to have positive effects on their feelings during trips. However, it was also found that the effects were not homogenous. Emerging ICT-related onboard activities can be instrumental in improving people's travel experience and in encouraging automobile users to become transit riders.

Robustness and Computational Efficiency of Kalman Filter Estimator of Time-Dependent Origin–Destination Matrices

Origin–destination (O-D) trip matrices that describe the patterns of traffic behavior across a network are the primary data input used in principal traffic models and, therefore, a critical requirement in all advanced systems supported by dynamic traffic assignment models. However, because O-D matrices are not directly observable, the current practice consists of adjusting an initial or seed matrix from link flow counts that are provided by an existing layout of traffic-counting stations. The availability of new traffic measurements provided by information and communication technologies (ICT) allows more efficient algorithms, namely for real-time estimation of O-D matrices that are based on modified Kalman filtering approaches to exploit the new data. The quality of the estimations depends on various factors such as the penetration of the ICT devices, the detection layout, and the quality of the initial information. The feasibility of real-time applications depends on the computational performance of the proposed algorithms for urban networks of sensitive size. This paper presents the results of a set of computational experiments with a microscopic simulation of the network of Barcelona's central business district that explore the sensitivity of the Kalman filter estimates in relation to design factor values.

Positive UX and Active Use of ICT Devices among the Elderly

People have started to use ICT(Information and Communication Technology) devices t o acieve various goal s in many situations. But a gap still exsists between high end users and low end users that is related to their demographic group . One of the important traits is the generation or the age group. Authors conducted field research by the contextual inquiry method and analyzed the data by applying M-GTA, then summarized the information into a category relationship diagram. In this diagram, factors such as the motivation for using ICTs , active involvement in the communication and ICT literacy were regarded as three major components. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/ij-ict.v2i1.1506

DISCOVERY OF ICT FOR THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN SUB SAHARA AFRICA: UTILIZATION, ENLIGHTENMENT, EFFORTS AND CHALLENGES

This paper will actually focus on the issues relating to the growth and developmental challenges of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), literacy needs, enlightenment and absence of ICT devices for human development and lack of formal skilled approaches to the understanding and application of ICT in sub Sahara Africa.Several data on ICT efforts were collated from documented materials, literature, Journals, electronic and non electronic media and other sources to assist in this discussion; including historical and analytical reports on ICT in some Africa country like Nigeria, South Africa, Togo to mention but few relating to the impact, capacity building and citizenship participation on the ICT process. Recommendations for ICT policy improvement in the field of literacy, special education, formal and non-formal education for urban and rural dwellers in Africa nations were also provided. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/ij-ict.v1i1.263

Implications of spatial and physical structures for ICT as a tool of urban management and development in Cameroon

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) hold enormous promise for development efforts in developing countries. However, the potential of ICTs remains untapped for reasons that are largely unknown in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This region has the lowest level of ICT penetration in the world. The need to understand impediments to ICT performance are therefore most urgent in this region. This paper seeks to address this need by identifying factors that inhibit the functionality of ICT as a tool for improving urban management. It analyzes two cities in the region, namely Douala and Yaounde, respectively Cameroon’s economic/cultural and politico-administrative capitals. The following three factors are shown to impede the functioning of ICT devices, hence urban management in these cities: colonial racial segregation policies, the colonial legacy of land use compartmentalization and the lack of unambiguous physical addresses for structures in the built environment. It is suggested that concerned authorities institute the following measures. 1] Establish an unambiguous addressing system reposed on the municipal governance structure and the country’s vehicle matriculation taxonomy. 2] Actively promote ICT as an element of national development. Finally, it presents some examples of efforts to improve ICT penetration and functionality from Senegal and South Africa.

My, your and our needs for safety and security: relatives’ reflections on using information and communication technology in dementia care

The present paper reports on a study aimed at describing relatives' reflections on different kinds of information and communication technology (ICT) devices that are used or can be used in the daily care of persons with dementia. Many persons with dementia continue living in their own homes, which requires the support of their relatives. One way to meet the needs of relatives and persons with dementia is to use ICT. An interview study was conducted in Sweden (2007-2008) with a purposive sample of 14 spouses of a person with dementia. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify categories and themes in the data. Relatives' reflections on the use of ICT were described as ICT - a support in daily life, ICT - internal and external conditions and ICT - the decision to use or not use. Based on these categories, a theme was revealed: shifting between different perspectives: my, your and our needs for safety and security. Relatives struggle to create a situation of safety and security in daily life for themselves and the persons with dementia. ICT devices with the right functionality and used at the right time are regarded as useful in solving everyday problems. In the decision to use or not use ICT, the opportunity to create a safe and secure environment overshadows potential ethical problems. Providing early information about ICT to persons with dementia and their relatives could facilitate joint decision-making regarding use of ICT.

Who Enjoys ICT Development? An Investigation into the Role of ICT Development in Asian Countries Using Dynamic Panel Data

Asian countries are at different development stages in the building of an information and communication technology (ICT) industry. Although East Asian countries, especially Japan and Korea, have reached a high penetration rate of broadband and telephony, most of the South and South-East Asian countries are still at the early stage of the diffusion process. It is even more interesting that some Asian countries have recently achieved robust growth in the penetration rate of particular ICT devices, for instance, cellular ones, amid sluggish socio-economic performance. This phenomenon raises the question of how the contribution by ICT affects society and who enjoys the development of this sector? In order to address these questions, this study aims to relate the network externality with regard to socio-economic variables included in the calculation of the Human Development Index (HDI): educational attainment and health (life-expectancy rate). The ICT variables of the analysis include the penetration rate of the fixed-line, Internet subscriber, computer and TV. The study covers roughly 35 selected Asian countries that represent all the sub-regions in Asia based on the World Bank and International Telecommunication Union’s database, and the figures range in time from 1983 to 2005. The study first identifies the unit root test and then builds cointegration between the series. As there are many gaps in the data, the Maddala-Wu (1999) estimation is implemented while the Westerlund (2007) cointegration test is applied to non-stationary series. The results are quite surprising in that most ICT device development has no statistical evidence of cointegration with socio-economic variables. Primary education has very weak cointegration with the development of ICT devices however. Thus, there is a need for further innovation in this sector to provide more socio-economic devices to support a better level of welfare.

Does ambient intelligence lead to e-inclusion of older people?

Purpose The threat of isolation from mainstreamed economic, cultural and civic life is a driving force behind policy initiatives which promote and fund the research, development and deployment of ambient intelligence for older people. The European Commission (EC) invests heavily in research programs developing new information and communication technologies (ICT) to enable older people to successfully carry out their activities of daily living1,2. However, the question arises whether these new ICT methods designed for older people are addressing the fundamental issue of e-inclusion. The MonAMI approach hypotheses that when ICT services designed for older people employ mainstreamed devices, and if older people accept and use these ICT solutions, this will facilitate their inclusion into the information age. Method The Mainstreaming of Ambient Intelligence (MonAMI) project is developing ambient intelligent services based on open source technology which can be used with mainstreamed devices (e.g., web browser, mobile telephone, touch screen). Services include monitoring and alert systems which allow users to check, control, and be notified of the status of their home environment (e.g. opening and closing doors, turning on and off lights) through an accessible user interface. MonAMI services also include a range of functionalities which allow caregivers to remotely monitor the safety of their loved-ones, such as a presence alert which sends a notification to caregivers if the vulnerable person is out of a ‘safe range’. Two rounds of pilot testing were conducted in six laboratory settings across Europe. Older and disabled users were invited to try out the MonAMI services in a controlled environment, during which they were interviewed about their previous use of mainstream ICT and whether they felt that MonAMI services could help them in various domains of their every-day life. A planned ‘living lab’ evaluation will be conducted in 2010. Older people with at least one disability will have MonAMI services installed in their home for a minimum of six months. Before the installation of the services, each participant and their caregivers will be interviewed individually to establish their baseline level of ICT-use and then a second time to assess any changes. Results & Discussion The literature demonstrates3,4 that older people more readily adopt ICT which resemble devices they are already familiar with (e.g. telephone, television). The development of MonAMI services incorporates this ideology and responds to justified criticism of earlier ambient living ‘solutions’; blaming poor uptake-levels on the design of ICT services and devices which is yet to fully appreciate the complexity of older people’s needs5,6. The results of the pilot tests demonstrated that compared to non-users, older people who previously used email and were generally enthusiastic about trying new technologies perceived that MonAMI services could be useful in controlling their physical home environment and meal preparation. The presentation will include lessons learned from these pilot tests and possible solutions for improving the adoption of ambient solutions by older people with little or no experience with ICT.