Introduction Of Information And Communication Technologies Research Articles

Моделювання факторів соціально-економічного розвитку регіонів України та визначення ролі ІКТ

The aim of this article is to analyze and model the factors of socioeconomic development of the regions of Ukraine, taking into account the peculiarities of the influence of information and communication technologies (ICT). The article is directed towards identifying the relationship between various aspects of regional development and the introduction of ICT, as well as determining the role of these technologies in increasing the competitiveness and sustainable development of regional economies. One of the tasks is to reveal the importance of information technology for the effective management of regional development and to develop recommendations on strategies for improving the efficiency of the use of ICT in order to promote sustainable development of the regions of Ukraine. In order to determine the generalized factors of socioeconomic development of regions and to establish the impact of ICT on this development, a model of the main components has been built, which has allowed to transform the 16-dimensional feature space into a four-dimensional space of generalized factors that explain 88.7% of the variation of the features selected for analysis. This indicates a high level of factorization of the built model of principal components. The following generalized factors have been identified and ranked according to the degree of importance: 1) development of ICT and labor potential (impact: 39.9%); 2) the state of finance and investment (impact: 14.4%); 3) development of production (impact: 24.7%); 4) the results of the functioning of enterprises (impact: 9.6%). The computations were carried out using the «Statistica» application package, in particular the «Factor analysis» module. The use of the developed model made it possible to prevent subjectivism in determining the main factors of socioeconomic development of the regions of Ukraine. The carried out research allowed to substantiate the theoretical and methodological foundations of statistical modeling of factors of socioeconomic development of regions and to determine the role (impact) of ICT. The allocated factors can be taken as a basis for the formation of key directions and strategies for the development of regions, as well as for making effective managerial decisions in the field of ICT.

Comparative Analysis of ISO27001 and NIST CSF

Recent developments in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have had a significant impact on commercial organizations in achieving their goals and objectives. However, the introduction of ICT introduced new cyber risks and threats as well. To mitigate cyber threats, various cybersecurity frameworks and standards are available e.g., ISO/IEC27001 and NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF). These frameworks can be used to measure/ audit the maturity level of an organization’s cybersecurity status. In this study, we have compared the ISO 27001 and NIST CSF and map these frameworks with each other.

IMPROVING THE PROCESSES OF USING MODERN INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE ORGANIZATION OF DIGITAL SERVICES

This article examines the strategy of improving the use of modern information and communication technologies (ICT) in the organization of digital services. By optimizing the processes associated with the introduction of ICT, organizations can increase efficiency, improve customer experience and lead to business growth. The article provides insights into ICT Infrastructure Assessment, user experience analysis and application of rapid development practices. It highlights the positive results of this optimization, including improved efficiency, improved customer experience, and advanced data management. The article concludes with recommendations for developing digital first thinking, investing in ICT infrastructure, prioritizing user experience, and promoting collaboration.

Information and communication technologies in the professional activity of physical culture and sports specialists using the competence approach

The article examines the main directions of using information and communication technologies (ICT) in the professional activities of physical education managers. Information and communication technologies are defined as processes, methods of search, collection, storage, processing, provision, distribution of information and methods of implementation of such processes and methods.
 The introduction of ICT in the educational and training process stimulates interest in educational and training activities, promotes the formation of logical and creative thinking, promotes the development of students and the formation of information culture. Information and communication technologies contribute to the development of the competence of critical thinking and the competence of interpersonal interaction in training work.
 The relevance of the application of the researched technologies is substantiated, which is due to the social need to improve the quality of physical education of children of different ages and the educational process in general. The issue of applying the competence approach in the process of physical education as a condition for improving the quality of education is revealed. The mechanisms of implementation of the competence approach, taking into account the individual characteristics of students, were traced.
 The complex application of information and communication technologies in the process of physical education is quite relevant for the development of the student's personality and the formation of the following competencies in students: the ability to compare the advantages and disadvantages of various sources of information, to choose appropriate technologies for its search, to create and use adequate models and procedures for studying and processing information, etc.

The Introduction of Information and Communication Technology in the Framework of Preschool Education

The Romanian education system has had to adapt to the new challenges brought on by the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Thus, it is expected of preschool teachers to integrate and use Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in their teaching approach. The purpose of this study is to explore the preschool teachers' perception on quality usage of ICT. Based on qualitative data, we have started with the question; "What is the preschool teachers' perception regarding the possibilities and the limits that come with the introduction of ICT in the preschool curriculum?" The pattern was determined by using the sampling criteria which is an intentional sampling method. This was used to select 25 preschool teachers (N=25) from state kindergartens. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews that lasted up to one hour and were based on the semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were recorded, recorded and transcribed, in order to make the main textual analysis, which was based on a thematic analysis, thus identifying three main themes. Our results show that there is a need for change, where teachersʼ technological pedagogical knowledge needs improvement, in terms of how they are supposed to integrate technology for childrenʼs invovment in the teaching-learning process. Furthermore, the preschool teachers have emphasized on their expectations in being supported through the creation of a school curriculum and more programs that involve improving their abilities in using technology. Preschool teachers are aware not only of the advantages of technology, but also of the possible disadvantages.

The Development of Export-Import Activity on the Basis of Information and Communication Technologies

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are rapidly becoming a decisive factor and driving force for the development of export-import activities of many enterprises. The aim of the article is to identify the main directions of development of export-import activities on the basis of ICT and to assess the relationship between the indicators of the digital economy and the indicators of exports and imports of the EU countries. In this study, based on the analysis of statistical data of the leading European countries-leaders in the field of exports and imports, the features of their export-import activities are highlighted, the degrees of use of ICT in various sectors of the economy of these countries are analyzed, the most important directions of use of ICT for the development of export-import activities are allocated, namely: digital infrastructure: electronic documentation, electronic exchange of information, e-commerce, digital innovations in the manufacturing, digital finance, digital marketing and promotion, digital logistics, cybersecurity. The allocated areas should serve as a guideline for the resumption of Ukraine’s foreign trade during the wartime and in the post-war period. Taking into consideration data of the EU countries, an analysis of the impact of the indicators of the components of the index of digital economy and society on the volume of exports and imports in 2022 is carried out on the basis of regression models. It is substantiated that the effect of the use of ICT will strengthen our country’s position in the competitive field of international trade. For the leading countries of exports and imports, it is determined that the introduction of 5G technology is of significant importance in the context of the development of foreign trade, which at present is an urgent and strategic direction for the development of these countries. Further direction of development of this study is envisaged in the study of models of dynamics and the inclusion of additional factors influencing foreign trade, namely human potential, financial and material support for the introduction of ICT based on the experience of leading European countries.

The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its implications on academic excellence in Federal University Wukari, Taraba State

The use of ICT in undertaking major operations at Federal University Wukari is expected to change the ways public officials carry out their duties. Before the introduction of ICT, each departmental exam officer was expected to manually prepare and collate their students' results for adoption at the various levels of approval. The adoption of ICT in preparing students' results seems not to have gone down well with the exam officers. The study examines the perceptions of the exam officers towards the adoption of ICT in collating students’ results at the University. It also examines its implications on academic excellence in the university. The study is survey research, as such, primary and secondary data were collated. The data collected via the questionnaires were analysed quantitatively, while the other qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Findings revealed that the exam officers are not adequately informed and prepared for the change as it was forced on them suddenly by the school management. However, they all agreed that ICT has positively affected the preparation and collation of student results as it has greatly reduced errors and inconsistency, inaccuracy and stress associated with the former system. Although the use of ICT came with its problems, it has positively affected students’ academic accomplishments at the University. ICT was found more reliable and efficient in accomplishing an effective evaluation of students in the University. The study, therefore, suggests more training for exam officers on the use of ICT, and the provision of the necessary equipment required for the use of ICT, among others.

Analysis of the Needs of Social Workers Regarding Their Utilization of ICT in the System of Provision of Social Services (Kyiv City, Ukraine)

The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is an important element in the work of social workers. Recent progress in ICT creates fundamentally new opportunities for social work in the provision of social services, including high-quality and timely responses to the requests of vulnerable population groups and persons in crises. In the information sector, work in the social sphere requires knowledge and skills in effective search, accumulation, processing, storage, presentation, and transmission of data using computers and computer networks. A social worker must be able to use information and computer technologies both for self-development in the professional sphere and for organizing their daily practical activities and solving socially significant problems. Therefore, it is necessary to form and develop ICT competence in professional activities for the quality provision of social services. The purpose of the study is to determine the ICT tools used in the practical work of social workers in the provision of social services, the scope of ICT application, and the analysis of the needs of social workers in Kyiv regarding the introduction of ICT into the system of providing social services.An online survey of social workers of state and non-state organizations in Kyiv, which provide social services to vulnerable population groups and persons in crises, was conducted. The theoretical sampling method was used, which made it possible to formulate generalized recommendations regarding introducing ICT tools into the social services system. To determine the typical ICT tools and directions of ICT used in social work, an expert meeting was held with specialists of the Department of Information and Analytical Work of the Kyiv City Center of Social Services. Resource monitoring was used for the automated search of information on the Internet.The authors of the article researched the information and communication technologies used by social service providers in their work and highlighted the prospects of ICT tools in state and non-state organizations. The ICT tools that are most often used in the provision of social services have been determined as a result of a survey of social service workers of state and non-state organizations in Kyiv. These tools are grouped into three main categories: communication channels, information dissemination channels, and methods of building online service provision processes. The key needs of social workers regarding the use of ICT tools in the process of providing social services and the most typical challenges in the implementation of these technologies are presented in the article. The authors identified the advantages of using ICT in the provision of social services and proved the effectiveness of the use of electronic services as a quick and effective tool in the process of meeting the requests of vulnerable population groups. The prospects for the use of ICT in the provision of social services are highlighted as well. It has been shown that the use of information and communication technologies in the provision of social services will positively affect the quality of the provision of social assistance and social services. The use of these technologies by social institutions makes it possible not only to effectively respond to the challenges of the military situation in Ukraine but also to promptly respond to the requests and needs of social service recipients and provide them with quality services. The authors presented the main ICTs that can be used by social workers when providing social services.

General practitioners' perception of integrated care using communication technologies: a secondary analysis of a focus group of the Horizon 2020 funded project POLYCARE

Integrated healthcare models (IC) have the objective of reducing the costs of an increased use of health service as well as the strong sectoral fragmentation of the German health care system. However, no national approach has been implemented in primary care to date. Ten GPs from the Cologne/Bonn district (60% male; Ø age = 52 years [35-65]) were invited to a focus group in 2016. The interview was part of the Horizon 2020 funded POLYCARE study. A semi-structured guideline was used to assess feasibility of the POLYCARE study protocol. GPs also provided information about previous experience with and attitudes toward IC models and the relevant information and communication technologies (ICT), such as home-monitoring or communication software. This information was analyzed using a transcending secondary analysis to evaluate conditions for their successful implementation. Participants reported little experience with IC and ICT. However, they reported being open to both and seeing potential for time savings, better networking opportunities, and increased quality of care for their patients. The integration of social services was considered as a chance of alleviating the burden of socio-medical tasks. Barriers to the introduction of IC and ICT were seen in the initial time investment, the lack of legal structures, the concern about overabundant data, and the susceptibility to failure. The nationwide expansion of social services as well as ICT that is easy to use, less susceptible to failure, and compatible with existing structures show great potential for relieving GPs. Future research should address the concerns - such as financial and time expenses of introducing IC and ICT - of GPs by systematic investigation in long-term studies. The provision of an additional legal basis that is regulating the respective remuneration models as well as the rights and obligations of all parties, IC and ICT can play a greater role in future patient care.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ICT IN SENIOR PRESCHOOLERS’ MORAL EDUCATION

The research features the results of the effective introduction of information and communication technologies (ICT) into the process of senior preschoolers’ moral education in preschool educational institutions (PEI). The benefits of ICT implementation in preschool education in different countries are discussed, and the balance between ICT and moral education is clarified. The necessity to find new approaches to increase the level of senior preschoolers’ moral education was emphasized, which determined the topicality of the raised scientific problem. An experimental study of ICT implementation in the senior preschoolers’ (n = 432) moral education was conducted, which included constitutive, formative and control stages. Criteria (cognitive, emotional and value-oriented, behavioral), their indexes and levels of senior preschoolers’ moral education were specified. Based on the diagnostic method “Me and My Friends”, the initial levels (high, sufficient, medium and low) were determined. An experimental method of ICT implementation in senior preschoolers’ moral education is presented. This method was developed considering the requirements of the Basic Component of Preschool Education of Ukraine (2021) and partial program (additional thematic program on the organization of moral education in preschool education) “Treasury of Morality” (2020). The method is aimed at building children’s positive attitude to ICT as a source of information that promotes the consolidation of knowledge about moral norms and development of skills of moral behaviour in society. The educational potential of ICT is analyzed, which should be implemented to increase the level of senior preschoolers’ moral education, namely: videos, multimedia presentations, cartoons, video tales, online games, smart cards etc. The sequence of the method implementation at the information-introductory, reconstructive-formative and affirmative-consolidating stages is revealed. The effectiveness of ICT implementation in the senior preschoolers’ moral education was assessed at the control stage. Positive dynamics of high and sufficient levels in senior preschoolers’ moral education in the experimental group (EG) is proved to have risen. Importance of the ICT introduction into the modern system of senior preschoolers’ moral education of PEI is confirmed. The following prospective directions of the initiated study are outlined: interaction with parents in the context of children’s moral education involving ICT, ensuring consistency of PEI and primary school in children’s moral education, as well as the development of moral competence of university students majoring in “Preschool education”.

Preferable Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Long-term Care Settings: A Vignette Survey of Japan

It is the purpose of child welfare practices to provide a protective environment for minors. However, welfare practices for children and adolescents have also been linked to a higher risk for maltreatment, trauma, and deprivation. Due to such early-life adversity, affected individuals often report a life course depicted by further trauma, socio-economic disadvantage, mental and physical ill-health. Examination of the long-term health correlates of enforced child welfare practices, as well as potential mediators, have previously been neglected in later life. It was therefore the purpose of these studies to examine the long-term correlates of enforced child welfare practices; the associated maltreatment, trauma, and deprivation; and the physical and mental health outcomes in Swiss older survivors (n=132, MAGE=71 years) and an age-matched control group (n=125). These studies further examined the mediating role of socio-economic factors (e.g., education, income), self-esteem, and self-compassion. Mental health was assessed with a structured clinical interview; physical health, self-esteem, and self-compassion with psychometric instruments. Survivors reported significantly more types and severity of childhood maltreatment, trauma, and deprivation than the control group. They also reported significantly more lifetime and current mental health disorders and more physical illnesses. Socio-economic factors and self-esteem, but not self-compassion, acted as significant mediators. Exposure to maltreatment, trauma, and deprivation in childhood and adolescence is linked to poorer mental and physical health in later life. Potential targets for intervention and health-protective measures include socio-economic factors and self-esteem, which were found to diminish the detrimental long-term impact of early-life adversity and disadvantage into later life.

Problems and Prospects of Integrating ICT in Geography and Environmental Sciences.

No doubt, the entire world is gaining momentum into digital media information. This is making Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) an important aspect of the development. Presently, geography and environmental sciences in Nigeria is experiencing a major transformation in terms of access, equity, and quality which is highly influenced by the integration of ICTs. In other words, the introduction of ICTs into the discipline has serious implications especially in dealing with the key issues of access, equity, management, efficiency, pedagogy and quality. The optimal utilization of opportunity arising from the integration of ICTs presents a serious challenge to the discipline of geography and environmental sciences especially in the areas of data collection, management and analysis. The concern of this paper, therefore, is the ways in which ICTs is integrated into the discipline, the attendant prospects, and the challenges posed by the integration. Literature search of information from articles from Google scholar, academia, libraries, etc. coupled with personal survey research using telephone interview are the major sources of information. Results reveal, that the field of study is experiencing a serious threat in spite of the introduction of ICTs. This results from the way in which the ICTs has been conceptualized into the field of study – ideas of positivist and empiricist science are embraced while geographical knowledge based on humanists and realist approaches to science have been neglected. However, it is suggested that especially in the area of data collection, a holistic approach should be considered. Tools that will enhance collection of data related to field of study should be developed and not just for a particular variable. Also, Government should properly fund ICTs research and provide institutions with up-to-date technologies for development and innovation, and teachers should ensure participation in training provided by institutions' management, self-enroll or access training on internet resources. Keywords: Education, Geography and Environmental Sciences, ICT

Використання інформаційно-комунікаційних технологій при викладанні економічних дисциплін в умовах дистанційного навчання

This article substantiates the relevance of using information and communication technology in the educational process in a distance learning environment. Currently, the introduction of information and communication technology (ICT) in the educational process is a method of its intensification, which allows making learning more descriptive and dynamic. In the context of distance learning, the use of information and communication technologies is a pedagogically justified approach that increases the effectiveness of the educational process, the interest of educational applicants in the formation of professional competencies. The essence of the concepts of «information and communication technology» and «distance learning» is disclosed. Information and communication technologies are defined as a set of different technological tools and resources that are used to support the communication process and the creation, dissemination, conservation and management of information. Distance learning refers to an individualized process of developing the competencies of educational applicants, which occur with the indirect interaction of distant participants in the educational process in a specialized environment that operates on the basis of modern information and communication technologies. The research reveals information and communication technology for distance learning-technology for the creation, accumulation, storage and access to electronic resources of educational disciplines, as well as for the organization and maintenance of the educational process through specialized software and means of information and communication communications. It is determined that the introduction of ICT increases the level of professional competence of future specialists. We have proposed the main directions of using ICT in the practical work of a teacher of economic disciplines in the context of such stages of his work as: in the stage of preparation for the lesson (use of electronic and information resources when teachers create educational and methodological support); when teaching new material (use of knowledge visualization technology - demonstration programs, subject collections, interactive models, dynamic tables, charts and diagrams on Internet resources); during laboratory work using the training programs «BAS: Accounting», «Happy Accountant» etc.; when fixing the material (conducting trainings); for monitoring and verification (performed using testing); while working independently (using online calculators) and distance learning. Information sources (web sites and Internet search engines) are identified as ICT software tools virtual constructors (allow the creation of visual models of mathematical or physical reality and conduct experiments with these models), simulator programs (provide an opportunity for students to improve their professional skills), test environments, comprehensive training packages (e-textbooks and manuals that most automate the learning process) and information management systems (ensuring the flow of information between all participants in the educational process). Examples of the use of ICT in the teaching of economic disciplines for the formation of professional competencies of educational applicants are given.

Redefining Professional Identities: Identity Work of Professional Accountants in the Presence of ICTs in Sri Lanka

Changes in professional identities with moving into new types of roles or engaging in new tasks may strive to alter the direction of a profession at large. Comparatively little attention has been devoted to the professional identities of accountants in the Sri Lankan context, to the construal of their professional identities in the face of changes accompanying the widespread use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Thus, the purpose of this paper is to present the findings of an empirical study on how the professional identities being redefined by accounting professionals in Sri Lanka in the presence of ICTs. The paper elaborates on the less studied phenomenon as ICTs facilitate the world of work by creating interfaces for workers to act, though on some occasions it does present certain challenges. A qualitative research approach was adopted to carry out an interpretive and naturalistic exploration. Participants were selected based on the purposive judgmental sampling technique, to cover different aspects of the profession from the time of introduction of ICTs to the Sri Lankan context, to the present day. Data was gathered through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and subsequently, the transcribed interviews were thematically analysed. Findings of the study explains how the professional accountant’s job role and accounts departments’ structures changed with the advent of ICTs. Five types of identity work which accounting professionals use to redefine their professional identities in the presence of ICTs, were identified as resistance to change, acquiring new skills and facilitating new skills, occupying different spaces, legitimising knowledge, and finding alternative avenues. Accordingly, the paper presents the views of the participants on the future trends in the accounting profession in Sri Lanka while drawing implications for the policy decisions of academics and other professional bodies. Thus, the paper highlights professional accountants’ identity work which contributes to the redefinition of professional identities in the face of inevitable changes occurring in the world of work.
 Keywords: Accounting professionals, Identity work, ICTs, Redefining identities

How ICT can contribute to realize a sustainable society in the future: a CGE approach

Many information and communications technology (ICT) services have become commonplace worldwide and are certain to continue to spread faster than before, particularly along with the commercialization of 5G and movement restrictions in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Although there is a concern that ICT equipment usage may increase power consumption and emit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ICT has also been contributing to reducing GHG emissions through improved productivity and reduced mobility. This research targeted the main ICT services used in Japan and adopted a dynamic national computable general equilibrium model to quantitatively analyze future impacts on economic growth and GHG emission reduction until 2030 by using these ICTs, while considering both the increase in power consumption of ICT itself and the reduction in environmental load in other sectors. The results showed that the spread of ICT services, especially some artificial intelligence-based services, can improve productivity in most sectors through labor-saving and contribute to improving overall gross domestic product (GDP). Additionally, increased efficiency of logistics and manufacturing can greatly reduce the input of oil and coal products and so greatly contribute to GHG emission reduction. In 2030, compared with the baseline scenario in which all technology levels are fixed at current levels, at least 1% additional GDP growth and 4% GHG emission reduction can be expected by the targeted introduction of ICT in the ICT accelerated scenario in which the technology level of ICT accelerates. This also means ICT can potentially decouple the economy from the environment.

TYPOLOGIZATION OF THE EFFECTS FROM THE INTRODUCTION AND USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS

The subject of the study is to consider the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) on the country’s economic development that requires providing the systematic research of objective prerequisites for increasing ecological and economic efficiency of the introduction and use of ICT. The economic justification for the implementation of ICT taking into account the economic consequences of its impact on the environment is impossible without studying, systematizing economic and environmental effects from the use of ICT. Scientific studies of the economic problems of the implementation of ICT, in our opinion, should be deepened on the basis of the need to take into account the positive and negative economic consequences of their impact on the environment and therefore require further research in this direction. The purpose of the paper is to determine the impact of information and communication technologies on the country’s ecological and economic development and to systematize the economic, social and environmental effects from the introduction and use of ICT. The dialectical method of scientific knowledge, method of analysis and synthesis, comparative method, method of data generalization are used in the paper. The paper outlines and describes the main directions of influence of information and communication technologies (ICT) on economic development of industry, on development of agriculture, on the sphere of transport and communication. The classification of the effects from the introduction and use of ICT is given, namely: by the life cycle of the product – the effects that arise at the stage of development, production, realization, consumption and disposal of the product; by recipients of influence – the effects that arise in enterprises, government bodies, which use ICT, households, which are consumers of ICT goods and services, and in the environment; by the form of manifestation – direct and indirect effects. ICT provide extensive opportunities for learning, promote the participation of citizens in public life, etc., but at the same time they can increase the unevenness of the economic development of the regions of the country due to the difference in access to ICT. The development of ICT provides a reduction in the material component of production and consumption, helping to reduce the resource intensity and ecological sustainability of economic processes, and improve the environmental situation.

Promising plans and practical use of ICT in education: Sub-Saharan Africa perspectives

Introduction. Information and communication technologies (ICT) in the field of education have become indispensable for many countries. Digital transformation of school has conquered the minds of many educationists in Sub-Saharan Africa which long suffered from low attendance rates and lack of qualified teachers. This is a developing region with unstable educational opportunities and ICT use is believed to be a central form solution for the future effective functioning of learning programmes. Materials and methods. General scientific theoretical methods and comparative analysis were used to analyze actual statistical data, take insight into existing online learning platforms, expert’s accounts. Results. Both the general problems of ICT application in education and its functioning in the context of national educational systems in such countries as Uganda and Kenya were analyzed. Unique evidence from this rapidly developing region underscores the need of a balanced and comprehensive approach to the strategies of the digital education reforms at school. Сonclusions. ICT introduction risks not to be an effective factor in the management of educational process without taking into account behavioral and sociocultural context as well as without thorough development of all levels of educational system. Though the article is addressed to the experts in the field of education and African studies, it will be of considerable interest to all practitioners concerned with the implementation of ICT in teaching practice.

Mathematics Teachers’ Perceptions of the Introduction of ICT: The Relationship between Motivation and Use in the Teaching Function

Digital self-efficacy and the amount of perceived support from the school can improve teachers’ motivation to increase the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the classroom. Likewise, attitude, perception, gender, and experience of mathematics teachers are factors that influence their use of ICT. This study aimed to analyze the profiles of mathematics teachers, determine the existence of differences between them, and identify the sample size necessary to detect significant differences. A total of 73 high school teachers were included in this cross-sectional study. Teaching practice, ICT resources, ICT in the classroom, skills, and uses of ICT were assessed through a validated 19-item questionnaire. Statistical analysis revealed that the required sample to detect significant differences was 53 subjects. Further, 67.21% of the mathematics teachers surveyed in Melilla were younger than 40 years of age, and 62.30% had less than 6 years of teaching experience. In addition, 81.97 and 47.54% of mathematics teachers stated that they consider themselves to have sufficient ICT resources at home for their work and in the classroom, respectively. Through different clusters, mathematics teachers can be identified and classified according to their motivational and competence profiles in pedagogical and digital areas. In addition, young teachers with some teaching experience had positive perceptions of technology, as reflected by high scores in the motivation indicator for ICT.

Prompt forecasting of heat flows under fire conditions in a vertical steel tank having an ANFIS protective wall

Introduction. Tanks and tank farms are widespread in many constituent entities of the Russian Federation and are among the most important elements of the model for the production, treatment, transportation and processing of oil and oil products. It is relevant both at the Russian and global levels to ensure that fire safety is arranged for tank farms to reduce highest risk levels according to the risk-based safety model. In the context of information and communication technology (ICT) developments and introduction of ICT into the operation and management of various facilities, over the past decades advanced methods have emerged for predicting the occurrence and development of emergency situations at facilities and enhancing management decisions on containment and elimination of emergency situations including fires.Goals and objectives. In this paper, the authors present a model that they developed to promptly forecast heat flows using artificial neural networks. The forecast model will improve the safety of fire brigade personnel responsible for extinguishing fires inside ground-based vertical steel tanks having protective walls. In the research, the authors place special emphasis on identifying dependence between the heat flow and the wind load. Methods. To achieve this goal, the authors arranged and conducted a series of experiments, collected experimental data on heat flows, and created training and test samples.Results. Dependences between heat flows and environmental factors were identified by constructing adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems or adaptive network-based fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS). Various types of membership functions, optimisation and system generation methods were compared and it was found out that for ANFISs, prediction of heat flows with regard to and disregarding wind loads were optimal, if subcluster and hybrid optimisation methods were used, as they had lowest error values for samples.Discussion. The analysis shows that wind speed and tank location can rise temperatures of the air, tank wall and petrol. Therefore, despite the complexity of the analysis, the regard for all these factors makes it possible to identify a safe distance between a burning tank and firefighters.Conclusions. The research made it possible to develop a model for prompt heat flow forecasting with the help of artificial intelligence elements (ANFIS). The results obtained in the course of the work make it possible to increase the efficiency of prompt forecasting of the dynamic behaviour of fire inside tanks and tank farms and optimize managerial decision-making by responsible persons.

Universal Design of ICT for Emergency Management from Stakeholders\u2019 Perspective

While Universal Design principles have been adopted in many areas to ensure that products and services are usable for the broadest possible diversity of users, there is still an open area when it comes to the emergency management domain. This article aims at providing a systematic overview of the current state of the emerging research field of Universal Design of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Emergency Management, and to highlight high-impact research opportunities to ensure that the increasing introduction of ICT in Emergency Management can contribute to removing barriers instead of adding more barriers, in particular for the elderly and people with disabilities. A systematic review on relevant literature on Universal Design, ICT and Emergency Management between 2008 and 2020 was employed using predefined frameworks, to answer the following questions: (1) Who are the target audiences (stakeholders) in research on Universal Design of ICT in Emergency Management in the different categories of Emergency Management ICT tools, and to what degree is Human-Centred Design and Universal Design taken into account? (2) What are the most important challenges and gaps in research on Universal Design of ICT in Emergency Management? We identify a set of gaps in the literature, indicating that there are some challenges where Universal Design is still limitedly addressed in technology development. We also derive promising future research topics based on areas that are missing in the literature.