KSI's Cross Insulated Core Transformer Technology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Uhmeyer, Uwe

2009-08-04

Cross Insulated Core Transformer (CCT) technology improves on Insulated Core Transformer (ICT) implementations. ICT systems are widely used in very high voltage, high power, power supply systems. In an ICT transformer ferrite core sections are insulated from their neighboring ferrite cores. Flux leakage is present at each of these insulated gaps. The flux loss is raised to the power of stages in the ICT design causing output voltage efficiency to taper off with increasing stages. KSI's CCT technology utilizes a patented technique to compensate the flux loss at each stage of an ICT system. Design equations to calculate the fluxmore » compensation capacitor value are presented. CCT provides corona free operation of the HV stack. KSI's CCT based High Voltage power supply systems offer high efficiency operation, high frequency switching, low stored energy and smaller size over comparable ICT systems.« less

Factors predicting teachers' attitudes towards the use of ICT in teaching and learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayub, Ahmad Fauzi Mohd; Bakar, Kamariah Abu; Ismail, Rohayati

2015-10-01

Technology has revolutionized in the field of Education. The importance of technology in schools cannot be ignored. While it is important that mathematics teachers should have positive attitudes towards adopting ICT in their teaching, various problems can arise when integrating ICT into classroom lessons. This study explored the factors that influence the attitudes of mathematic teachers in the integration of ICT in the teaching and learning process. A total of 187 mathematics teachers from the state of Selangor in Malaysia were randomly selected from a stratified cluster sample. The research examined five factors that were postulated to impact teachers' attitudes towards the integration of ICT in their lessons, viz. teachers' technology competence, school culture, access to ICT, school support, and years of classroom teaching experience. The findings showed that the teachers' attitudes towards using ICT in teaching and learning were positively correlated with the teachers' technology competence [r = .41; p < .01], ICT school culture [r = .261; p < .01], school support [r = .366; p < .01] and access to ICT resources [r = .220; p < .01]. However, a negative relationship existed between years of teaching and attitudes towards using ICT in teaching and learning [r = -0.192; p < .01]. A multiple regression analysis showed that 29.1% of the variation in teachers' attitudes towards using ICT in the classroom was explained by the variation in teachers' technology competence, school support and school culture, with the effects of teaching experience and ICT resource access being negligible.

Improving skill development: an exploratory study comparing a philosophical and an applied ethical analysis technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Saggaf, Yeslam; Burmeister, Oliver K.

2012-09-01

This exploratory study compares and contrasts two types of critical thinking techniques; one is a philosophical and the other an applied ethical analysis technique. The two techniques analyse an ethically challenging situation involving ICT that a recent media article raised to demonstrate their ability to develop the ethical analysis skills of ICT students and professionals. In particular the skill development focused on includes: being able to recognise ethical challenges and formulate coherent responses; distancing oneself from subjective judgements; developing ethical literacy; identifying stakeholders; and communicating ethical decisions made, to name a few.

ICT in Education: Catalyst for Economic Growth in the Congo

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ngoma, Sylvester

2010-01-01

The correlation between ICT-supported education system and economic development of a developing country has been documented by several studies (Anderson, 2009; Selwood et al, 2003; and Unwin, 2009). Today's Information and Communication Technology can significantly and positively impact the educational and economic landscape of the Democratic…

Semi-Quantitative Scoring of an Immunochromatographic Test for Circulating Filarial Antigen

PubMed Central

Chesnais, Cédric B.; Missamou, François; Pion, Sébastien D. S.; Bopda, Jean; Louya, Frédéric; Majewski, Andrew C.; Weil, Gary J.; Boussinesq, Michel

2013-01-01

The value of a semi-quantitative scoring of the filarial antigen test (Binax Now Filariasis card test, ICT) results was evaluated during a field survey in the Republic of Congo. One hundred and thirty-four (134) of 774 tests (17.3%) were clearly positive and were scored 1, 2, or 3; and 11 (1.4%) had questionable results. Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae (mf) were detected in 41 of those 133 individuals with an ICT test score ≥ 1 who also had a night blood smear; none of the 11 individuals with questionable ICT results harbored night mf. Cuzick's test showed a significant trend for higher microfilarial densities in groups with higher ICT scores (P < 0.001). The ICT scores were also significantly correlated with blood mf counts. Because filarial antigen levels provide an indication of adult worm infection intensity, our results suggest that semi-quantitative reading of the ICT may be useful for grading the intensity of filarial infections in individuals and populations. PMID:24019435

The Relationship among Pre-Service EFL Teachers' Beliefs about Language Learning, Pedagogical Beliefs, and Beliefs about ICT Integration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Inayati, Dian; Emaliana, Ive

2017-01-01

This paper elucidates the relationship among pre-service teachers' beliefs about language learning, pedagogical beliefs, and beliefs about ICT Integration through survey methodology. This study employed a quantitative approach, particularly a correlational relationship to investigate the relationships among beliefs about language learning,…

Recommendations for ICT use in Alzheimer's disease assessment: Monaco CTAD Expert Meeting.

PubMed

Robert, P H; Konig, A; Andrieu, S; Bremond, F; Chemin, I; Chung, P C; Dartigues, J F; Dubois, B; Feutren, G; Guillemaud, R; Kenisberg, P A; Nave, S; Vellas, B; Verhey, F; Yesavage, J; Mallea, P

2013-01-01

Alzheimer disease (AD) and other related dementia represent a major challenge for health care systems within the aging population. It is therefore important to develop better instruments for assessing disease severity and disease progression to optimize patient's care and support to care providers, and also provide better tools for clinical research. In this area, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are of particular interest. Such techniques enable accurate and standardized assessments of patients' performance and actions in real time and real life situations. The aim of this article is to provide basic recommendation concerning the development and the use of ICT for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. During he ICT and Mental Health workshop (CTAD meeting held in Monaco on the 30th October 2012) an expert panel was set up to prepare the first recommendations for the use of ICT in dementia research. The expert panel included geriatrician, epidemiologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, ICT engineers, representatives from the industry and patient association. The recommendations are divided into three sections corresponding to 1/ the clinical targets of interest for the use of ICT, 2/ the conditions, the type of sensors and the outputs (scores) that could be used and obtained, 3/ finally the last section concerns specifically the use of ICT within clinical trials.

The Role of ICT in Open and Distance Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rahman, Habibur

2014-01-01

Open and distance learning is getting more dependent on information and communication technology (ICT) and has been playing an important role in the delivery strategies of distance learning. With the advancement in technology in the field education has introduces variety of new techniques for educators and learners to enhance knowledge.…

Cultivating ICT Students' Interpersonal Soft Skills in Online Learning Environments Using Traditional Active Learning Techniques

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Myers, Trina S.; Blackman, Anna; Andersen, Trevor; Hay, Rachel; Lee, Ickjai; Gray, Heather

2014-01-01

Flexible online delivery of tertiary ICT programs is experiencing rapid growth. Creating an online environment that develops team building and interpersonal skills is difficult due to factors such as student isolation and the individual-centric model of online learning that encourages discrete study rather than teamwork. Incorporating teamwork…

The Challenge of Doing Corporatized Research: An Ethnography of ICT Use

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Browning, Larry D.; Sornes, Jan-Oddvar

2008-01-01

Two team members from a four-person research project chronicle the power relations of their experiences during a 6-year study of information and communication technologies (ICTs), showing that employing bargaining techniques and framing the corporate support as a grant rather than as a contract can help one resist and even "manage…

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Their Relation to Academic Results Indicators in State Public Universities in Mexico

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arcos-Vega, José L.; Ramiro Marentes, Fabiola; Algravez Uranga, Juan J.

2017-01-01

We present an analysis regarding Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and their relation with indicators of academic results in bachelor's degree programs offered in state public universities in Mexico. This work is non experimental, cross-sectional, and correlational. The goal is to determine significant relations between variables:…

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Usage and Achievement of Turkish Students in Pisa 2006

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aypay, Ahmet

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the ICT usage and academic achievement of Turkish students in PISA 2006 data. The sample of the study included 4942 students from 160 schools. Frequencies, independent samples t-tests, ANOVAs, pearson correlation coefficients, exploratory factor analysis, and regression analysis were used. A high percentage…

Model Evaluation To Measuring Efficiencies of ICT Development In Indonesia Region Using DEA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Efendi, Syahril; Fadly Syahputra, M.; Anggia Muchtar, M.

2018-01-01

ICT Pura or digital city is a program designed by the Indonesian government with the main objective is to determine the level of readiness of each district and city in each province in the era of digital economy. It is necessarily to evaluate whether a city or a region that was successfully managing ICT better than other city and significantly contributes to the communities and living systems. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a well known technique to estimate efficiency and returns to scale through the construction of a best practice frontier, based on non-parametric mathematical programming approach. This paper addresses DEA BCC method to get index of efficiencies for all region in Indonesia covered by ICT Pura. Numerical result is given.

Use and Acceptance of Information and Communication Technology Among Laboratory Science Students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barnes, Brenda C.

Online and blended learning platforms are being promoted within laboratory science education under the assumption that students have the necessary skills to navigate online and blended learning environments. Yet little research has examined the use of information and communication technology (ICT) among the laboratory science student population. The purpose of this correlational, survey research study was to explore factors that affect use and acceptance of ICT among laboratory science students through the theoretical lens of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model. An electronically delivered survey drew upon current students and recent graduates (within 2 years) of accredited laboratory science training programs. During the 4 week data collection period, 168 responses were received. Results showed that the UTAUT model did not perform well within this study, explaining 25.2% of the variance in use behavior. A new model incorporating attitudes toward technology and computer anxiety as two of the top variables, a model significantly different from the original UTAUT model, was developed that explained 37.0% of the variance in use behavior. The significance of this study may affect curriculum design of laboratory science training programs wanting to incorporate more teaching techniques that use ICT-based educational delivery, and provide more options for potential students who may not currently have access to this type of training.

Individualized treatment of craniovertebral junction malformation guided by intraoperative computed tomography.

PubMed

Li, Lianfeng; Wang, Peng; Chen, LiFeng; Ma, Xiaodong; Bu, Bo; Yu, Xinguang

2012-04-01

This study was designed to report our preliminary experience of intraoperative computed tomography (iCT) using a mobile scanner with integrated neuronavigation system (NNS). The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and potential utility of iCT with integrated NNS in individualized treatment of craniovertebral junction malformation (CVJM). The surgical management of congenital craniovertebral anomalies is complex due to the relative difficulty in accessing the region, critical relationships of neurovascular structures, and the intricate biomechanical issues involved. We reported our first 19 complex CVJM cases including 11 male and 8 female patients from January, 2009 to June, 2009 (mean age, 33.9 y; age range, 13 to 58 y). A sliding gantry 40-slice CT scanner was installed in a preexisting operating room. Image data was transferred directly from the scanner into the NNS using an automated registration system. We applied this technology to transoral odontoidectomy in 17 patients. Moreover, with the extra help of iCT integrated with NNS, odontoidectomy through posterior midline approach, and transoral atlantal lateral mass resection were, for the first time, performed for treatment of complex CVJM. NNS was found to correlate well with the intraoperative findings, and the recalibration was uneven in all cases with an accuracy of 1.6 mm (1.6: 1.2 to 2.0). All patients were clinically evaluated by Nurick grade criteria, and neurological deficits were monitored after 3 months of surgery. Fifteen patients (79%) were improved by at least 1 Nurick grade, whereas the grade did not change in 4 patients (21%). iCT scanning with integrated NNS was both feasible and beneficial for the surgical management of complex CVJM. In this unusual patient population, the technique seemed to be valuable in negotiating complex anatomy and achieving a safe and predictable decompression.

Continuous monitoring of fetal scalp temperature in labor: a new technology validated in a fetal lamb model.

PubMed

Lavesson, Tony; Amer-Wåhlin, Isis; Hansson, Stefan; Ley, David; Marsál, Karel; Olofsson, Per

2010-06-01

To evaluate a new technical equipment for continuous recording of human fetal scalp temperature in labor. Experimental animal study. Two temperature sensors were placed subcutaneously and intracranially on the forehead of 10 fetal lambs and connected to a temperature monitoring system. The system records temperatures simultaneously on-line and stores data to be analyzed off-line. Throughout the experiment, the fetus was oxygenated via the umbilical cord circulation. Asphyxia was induced by intermittent cord compression, as assessed by pH in jugular vein blood. The intracranial (ICT) and subcutaneous (SCT) temperatures were compared with simple and polynomial regression analyses. Absolute and delta ICT and SCT changes. ICT and SCT were both successfully recorded in all 10 cases. With increasing acidosis, the temperatures decreased. The correlation coefficient between ICT and SCT had a range of 0.76-0.97 (median 0.88) by simple linear regression and 0.80-0.99 (median 0.89) by second grade polynomial regression. After an initial system stabilization period of 10 minutes, the delta temperature values (ICT minus SCT) were less than 1.5 degrees C throughout the experiment in all but one case. The fetal forehead SCT mirrored the ICT closely, with the ICT being higher.

Investigating the Use of ICT-Based Concept Mapping Techniques on Creativity in Literacy Tasks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riley, Nigel R.; Ahlberg, Mauri

2004-01-01

The key research question in this small-scale study focuses on the effects that an ICT (information and communications technologies)-based concept mapping intervention has on creativity and writing achievement in 10-11-year-old primary age pupils. The data shows that pupils using a concept mapping intervention significantly improve their NFER…

The Relationships among Chinese Practicing Teachers' Epistemic Beliefs, Pedagogical Beliefs and Their Beliefs about the Use of ICT

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Deng, Feng; Chai, Ching Sing; Tsai, Chin-Chung; Lee, Min-Hsien

2014-01-01

This study aimed to investigate the relationships among practicing teachers' epistemic beliefs, pedagogical beliefs and their beliefs about the use of ICT through survey methodology. Participants were 396 high school practicing teachers from mainland China. The path analysis results analyzed via structural equation modelling technique indicated…

Perceptions and Barriers to ICT Use among English Teachers in Indonesia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muslem, Asnawi; Yusuf, Yunisrina Qismullah; Juliana, Rena

2018-01-01

The purpose of this research is to investigate English teachers' perception and challenges of the implementation of ICT in ELT classrooms. This study used mixed methods, qualitative and quantitative in nature. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the study subjects, who are 26 English teachers from 16 public senior high schools in…

Relationship between Teacher ICT Competency and Teacher Acceptance and Use of School Management System (SMS)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wei, Leong Mei; Piaw, Chua Yan; Kannan, Sathiamoorthy; Moulod, Shafinaz A.

2016-01-01

This study aims at examining the relationship between teacher ICT competency and teacher acceptance and use of SMS in Negeri Sembilan secondary schools in Malaysia. This is a non-experimental quantitative research using survey technique through the administration of a set of questionnaire that comprised teacher demographic variables, teacher ICT…

Integer cosine transform compression for Galileo at Jupiter: A preliminary look

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ekroot, L.; Dolinar, S.; Cheung, K.-M.

1993-01-01

The Galileo low-gain antenna mission has a severely rate-constrained channel over which we wish to send large amounts of information. Because of this link pressure, compression techniques for image and other data are being selected. The compression technique that will be used for images is the integer cosine transform (ICT). This article investigates the compression performance of Galileo's ICT algorithm as applied to Galileo images taken during the early portion of the mission and to images that simulate those expected from the encounter at Jupiter.

Utility of MPT64 antigen test for differentiating mycobacteria: Can correlation with liquid culture smear morphology add further value?

PubMed

Nerurkar, Vidya; Kattungal, Sushma; Bhatia, Simi

2016-01-01

Clinical presentation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections may or may not be the same, but the treatment is always different. Hence accurate differentiation between MTBC and NTM is of utmost importance. To assess in parallel, the utility of MPT64 antigen immunochromatography assay (MPT64 ICT) and bacillary morphology on liquid culture smear, for rapid differentiation between MTBC and NTM in clinical isolates. Private sector reference laboratory, prospective. Thousand and ninety-three mycobacterial isolates, recovered using Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube 960 liquid culture system (BD, USA), were subjected to MPT64 ICT (Standard Diagnostics Inc., Korea), para amino nitrobenzoicacid (PNB), niacin, and nitrate reduction tests. Smears prepared from culture vials were subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen staining and observed microscopically for typical patterns (chords, single cells, etc.,). PNB, nitrate and niacin tests served as the reference method for MTBC identification. Thousand and fourteen and 79 isolates were identified as MTBC and NTM, respectively. MPT64 ICT correctly identified 955/1014 MTBC and all NTM isolates, yielding sensitivity and specificity of 94.2% and 100%, respectively. 936/1014 (92.3%) MTBC isolates revealed characteristic serpentine chording on culture smear including 56/59 MPT64 ICT negative isolates. Sensitivity and specificity of liquid culture smear were 98.1% and 82.3%, respectively. Correlation of MPT64 ICT results with liquid culture smear was useful, especially in MPT64 ICT negative isolates, where the latter could help to determine need and/or type of additional confirmatory testing. Liquid culture smear, however, lacked specificity and cannot be used as a stand alone test.

Implications of delayed initiation of radiotherapy: accelerated repopulation after induction chemotherapy for stage III non-small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Chen, Chien P; Weinberg, Vivian K; Jahan, Thierry M; Jablons, David M; Yom, Sue S

2011-11-01

For patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer treated with induction chemotherapy (ICT), delayed initiation of subsequent radiotherapy (RT) may allow for repopulation in the interval between treatment modalities and during the early phase of RT. We quantified the impact of postinduction RT timing by evaluating the pace of tumor regrowth. Institutionally approved retrospective review identified 21 analyzable patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer who had platinum-based ICT followed by RT+/- chemotherapy from 2002 to 2009. Radiographic response was determined by RECIST criteria and the volume of the single largest tumor mass on the pre-ICT, post-ICT, and RT-planning computed tomography scans. After ICT, the median percent volume change from pre-ICT baseline was -41% (range -86 to +86%). By the RT-planning computed tomography scan, the median percent volume change from the post-ICT timepoint was +40% (range -11 to +311%) and the median volume change was +20 ml (range -4 to 102 ml); these changes were significant (p = 0.0002). Similar results were seen for tumor diameter. A correlation was observed between the amount of delay and degree of regrowth for percent volume (p = 0.0006) and percent diameter change (p = 0.003). A delay greater than 21 days produced greater increases in percent volume change (p = 0.002) and percent diameter (p = 0.055) than lesser delays. After ICT, tumor regrowth can occur within a few weeks. Radiation treatment planning should begin as soon as possible after the administration of ICT to maximize the benefits of cytoreduction.

Large impact of reorganization energy on photovoltaic conversion due to interfacial charge-transfer transitions.

PubMed

Fujisawa, Jun-ichi

2015-05-14

Interfacial charge-transfer (ICT) transitions are expected to be a novel charge-separation mechanism for efficient photovoltaic conversion featuring one-step charge separation without energy loss. Photovoltaic conversion due to ICT transitions has been investigated using several TiO2-organic hybrid materials that show organic-to-inorganic ICT transitions in the visible region. In applications of ICT transitions to photovoltaic conversion, there is a significant problem that rapid carrier recombination is caused by organic-inorganic electronic coupling that is necessary for the ICT transitions. In order to solve this problem, in this work, I have theoretically studied light-to-current conversions due to the ICT transitions on the basis of the Marcus theory with density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations. An apparent correlation between the reported incident photon-to-current conversion efficiencies (IPCE) and calculated reorganization energies was clearly found, in which the IPCE increases with decreasing the reorganization energy consistent with the Marcus theory in the inverted region. This activation-energy dependence was systematically explained by the equation formulated by the Marcus theory based on a simple excited-state kinetic scheme. This result indicates that the reduction of the reorganization energy can suppress the carrier recombination and enhance the IPCE. The reorganization energy is predominantly governed by the structural change in the chemical-adsorption moiety between the ground and ICT excited states. This work provides crucial knowledge for efficient photovoltaic conversion due to ICT transitions.

Using ICT to Enhance Knowledge Management in Higher Education: A Conceptual Framework and Research Agenda

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Omona, Walter; van der Weide, Theo; Lubega, Jude

2010-01-01

The adoption and use of ICT to enhance and facilitate Knowledge Management (KM) has brought to focus the urgent need to come out with new methods, tools and techniques in the development of KM systems frameworks, knowledge processes and knowledge technologies to promote effective management of knowledge for improved service deliveries in higher…

The Skills, Competences, and Attitude toward Information and Communications Technology Recommender System: an online support program for teachers with personalized recommendations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Revilla Muñoz, Olga; Alpiste Penalba, Francisco; Fernández Sánchez, Joaquín

2016-01-01

Teachers deal with Information and Communications Technology (ICT) every day and they often have to solve problems by themselves. To help them in coping with this issue, an online support program has been created, where teachers can pose their problems on ICT and they can receive solutions from other teachers. A Recommender System has been defined and implemented into the support program to suggest to each teacher the most suitable solution based on her Skills, Competences, and Attitude toward ICT (SCAT-ICT). The support program has initially been populated with 70 problems from 86 teachers. 30 teachers grouped these problems into six categories with the card-sorting technique. Real solutions to these problems have been proposed by 25 trained teachers. Finally, 17 teachers evaluated the usability of the support program and the Recommender System, where results showed a high score on the standardized System Usability Scale.

Usefulness of Interim FDG-PET After Induction Chemotherapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Receiving Sequential Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yoon, Dok Hyun; Cho, Yoojin; Kim, Sang Yoon

2011-09-01

Purpose: Induction chemotherapy (ICT) has been used to select patients for organ preservation and determine subsequent treatments in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LASCCHN). Still, the clinical outcomes of LASCCHN patients who showed response to ICT are heterogeneous. We evaluated the efficacy of interim 18-fluoro-2-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) after ICT in this specific subgroup of LASCCHN patients who achieved partial response (PR) after ICT to predict clinical outcomes after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Methods and Materials: Twenty-one patients with LASCCHN who showed PR to ICT by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors beforemore » definitive CCRT were chosen in this retrospective analysis. FDG-PET was performed before and 2-4 weeks after ICT to assess the extent of disease at baseline and the metabolic response to ICT, respectively. We examined the correlation of the metabolic response by the percentage decrease of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on the primary tumor or lymph node after ICT or a specific threshold of SUVmax on interim FDG-PET with clinical outcomes including complete response (CR) rate to CCRT, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: A SUVmax of 4.8 on interim FDG-PET could predict clinical CR after CCRT (100% vs. 20%, p = 0.001), PFS (median, not reached vs. 8.5 mo, p < 0.001), and OS (median, not reached vs. 12.0 months, p = 0.001) with a median follow-up of 20.3 months in surviving patients. A 65% decrease in SUVmax after ICT from baseline also could predict clinical CR after CCRT (100% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.003), PFS (median, not reached vs. 8.9 months, p < 0.001) and OS (median, not reached vs. 24.4 months, p = 0.001) of the patients. Conclusion: These data suggest that interim FDG-PET after ICT might be a useful determinant to predict clinical outcomes in patients with LASCCHN receiving sequential ICT followed by CCRT.« less

A panel analysis of the strategic association between information and communication technology and public health delivery.

PubMed

Wu, Sarah Jinhui; Raghupathi, Wullianallur

2012-10-22

In this exploratory research, we use panel data analysis to examine the correlation between Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) and public health delivery at the country level. The goal of this exploratory research is to examine the strategic association over time between ICTs and country-level public health. Using data from the World Development Indicators, we construct a panel data set of countries of five different income levels and look closely at the period from 2000 to 2008. The panel data analysis allows us to explore this dynamic relationship under the control for unobserved country-specific effects by using a fixed-effects estimation method. In particular,, we examine the association of five ICT factors with five public health indicators: adolescent fertility rate, child immunization coverage, tuberculosis case detected, life expectancy, and adult mortality rate. First, overall ICTs' factors substantially improve a country's public health delivery on the top of wealth effect. Second, among all the ICTs' factors, accessibility is the only one that is associated with improvements in all aspects of public health delivery, while the contributions from the usage, quality, and applications are negligible. ICTs' accessibility factor is associated with a considerable extension to life expectancy and reduced adult mortality rate. Third, all entity-specific factors are significant in each model, indicating that countries' economic development level does influence their public health delivery. Our results indicate that ICT accessibility has a strong association with effective delivery of public health. There are others, but the key strategic applications are eHealth and mHealth. The findings of this study will help government officials and public health policy makers to formulate strategic decisions regarding the best ICT investments and deployment. For example, the study shows that providing accessibility should be a critical focus.

Teacher learning in technology professional development and its impact on student achievement in science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hyunju; Longhurst, Max; Campbell, Todd

2017-07-01

This research investigated teacher learning and teacher beliefs in a two-year technology professional development (TPD) for teachers and its impact on their student achievement in science in the western part of the United States. Middle-school science teachers participated in TPD focused on information communication technologies (ICTs) and their applications in science inquiry pedagogy. Three self-reporting teacher instruments were used alongside their student achievement scores on the end-of-year state-science-test. The teacher self-reporting measures investigated technological literacy, ICT capabilities, and pedagogical beliefs about science inquiry pedagogy. Data were collected every year, and descriptive statistics, t-tests, and Pearson's correlations were used for analysis. We found teachers' technological skills and ICT capabilities increasing over time with significant gains each year. Additionally, teachers' pedagogical beliefs changed to become more science inquiry oriented over time; however, the gains were not significant until after the second year of TPD. Comparisons of teacher learning and belief measures with student achievement revealed that the students' performance was correlated to teachers' pedagogical beliefs about science inquiry, but not to their technological skills nor to their ICT capabilities. This research suggests that pedagogical considerations should be foregrounded in TPD and that this may require more longitudinal TPD to ensure that technology integration in science instruction is consequential to student learning.

External factors in hospital information system (HIS) adoption model: a case on Malaysia.

PubMed

Lee, Heng Wei; Ramayah, Thurasamy; Zakaria, Nasriah

2012-08-01

Studies related to healthcare ICT integration in Malaysia are relatively little, thus this paper provide a literature review of the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the healthcare sector in Malaysia through the hospital information system (HIS). Our study emphasized on secondary data to investigate the factors related to ICT integration in healthcare through HIS. Therefore this paper aimed to gather an in depth understanding of issues related to HIS adoption, and contributing in fostering HIS adoption in Malaysia and other countries. This paper provides a direction for future research to study the correlation of factors affecting HIS adoption. Finally a research model is proposed using current adoption theories and external factors from human, technology, and organization perspectives.

Development of a quantum dot-based immunochromatography test strip for rapid screening of oxytetracycline and 4-epi-oxytetracycline in edible animal tissues.

PubMed

Xie, Yong; Zhang, Lei; Yang, Xian; Le, Tao

2017-03-01

A rapid and sensitive immunochromatographic test strip (ICTS) was developed in a competitive format with the quantum dot-conjugated monoclonal antibody specifically to determine the residues of oxytetracycline (OTC) and its metabolite 4-epi-oxytetracycline (4-epi-OTC). Using an ICTS reader, the 50% inhibition concentration (IC 50 ) was found to be 3.41 ± 0.29 ng ml - 1 of OTC in phosphate-buffered saline samples and the detection limit was 0.44 ± 0.05 ng ml - 1 . The visual cut-off level of the ICTS is 25 ng ml - 1 . The recoveries from tissue samples spiked with OTC of 50-600 μg kg - 1 were 74.2-107.2%, with coefficients of variation below 15%. The method was used to analyse incurred tissue samples, and there was good correlation (R 2  = 0.999) between the ICTS and high-performance liquid chromatography. These results indicate that ICTS is suitable for the rapid and quantitative detection of OTC and 4-epi-OTC residues in edible animal tissues.

Information and communication technology demands at work: the association with job strain, effort-reward imbalance and self-rated health in different socio-economic strata.

PubMed

Stadin, Magdalena; Nordin, Maria; Broström, Anders; Magnusson Hanson, Linda L; Westerlund, Hugo; Fransson, Eleonor I

2016-10-01

The use of information and communication technology (ICT) is common in modern working life. ICT demands may give rise to experience of work-related stress. Knowledge about ICT demands in relation to other types of work-related stress and to self-rated health is limited. Consequently, the aim of this study was to examine the association between ICT demands and two types of work-related stress [job strain and effort-reward imbalance (ERI)] and to evaluate the association between these work-related stress measures and self-rated health, in general and in different SES strata. This study is based on cross-sectional data from the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health collected in 2014, from 14,873 gainfully employed people. ICT demands, job strain, ERI and self-rated health were analysed as the main measures. Sex, age, SES, lifestyle factors and BMI were used as covariates. ICT demands correlated significantly with the dimensions of the job strain and ERI models, especially with the demands (r = 0.42; p < 0.01) and effort (r = 0.51; p < 0.01) dimensions. ICT demands were associated with suboptimal self-rated health, also after adjustment for age, sex, SES, lifestyle and BMI (OR 1.49 [95 % CI 1.36-1.63]), but job strain (OR 1.93 [95 % CI 1.74-2.14) and ERI (OR 2.15 [95 % CI 1.95-2.35]) showed somewhat stronger associations with suboptimal self-rated health. ICT demands are common among people with intermediate and high SES and associated with job strain, ERI and suboptimal self-rated health. ICT demands should thus be acknowledged as a potential stressor of work-related stress in modern working life.

ICT activity in later life: Internet use and leisure activities amongst senior citizens in Finland.

PubMed

Näsi, Matti; Räsänen, Pekka; Sarpila, Outi

2012-06-01

The article examines the relationship between the Internet use and leisure activities amongst Finnish seniors. Traditionally, the young have been the most active users of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs). In recent years, however, older age groups have increasingly become more interested in ICT, yet a significant proportion of Finnish seniors rarely log on. Using data from a nationally representative survey ( N  = 542) conducted in the summer of 2010, we explored the connection between the frequent Internet use and general leisure activity. The basic socio-demographic variables were controlled in the analysis. The findings indicate that the active Internet use in old age has a strong positive correlation with the number of different leisure activities amongst Finnish seniors. As most European societies continue to age, it is clear that future research should focus on the implications and the role the Internet and other new ICTs will play in the everyday life amongst the ageing citizens.

Dielectric controlled excited state relaxation pathways of a representative push-pull stilbene: a mechanistic study using femtosecond fluorescence up-conversion technique.

PubMed

Rafiq, Shahnawaz; Sen, Pratik

2013-02-28

Femtosecond fluorescence up-conversion technique was employed to reinvestigate the intriguing dependence of fluorescence quantum yield of trans-4-dimethylamino-4(')-nitrostilbene (DNS) on dielectric properties of the media. In polar solvents, such as methanol and acetonitrile, the two time components of the fluorescence transients were assigned to intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) dynamics and to the depletion of the ICT state to the ground state via internal conversion along the torsional coordinate of nitro moiety. The viscosity independence of the first time component indicates the absence of any torsional coordinate in the charge transfer process. In slightly polar solvent (carbon tetrachloride) the fluorescence transients show a triple exponential behavior. The first time component was assigned to the formation of the ICT state on a 2 ps time scale. Second time component was assigned to the relaxation of the ICT state via two torsion controlled channels. First channel involves the torsional motion about the central double bond leading to the trans-cis isomerization via a conical intersection or avoided crossing. The other channel contributing to the depopulation of ICT state involves the torsional coordinates of dimethylanilino and∕or nitrophenyl moieties and leads to the formation of a conformationally relaxed state, which subsequently relaxes back to the ground state radiatively, and is responsible for the high fluorescence quantum yield of DNS in slightly polar solvents such as carbon tetrachloride, toluene, etc. The excited singlet state which is having a dominant π-π∗ character may also decay via intersystem crossing to the n-π∗ triplet manifold and thus accounts for the observed triplet yield of the molecule in slightly polar solvents.

Dielectric controlled excited state relaxation pathways of a representative push-pull stilbene: A mechanistic study using femtosecond fluorescence up-conversion technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rafiq, Shahnawaz; Sen, Pratik

2013-02-01

Femtosecond fluorescence up-conversion technique was employed to reinvestigate the intriguing dependence of fluorescence quantum yield of trans-4-dimethylamino-4'-nitrostilbene (DNS) on dielectric properties of the media. In polar solvents, such as methanol and acetonitrile, the two time components of the fluorescence transients were assigned to intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) dynamics and to the depletion of the ICT state to the ground state via internal conversion along the torsional coordinate of nitro moiety. The viscosity independence of the first time component indicates the absence of any torsional coordinate in the charge transfer process. In slightly polar solvent (carbon tetrachloride) the fluorescence transients show a triple exponential behavior. The first time component was assigned to the formation of the ICT state on a 2 ps time scale. Second time component was assigned to the relaxation of the ICT state via two torsion controlled channels. First channel involves the torsional motion about the central double bond leading to the trans-cis isomerization via a conical intersection or avoided crossing. The other channel contributing to the depopulation of ICT state involves the torsional coordinates of dimethylanilino and/or nitrophenyl moieties and leads to the formation of a conformationally relaxed state, which subsequently relaxes back to the ground state radiatively, and is responsible for the high fluorescence quantum yield of DNS in slightly polar solvents such as carbon tetrachloride, toluene, etc. The excited singlet state which is having a dominant π-π* character may also decay via intersystem crossing to the n-π* triplet manifold and thus accounts for the observed triplet yield of the molecule in slightly polar solvents.

Improving Skill Development: An Exploratory Study Comparing a Philosophical and an Applied Ethical Analysis Technique

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Saggaf, Yeslam; Burmeister, Oliver K.

2012-01-01

This exploratory study compares and contrasts two types of critical thinking techniques; one is a philosophical and the other an applied ethical analysis technique. The two techniques analyse an ethically challenging situation involving ICT that a recent media article raised to demonstrate their ability to develop the ethical analysis skills of…

Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Collection Development in Scientific and Research Institute Libraries in Iran: A study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khademizadeh, Shahnaz

2012-08-01

The explosion of information communication technology (ICT) since the beginning of the 20th century has been rendering manual-based library system in academic, research, special and public libraries less relevant. This is because using and implementing information communication technology in the library depend largely on the librarian attitude toward the current digital age. This study examined the attitudinal correlates of some selected scientific and research institutes libraries in Irantowards the use and application of ICT in their various libraries. A total of ten libraries from all the forty nine libraries in Iran formed the studyís population. It is observed that 'Internet/intranet etc' (1046; 67.5%) is the most important source through which the users become aware of modern information technologies used in their libraries. The vast majority of the respondents who answered electronic sources make it 'Easier' to gather and use information are (1313; 84.7%). The results indicate that there is a significant relationship between e-environment and collection development (?262.86, p=0.000). Findings further show that all of librarians (9; 100%) opined they feel that ICT application affects the collection development of library. Based on these findings, it is recommended that libraries in the developing countries should consider training those librarians who do not have knowledge of ICT in order to remove the fear and anxiety hindering them from developing good attitude towards the use of ICT in their libraries.

Characterisation of metals in the electronic waste of complex mixtures of end-of-life ICT products for development of cleaner recovery technology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Z.H.I.; Xiao, Y.; Sietsma, J.

2015-01-15

Highlights: • New characterisation methodology has been established to understand an industrially processed ICT waste. • Particle size distribution, composition, thermal–chemical behaviour and occurrence of metals were considered. • The characterisation provides direct guidelines for values recovery from the waste. - Abstract: Recycling of valuable metals from electronic waste, especially complex mixtures of end-of-life information and communication technology (ICT) products, is of great difficulty due to their complexity and heterogeneity. One of the important reasons is the lack of comprehensive characterisation on such materials, i.e. accurate compositions, physical/chemical properties. In the present research, we focus on developing methodologies for themore » characterisation of metals in an industrially processed ICT waste. The morphology, particle size distribution, compositional distribution, occurrence, liberation as well as the thermo-chemical properties of the ICT waste were investigated with various characterisation techniques, including X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersed spectroscopy (EDS). Due to the high heterogeneity of the material, special sample preparation procedures were introduced to minimise the discrepancies during compositional analyses. As a result, a clearer overview of the ICT waste has been reached. This research provides better understanding of the extractability of each metal and improves the awareness of potential obstacles for extraction. It will lead to smarter decisions during further development of a clean and effective recovery process.« less

Characterisation of metals in the electronic waste of complex mixtures of end-of-life ICT products for development of cleaner recovery technology.

PubMed

Sun, Z H I; Xiao, Y; Sietsma, J; Agterhuis, H; Visser, G; Yang, Y

2015-01-01

Recycling of valuable metals from electronic waste, especially complex mixtures of end-of-life information and communication technology (ICT) products, is of great difficulty due to their complexity and heterogeneity. One of the important reasons is the lack of comprehensive characterisation on such materials, i.e. accurate compositions, physical/chemical properties. In the present research, we focus on developing methodologies for the characterisation of metals in an industrially processed ICT waste. The morphology, particle size distribution, compositional distribution, occurrence, liberation as well as the thermo-chemical properties of the ICT waste were investigated with various characterisation techniques, including X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersed spectroscopy (EDS). Due to the high heterogeneity of the material, special sample preparation procedures were introduced to minimise the discrepancies during compositional analyses. As a result, a clearer overview of the ICT waste has been reached. This research provides better understanding of the extractability of each metal and improves the awareness of potential obstacles for extraction. It will lead to smarter decisions during further development of a clean and effective recovery process. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Integration or transformation? Looking in the future of Information and Communication Technology in education in Vietnam.

PubMed

Peeraer, Jef; Van Petegem, Peter

2015-02-01

Over the last two decades, crucial factors for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education have improved significantly in Vietnam. Nevertheless, it is clear that, as in other countries, no educational revolution is taking place. We argue that there is a need for a broad dialogue on the future of ICT in education in Vietnam as discussion of ideas about future possibilities can be instrumental in rationalizing and generating educational change. We explore how a group of key players representing the public and private sector as well as development partners in the field look at the future of ICT in education in the country. Following the Delphi method, these key players assessed in different survey rounds the current situation of ICT in education, identified a series of targets and were asked to assess these targets in respect of their importance. The key players reached a consensus that the purpose of technology integration is to achieve learning goals and enhance learning. However, there is more controversy on targets that could potentially transform education practice in Vietnam. We discuss the value of the Delphi technique and argue for increased participation of all involved stakeholders in policy development on ICT in education. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the ICT Tuberculosis test for the routine diagnosis of tuberculosis

PubMed Central

Ongut, Gozde; Ogunc, Dilara; Gunseren, Filiz; Ogus, Candan; Donmez, Levent; Colak, Dilek; Gultekin, Meral

2006-01-01

Background Rapid and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is crucial to facilitate early treatment of infectious cases and thus to reduce its spread. To improve the diagnosis of TB, more rapid diagnostic techniques such as antibody detection methods including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based serological tests and immunochromatographic methods were developed. This study was designed to evaluate the validity of an immunochromatographic assay, ICT Tuberculosis test for the serologic diagnosis of TB in Antalya, Turkey. Methods Sera from 72 patients with active pulmonary (53 smear-positive and 19 smear-negative cases) and eight extrapulmonary (6 smear-positive and 2 smear-negative cases) TB, and 54 controls from different outpatient clinics with similar demographic characteristics as patients were tested by ICT Tuberculosis test. Results The sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value of the ICT Tuberculosis test for pulmonary TB were 33.3%, 100%, and 52.9%, respectively. Smear-positive pulmonary TB patients showed a higher positivity rate for antibodies than smear-negative patients, but the difference was not statistically significant. Of the eight patients with extrapulmonary TB, antibody was detected in four patients. Conclusion Our results suggest that ICT Tuberculosis test can be used to aid TB diagnosis in smear-positive patients until the culture results are available. PMID:16504161

Using the AD12-ICT rapid-format test to detect Wuchereria bancrofti circulating antigens in comparison to Og4C3-ELISA and nucleopore membrane filtration and microscopy techniques.

PubMed

El-Moamly, Amal Abdul-Rasheed; El-Sweify, Mohamed Aly; Hafez, Mohamad Abdul

2012-09-01

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) continues to be a major source of permanent disability and an impediment to socio-economic development in 73 countries where more than 1 billion people are at risk and over 120 millions are infected. The global drive to eliminate LF necessitates an increasing demand for valid, reliable and rapid diagnostic tests. This study aimed to assess the performance of the AD12 rapid format immunochromatographic test (ICT) to detect Wuchereria bancrofti circulating antigens, against the combined gold standard: TropBio Og4C3-ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) which detects circulating filarial antigen (CFA) and the nucleopore membrane filtration and microscopic examination. This prospective case-control study involved 647 asymptomatic migrant workers from filariasis-endemic countries. Of these specimens, 32 were positive for microfilaremia using the membrane filtration and microscopy, 142 positive by ELISA (of which 32 had microfilaremia), and 128 positive by the ICT (of which 31 had microfilaremia). The performance of the ICT was calculated against 32 true-positive and 90 true-negative cases. For the detection of CFA, the ICT had a sensitivity of 97% (95% confidence interval [CI] 91-103), specificity 100% (95% CI 100-100), Positive Predictive Value (PPV) 100% (95% CI 100-100), Negative Predictive Value (NPV) 99% (95% CI 97-101); and the total accuracy of the test was 99% (95% CI 98-101). The agreement between ICT and ELISA in detecting W. bancrofti antigens was excellent (kappa = 0.934; p = 0.000). In conclusion, the AD12-ICT test for the detection of W. bancrofti-CFA was sensitive and specific and comparable to the performance of ELISA. The ICT would be a useful additional test to facilitate the proposed strategies for control and elimination of LF. Because it is rapid, simple to perform, and does not require the use of special equipment, the ICT may be most appropriate in screening programs and in monitoring the possible risk of introducing the disease to the non-endemic countries.

Intramolecular Charge Transfer States in the Condensed Phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, C. F.; Herbert, J. M.

2009-06-01

Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT) with long range corrected functionals can give accurate results for the energies of electronically excited states involving Intramolecular Charge Transfer (ICT) in large molecules. If this is combined with a Molecular Mechanics (MM) representation of the surrounding solvent this technique can be used to interpret the results of condensed phase UV-Vis Spectroscopy. Often the MM region is represented by a set of point charges, however this means that the solvent cannot repolarize to adapt to the new charge distribution as a result of ICT and so the excitation energies to ICT states are overestimated. To solve this problem an algorithm that interfaces TDDFT with the polarizable force-field AMOEBA is presented; the effect of solvation on charge transfer in species such as 4,4'dimethylaminobenzonitrile (DMABN) is discussed. M.A. Rohrdanz, K.M. Martins, and J.M. Herbert, J. Chem. Phys. 130 034107 (2008).

Navigation skill impairment: Another dimension of the driving difficulties in minimal hepatic encephalopathy.

PubMed

Bajaj, Jasmohan S; Hafeezullah, Muhammad; Hoffmann, Raymond G; Varma, Rajiv R; Franco, Jose; Binion, David G; Hammeke, Thomas A; Saeian, Kia

2008-02-01

Patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) have attention, response inhibition, and working memory difficulties that are associated with driving impairment and high motor vehicle accident risk. Navigation is a complex system needed for safe driving that requires functioning working memory and other domains adversely affected by MHE. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of MHE on navigation skills and correlate them with psychometric impairment. Forty-nine nonalcoholic patients with cirrhosis (34 MHE+, 15 MHE-; divided on the basis of a battery of block design, digit symbol, and number connection test A) and 48 age/education-matched controls were included. All patients underwent the psychometric battery and inhibitory control test (ICT) (a test of response inhibition) and driving simulation. Driving simulation consisted of 4 parts: (1) training; (2) driving (outcome being accidents); (3) divided attention (outcome being missed tasks); and (4) navigation, driving along a marked path on a map in a "virtual city" (outcome being illegal turns). Illegal turns were significantly higher in MHE+ (median 1; P = 0.007) compared with MHE-/controls (median 0). Patients who were MHE+ missed more divided attention tasks compared with others (median MHE+ 1, MHE-/controls 0; P = 0.001). Similarly, accidents were higher in patients who were MHE+ (median 2.5; P = 0.004) compared with MHE- (median 1) or controls (median 2). Accidents and illegal turns were significantly correlated (P = 0.001, r = 0.51). ICT impairment was the test most correlated with illegal turns (r = 0.6) and accidents (r = 0.44), although impairment on the other tests were also correlated with illegal turns. Patients positive for MHE have impaired navigation skills on a driving simulator, which is correlated with impairment in response inhibition (ICT) and attention. This navigation difficulty may pose additional driving problems, compounding the pre-existing deleterious effect of attention deficits.

The Medial Ventrothalamic Circuitry: Cells Implicated in a Bimodal Network

PubMed Central

Vega-Zuniga, Tomas; Trost, Dominik; Schicker, Katrin; Bogner, Eva M.; Luksch, Harald

2018-01-01

Previous avian thalamic studies have shown that the medial ventral thalamus is composed of several nuclei located close to the lateral wall of the third ventricle. Although the general connectivity is known, detailed morphology and connectivity pattern in some regions are still elusive. Here, using the intracellular filling technique in the chicken, we focused on two neural structures, namely, the retinorecipient neuropil of the n. geniculatus lateralis pars ventralis (GLv), and the adjacent n. intercalatus thalami (ICT). We found that the GLv-ne cells showed two different neuronal types: projection cells and horizontal interneurons. The projection cells showed variable morphologies and dendritic arborizations with axons that targeted the n. lentiformis mesencephali (LM), griseum tectale (GT), ICT, n. principalis precommissuralis (PPC), and optic tectum (TeO). The horizontal cells showed a widespread mediolateral neural process throughout the retinorecipient GLv-ne. The ICT cells, on the other hand, had multipolar somata with wide dendritic fields that extended toward the lamina interna of the GLv, and a projection pattern that targeted the n. laminaris precommissuralis (LPC). Together, these results elucidate the rich complexity of the connectivity pattern so far described between the GLv, ICT, pretectum, and tectum. Interestingly, the implication of some of these neural structures in visuomotor and somatosensory roles strongly suggests that the GLv and ICT are part of a bimodal circuit that may be involved in the generation/modulation of saccades, gaze control, and space perception. PMID:29479309

A Study on User Interface Design of Knowledge Management Groupware in Selected Leading Organizations of Pakistan

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-06-01

Information Systems, Faculty of ICT, International Islamic University, Malaysia . Abstract. Several techniques for evaluating a groupware...inspection based techniques couldn’t be carried out in other parts of Pakistan where the IT industry has mushroomed in the past few years. Nevertheless...there are no set standards for using any particular technique. Evaluating a groupware interface is an evolving process and requires more investigation

ICT Learning Experience and Research Orientation as Predictors of ICT Skills and the ICT Use of University Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Verhoeven, Jef C.; Heerwegh, Dirk; De Wit, Kurt

2016-01-01

Since our first studies of information and communications technology (ICT) skills and ICT use at universities in 2004, ICT and its use by students has changed greatly. In order to obtain a more detailed picture of ICT skills, we first construct a new instrument to measure the self-perception of ICT skills (49 items) and of ICT use (53 items) by…

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hameed, Abdul; Khoshkbarforoushha, Alireza; Ranjan, Rajiv

In a cloud computing paradigm, energy efficient allocation of different virtualized ICT resources (servers, storage disks, and networks, and the like) is a complex problem due to the presence of heterogeneous application (e.g., content delivery networks, MapReduce, web applications, and the like) workloads having contentious allocation requirements in terms of ICT resource capacities (e.g., network bandwidth, processing speed, response time, etc.). Several recent papers have tried to address the issue of improving energy efficiency in allocating cloud resources to applications with varying degree of success. However, to the best of our knowledge there is no published literature on this subjectmore » that clearly articulates the research problem and provides research taxonomy for succinct classification of existing techniques. Hence, the main aim of this paper is to identify open challenges associated with energy efficient resource allocation. In this regard, the study, first, outlines the problem and existing hardware and software-based techniques available for this purpose. Furthermore, available techniques already presented in the literature are summarized based on the energy-efficient research dimension taxonomy. The advantages and disadvantages of the existing techniques are comprehensively analyzed against the proposed research dimension taxonomy namely: resource adaption policy, objective function, allocation method, allocation operation, and interoperability.« less

A survey and taxonomy on energy efficient resource allocation techniques for cloud computing systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hameed, Abdul; Khoshkbarforoushha, Alireza; Ranjan, Rajiv

In a cloud computing paradigm, energy efficient allocation of different virtualized ICT resources (servers, storage disks, and networks, and the like) is a complex problem due to the presence of heterogeneous application (e.g., content delivery networks, MapReduce, web applications, and the like) workloads having contentious allocation requirements in terms of ICT resource capacities (e.g., network bandwidth, processing speed, response time, etc.). Several recent papers have tried to address the issue of improving energy efficiency in allocating cloud resources to applications with varying degree of success. However, to the best of our knowledge there is no published literature on this subjectmore » that clearly articulates the research problem and provides research taxonomy for succinct classification of existing techniques. Hence, the main aim of this paper is to identify open challenges associated with energy efficient resource allocation. In this regard, the study, first, outlines the problem and existing hardware and software-based techniques available for this purpose. Furthermore, available techniques already presented in the literature are summarized based on the energy-efficient research dimension taxonomy. The advantages and disadvantages of the existing techniques are comprehensively analyzed against the proposed research dimension taxonomy namely: resource adaption policy, objective function, allocation method, allocation operation, and interoperability.« less

Healthcare model with use of information and communication technology for patients with chronic disease.

PubMed

Lisiecka-Biełanowicz, Mira; Wawrzyniak, Zbigniew

2016-07-15

The healthcare system is positioned in the patient's environment and works with other determinants of the treatment. Patient care requires a whole system compatible to the needs of organizational and technical solutions. The purpose of this study is to present a new model of patient-oriented care, in which the use of information and communication technology (ICT) can improve the effectiveness of healthcare for patients with chronic diseases. The study material is the process of healthcare for chronically ill patients. Knowledge of the circumstances surrounding ecosystem and of the patients' needs, taking into account the fundamental healthcare goals allows us to build a new models of care, starting with the economic assumptions. The method used is modeling the construction of efficient healthcare system with the patient-centered model using ICT tools. We present a new systemic concept of building patient's environment in which he is the central figure of the healthcare organization - so called patient centered system. The use of ICT in the model of chronic patient's healthcare can improve the effectiveness of this kind of care. The concept is a vision to making wide platform of information management in chronic disease in a real environment ecosystem of patient using ICT tools. On the basis of a systematic approach to the model of chronic disease, and the knowledge of the patient itself, a model of the ecosystem impacts and interactions through information feedback and the provision of services can be constructed. ICT assisted techniques will increase the effectiveness of patient care, in which nowadays information exchange plays a key role.

Investigating Variables Predicting Turkish Pre-service Teachers' Integration of ICT into Teaching Practices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aslan, Aydin; Zhu, Chang

2017-01-01

Pre-service teachers need to acquire information and communications technology (ICT) competency in order to integrate ICT into their teaching practices. This research was conducted to investigate to what extent ICT-related variables--such as perceived ICT competence, perceived competence in ICT integration, attitudes toward ICT, anxiety around ICT…

Perceived information and communication technology (ICT) demands on employee outcomes: the moderating effect of organizational ICT support.

PubMed

Day, Arla; Paquet, Stephanie; Scott, Natasha; Hambley, Laura

2012-10-01

Although many employees are using more information communication technology (ICT) as part of their jobs, few studies have examined the impact of ICT on their well-being, and there is a lack of validated measures designed to assess the ICT factors that may impact employee well-being. Therefore, we developed and validated a measure of ICT demands and supports. Using Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling, we found support for 8 ICT demands (i.e., availability, communication, ICT control, ICT hassles, employee monitoring, learning, response expectations, and workload) and two facets of ICT support (personal assistance and resources/upgrades support). Jointly, the ICT demands were associated with increased strain, stress, and burnout and were still associated with stress and strain after controlling for demographics, job variables, and job demands. The two types of ICT support were associated with lower stress, strain, and burnout. Resources/upgrades support moderated the relationship between learning expectations and most strain outcomes and between ICT hassles and strain. Personal assistance support moderated the relationship between ICT hassles and strain.

Influencing Factors and Integration of ICT into Teaching Practices of Pre- Service and Starting Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aslan, Aydin; Zhu, Chang

2016-01-01

Teachers need to be competent in integrating ICT into education to support teaching and learning process. This study aims to investigate both the pre-service and starting teachers' perceptions for ICT-related variables--perceived ICT competence, perceived competence in ICT integration, attitudes towards ICT, anxiety around ICT usage, external…

Evaluation of the CCA Immuno-Chromatographic Test to Diagnose Schistosoma mansoni in Minas Gerais State, Brazil

PubMed Central

Silveira, Alda Maria Soares; Costa, Emanuele Gama Dutra; Ray, Debalina; Suzuki, Brian M.; Hsieh, Michael H.; Fraga, Lucia Alves de Oliveira; Caffrey, Conor R.

2016-01-01

Background The Kato-Katz (KK) stool smear is the standard test for the diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni infection, but suffers from low sensitivity when infections intensities are moderate to low. Thus, misdiagnosed individuals remain untreated and contribute to the disease transmission, thereby forestalling public health efforts to move from a modality of disease control to one of elimination. As an alternative, the urine-based diagnosis of schistosomiasis mansoni via the circulating cathodic antigen immuno-chromatographic test (CCA-ICT) has been extensively evaluated in Africa with the conclusion that it may replace the KK test in areas where prevalences are moderate or high. Methods and Findings The objective was to measure the performance of the CCA-ICT in a sample study population composed of residents from non-endemic and endemic areas for schistosomiasis mansoni in two municipalities of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Volunteers (130) were classified into three infection status groups based on duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears from one stool sample (2KK test): 41 negative individuals from non-endemic areas, 41 negative individuals from endemic areas and 48 infected individuals from endemic areas. Infection status was also determined by the CCA-ICT and infection exposure by antibody ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) to S. mansoni soluble egg antigen (SEA) and soluble (adult) worm antigen preparation (SWAP). Sensitivity and specificity were influenced by whether the trace score visually adjudicated in the CCA-ICT was characterized as positive or negative for S. mansoni infection. An analysis of a two-graph receiver operating characteristic was performed to change the cutoff point. When the trace score was interpreted as a positive rather than as a negative result, the specificity decreased from 97.6% to 78.0% whereas sensitivity increased from 68.7% to 85.4%. A significantly positive correlation between the CCA-ICT scores and egg counts was identified (r = 0.6252, p = 0.0001). However, the CCA-ICT misdiagnosed as negative 14.6% of 2KK positive individuals, predominantly those with light infections (fewer than 100 eggs/g feces). Considering 2KK as reference test, the discriminating power of the CCA-ICT (the area under the curve [AUC] = 0.817) was greater than the SEA-ELISA (AUC = 0.744) and SWAP-ELISA (AUC = 0.704). Conclusion Our data for the performance of the CCA-ICT in the Brazilian communities endemic for schistosomiasis mansoni support those from Africa, i.e., in areas with greater infection prevalence and intensities, the CCA-ICT may be useful as a tool to indicate community-based preventative chemotherapy without individual diagnosis. However, because of the Brazilian Ministry of Health’s recommendation for individual diagnosis in areas where prevalence is less than 15%, i.e., those areas in which infection intensities are likely to be lowest, the CCA-ICT lacks the sensitivity to be used as standalone diagnostic tool. PMID:26752073

New Trends in Computer Assisted Language Learning and Teaching.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perez-Paredes, Pascual, Ed.; Cantos-Gomez, Pascual, Ed.

2002-01-01

Articles in this special issue include the following: "ICT and Modern Foreign Languages: Learning Opportunities and Training Needs" (Graham Davies); "Authoring, Pedagogy and the Web: Expectations Versus Reality" (Paul Bangs); "Web-based Instructional Environments: Tools and Techniques for Effective Second Language…

EFFECTS OF CAGING DENSITY ON PITUITARY AND TESTICLE RELATED RESPONSES

EPA Science Inventory

Effects of caging density on pituitary and testicle related responses

A significant negative correlation between the incidence of testicular interstitial cell tumors (ICT) and of pituitary tumors (PT) in control male F344 rats is reported associated with the number of ani...

Multiplex real-time quantitative PCR, microscopy and rapid diagnostic immuno-chromatographic tests for the detection of Plasmodium spp: performance, limit of detection analysis and quality assurance.

PubMed

Khairnar, Krishna; Martin, Donald; Lau, Rachel; Ralevski, Filip; Pillai, Dylan R

2009-12-09

Accurate laboratory diagnosis of malaria species in returning travelers is paramount in the treatment of this potentially fatal infectious disease. A total of 466 blood specimens from returning travelers to Africa, Asia, and South/Central America with suspected malaria infection were collected between 2007 and 2009 at the reference public health laboratory. These specimens were assessed by reference microscopy, multipex real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR), and two rapid diagnostic immuno-chromatographic tests (ICT) in a blinded manner. Key clinical laboratory parameters such as limit of detection (LOD) analysis on clinical specimens by parasite stage, inter-reader variability of ICTs, staffing implications, quality assurance and cost analysis were evaluated. QPCR is the most analytically sensitive method (sensitivity 99.41%), followed by CARESTART (sensitivity 88.24%), and BINAXNOW (sensitivity 86.47%) for the diagnosis of malaria in returning travelers when compared to reference microscopy. However, microscopy was unable to specifically identify Plasmodia spp. in 18 out of 170 positive samples by QPCR. Moreover, the 17 samples that were negative by microscopy and positive by QPCR were also positive by ICTs. Quality assurance was achieved for QPCR by exchanging a blinded proficiency panel with another reference laboratory. The Kappa value of inter-reader variability among three readers for BINAXNOW and CARESTART was calculated to be 0.872 and 0.898 respectively. Serial dilution studies demonstrated that the QPCR cycle threshold correlates linearly with parasitemia (R(2) = 0.9746) in a clinically relevant dynamic range and retains a LOD of 11 rDNA copies/microl for P. falciparum, which was several log lower than reference microscopy and ICTs. LOD for QPCR is affected not only by parasitemia but the parasite stage distribution of each clinical specimen. QPCR was approximately 6-fold more costly than reference microscopy. These data suggest that multiplex QPCR although more costly confers a significant diagnostic advantage in terms of LOD compared to reference microscopy and ICTs for all four species. Quality assurance of QPCR is essential to the maintenance of proficiency in the clinical laboratory. ICTs showed good concordance between readers however lacked sensitivity for non-falciparum species due to antigenic differences and low parasitemia. Multiplex QPCR but not ICTs is an essential adjunct to microscopy in the reference laboratory detection of malaria species specifically due to the superior LOD. ICTs are better suited to the non-reference laboratory where lower specimen volumes challenge microscopy proficiency in the non-endemic setting.

Evaluation of a novel dried blood spot collection device (HemaSpot™) to test blood samples collected from dogs for antibodies to Leishmania infantum.

PubMed

Rosypal, Alexa C; Pick, Leanne D; Hernandez, Jaime O Esquivel; Lindsay, David S

2014-09-15

Collection of blood samples from veterinary and wildlife patients is often challenging because the samples have to be collected on farm or in the wild under various environmental conditions. This poses many technical problems associated with venipuncture materials, their safe use and disposal, transportation and processing of collected samples. Dried blood spot (DBS) sample collection techniques offer a simple and practical alternative to traditional blood collection methods to obtain blood samples from animals for parasite antibody evaluation. The DBS collection devices are compact, simple to use, and are particularly useful for large number of samples. Additionally, DBS samples take up less space and they are easier to transport than traditional venipuncture-collected blood samples. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a potentially fatal parasitic disease of dogs and humans and it is frequently diagnosed by antibody tests. Immunochromatographic tests (ICT) for antibodies to Leishmania infantum are commercially available for dogs and they produce qualitative results in minutes. Measurement of canine antibodies to L. infantum with the ICT using traditional venipuncture has been validated previously, but the use of DBS samples has not been evaluated using this method. The purpose of the present study was to determine the ability of DBS samples to detect antibodies to L. infantum in dogs using a commercial ICT assay. One hundred plasma samples from dogs experimentally infected with the LIVT-1 strain of L. infantum were collected by venipuncture and frozen. Individual samples were thawed, and then 80 μl plasma (2 drops) was aliquotted onto the 8-spoked disk pad on individual DBS sample collection devices (HemaSpot™, Spot-On Sciences, Austin, TX), dried, and stored in the dark at room temperature. After one month and six months, respectively, 2 spokes of the 8 spokes of the disk pad of each DBS sample were removed and eluted in 200 μl PBS. The eluate was used to test for antibodies in the ICT and compared to ICT results using thawed plasma (same initial source). Sensitivity and specificity of the ICT using DBS were determined by using ICT results from traditional blood collection samples for comparison. After 1 month, DBS samples showed 100% sensitivity and specificity when compared to ICT results on thawed plasma samples collected by traditional venipuncture. After six months storage at room temperature, DBS samples demonstrated 79% sensitivity and 100% specificity compared to traditional blood collection. Results from this study indicate that dried blood spot collection may be a useful tool for screening dogs for antibodies to L. infantum with the ICT assay. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ICT Solutions for Highly-Customized Water Demand Management Strategies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giuliani, M.; Cominola, A.; Castelletti, A.; Fraternali, P.; Guardiola, J.; Barba, J.; Pulido-Velazquez, M.; Rizzoli, A. E.

2016-12-01

The recent deployment of smart metering networks is opening new opportunities for advancing the design of residential water demand management strategies (WDMS) relying on improved understanding of water consumers' behaviors. Recent applications showed that retrieving information on users' consumption behaviors, along with their explanatory and/or causal factors, is key to spot potential areas where targeting water saving efforts, and to design user-tailored WDMS. In this study, we explore the potential of ICT-based solutions in supporting the design and implementation of highly customized WDMS. On one side, the collection of consumption data at high spatial and temporal resolutions requires big data analytics and machine learning techniques to extract typical consumption features from the metered population of water users. On the other side, ICT solutions and gamifications can be used as effective means for facilitating both users' engagement and the collection of socio-psychographic users' information. This latter allows interpreting and improving the extracted profiles, ultimately supporting the customization of WDMS, such as awareness campaigns or personalized recommendations. Our approach is implemented in the SmartH2O platform and demonstrated in a pilot application in Valencia, Spain. Results show how the analysis of the smart metered consumption data, combined with the information retrieved from an ICT gamified web user portal, successfully identify the typical consumption profiles of the metered users and supports the design of alternative WDMS targeting the different users' profiles.

ICTs and Gender. OECD Digital Economy Papers, No. 129

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Welsum, Desiree; Montagnier, Pierre

2007-01-01

This document provides an overview of the gender distribution of ICT and ICT-related employment in OECD countries, and ICT employment patterns are contrasted with overall employment to highlight differences. The authors discuss participation in ICT-related education and training, and differences in ICT access and use by gender. Overall,…

A Maturity Model for Assessing the Use of ICT in School Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Solar, Mauricio; Sabattin, Jorge; Parada, Victor

2013-01-01

This article describes an ICT-based and capability-driven model for assessing ICT in education capabilities and maturity of schools. The proposed model, called ICTE-MM (ICT in School Education Maturity Model), has three elements supporting educational processes: information criteria, ICT resources, and leverage domains. Changing the traditional…

Improving ICT Governance by Reorganizing Operation of ICT and Software Applications: The First Step to Outsource

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johansson, Björn

During recent years great attention has been paid to outsourcing as well as to the reverse, insourcing (Dibbern et al., 2004). There has been a strong focus on how the management of software applications and information and communication technology (ICT), expressed as ICT management versus ICT governance, should be carried out (Grembergen, 2004). The maintenance and operation of software applications and ICT use a lot of the resources spent on ICT in organizations today (Bearingpoint, 2004), and managers are asked to increase the business benefits of these investments (Weill & Ross, 2004). That is, they are asked to improve the usage of ICT and to develop new business critical solutions supported by ICT. It also means that investments in ICT and software applications need to be shown to be worthwhile. Basically there are two considerations to take into account with ICT usage: cost reduction and improving business value. How the governance and management of ICT and software applications are organized is important. This means that the improvement of the control of maintenance and operation may be of interest to executives of organizations. It can be stated that usage is dependent on how it is organized. So, if an increase of ICT governance is the same as having well-organized ICT resources, could this be seen as the first step in organizations striving for external provision of ICT? This question is dealt with to some degree in this paper.

Ethicted (evaluation process model to improve personalised ICT services for independent living and active ageing)--future scenario.

PubMed

Kärki, Anne; Sävel, Jaana; Sallinen, Merja; Kuusinen, Jere

2013-01-01

ICT innovations are constantly developed, and there is no lack of elderly customers, as the number of the elderly is dramatically increasing. Elderly are willing to use ICT to increase their own safety and social activity, but they need trust on the reliability, accessibility and other ethical aspects of ICT including the maintenance of privacy and self-determination. Ethical standards for ICT are usually not considered. "Ethicted" characterizes an ICT service or product as ethically evaluated. As a standardized procedure, it will not only increase the acceptability of ICT, but also provide services for ICT developers. In the future scenario, ICT under development should be evaluated by using a process model that is specifically built to find the lacks in ethical aspects. The model would then be tested by end-users, the formal and informal care givers, to receive direct feedback for redeveloping solutions. As final outcomes, there should be standards for ICT in elderly care and a service for ICT developers to utilize the evaluation model. This future scenario work included partners from 6 EU member countries. The combination of academic research and industrial/commercial interest of ICT developers should and can bring new value to assistive ICT for elderly care.

Transport infrastructure surveillance and monitoring by electromagnetic sensing: the ISTIMES project.

PubMed

Proto, Monica; Bavusi, Massimo; Bernini, Romeo; Bigagli, Lorenzo; Bost, Marie; Bourquin, Frédrèric; Cottineau, Louis-Marie; Cuomo, Vincenzo; Della Vecchia, Pietro; Dolce, Mauro; Dumoulin, Jean; Eppelbaum, Lev; Fornaro, Gianfranco; Gustafsson, Mats; Hugenschmidt, Johannes; Kaspersen, Peter; Kim, Hyunwook; Lapenna, Vincenzo; Leggio, Mario; Loperte, Antonio; Mazzetti, Paolo; Moroni, Claudio; Nativi, Stefano; Nordebo, Sven; Pacini, Fabrizio; Palombo, Angelo; Pascucci, Simone; Perrone, Angela; Pignatti, Stefano; Ponzo, Felice Carlo; Rizzo, Enzo; Soldovieri, Francesco; Taillade, Fédrèric

2010-01-01

The ISTIMES project, funded by the European Commission in the frame of a joint Call "ICT and Security" of the Seventh Framework Programme, is presented and preliminary research results are discussed. The main objective of the ISTIMES project is to design, assess and promote an Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)-based system, exploiting distributed and local sensors, for non-destructive electromagnetic monitoring of critical transport infrastructures. The integration of electromagnetic technologies with new ICT information and telecommunications systems enables remotely controlled monitoring and surveillance and real time data imaging of the critical transport infrastructures. The project exploits different non-invasive imaging technologies based on electromagnetic sensing (optic fiber sensors, Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite platform based, hyperspectral spectroscopy, Infrared thermography, Ground Penetrating Radar-, low-frequency geophysical techniques, Ground based systems for displacement monitoring). In this paper, we show the preliminary results arising from the GPR and infrared thermographic measurements carried out on the Musmeci bridge in Potenza, located in a highly seismic area of the Apennine chain (Southern Italy) and representing one of the test beds of the project.

Unveiling the excited state energy transfer pathways in peridinin-chlorophyll a-protein by ultrafast multi-pulse transient absorption spectroscopy.

PubMed

Redeckas, Kipras; Voiciuk, Vladislava; Zigmantas, Donatas; Hiller, Roger G; Vengris, Mikas

2017-04-01

Time-resolved multi-pulse methods were applied to investigate the excited state dynamics, the interstate couplings, and the excited state energy transfer pathways between the light-harvesting pigments in peridinin-chlorophyll a-protein (PCP). The utilized pump-dump-probe techniques are based on perturbation of the regular PCP energy transfer pathway. The PCP complexes were initially excited with an ultrashort pulse, resonant to the S 0 →S 2 transition of the carotenoid peridinin. A portion of the peridinin-based emissive intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) state was then depopulated by applying an ultrashort NIR pulse that perturbed the interaction between S 1 and ICT states and the energy flow from the carotenoids to the chlorophylls. The presented data indicate that the peridinin S 1 and ICT states are spectrally distinct and coexist in an excited state equilibrium in the PCP complex. Moreover, numeric analysis of the experimental data asserts ICT→Chl-a as the main energy transfer pathway in the photoexcited PCP systems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Transport Infrastructure Surveillance and Monitoring by Electromagnetic Sensing: The ISTIMES Project

PubMed Central

Proto, Monica; Bavusi, Massimo; Bernini, Romeo; Bigagli, Lorenzo; Bost, Marie; Bourquin, Frédrèric.; Cottineau, Louis-Marie; Cuomo, Vincenzo; Vecchia, Pietro Della; Dolce, Mauro; Dumoulin, Jean; Eppelbaum, Lev; Fornaro, Gianfranco; Gustafsson, Mats; Hugenschmidt, Johannes; Kaspersen, Peter; Kim, Hyunwook; Lapenna, Vincenzo; Leggio, Mario; Loperte, Antonio; Mazzetti, Paolo; Moroni, Claudio; Nativi, Stefano; Nordebo, Sven; Pacini, Fabrizio; Palombo, Angelo; Pascucci, Simone; Perrone, Angela; Pignatti, Stefano; Ponzo, Felice Carlo; Rizzo, Enzo; Soldovieri, Francesco; Taillade, Fédrèric

2010-01-01

The ISTIMES project, funded by the European Commission in the frame of a joint Call “ICT and Security” of the Seventh Framework Programme, is presented and preliminary research results are discussed. The main objective of the ISTIMES project is to design, assess and promote an Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)-based system, exploiting distributed and local sensors, for non-destructive electromagnetic monitoring of critical transport infrastructures. The integration of electromagnetic technologies with new ICT information and telecommunications systems enables remotely controlled monitoring and surveillance and real time data imaging of the critical transport infrastructures. The project exploits different non-invasive imaging technologies based on electromagnetic sensing (optic fiber sensors, Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite platform based, hyperspectral spectroscopy, Infrared thermography, Ground Penetrating Radar-, low-frequency geophysical techniques, Ground based systems for displacement monitoring). In this paper, we show the preliminary results arising from the GPR and infrared thermographic measurements carried out on the Musmeci bridge in Potenza, located in a highly seismic area of the Apennine chain (Southern Italy) and representing one of the test beds of the project. PMID:22163489

Relationship between Teachers' ICT Competency, Confidence Level, and Satisfaction toward ICT Training Programmes: A Case Study among Postgraduate Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tasir, Zaidatun; Abour, Khawla Mohammed El Amin; Halim, Noor Dayana Abd; Harun, Jamalludin

2012-01-01

There are three main variables that would make the integration of ICT tools as an easy process. Those three variables are teachers' ICT competency, teachers' confidence level in using ICT, and teachers' satisfaction on ICT training programmes. This study investigated the relationships among these three variables and measured the levels of the…

Reducing the Digital Divide through ICT Adoption: Factors, Barriers, and How ICT in Schools Can Help

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tengtrakul, Pitikorn

2013-01-01

Through econometric analysis of data from multiple surveys, this study explores factors that affect ICT adoption and evaluates the extent to which ICT in schools affect the ICT adoption of surrounding communities, in order to provide a perspective that can help narrow the gap of digital divide. Understanding factors affecting ICT adoption may…

75 FR 52508 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Information and Communication Technology Survey

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-26

... conduct the 2010 through 2012 Information and Communication Technology Survey (ICTS). The annual survey... payments) for four types of information and communication technology equipment and software (computers and... through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments...

Proceedings of the International Wire and Cable Symposium (36th) Held in Arlington, Virginia on 17-19 November 1987.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-11-19

Sistemas ), Madrid, Ltd., Chiba-ken, Japan 693 Spain 629 New Universal Splice Closure System-D. A Novel Evaluation Technique and Refractive Kunze, E...conveyor- road , ’,Ne rcsu’-c mus ’ be approx ima tel y equalI in Besides this closu’- which +ullfils the di amete- toc the cable a nd moreover- must...Ocl;tialt] W’ircittt I’t C’ 7111’cc Zi’t ict M letI)Ccr cit t’t ctw’eeit cccctllI iti te . Flt’fil ct’ tI i’’l ’c’ictt’d t)ilt tcc cac.kic ict’ toc

ICT Literacy of Vocational High School Students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miraj, Y. Z.; Rohendi, D.; Yannuar; Nurhabibah; Wendi, H. F.

2018-02-01

The development of information and communication technology (ICT) has brought about change in education in Indonesia. With ICT students can easily access a variety of information in supporting the learning process. But there was a problem where ICT infrastructure across Indonesia including in the uneven Siak Regency, this can lead to gaps in technology and also weak ICT literacy. This research aims to know the ICT literacy of the students of SMK in Siak Regency. The research method used was survey with the quantitative approach. The results of this study showed that the use of ICT (computers, Internet) has been used by students of SMK, but usability of ICT has not been fullest support the learning process.

ICT, complementary investment, and firm performance in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Linlin; Ding, Juan; Fan, Maoqing

2011-12-01

Using China firm data about ICT, we provide some insight into the link between ICT, productivity and complementary investment. The results show that the contribution of ICT capital deepening is raised when firms combine ICT use and some complementary investment (human capital, innovation and organization change).

Social Studies Teachers' Views of ICT Integration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hong, Jung Eun

2016-01-01

The role of teachers is significant for information and communication technology (ICT) integration, because the use of ICT in the classroom depends on teachers' attitudes towards the concept. In other words, for successful ICT integration, teachers are required to have a positive attitude. Providing well-organized ICT teacher training is essential…

ESL Teacher and ICT: Teachers' Perception

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lin, Chua Pei; Yunus, Melor Md.

2012-01-01

The rapid development of Information Communication and Technologies (ICTs) has made tremendous changes in the twenty-first century. ICT is said to bring a variety of benefits in facilitating the teaching and learning process. Therefore, ICT has been the emphasis in school and higher institutions of education nowadays. However, to integrate ICT in…

FuturICT — The road towards ethical ICT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van den Hoven, J.; Helbing, D.; Pedreschi, D.; Domingo-Ferrer, J.; Gianotti, F.; Christen, M.

2012-11-01

The pervasive use of information and communication technology (ICT) in modern societies enables countless opportunities for individuals, institutions, businesses and scientists, but also raises difficult ethical and social problems. In particular, ICT helped to make societies more complex and thus harder to understand, which impedes social and political interventions to avoid harm and to increase the common good. To overcome this obstacle, the large-scale EU flagship proposal FuturICT intends to create a platform for accessing global human knowledge as a public good and instruments to increase our understanding of the information society by making use of ICT-based research. In this contribution, we outline the ethical justification for such an endeavor. We argue that the ethical issues raised by FuturICT research projects overlap substantially with many of the known ethical problems emerging from ICT use in general. By referring to the notion of Value Sensitive Design, we show for the example of privacy how this core value of responsible ICT can be protected in pursuing research in the framework of FuturICT. In addition, we discuss further ethical issues and outline the institutional design of FuturICT allowing to address them.

Qualité De L'éducation En Afrique: Le Rôle Potentiel Des Tic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karsenti, Thierry; Ngamo, Salomon Tchameni

2007-11-01

THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN AFRICA: THE ROLE OF ICTS IN TEACHING - This article reports on the presence of ICT in educational institutions, presents an overview of the types of ICT uses found in African schools, and explores the relations between ICT use and the quality of education. Data were obtained from a transnational research project ( Projet des écoles pionnières-TIC en Afrique / Pioneer ICT-Schools Project in Africa) funded by the International Research Development Centre (IDRC) of Canada. A total of 68,662 students, 2,627 teachers, 217 school administrators, and 428 additional education stakeholders in West and Central Africa participated in the study. The results show multiple uses of ICT in the participating schools, albeit centered on teaching ICT basic skills. A biaxial model with four quadrants is used to visualize the range of ICT usages in the schools. The analysis reveals a limited pedagogical use of ICT to teach academic subjects in most of the schools. Approximately 80% of the reported uses involved teaching ICT basic skills, while barely 17% involved subject-specific ICT integration for teaching and learning purposes.

Discontinued Information and Communication Technology Usage among Older Adults in Continuing Care Retirement Communities in the United States.

PubMed

Rikard, R V; Berkowsky, Ronald W; Cotten, Shelia R

2018-01-01

Older adults are increasingly using information and communication technologies (ICTs). Recent studies show beneficial effects of using ICTs for older adults, particularly in terms of reducing loneliness and depression. However, little is known about the factors that may prevent discontinued ICT use in populations that may be at greater risk, such as those in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). The purpose of this study is to examine a range of factors that may influence discontinued (1) ICT use, (2) searching for health information, and (3) searching for general information over time among CCRC residents. We use longitudinal data from a randomized controlled trial conducted with residents of 19 CCRCs. We use flexible parametric models to estimate the hazard ratio or hazard rate over 5 waves of data to determine what factors significantly predict discontinued (1) ICT use, (2) health information searching, and (3) general information searching. The analysis reveals that independent living residents who took part in an 8-week ICT training intervention were less likely to stop using ICTs. Age and the number of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) impairments significantly predicted an increased likelihood of stopping ICT use. When examining specific ICT-related activities, the analysis reveals that independent living residents who took part in the ICT training intervention were less likely to stop searching for health information and general information online. In addition, age and the number of IADL impairments were associated with increased likelihood of discontinued health information searches and discontinued general information searches. ICT training interventions may motivate residents of CCRCs to stay connected by increasing the ICT skill level and promoting confidence, thus decreasing the probability that they will discontinue using ICTs and searching for general information. However, the effects of ICT training on motivating continued ICT usage may be more pronounced among independent living residents. Limitations in the number of IADL impairments is a key factor leading to discontinued use of ICTs among CCRC residents, suggesting that designers of ICTs should be cognizant of the cognitive and physical limitations among this group. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Information Communication Technology Policy and Public Primary Schools' Efficiency in Rwanda

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Munyengabe, Sylvestre; Haiyan, He; Yiyi, Zhao

2018-01-01

Teaching and learning processes have been developed through different methods and materials; nowadays the introduction of computers and other ICT tools in different forms and levels of education have been found to be highly influential in education system of different countries. The main objective of this study was to correlate Information…

Treatment of transfusional iron overload in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome or severe anemia: data from multicenter clinical practices.

PubMed

Raptis, Anastasios; Duh, Mei Sheng; Wang, Si-Tien; Dial, Ellison; Fanourgiakis, Ilias; Fortner, Barry; Paley, Carole; Mody-Patel, Nikita; Corral, Mitra; Scott, Jeffrey

2010-01-01

Patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or severe anemia requiring repeated red blood cell (RBC) transfusions risk developing transfusional iron overload, which can reduce survival. Iron chelation therapy (ICT) has been shown to improve survival and quality of life in patients; however, ICT utilization in clinical practices is not well understood. Medical records of patients diagnosed with MDS or severe anemia at least 6 months before data extraction, aged at least 21 years at diagnosis, and who received at least one RBC transfusion were reviewed. ICT eligibility was defined as at least 20 units of RBCs transfused or at least two serum ferritin levels exceeding 1000 microg/L. Study endpoint was ICT treatment rate among ICT-eligible patients with lower-risk MDS (International Prognostic Scoring System [low or intermediate-1]; World Health Organization [refractory anemia {RA}, refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts {RARS}, refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia {RCMD}, refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia and ringed sideroblasts, or 5q]; French-American-British [RA/RARS]). Among 78 ICT-eligible patients with lower-risk MDS, 32 (41%) received ICT. At ICT initiation, treated patients received on average 13.3 transfusions (27.6 units) and mean first post-ICT initiation serum ferritin was twice the MDS Foundation recommendation at 1949 microg/L. Median overall survival for all ICT-eligible patients was significantly longer for those ICT-treated patients than untreated patients (8.7 years vs. 4.7 years, log-rank p = 0.02; multivariate hazard ratio 0.372, p = 0.03). This study finds only 41% of ICT-eligible patients with lower-risk MDS received ICT in clinical practice, and treatment was initiated later than recommended. Receipt of ICT was associated with significantly longer survival.

Evaluation of immunochromatographic test (ICT) strips for the serological detection of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina infection in cattle from Western Java, Indonesia.

PubMed

Guswanto, Azirwan; Allamanda, Puttik; Mariamah, Euis Siti; Munkjargal, Tserendorf; Tuvshintulga, Bumduuren; Takemae, Hitoshi; Sivakumar, Thillaiampalam; AbouLaila, Mahmoud; Terkawi, Mohamad Alaa; Ichikawa-Seki, Madoka; Nishikawa, Yoshifumi; Yokoyama, Naoaki; Igarashi, Ikuo

2017-05-30

Three types of immunochromatographic test (ICT) strips were prepared for the detection of an antibody response against spherical body protein 4 (SBP-4) of Babesia bovis (bovICT), C-terminal-truncated rhoptry-associated protein 1 (rRAP1/CT17) of B. bigemina (bigICT), and the combination of both proteins (dual-ICT). The evaluation of their performance was conducted using a confirmed positive and negative serum panel for B. bovis and B. bigemina. Together with ELISA, the ICT strips were applied to determine the seroprevalence of bovine babesiosis in Western Java, Indonesia. Among 991 serum samples, 28.4%, 25.3%, and 24.5% of cattle were detected to be seropositive to B. bovis infection using ELISA, bovICT, and dual-ICT, respectively. B. bigemina seropositive was detected in 27.1%, 24.2%, and 22.8% of samples using ELISA, bigICT, and dual-ICT, respectively. The comparison of ICT strips and ELISA results using field serum samples showed good agreement with Kappa values >0.7 between all methods The application of ICT strips is preferable in the field situations where rapid diagnosis is required. Furthermore, the data showed the current seroprevalence of bovine babesiosis in Western Java, Indonesia, and efficient control strategies are needed to reduce economic losses due to the disease. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Measuring ICT Use and Contributing Conditions in Primary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vanderlinde, Ruben; Aesaert, Koen; van Braak, Johan

2015-01-01

Information and communication technology (ICT) use became of major importance for primary schools across the world as ICT has the potential to foster teaching and learning processes. ICT use is therefore a central measurement concept (dependent variable) in many ICT integration studies. This data paper presents two datasets (2008 and 2011) that…

Role of ICT in Shaping the Future of Pakistani Higher Education System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shaikh, Zaffar Ahmed; Khoja, Shakeel Ahmed

2011-01-01

This study examined the challenges faced by the Pakistani higher education system (HES) in integrating information and communication technology (ICT); it aimed at understanding ICT needs, measuring the increase in ICT demand, determining the relationship between ICT and HES performance, and understanding how the HES copes with the challenges of…

ICT in Education: A Critical Literature Review and Its Implications

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fu, Jo Shan

2013-01-01

This review summarizes the relevant research on the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in education. Specifically, it reviews studies that have touched upon the merits of ICT integration in schools, barriers or challenges encountered in the use of ICT, factors influencing successful ICT integration, in-service and pre-service…

The effect of ICT on CO2 emissions in emerging economies: does the level of income matters?

PubMed

Danish; Khan, Noheed; Baloch, Muhammad Awais; Saud, Shah; Fatima, Tehreem

2018-05-31

In the modern era of globalization, the rapid increase in information and telecommunication technologies (ICTs) contributes in various sectors of an economy; however, the environmental consequences of ICTs cannot be ignored. Therefore, the study investigates the nexus between ICTs, economic growth, financial development, and environmental quality in emerging economies. The novel feature of the study is that the interaction term of ICT is introduced with economic growth and financial development. The empirical findings of the study are based on panel mean group (MG) and augmented mean group (AMG) estimation methods from 1990 to 2015. The following empirical results are established: first the ICTs significantly affect CO 2 emissions. Second, the moderating effect of ICT and financial development stimulate the level of CO 2 emissions. Third, economic growth contributes CO 2 emission; however, the interaction between ICT and GDP mitigates the level of pollution. Policy thresholds with the R&D in ICT sector are required to mitigate the level of CO 2 emission. Introduction of green ICTs projects in the financial sector is a better choice to improve the energy efficiency.

Patterns of Objective and Subjective Burden of Informal Caregivers in Multiple Sclerosis.

PubMed

Bayen, E; Papeix, C; Pradat-Diehl, P; Lubetzki, C; Joël, M E

2015-01-01

Home care for patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) relies largely on informal caregivers (ICs). Methods. We assessed ICs objective burden (Resource Utilization in Dementia measuring informal care time (ICT)) and ICs subjective burden (Zarit Burden Inventory (ZBI)). ICs (N = 99) were spouses (70%), mean age 52 years, assisting disabled patients with a mean EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) of 5.5, with executive dysfunction (mean DEX (Dysexecutive questionnaire) of 25) and a duration of MS ranging from 1 to 44 years. burden was high (mean ICT = 6.5 hours/day), mostly consisting of supervision time. Subjective burden was moderate (mean ZBI = 27.3). Multivariate analyses showed that both burdens were positively correlated with higher levels of EDSS and DEX, whereas coresidency and IC's female gender correlated with objective burden only and IC's poor mental health status with subjective burden only. When considering MS aggressiveness, it appeared that both burdens were not correlated with a higher duration of MS but rather increased for patients with severe and early dysexecutive function and for patients classified as fast progressors according to the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score. Evaluation of MS disability course and IC's personal situation is crucial to understand the burden process and to implement adequate interventions in MS.

Photophysical study of some 3-benzoylmethyleneindol-2-ones and estimation of ground and excited states dipole moments from solvatochromic methods using solvent polarity parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saroj, Manju K.; Sharma, Neera; Rastogi, Ramesh C.

2012-03-01

3-Benzoylmethyleneindol-2-ones, isatin based chalcones containing donor and acceptor moieties that exhibit excited-state intramolecular charge transfer, have been studied in different solvents by absorption and emission spectroscopy. The excited state behavior of these compounds is strongly dependent on the nature of substituents and the environment. These compounds show multiple emissions arising from a locally excited state and the two states due to intramolecular processes viz. intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). Excited-state dipole moments have been calculated using Stoke-shifts of LE and ICT states using solvatochromic methods. The higher values of dipole moments obtained lead to support the formation of ICT state as one of the prominent species in the excited states of all 3-benzoylmethyleneindol-2-ones. The correlation of the solvatochromic Stokes-shifts with the microscopic solvent polarity parameter (ETN) was found to be superior to that obtained using bulk solvent polarity functions. The absorption and florescence spectral characteristics have been also investigated as a function of acidity and basicity (Ho/pH) in aqueous phase.

Utilization of information technology in medical education: a questionnaire survey of students in a Malaysian institution.

PubMed

Nurjahan, M I; Lim, T A; Yeong, S W; Foong, A L S; Ware, J

2002-12-01

The objective of this survey was to obtain a self-reported assessment of the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by medical students at the International Medical University, Malaysia. Students' perceived skills and extent of usage of ICT were evaluated using a questionnaire. Chi-square analysis were performed to ascertain the association between variables. Further statistical testing using Chi-square test for trend was done when one of the variables was ordered, and Spearman rank correlation when both variables were ordered. Overall, (98%) of students responded to the questionnaire. Twenty seven students (5.7%) did not use a computer either in the university or at home. Most students surveyed reported adequate skills at word processing (55%), e-mailing (78%) and surfing the internet (67%). The results suggests that in order to increase the level of computer literacy among medical students, positive steps would need to be taken, for example the formal inclusion of ICT instruction in the teaching of undergraduate medicine. This will enhance medical students' ability to acquire, appraise, and use information in order to solve clinical and other problems quickly and efficiently in the course of their studies, and more importantly when they graduate.

Investigating the effects of ICT on innovation and performance of European hospitals: an exploratory study.

PubMed

Arvanitis, Spyros; Loukis, Euripidis N

2016-05-01

Hospitals are making big investments in various types of ICT, so it is important to investigate their effects on innovation and performance. This paper presents an empirical study in this direction, based on data for 743 hospitals from 18 European countries. We specified and estimated econometrically five equations: one for product innovation, one for process innovation and three equations for the three different dimensions of (ICT-enabled) hospital performance. All five equations included various ICT-related variables reflecting ICT infrastructure and a series of important ICT applications, some of them hospital-specific, and some others of general business use, and also ICT personnel (viewed as a kind of 'soft' ICT investment), while the performance equations also included the two innovation measures.

a Computational Tddft Study on Intramolecular Charge Transfer in Di-Tert and 2,4,6-TRICYANOANILINES.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujiwara, Takashige; Zgierski, Marek Z.

2014-06-01

We have carried out TDDFT computational studies on the low-lying excited states of di-tert-butylaminobenzonitrile and 2,4,6-tricyanoaniline compounds that exhibit unusual photophysical behaviors associated with the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). For both 3- and 4-di-tert-butylamino)benzonitriles (m-DTBABN and p-DTBABN, respectively) show the ICT formation, and p-DTBABN appears to be the only meta-substituted aminobenzonitrile that exhibits the ICT formation. The TDDFT calculations indicate evidence that the ultrafast ICT formation in p-DTBABN and m-DTBABN is due to the sequential state switches: ππ*(La)→ πσ*→ ICT in the presence of conical intersections among the three closely-lying excited-states. On the other hand, 2,4,6-tricyanoaniline does not show clear evidence for the LE (locally excited) state → ICT state formation from steady-state fluorescence studies, despite the greater electron acceptor strength of tricycanobenzene as compared to monocyanobenzene, which is part of a 4-(dimethylamino)benzonitrile (p-DMABN) compound. However, it is predicted that 2,4,6-tricyano-N,N-dimethylaniline (TCDMA), but not 2,4,6-tricyanoaniline (TCA), possesses two ICT states, which show the ICT-characterized quinoidal structures and lie below the initially photo-excited S1(ππ*) state. The CC2 calculations further predict two conformers as labeled with quinoidal (ICT--Q) and anti-quinoidal (ICT--AQ) structures are rapidly interconnecting with each other. The lower energy ICT--Q structure tends to be populated from the unstable ICT--AQ structure, which is responsible for the observed time-resolved fluorescence as well as the excited-state absorption from the mixed S1(ππ*)/ICT state of TCDMA. In both cases for TCDMA and TCA, the πσ* state locates significantly higher in energy than the S1(ππ*) state (and the ICT state for TCA), thus precluding the πσ*→ ICT formation, which is believed to occur in a p-DMABN in polar environments.

ITKids part II: variation of postures and muscle activity in children using different information and communication technologies.

PubMed

Ciccarelli, Marina; Straker, Leon; Mathiassen, Svend Erik; Pollock, Clare

2011-01-01

There are concerns that insufficient variation in postural and muscle activity associated with use of modern information and communication technology (ICT) presents a risk for musculoskeletal ill-health among school children. However, scientific knowledge on physical exposure variation in this group is limited. The purpose of this study was to quantify postures and muscle activity of school children using different types of ICT. Postures of the head, upper back and upper arm, and muscle activity of the right and left upper trapezius and right forearm extensors were measured over 10-12 hours in nine school children using different types of ICT at school and away-from-school. Variation in postures and muscle activity was quantified using two indices, EVA{sd} and APDF₉₀-₁₀. Paper-based (Old) ICT tasks produced postures that were less neutral but more variable than electronics-based (New ICT) and Non-ICT tasks. Non-ICT tasks involved mean postures similar to New ICT tasks, but with greater variation. Variation of muscle activity was similar between ICT types in the right and left upper trapezius muscles. Non-ICT tasks produced more muscle activity variation in the right forearm extensor group compared to New and Old ICT tasks. Different ICT tasks produce different degrees of variation in posture and muscle activity. Combining tasks that use different ICT may increase overall exposure variation. More research is needed to determine what degree of postural and muscle activity variation is associated with reduced risk of musculoskeletal ill-health.

Satisfaction and adherence in patients with iron overload receiving iron chelation therapy as assessed by a newly developed patient instrument.

PubMed

Rofail, Diana; Abetz, Linda; Viala, Muriel; Gait, Claire; Baladi, Jean-Francois; Payne, Krista

2009-01-01

This study assesses satisfaction with iron chelation therapy (ICT) based on a reliable and valid instrument, and explores the relationship between satisfaction and adherence to ICT. Patients in the USA and UK completed a new "Satisfaction with ICT" (SICT) instrument consisting of 28 items, three pertaining to adherence. Simple and multivariate regression analyses assessed the relationship between satisfaction with different aspects of ICT and adherence. First assessments of the SICT instrument indicate its validity and reliability. Recommended thresholds for internal consistency, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and floor and ceiling effects were met. A number of variables were identified in the simple linear regression analyses as significant predictors of "never thinking about stopping ICT," a proxy for adherence. These significant variables were entered into the multivariate model to assess the combined factor effects, explaining 42% of the total variance of "never thinking about stopping ICT." A significant and positive relationship was demonstrated between "never thinking about stopping ICT" and age (P = 0.04), Perceived Effectiveness of ICT (P = 0.003), low Burden of ICT (P = 0.002), and low Side Effects of ICT (P = 0.01). The SICT is a reliable and valid instrument which will be useful in ICT clinical trials. Furthermore, the administration of ICT by slow subcutaneous infusion negatively impacts on satisfaction with ICT which was shown to be a determinant of adherence. This points to the need for new more convenient and less burdensome oral iron chelators to increase adherence, and ultimately to improve patient outcomes.

Current National Approach to Healthcare ICT Standardization: Focus on Progress in New Zealand.

PubMed

Park, Young-Taek; Atalag, Koray

2015-07-01

Many countries try to efficiently deliver high quality healthcare services at lower and manageable costs where healthcare information and communication technologies (ICT) standardisation may play an important role. New Zealand provides a good model of healthcare ICT standardisation. The purpose of this study was to review the current healthcare ICT standardisation and progress in New Zealand. This study reviewed the reports regarding the healthcare ICT standardisation in New Zealand. We also investigated relevant websites related with the healthcare ICT standards, most of which were run by the government. Then, we summarised the governance structure, standardisation processes, and their output regarding the current healthcare ICT standards status of New Zealand. New Zealand government bodies have established a set of healthcare ICT standards and clear guidelines and procedures for healthcare ICT standardisation. Government has actively participated in various enactments of healthcare ICT standards from the inception of ideas to their eventual retirement. Great achievements in eHealth have already been realized, and various standards are currently utilised at all levels of healthcare regionally and nationally. Standard clinical terminologies, such as International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine - Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT) have been adopted and Health Level Seven (HL7) standards are actively used in health information exchanges. The government to New Zealand has well organised ICT institutions, guidelines, and regulations, as well as various programs, such as e-Medications and integrated care services. Local district health boards directly running hospitals have effectively adopted various new ICT standards. They might already be benefiting from improved efficiency resulting from healthcare ICT standardisation.

Examining the Relationship Between Teachers' ICT Self-Efficacy for Educational Purposes, Collegial Collaboration, Lack of Facilitation and the Use of ICT in Teaching Practice.

PubMed

Hatlevik, Ida K R; Hatlevik, Ove E

2018-01-01

Information and communication technology (ICT) is now an integrated and central element of modern life, and its rapid emergence is changing the execution and organization of work and learning. Digital technology is also important for schools, and hence for teachers' working days. However, among today's teachers, not everyone has the knowledge required to teach using digital technology. Recent research indicates that self-efficacy is important for how teachers master their practice. This paper addresses teachers' ICT self-efficacy for educational purposes, and examines the assumed antecedents of teachers' self-efficacy. Data from 1,158 teachers at 116 Norwegian schools was analyzed. The results indicate that teachers' self-efficacy for using ICT in their teaching practice is associated with their use of ICT in teaching and their general ICT self-efficacy. In addition, the results show that collegial collaboration among teachers has a positive association with the use of ICT in their teaching practice. One interpretation of these findings is that general ICT self-efficacy is necessary for developing ICT self-efficacy for educational purposes and being able to use ICT in education. However, further research is required to scrutinize the relationships between these concepts.

Elementary School Teachers' ICT Use in the Classroom and Their Motivators for Using ICT

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Uluyol, Çelebi; Sahin, Sami

2016-01-01

Teachers play a significant role in integrating information and communication technology (ICT) in schools, and motivated teachers reflect higher levels of ICT use in their classroom. In this study, we used semistructured interviews to investigate elementary school teachers' ICT use and their motivators for doing so. The participants consisted of…

Norwegian Secondary School Teachers and ICT

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wikan, Gerd; Molster, Terje

2011-01-01

ICT is meant to be integrated in all subjects in Norwegian schools; nevertheless many teachers are reluctant to use ICT in their own teaching. This paper explores to what extent teachers use ICT in their classroom teaching and what teacher-level factors influence the use of ICT. It draws on an analysis of 10 focus-group interviews with 10 teachers…

Baseline Analysis on ICT in General Education of Mongolia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Uyanga, Sambuu

2014-01-01

These days ICT has penetrated into almost all sectors of the economy and society of Mongolia. More and more effort and attention is being paid to integrating ICT into the education sector. The current education reforms have a big component related to ICT, which includes the development of a Master plan for ICT in the Education sector, addressing…

Kenya's ICT Policy in Practice: The Effectiveness of Tablets and E-Readers in Improving Student Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Piper, Benjamin; Jepkemei, Evelyn; Kwayumba, Dunston; Kibukho, Kennedy

2015-01-01

Kenya is investing in information and communication technology (ICT) to improve children's learning outcomes. However, the literature on ICT is pessimistic about the ability of ICT alone to improve outcomes, and few ICT programs have created the instructional change necessary to increase learning. The Primary Math and Reading (PRIMR) Initiative…

Parents' Perceptions of Their Preschoolers' Experiences with Information Communication Technologies and Emergent Literacy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, Pauline

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between parents' perception of preschool children's early Information Communication Technologies (ICT) experiences in the home on the dimensions of parent attitude toward the benefits of ICT use, frequency of ICT use, parent attitude toward ICT use, quality of interaction with ICT, and…

A Panel Analysis of the Strategic Association Between Information and Communication Technology and Public Health Delivery

PubMed Central

Wu, Sarah Jinhui

2012-01-01

Background In this exploratory research, we use panel data analysis to examine the correlation between Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) and public health delivery at the country level. Objective The goal of this exploratory research is to examine the strategic association over time between ICTs and country-level public health. Methods Using data from the World Development Indicators, we construct a panel data set of countries of five different income levels and look closely at the period from 2000 to 2008. The panel data analysis allows us to explore this dynamic relationship under the control for unobserved country-specific effects by using a fixed-effects estimation method. In particular,, we examine the association of five ICT factors with five public health indicators: adolescent fertility rate, child immunization coverage, tuberculosis case detected, life expectancy, and adult mortality rate. Results First, overall ICTs’ factors substantially improve a country’s public health delivery on the top of wealth effect. Second, among all the ICTs’ factors, accessibility is the only one that is associated with improvements in all aspects of public health delivery, while the contributions from the usage, quality, and applications are negligible. ICTs’ accessibility factor is associated with a considerable extension to life expectancy and reduced adult mortality rate. Third, all entity-specific factors are significant in each model, indicating that countries’ economic development level does influence their public health delivery. Conclusions Our results indicate that ICT accessibility has a strong association with effective delivery of public health. There are others, but the key strategic applications are eHealth and mHealth. The findings of this study will help government officials and public health policy makers to formulate strategic decisions regarding the best ICT investments and deployment. For example, the study shows that providing accessibility should be a critical focus. PMID:23089193

Intracardiac thrombi in extracardiac disorders: an autopsy study.

PubMed

Vaideeswar, Pradeep; Divate, Smita; Harke, Megha

2012-01-01

Intracardiac thrombi (ICT), more commonly encountered at autopsy, are well documented with underlying cardiovascular disease. Occurrence of ICT in systemic diseases without an intrinsic cardiac disorder is rare. The aim of this autopsy study was to highlight such an occurrence. From 1996 to 2010, cases with ICT unrelated to primary cardiac disorders were selected at autopsy and analyzed. Clinical and investigational data were obtained from the medical records. The location, morphology, size, and histological appearance of the thrombi were noted. The thrombi were then classified on the basis of their location, nature, and histology (fresh and/or organized); this was correlated with the clinical setting. Among a total of 11,724 autopsies performed in 15 years, 276 patients (2.4%) had ICT. Of these, 45 patients (0.4%) had ICT that were unrelated to primary cardiac diseases. There were 25 men and 20 women with a mean age of 46.1 years. Antemortem diagnosis was not made in any of these patients. Eight patients each (35.6%) showed isolated left-sided and multichambered involvement, while the rest of the hearts (64.4%) had thrombi in the right-sided chamber(s). The recognizable risk factors were underlying cancers (24.4%), prolonged immobilization (20%), systemic lupus erythematosus (6.7%), pregnancy (4.4%), nephropathy (4.4%), primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (2.2%), and ulcerative colitis (2.2%). However, 16 patients (35.7%) had no obvious predisposing factor, although investigations for prothrombotic markers had not been done. Diabetes mellitus, chronic alcoholism, and deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs had been clinically documented in some of them. The cause of death in most patients (73.3%) had been related to pulmonary and/or systemic thromboembolism. This autopsy study emphasizes the great need for a higher index of suspicion of in situ thrombosis in the heart in hypercoagulable states so as to curtail the morbidity and mortality of the primary disease process. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Genomic research and data-mining technology: implications for personal privacy and informed consent.

PubMed

Tavani, Herman T

2004-01-01

This essay examines issues involving personal privacy and informed consent that arise at the intersection of information and communication technology (ICT) and population genomics research. I begin by briefly examining the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) program requirements that were established to guide researchers working on the Human Genome Project (HGP). Next I consider a case illustration involving deCODE Genetics, a privately owned genetic company in Iceland, which raises some ethical concerns that are not clearly addressed in the current ELSI guidelines. The deCODE case also illustrates some ways in which an ICT technique known as data mining has both aided and posed special challenges for researchers working in the field of population genomics. On the one hand, data-mining tools have greatly assisted researchers in mapping the human genome and in identifying certain "disease genes" common in specific populations (which, in turn, has accelerated the process of finding cures for diseases tha affect those populations). On the other hand, this technology has significantly threatened the privacy of research subjects participating in population genomics studies, who may, unwittingly, contribute to the construction of new groups (based on arbitrary and non-obvious patterns and statistical correlations) that put those subjects at risk for discrimination and stigmatization. In the final section of this paper I examine some ways in which the use of data mining in the context of population genomics research poses a critical challenge for the principle of informed consent, which traditionally has played a central role in protecting the privacy interests of research subjects participating in epidemiological studies.

Physics Laboratory in UEC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takada, Tohru; Nakamura, Jin; Suzuki, Masaru

All the first-year students in the University of Electro-Communications (UEC) take "Basic Physics I", "Basic Physics II" and "Physics Laboratory" as required subjects; Basic Physics I and Basic Physics II are calculus-based physics of mechanics, wave and oscillation, thermal physics and electromagnetics. Physics Laboratory is designed mainly aiming at learning the skill of basic experimental technique and technical writing. Although 95% students have taken physics in the senior high school, they poorly understand it by connecting with experience, and it is difficult to learn Physics Laboratory in the university. For this reason, we introduced two ICT (Information and Communication Technology) systems of Physics Laboratory to support students'learning and staff's teaching. By using quantitative data obtained from the ICT systems, we can easily check understanding of physics contents in students, and can improve physics education.

ICT Policy Planning in a Context of Curriculum Reform: Disentanglement of ICT Policy Domains and Artifacts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vanderlinde, Ruben; van Braak, Johan; Dexter, Sara

2012-01-01

Researchers and policy makers around the world are increasingly acknowledging the importance of developing a school-based ICT policy plan to facilitate the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in education. Despite this interest, not much is known about how schools can develop their local ICT policy capacity and how to…

Using an Online Tool to Support School-Based ICT Policy Planning in Primary Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vanderlinde, R.; Van Braak, J.; Tondeur, J.

2010-01-01

An important step towards the successful integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in schools is to facilitate their capacity to develop a school-based ICT policy resulting in an ICT policy plan. Such a plan can be defined as a school document containing strategic and operational elements concerning the integration of ICT in…

ICT for Education: A Conceptual Framework for the Sustainable Adoption of Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments in Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rodriguez, Patricio; Nussbaum, Miguel; Dombrovskaia, Lioubov

2012-01-01

Currently, the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in education does not conclusively demonstrate significant effects on learning. However, not all ICT usage models are designed to affect student outcomes. Therefore, to accurately study the impact of ICT, the concept of an educational programme supported by ICT must first be…

Use of information and communication technology and retention of health workers in rural post-war conflict Northern Uganda: findings from a qualitative study.

PubMed

Yagos, Walter Onen; Tabo Olok, Geoffrey; Ovuga, Emilio

2017-01-10

Information and communication technologies have become a vital infrastructural asset for use in the retention of rural health workers. However, little is known about the potential influence of ICT use, perceptions of health workers on ICT in healthcare delivery, and contribution of ICT to health care providers' retention in rural and remote areas in rural post-war and conflict situations of northern Uganda. Data from interviews were transcribed, coded and thematically analysed. Participants generally exhibited low confidence, knowledge and low ICT skills. Majority of participants, however, perceived ICT as beneficial in relation to job performance and health care provider retention in rural areas. Common barriers for the implementation and use of ICT in health centres were inadequate ICT knowledge and skills, poor Internet networks, inadequate computers, inadequate power supply, lack of Internet Modems and expensive access to outside computer centres. This qualitative study showed low confidence, poor knowledge and skills in ICT usage but positive perceptions about the benefits and contributions of ICT. These findings suggest the need for specific investment in ICT infrastructural development for health care providers in remote rural areas of northern Uganda.

Cooperative Learning Environment with the Web 2.0 Tool E-Portfolios

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Or Kan, Soh

2011-01-01

In recent years, the development of information and communication technology (ICT) in the world and Malaysia namely has created a significant impact on the methods of communicating information and knowledge to the learners and consequently, innovative teaching techniques have evolved to change the ways teachers teach and the ways students learn.…

Audiovisual Resources in Formal and Informal Learning: Spanish and Mexican Students' Attitudes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fombona, Javier; Pascual, Maria Angeles

2013-01-01

This research analyses the evolution in the effectiveness of media messages and aims to optimize the use of ICTs in educational settings. The cultural impact of television and multimedia resources is increasing as they move to the Internet with ever greater quality. The integration of visual narrative techniques with multimedia playback…

An analysis of the relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) and scientific literacy in Canada and Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luu, King

Despite the lack of substantial evidence for improvement in the quality of teaching and learning with information and communication technology (ICT), governmental organizations, including those of Canada and Australia, have made large investments into ICT. This investment has been largely predicated on the hypothesized relationship between ICT and science achievement, and the need for ICT as a means of providing broad-scale training to meet the demand for a skilled workforce. To better understand this possible relationship, this study used data from the 2006 administration of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA 2006) to determine the extent to which scientific literacy is predicted by student- and school-level variables related to ICT, after adjusting for student demographic characteristics and school characteristics. The findings suggest that, once student demographic characteristics and school characteristics have been accounted for, students with prior experience with ICT, who browse the Internet more frequently, and who are confident with basic ICT tasks earned higher scientific literacy scores. Gender differences existed with respect to types of productivity and entertainment software used; this difference may be attributed to personal choice and initiative to learn ICT. Finally, differences in ICT use between Canada and Australia, particularly with school use, may be due to initiatives in Australia (e.g., National Goals of Schooling for the Twenty-first Century) that promote the increased use of ICT in classrooms.

Evaluating the usefulness of the ICT tuberculosis test kit for the diagnosis of tuberculosis

PubMed Central

Chang, C. L.; Lee, E. Y.; Son, H. C.; Park, S. K.

2000-01-01

Background—Early diagnosis of tuberculosis is crucial, especially in Korea, where tuberculosis is endemic. Aims—To evaluate the validity of the ICT tuberculosis test (ICT) in early diagnosis of tuberculosis. Methods—Sixty eight patients with tuberculosis were tested; 37 had no history of previous tuberculosis (patient group 1), and 31 had reactivated tuberculosis (patient group 2). The control groups comprised 77 subjects: 25 healthy adults, 35 hospital workers, and 17 inpatients with non-tuberculous respiratory diseases. Results—The diagnostic sensitivities of ICT were 73% in patient group 1 and 87.1% in patient group 2. In two patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis, both tested positive using ICT. The specificities of ICT were 88%, 94%, and 94% in healthy adults, hospital workers, and non-tuberculous patients, respectively. Conclusions—ICT is a useful tool for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Key Words: serological diagnosis of tuberculosis • ICT tuberculosis test PMID:11041064

Experiential Avoidance and Technological Addictions in Adolescents

PubMed Central

García-Oliva, Carlos; Piqueras, José A.

2016-01-01

Background and aims This study focuses on the use of popular information and communication technologies (ICTs) by adolescents: the Internet, mobile phones, and video games. The relationship of ICT use and experiential avoidance (EA), a construct that has emerged as underlying and transdiagnostic to a wide variety of psychological problems, including behavioral addictions, is examined. EA refers to a self-regulatory strategy involving efforts to control or escape from negative stimuli such as thoughts, feelings, or sensations that generate strong distress. This strategy, which may be adaptive in the short term, is problematic if it becomes an inflexible pattern. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore whether EA patterns were associated with addictive or problematic use of ICT in adolescents. Methods A total of 317 students of the Spanish southeast between 12 and 18 years old were recruited to complete a questionnaire that included questions about general use of each ICTs, an experiential avoidance questionnaire, a brief inventory of the Big Five personality traits, and specific questionnaires on problematic use of the Internet, mobile phones, and video games. Results Correlation analysis and linear regression showed that EA largely explained results regarding the addictive use of the Internet, mobile phones, and video games, but not in the same way. As regards gender, boys showed a more problematic use of video games than girls. Concerning personality factors, conscientiousness was related to all addictive behaviors. Discussion and conclusions We conclude that EA is an important construct that should be considered in future models that attempt to explain addictive behaviors. PMID:27363463

Experiential Avoidance and Technological Addictions in Adolescents.

PubMed

García-Oliva, Carlos; Piqueras, José A

2016-06-01

Background and aims This study focuses on the use of popular information and communication technologies (ICTs) by adolescents: the Internet, mobile phones, and video games. The relationship of ICT use and experiential avoidance (EA), a construct that has emerged as underlying and transdiagnostic to a wide variety of psychological problems, including behavioral addictions, is examined. EA refers to a self-regulatory strategy involving efforts to control or escape from negative stimuli such as thoughts, feelings, or sensations that generate strong distress. This strategy, which may be adaptive in the short term, is problematic if it becomes an inflexible pattern. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore whether EA patterns were associated with addictive or problematic use of ICT in adolescents. Methods A total of 317 students of the Spanish southeast between 12 and 18 years old were recruited to complete a questionnaire that included questions about general use of each ICTs, an experiential avoidance questionnaire, a brief inventory of the Big Five personality traits, and specific questionnaires on problematic use of the Internet, mobile phones, and video games. Results Correlation analysis and linear regression showed that EA largely explained results regarding the addictive use of the Internet, mobile phones, and video games, but not in the same way. As regards gender, boys showed a more problematic use of video games than girls. Concerning personality factors, conscientiousness was related to all addictive behaviors. Discussion and conclusions We conclude that EA is an important construct that should be considered in future models that attempt to explain addictive behaviors.

Measuring ICT Use and Learning Outcomes: Evidence from Recent Econometric Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Biagi, Federico; Loi, Massimo

2013-01-01

Based on PISA 2009 data, this article studies the relationship between students' computer use and their achievement in reading, mathematics and science in 23 countries. After having categorised computer use into a set of different activities according to the skills they involve, we correlate students' PISA test-scores with an index capturing the…

An Investigation of Educational Use of Information and Communication Technology from the Perspectives of Ghanaian Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buabeng-Andoh, Charles

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to study undergraduate students' acceptance and use of ICT in classrooms. A total of 361 students from four universities participated in the study. Survey questionnaires which comprised both closed-ended and open-ended questions were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, repeated-measures…

Interaction Effects of Gender and Motivational Beliefs on Self-Regulated Learning: A Study at ICT- Integrated Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abdullah, Melissa Ng Lee Yen

2016-01-01

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the interaction effects of gender and motivational beliefs on students' self-regulated learning. Specifically, three types of motivational beliefs under the Expectancy-Value Model were examined, namely self-efficacy, control beliefs and anxiety. Methodology: A quantitative correlational research design was used…

ISTIMES project: status and outcomes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cuomo, V.; Proto, M.; Soldovieri, F.

2012-04-01

ISTIMES is a project approved in the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Union under the Joint Call FP7-ICT-SEC-2007-1. It has a three years duration and will be completed within June 2012. According to the aims of the proposal, ISTIMES project has designed, assessed and developed a prototypical modular and scalable ICT-based system, exploiting distributed and local sensors, for non-destructive electromagnetic monitoring; the specific application field was the reliability and safety of critical transport infrastructures, even if the modularity of the ISTIMES approach has permitted to extend it successfully to other critical infrastructures as dams. The continuous and fruitful involvement of end users (as Italian Civil Protection) allowed to develop applications focused on users needs. ISTIMES couples current monitoring of infrastructures with a high situational awareness during crises management, providing updated and detailed real and near real time information about the infrastructure status to improve decision support for emergency and disasters stakeholders. The system exploits an open network architecture that can accommodate a wide range of heterogeneous sensors, static and mobile, and can be easily scaled up to allow the integration of additional sensors and interfaces with other networks. It relies on state-of-the-art electromagnetic sensors, enabling a networking of terrestrial sensors, supported by specific satellite and airborne measurements. The integration of electromagnetic technologies with new ICT information and telecommunications systems enables remotely controlled monitoring and surveillance at different temporal and spatial scales, providing indexes and images of the critical transport infrastructures. The project has exploited, assessed and improved many different non-invasive technologies based on electromagnetic sensing as: Optic Fiber Sensors, Synthetic Aperture; Radar (SAR) satellite platform; Hyperspectral Spectroscopy; Infrared Thermography; Ground Penetrating Radar; low-frequency Geophysical Techniques; ground based SAR and optical cameras for the assessment of the dynamical behaviour of the infrastructure. A great effort has been devoted to "transfer" these novel and state-of art technologies from the laboratory experience to actual on field applications by adapting/improving them and developing prototypes for the specific application domain of the monitoring of transport and critical infrastructures. Sensor synergy, data cross correlation and novel concepts of information fusion have permitted to carry out a multi-method, multi-resolution and multi-scale electromagnetic detection and monitoring of the infrastructure, including surface and subsurface aspects. The project has allowed to develop an ICT architecture based on web sensors and serviceoriented- technologies that comply with specific end-user requirements, including interoperability, economical convenience, exportability, efficiency and reliability. The efforts have focussed mainly to the creation of web based interfaces able to control "not standard" sensors, as the ones proposed in the project, and to the standardization necessary to have a full interoperability and modularity of the monitoring system. In addition, the system is able to provide a more easily accessible and transparent scheme for use by different end-users and to integrate the monitoring results and images with other kind of information such as GIS layer and historical datasets relating to the site. The ISTIMES system has been evaluated at two test sites and two test beds. At the two test sites of Montagnole rock-fall station (Chambery, France) and Hydrogeosite Laboratory (Potenza, Italy), the attention was posed to a thorough analysis of the performances of the in situ sensing techniques, by investigating, with good outcomes, also the possibility to correlate and have a synergy from the different sensors. In particular, it is worth noting that the experiment realized at Montagnole is unique, at least at European level, regarding both the high mechanical impact on a real scale elements of civil engineering structure, and also for the exploitation of all sensor techniques set up in a cooperative way. The effectiveness of the overall monitoring system has been assessed by the experiments at real test beds as Sihlhochstrasse bridge, a 1.5 km bridge representing one of the main entrance road to Zurich city (Switzerland), Varco Izzo railway tunnel and Musmeci motorway bridge located in the area of Potenza city in Basilicata region (Italy) affected by a high seismic risk. In particular, for the Musmeci bridge, the main entrance road to Potenza city and a masterpiece of architectural/civil engineering realized by Sergio Musmeci in 60' years, all the sensing technologies involved in the project have been exploited to perform a monitoring/diagnostics; the Musmeci bridge results have been correlated and tested also by the comparison with the sensors mostly used by civil engineers for this kind of infrastructures (Proto et al., 2010). Acknowledgment The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under Grant Agreement n. 225663.

The Challenges of ICT in Higher Education: The Mirage in ICT Use in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Okeiga, N. I. Obi; Okumu-Bigambo, W.; Masibo, P. F. Lumala

2010-01-01

The significance of ICT's influence as the epitome of information cannot be overemphasized. Globalization is multi-directional and interactive in nature masks ICT, and much of its content as a Western orientation and control over communication. The paper sets to show that there are imbalances in the use of ICT in higher education as used in Africa…

ICT Usage of Pre-service Teachers: Cultural Comparison for Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Demirli, Cihad

2013-01-01

The importance of ICTs has become the undisputed in the present century. Studies have been conducted to investigate the use of ICTs with the goal of increase in quality of teacher education for a long time. This study is a cross-cultural comparison in terms of pre-service teachers' level of ICT usage, ICT knowledge and attitudes. The study was…

Empowerment Patterns of Leaders in ICT and School Strengths Following the Implementation of National ICT Reform

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Avidov-Ungar, Orit; Shamir-Inbal, Tamar

2013-01-01

The Ministry of Education in Israel has, over the past two years, been running an education program designed to lead the implementation of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) in schools. Implementation of the program is accompanied by training and support of teachers selected to be ICT leaders. The role of the ICT leader is divided to…

ICT in Teacher Education in an Emerging Developing Country: Vietnam's Baseline Situation at the Start of "The Year of ICT"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peeraer, Jef; Van Petegem, Peter

2011-01-01

In many developing countries, integration of ICT is a key component of an educational reform agenda. These countries can draw on a tradition of research in the developed world on factors determining integration of ICT in education. In this tradition, this study investigates the current situation of ICT integration in teacher education in Vietnam,…

Success Factors for ICT Implementation in Saudi Secondary Schools: From the Perspective of ICT Directors, Head Teachers, Teachers and Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Albugami, Sultan; Ahmed, Vian

2015-01-01

The role of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) in education is undisputed globally. Therefore, many developed and developing countries have invested heavily in the ICT sector in education. Saudi Arabia is one of these countries. However, although it has invested massively in the ICT sector in education, the progression has often been…

A closer look at 40Ar/39Ar systematics of illite, recoil, retention ages, total gas ages, and a new correction method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fitz-Diaz, E.; Hall, C. M.; van der Pluijm, B.

2013-12-01

One of the fundamentals of 40Ar-39Ar systematics of illite considers the effects of 39Ar recoil (ejection of 39Ar from tiny illite crystallites during the nuclear reaction 39K(n,p)39Ar), for which sample vacuum encapsulation prior to irradiation has been used since the 1990's. This technique separately measures the fraction of recoiled 39Ar and the Ar (39Ar and 40Ar) retained within illite crystals as they degas during step heating in vacuum. Total-gas ages (TGA) are calculated by using both recoiled and retained argon, while retention ages (RA) only involve retained Ar. Observations in numerous natural examples have shown that TGA fit stratigraphic constraints of geological processes when the average illite crystallite thickness (ICT) is smaller than 10nm, and that RA better matches these constrains for larger ICTs. Illite crystals with ICT >50nm show total gas and retention ages within a few My and they are identical, within analytical error, when ICT exceeds 150nm. We propose a new age correction that takes into account the average ICT and corresponding recoil for a sample , with such corrected ages (XCA) lying between the TGA and RA end-member ages. We apply this correction to samples containing one generation of illite and it particularly affects illite populations formed in the anchizone, with typical ICT values between 10-40nm. We analyzed bentonitic samples (S1, S2 and S3) from sites in Cretaceous carbonates in the front of the Monterrey salient in northern Mexico. Four size fractions (<0.05, 0.05-0.2, 0.2-1 & 1-2 μm) were separated, analyzed with XRD and dated by Ar-Ar. XRD analysis provides mineralogic characterization, illite polytype quantification, and illite crystallite thickness (ICT) determination using half-height peak width (illite crystallinity) and the Scherrer equation. All samples contain illite as the main mineral phase, ICT values between 8-27nm, from fine to coarser grain size fractions. Ages show a range in TGA among the different size fractions of S1, S2 and S3, respectively: 46-49, 36-43 and 40-52 My) and RA (54-64, 47-52 and 53-54 My. XCA calculations produce tighter constrained ranges (53-57, 45.5-48.5 and 49-52 My) with an overall average 51.1Ma×3.9 My. In the ICT vs. apparent age plot, authigenic illite grains show a greater slope that is in general slightly positive for TGA, slightly negative for RA, but close to zero for XCA. In the ICT vs. XCA plot thinner crystallites shows more dispersion than thicker ones. In order to test if such dispersion in the age of the finer/thinner illite is due to a different formation history in each site or the result of retention capability, degassing spectra were modeled for site XCA averages and overall XCA average. The modeling shows that local site ages best match the measured spectra, instead of a single age for the combined sites. The closeness between experimental and artificial degassing patterns also supports the hypothesis that each sample preserves a single age population. All illite grains in these samples grew progressively during folding in a time window that is constrained by the three sites. Small and large grains represent the same population in each sample, representing progressive degrees of grain growth (Ostwald ripening).

The role of ICT in nursing practice: an integrative literature review of the Swedish context.

PubMed

Fagerström, Cecilia; Tuvesson, Hanna; Axelsson, Lisa; Nilsson, Lina

2017-09-01

The Swedish healthcare system employs information and communication technologies (ICT) in nursing practice to meet quality-, security- and efficiency-related demands. Although ICT is integrated with nursing practices, nurses do not always feel that they are convenient to use it. We need to improve our knowledge of the role of ICT in healthcare environments and so we decided to complement existing experience of how ICT influences nursing practice. This study aimed to review and synthesise the available literature on the role of ICT in nursing practice in Swedish healthcare settings. To consolidate previous studies based on diverse methodologies, an integrative literature review was carried out. Three databases were used to search for literature, 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. The literature review indicates that ICT integration into nursing practice is a complex process that impacts nurses' communication and relationships in patient care, working conditions, and professional identities and development. Nurses are found to express ambiguous views on ICT as a usable service in their everyday practice since it impacts both positively and negatively. Although ICT cannot replace physical presence, it can be considered a complementary service that gives rise to improved patient care. However, nonverbal communication cues may be missed when ICT is used as mediating tool and ICT can be limiting because it is not always designed to meet nurse and patient needs. The meaning of an encounter appears to change when ICT is used in nursing practice, not only for patient relationships but also for interpersonal communication. © 2016 Nordic College of Caring Science.

Intervention for Smokers through New Communication Technologies: What Perceptions Do Patients and Healthcare Professionals Have? A Qualitative Study

PubMed Central

Fábregas Escurriola, Mireia; Lozano Moreno, Maribel; Burón Leandro, Raquel; Gomez Quintero, Ana María; Ballve, Jose Luis; Clemente Jiménez, María Lourdes; Puigdomènech Puig, Elisa; Casas More, Ramón; Garcia Rueda, Beatriz; Casajuana, Marc; Méndez-Aguirre, Marga; Garcia Bonias, David; Fernández Maestre, Soraya; Sánchez Fondevila, Jessica

2015-01-01

Background The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the health service is increasing. In spite of limitations, such as lack of time and experience, the deployment of ICTs in the healthcare system has advantages which include patient satisfaction with secure messaging, and time saving benefits and utility for patients and health professionals. ICTs may be helpful as either interventions on their own or as complementary tools to help patients stop smoking. Objectives To gather opinions from both medical professionals and smokers about an email-based application that had been designed by our research group to help smoking cessation, and identify the advantages and disadvantages associated with interventions based on the utilization of ICTs for this purpose. Methods A qualitative, descriptive–interpretative study with a phenomenological perspective was performed to identify and interpret the discourses of the participating smokers and primary healthcare professionals. Data were obtained through two techniques: semi-structured individual interviews and discussion groups, which were recorded and later systematically and literally transcribed together with the interviewer’s notes. Data were analyzed with the ATLAS TI 6.0 programme. Results Seven individual interviews and four focal groups were conducted. The advantages of the application based on the email intervention designed by our research group were said to be the saving of time in consultations and ease of access for patients who found work timetables and following a programme for smoking cessation incompatible. The disadvantages were thought to be a lack of personal contact with the healthcare professional, and the possibility of cheating/ self-deception, and a greater probability of relapse on the part of the smokers. Conclusions Both patients and healthcare professionals viewed the email-based application to help patients stop smoking as a complementary aid to face-to-face consultations. Nevertheless, ICTs could not substitute personal contact in the smoking cessation programme. PMID:26340346

Intervention for Smokers through New Communication Technologies: What Perceptions Do Patients and Healthcare Professionals Have? A Qualitative Study.

PubMed

Trujillo Gómez, Jose Manuel; Díaz-Gete, Laura; Martín-Cantera, Carlos; Fábregas Escurriola, Mireia; Lozano Moreno, Maribel; Burón Leandro, Raquel; Gomez Quintero, Ana María; Ballve, Jose Luis; Clemente Jiménez, María Lourdes; Puigdomènech Puig, Elisa; Casas More, Ramón; Garcia Rueda, Beatriz; Casajuana, Marc; Méndez-Aguirre, Marga; Garcia Bonias, David; Fernández Maestre, Soraya; Sánchez Fondevila, Jessica

2015-01-01

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the health service is increasing. In spite of limitations, such as lack of time and experience, the deployment of ICTs in the healthcare system has advantages which include patient satisfaction with secure messaging, and time saving benefits and utility for patients and health professionals. ICTs may be helpful as either interventions on their own or as complementary tools to help patients stop smoking. To gather opinions from both medical professionals and smokers about an email-based application that had been designed by our research group to help smoking cessation, and identify the advantages and disadvantages associated with interventions based on the utilization of ICTs for this purpose. A qualitative, descriptive-interpretative study with a phenomenological perspective was performed to identify and interpret the discourses of the participating smokers and primary healthcare professionals. Data were obtained through two techniques: semi-structured individual interviews and discussion groups, which were recorded and later systematically and literally transcribed together with the interviewer's notes. Data were analyzed with the ATLAS TI 6.0 programme. Seven individual interviews and four focal groups were conducted. The advantages of the application based on the email intervention designed by our research group were said to be the saving of time in consultations and ease of access for patients who found work timetables and following a programme for smoking cessation incompatible. The disadvantages were thought to be a lack of personal contact with the healthcare professional, and the possibility of cheating/ self-deception, and a greater probability of relapse on the part of the smokers. Both patients and healthcare professionals viewed the email-based application to help patients stop smoking as a complementary aid to face-to-face consultations. Nevertheless, ICTs could not substitute personal contact in the smoking cessation programme.

Review of ICT-Based Services for Identified Unmet Needs in People with Dementia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lauriks, Steve; Reinersmann, Annika; van der Roest, Henriëtte Geralde; Meiland, Franka; Davies, Richard; Moelaert, Ferial; Mulvenna, Maurice D.; Nugent, Chris D.; Dröes, Rose-Marie

Some of the needs that people with dementia and their informal carers currently perceive as insufficiently met by regular care and support services might be alleviated, or even be met, using modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The study described in this chapter was designed to provide an insight into the state of the art in ICT solutions that could contribute to meet the most frequently mentioned unmet needs by people with dementia and their informal carers. These needs can be summarized as (1) the need for general and personalized information; (2) the need for support with regard to symptoms of dementia; (3) the need for social contact and company; and (4) the need for health monitoring and perceived safety. Databases that were searched include PubMed, Cinahl, Psychinfo, Google (Scholar), INSPEC and IEEE. In total 22 websites and 46 publications were included that satisfied the following criteria: the article reports on people with dementia and/or their informal carers and discusses an ICT device that has been tested within the target group and has proven to be helpful. Within the first need area 18 relevant websites and three studies were included; within the second need area 4 websites and 20 publications were included. Within the third and fourth need area 11 and 12 publications were included, respectively. Most articles reported on uncontrolled studies. It is concluded that the informational websites offer helpful information for carers but seem less attuned to the person with dementia and do not offer personalized information. ICT solutions aimed at compensating for disabilities, such as memory problems and daily activities, demonstrate that people with mild to moderate dementia are capable of handling simple electronic equipment and can benefit from it in terms of more confidence and enhanced positive affect. Instrumental ICT support for coping with behavioural and psychological changes in dementia is relatively disregarded as yet, while support for social contact can be effectively realized through, for example, simplified (mobile) phones or videophones or (entertainment) robots. GPS technology and monitoring systems are proven to result in enhanced feelings of safety and less fear and anxiety. Though these results are promising, more controlled studies in which the developed ICT solutions are tested in real-life situations are needed before implementing them in the care for people with dementia. It is recommended that future studies also focus on the integration of the current techniques and solutions.

Health-enabling technologies for pervasive health care: on services and ICT architecture paradigms.

PubMed

Haux, Reinhold; Howe, Jurgen; Marschollek, Michael; Plischke, Maik; Wolf, Klaus-Hendrik

2008-06-01

Progress in information and communication technologies (ICT) is providing new opportunities for pervasive health care services in aging societies. To identify starting points of health-enabling technologies for pervasive health care. To describe typical services of and contemporary ICT architecture paradigms for pervasive health care. Summarizing outcomes of literature analyses and results from own research projects in this field. Basic functions for pervasive health care with respect to home care comprise emergency detection and alarm, disease management, as well as health status feedback and advice. These functions are complemented by optional (non-health care) functions. Four major paradigms for contemporary ICT architectures are person-centered ICT architectures, home-centered ICT architectures, telehealth service-centered ICT architectures and health care institution-centered ICT architectures. Health-enabling technologies may lead to both new ways of living and new ways of health care. Both ways are interwoven. This has to be considered for appropriate ICT architectures of sensor-enhanced health information systems. IMIA, the International Medical Informatics Association, may be an appropriate forum for interdisciplinary research exchange on health-enabling technologies for pervasive health care.

Attitudinal Study of User and Non-User Teachers' towards ICT in Relation to Their School Teaching Subjects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lal, Chhavi

2014-01-01

The present study aimed to know the attitude towards ICT of user and non-user teachers of ICT. The data were collected from 40 (20 male and 20 Female) user and non-user of ICT secondary school teachers from Agra city. Attitude towards ICT was measured by Computer Attitude Scale (CAS), originally developed by Loyd and Gressard (1984). Data were…

A Comparative Review of Demographics, Incidence, and Epidemiology of Histologically Confirmed Intracranial Tumors in Brazil and Bulgaria

PubMed Central

Sarraf, Jonathan S; Matev, Boyko K; Dzhenkov, Deyan L; Kitanova, Martina; Iliev, Bogomil; Ghenev, Peter; Tonchev, Anton B; Enchev, Yavor; Adami, Fernando; De Carvalho, Luis Eduardo W

2018-01-01

Intracranial tumors (ICTs) attract numerous scientific teams and tremendous financial resources worldwide. These lesions of the central nervous system (CNS) can be both benign and malignant in biological behavior as well as local or metastatic in origin. We compared data from two studies on primary and metastatic ICTs from Brazil and Bulgaria, based on histopathologically confirmed ICTs from tertiary health centers. Primary ICTs significantly outweigh the frequency of metastatic ICTs. Primary ICTs represent 86.45% in Brazil and 69.17% in Bulgaria, with around 60% of their totals being malignant. There is a statistical dominance of tumors from the neuroepithelial origin, with the most common entry being glioblastoma multiforme. The second-most common primary ICT group comprises tumors of meningeal origin. Metastatic ICTs show great variance; 13.55% in Brazil and 31.38% in Bulgaria of all ICT cases being attributed to them. However, metastatic ICTs are even a more diverse group than neuroepithelial tumors, with the majority of this group comprising metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma (almost exclusively in males), metastatic breast adenocarcinoma in females, metastatic pulmonary carcinomas (primarily from the non-small cell group with a male predominance), and metastatic melanoma with an even gender ratio. PMID:29682433

The enhancement model of ICT competence for the teachers of SMP Terbuka in Central Java to support long distance learning program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widowati, Trisnani; Purwanti, Dwi

2017-03-01

ICT-based learning for SMP Terbuka is a manifestation of the first pillar of DEPDIKNAS Strategic Plan 2005-2009, about the use of ICT as the facility of long distance learning. By implementing ICT-based learning, the communication between the teacher and the students is possible to happen although both parties are in differnet places. The problem in implementing ICT-based learning for SMP Terbuka is the low competence of the teachers in ICT mastery, because this research is aimed to formulate the enhancement model of ICT competence for the teachers of SMP Terbuka in Central Java to support long distance learning program. This research shows that Supervised-Teachers and Tutor Teachers Competence in ICT is still low with the average of Supervised-Teachers competence in operating Ms.Word application of 59.6%, Ms.Excel 55.40%, Power Point 43.40% and internet mastery of 41.8%; while the competence of Tutor Teachers is lower with the average of 40.40% in operating Ms. Word, 35.20% in Ms.Excel, 28.00% in Power Point, and 29% in internet mastery. It means that Supervised-Teachers understand ICT, but they do not master it; while Tutor Teachers have just understood ICT and have a low mastery in Ms.Word. The output of this research is: The new findings of the enhancement model of ICT competence for the teachers of SMP Terbuka in Central Java to support long distance learning program.

Use of Information and Communication Technologies Among Older People With and Without Frailty: A Population-Based Survey

PubMed Central

Kangas, Maarit; Immonen, Milla; Similä, Heidi; Enwald, Heidi; Korpelainen, Raija; Jämsä, Timo

2017-01-01

Background Use of information and communication technologies (ICT) among seniors is increasing; however, studies on the use of ICT by seniors at the highest risk of health impairment are lacking. Frail and prefrail seniors are a group that would likely benefit from preventive nutrition and exercise interventions, both of which can take advantage of ICT. Objective The objective of the study was to quantify the differences in ICT use, attitudes, and reasons for nonuse among physically frail, prefrail, and nonfrail home-dwelling seniors. Methods This was a population-based questionnaire study on people aged 65-98 years living in Northern Finland. A total of 794 eligible individuals responded out of a contacted random sample of 1500. Results In this study, 29.8% (237/794) of the respondents were classified as frail or prefrail. The ICT use of frail persons was lower than that of the nonfrail ones. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, age and education level were associated with both the use of Internet and advanced mobile ICT such as smartphones or tablets. Controlling for age and education, frailty or prefrailty was independently related to the nonuse of advanced mobile ICT (odds ratio, OR=0.61, P=.01), and frailty with use of the Internet (OR=0.45, P=.03). The frail or prefrail ICT nonusers also held the most negative opinions on the usefulness or usability of mobile ICT. When opinion variables were included in the model, frailty status remained a significant predictor of ICT use. Conclusions Physical frailty status is associated with older peoples’ ICT use independent of age, education, and opinions on ICT use. This should be taken into consideration when designing preventive and assistive technologies and interventions for older people at risk of health impairment. PMID:28196791

Information and communication technologies in primary healthcare facilities in Egypt.

PubMed

Farahat, Taghreed M; Hegazy, Nagwa N; Mowafy, Maha

2018-01-01

The health sector has always relied on technologies. According to World Health Organization, they form the backbone of the services to prevent, diagnose, and treat illness and disease. It is increasingly viewed as the most promising tool for improving the overall quality, safety and efficiency of the health delivery system. Aim of the study This was to assess the current situation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in primary healthcare in the terms of describing and classifying the existing work, identify gaps and exploring the personal experiences and the challenges of ICTs application in the primary healthcare. Subjects and methods A mixed research method in the form of sequential explanatory design was applied. In the quantitative phase a cross-sectional study was conducted among 172 family physicians using a predesigned questionnaire. Followed by qualitative data collection among 35 participants through focused group discussions. Nearly half of the physicians have ICTs in their work and they were trained on it. None of them developed a community-based research using ICTs technology. Training on ICTs showed a statistically significant difference regarding the availability and the type of ICTs present in the workplace (P<0.05). Focused group discussion revealed that the majority of the participants believe that there is poor commitment of policymaker toward ICTs utilization in the primary care. Nearly 97% thinks that there is insufficient budget allocated for ICTs utilization in the workplace. Almost 88% of the participants demanded more incentives for ICTs users than non-user at the workplace. ICTs resources are underutilized by health information professionals. Lack of funds, risk of instability of the electric supply and lack of incentives for ICTs users were the most common barriers to ICTs implementation thus a steady steps toward budget allocation and continuous training is needed.

An Investigation into Implementation of ICT in Primary Schools, in Kenya, in the Light of Free Laptops at Primary One: A Case Study of Teachers Implementing ICT into Their Teaching Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tonui, Betty; Kerich, E.; Koross, R.

2016-01-01

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been touted as being potentially powerful tools that can be used to facilitate the implied educational change and reform. Implementation of ICT in higher education learning environments is a complex task. Teachers and students, but also management, administration and ICT support are affected…

Building capacity for information and communication technology use in global health research and training in China: a qualitative study among Chinese health sciences faculty members.

PubMed

Wang, Jie; Abdullah, Abu S; Ma, Zhenyu; Fu, Hua; Huang, Kaiyong; Yu, Hongping; Wang, Jiaji; Cai, Le; He, Huimin; Xiao, Jian; Quintiliani, Lisa; Friedman, Robert H; Yang, Li

2017-06-28

The demand to use information and communications technology (ICT) in education and research has grown fast among researchers and educators working in global health. However, access to ICT resources and the capacity to use them in global health research remains limited among developing country faculty members. In order to address the global health needs and to design an ICT-related training course, we herein explored the Chinese health science faculty members' perceptions and learning needs for ICT use. Nine focus groups discussions (FGDs) were conducted during December 2015 to March 2016, involving 63 faculty members working in areas of health sciences from six universities in China. All FGDs were audio recorded and analysed thematically. The findings suggest that the understandings of ICT were not clear among many researchers; some thought that the concept of ICT was too wide and ambiguous. Most participants were able to cite examples of ICT application in their research and teaching activities. Positive attitudes and high needs of ICT use and training were common among most participants. Recommendations for ICT training included customised training programmes focusing on a specific specialty, maintaining a balance between theories and practical applications, more emphasis on the application of ICT, and skills in finding the required information from the bulk information available in the internet. Suggestions regarding the format and offering of training included short training programmes, flexible timing, lectures with practicum opportunities, and free of charge or with very minimal cost to the participants. Two participants suggested the linking of ICT-related training courses with faculty members' year-end assessment and promotion. This study among health sciences faculty members in China demonstrated a high level of need and interest in learning about ICT use in research and training. The results have important implications for the design and implementation of ICT-related educational programmes in China and other developing countries.

Economic and Physical Linkages of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Service Industry to Key Industries of the Economy: An Ad Hoc Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anderson, David M.; Hoffman, Michael G.; Niemeyer, Jackie M.

This report examines the information and communications technology (ICT) services industry in response to an inquiry by the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Energy Policy and Systems Analysis. The report answers several key questions: •How has the reliance on ICT services evolved in recent years for key infrastructure services such as air travel, freight transport, electricity and natural gas distribution, financial services, and critical health care, and for the household sector? •What ICT industry trends explain continued strong linkage to and reliance upon ICT? •What is the ICT industry’s reliance on grid-supplied power, uninterruptible power supplies, emergency generators andmore » back-up energy storage technologies? •What are the observed direct effects of ICT disruptions induced by electrical system failures in recent history and how resilient are the components of the ICT industry?« less

Knowledge and utilization of information communication technology (ICT) among health science students at the University of Gondar, North Western Ethiopia.

PubMed

Woreta, Solomon Assefa; Kebede, Yigzaw; Zegeye, Desalegn Tegabu

2013-03-03

Despite the relatively huge ICT investment and policy deployment in higher institutions in Ethiopia, there is still scant information about the success of implementation of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the higher education. This study, therefore, was carried out with an aim to assess knowledge and utilization of Information Communication Technology (ICT) among medicine and health science students and its associated factors in Gondar College of Medicine and Health sciences, University of Gondar. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Ethiopia. Data regarding socio-demographic characteristics of the students, level of knowledge and utilization of ICT were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 13. A total of 1096 students responded giving a response rate of 97.8%. The mean age of the study participants was 20.3 (±1. 3) years. Females constitute only 26% of the respondents. The majority (79%) were fulltime students. Only half of the respondents (51%) had ICT knowledge and only 46% students utilized ICT while 47% of the respondents never used electronic communication (e.g. email or chat room) and 39% of the respondents never used Microsoft office (e.g. word (®) or WordPerfect (®)). ICT knowledge [AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7-3.5], family educational background [AOR = 4.36, 95% CI: 2.16-8.80], and perceived quality of training [AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3-2.8] showed strong and positive associations with ICT utilization. Students from urban areas were more likely to utilize ICT compared with those from rural areas [AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 2.097, 3.497], and information technology training was found to be positively associated with ICT utilization [AOR = 2. 07, 95% CI: 1.18, 3.62]. The result showed that students' knowledge was inadequate and utilization of ICT was poor. Therefore, the university should sustain professional development to improve teaching, to raise student performance and equip the college with student centered ICT computer labs to increase students' ICT utilization.

Benefits of the use of ICT in school activities by students with motor, speech, visual, and hearing impairment: a literature review.

PubMed

Lidström, Helene; Hemmingsson, Helena

2014-07-01

Information and communication technology (ICT) has the potential to enhance participation in educational activities for students with physical disabilities. Even though incorporating ICTs into teaching and learning in education has become an important issue, it is unclear what evidence research has provided. The aim of this study was to investigate types of ICT items and how ICT is being used by students with physical disabilities, and describe the benefits of ICT use in school activities. A systematic literature search, covering the period 2000-May 2012, was performed in the databases AMED, CINAHL, Eric, OTseeker, Psych Info, PubMed, and Scopus. Data analysis entailed extracting, editing, grouping, and abstracting findings. A total of 32 articles were included, 16 of which were intervention studies. More than half of the studies concerned students with motor impairments. Type of ICT used differed among impairment groups, and ICT seemed to be especially beneficial for writing, spelling, and communication. Even though the review found heterogeneity across the studies students seemed to benefit from ICT use regardless of the type. For future research it is important to highlight intervention studies, especially for students with visual, hearing, and communication impairments.

Patients' Perception of Clinicians Use of ICT During Patient Consultation in the Different Sectors of Danish Healthcare.

PubMed

Petersen, Lone Stub; Bertelsen, Pernille

2016-01-01

In Denmark ICT is a central part of almost all healthcare professionals' daily practices, and patients are increasingly encouraged to take and active interest in own health data. Therefore, ICT is an important part of what happens at consultations between the patients and the healthcare professionals. We explore the impact of ICT based on a survey of citizens'/patients' experience of interaction with healthcare professionals. How often and for what ICT was used in communication with the patients in different sectors of the Danish healthcare. The results show that ICT is used in communication with citizens and during interaction with patient, however the use of ICT is mostly for the healthcare professionals own benefit and only about 15%-39% of the reported instances ICT was used to communication and interact with the patient. Through the concept of boundary objects we proposes a model that split the object of the technology mediated information into three setting for communication between patients and healthcare professionals. We propose further studies into how ICT can be used to explore the possibilities for more interactive and involving care processes as a key element in further development of eHealth.

Lifelong Optimization

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-13

cope with dynamic, online optimisation problems with uncertainty, we developed some powerful and sophisticated techniques for learning heuristics...NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) National ICT Australia United NICTA, Locked Bag 6016 Kensington...ABSTRACT Optimization solvers should learn to improve their performance over time. By learning both during the course of solving an optimization

The Design and Development of a Simulation to Teach Water Conservation to Primary School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campbell, Lee

2004-01-01

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) plays a dominant role in enhancing teaching and learning. Similar advances have been made in the use of multimedia in the classroom. These advances are coupled with newer developmental tools and techniques. This paper examines the design and development of a simulation on water conservation. Science…

Moodle E-Learning System and Students' Performance in Higher Education: The Case of Public Administration Programmes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Umek, Lan; Keržic, Damijana; Tomaževic, Nina; Aristovnik, Aleksander

2015-01-01

The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and therefore e-learning is becoming an ever more frequently used teaching and learning technique at all levels of education. In higher education, it completely or partially substitutes the classical teaching methods. It provides richer resources than the traditional classroom and…

Efficacy of Information and Communication Technology in Enhancing Learning Outcomes of Students with Hearing Impairment in Ibadan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Egaga, Patrick I.; Aderibigbe, S. Akinwumi

2015-01-01

The study aimed at examining the efficacy of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in enhancing learning outcomes of students with hearing impairment in Ibadan. The study adopted a pretest, post-test, control group quasi-experimental research design. Purposive sampling techniques was used for the selection of thirty participants…

Use of Mobile Phones for Project Based Learning by Undergraduate Students of Nigerian Private Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Utulu, Samuel C.; Alonge, Ayodele

2012-01-01

A university's objective is to educate its students using information and communication technologies (ICTs) and teaching techniques that would enable its graduates become flexible and life-long learners that can easily adapt to the changes eminent in the information society. Achieving this aim requires among other factors, the adoption of…

Ubiquitous Learning (U-Learning) Awareness among the Tuticorin District B.Ed., Trainees

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thiyagu, K.

2011-01-01

The rapid development of information and communication technologies during the past two decades has had many points of contact with education and training. The use of technology in colleges and schools is not new. Teacher training often includes computer-assisted learning along with other multimedia presentation techniques. The power of ICT over…

Incorporating ICT into K-12 Schools: China's Perspective in the Global Backgrounds.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhang, Jianwei

2002-01-01

Provides an overview of the development of ICT (information and communication technology) in Chinese schools. Topics include hardware; infrastructures; educational resources; teacher training and support; organizational culture in schools; practical uses of ICT in schools, including ICT integration; and future possibilities. (LRW)

A framework to apply ICT for bequeathing the cultural heritage to next generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syah, R.; E Nuradi, T.; Nasution, M. K. M.

2017-01-01

Of course, preservation of cultural heritage is a task given by UNISCO charter, but bequeath the cultural heritage to the next generation is most important. The cultural heritage contains the lost intelligence, displaced by modernization and globalization, but ICT can be a way out although ICT has a negative effect. Based on the component we apply ICT, we derive a framework for applying ICT as core and next generation as consideration scope.

How different is it really? - rural and urban primary students' use of ICT in mathematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loong, Esther; Doig, Brian; Groves, Susie

2011-06-01

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) offers the potential for changing mathematics education for both teachers and students. However, how ICT is used, and by whom, is critical to realizing this potential. This paper reports on an investigation of the use of ICT in the learning and teaching of mathematics in rural and urban primary schools in Victoria, Australia. Thirty-six teachers and almost 700 students were surveyed regarding their use of ICT for mathematics at home and at school, with a small number of selected teachers and students taking part in interviews. This paper focuses on students' perceptions of ICT use. A comparison of rural and urban students' responses shows little difference across most aspects of ICT use, and where there was a difference, the frequency of rural use almost always exceeded that in urban schools.

Pico-coulomb charge measured at BELLA to percent-level precision using a Turbo-ICT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, K.; Mittelberger, D. E.; Gonsalves, A. J.; Daniels, J.; Mao, H.-S.; Stulle, F.; Bergoz, J.; Leemans, W. P.

2016-03-01

Precise diagnostics of picocoulomb level particle bunches produced by laser plasma accelerators (LPAs) can be a significant challenge. Without proper care, the small signals associated with such bunches can be dominated by a background generated by laser, target, laser-plasma interaction and particle induced radiation. In this paper, we report on first charge measurements using the newly developed Turbo-ICT for LPAs. We outline the Turbo-ICT working principle, which allows precise sub-picocoulomb measurements even in the presence of significant background signals. A comparison of the Turbo-ICT, a conventional integrating current transformer (ICT) and a scintillating screen (Lanex) was carried out at the Berkeley Lab Laser Accelerator. Results show that the Turbo-ICT can measure sub-picocoulomb charge accurately and has significantly improved noise immunity compared to the ICT.

The impact of iron overload and its treatment on quality of life: results from a literature review.

PubMed

Abetz, Linda; Baladi, Jean-Francois; Jones, Paula; Rofail, Diana

2006-09-28

To assess the literature for the impact of iron overload and infusion Iron Chelation Therapy (ICT) on patients' quality of life (QoL), and the availability of QoL instruments for patients undergoing infusion ICT. Also, to obtain patients' experiences of having iron overload and receiving infusion ICT, and experts' clinical opinions about the impact of treatment on patients' lives. A search of studies published between 1966 and 2004 was conducted using Medline and the Health Economic Evaluation Database (HEED). Qualitative results from patient and expert interviews were analysed. Hand searching of relevant conference abstracts completed the search. Few studies measuring the impact of ICT with deferoxamine (DFO) on patients QoL were located (n = 15). QoL domains affected included: depression; fatigue; dyspnoea; physical functioning; psychological distress; decrease in QoL during hospitalization. One theme in all articles was that oral ICT should improve QoL. No iron overload or ICT-specific QoL instruments were located in the articles. Interviews revealed that the impact of ICT on patients with thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and myelodysplastic syndromes is high. A limited number of studies assessed the impact of ICT or iron overload on QoL. All literature suggested a need for easily administered, efficacious and well tolerated oral iron overload treatments, given the impact of current ICT on adherence. Poor adherence to ICT was documented to negatively impact survival. Further research is warranted to continue the qualitative and quantitative study of QoL using validated instruments in patients receiving ICT to further understanding the issues and improve patients QoL.

Study and analysis of information technology in dentistry in Latin American countries.

PubMed

López Jordi, María Del C; Figueiredo, Marcia Ç; Barone, Dante; Pereira, Carolina

2016-04-01

Dentistry increasingly uses Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which has impact on teaching, research, the profession and dental care in general. However, there is a lack of valid information on ICT resources and use in Latin America. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, multi-center, interdisciplinary study, the aim of which was to conduct a survey on how extensively ICT is used in Dentistry in Latin American countries by enquiring into two primary components: 1) use of ICT in student training and 2) use of ICT by professionals in consulting rooms and services. Two questionnaires on ICT were prepared: one for teachers/researchers and another for students/professionals. We received 94 answers from teachers/researchers at universities in the region providing information on ICT resources for teaching (type and implementation) and 221 answers from professionals (personal use and use in healthcare). Data are presented as absolute relative frequencies and analyzed quantitatively as percentages. 1) Teachers highlight ICT as an instrument for development, democratization and fairness in access to knowledge for higher education. 2) ICT supports collaborative learning and generates other innovative resources (e.g. simulators). 3) Innovations in telemedicine and experiences with electronic clinical history were identified in Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia. These results are a basis upon which to reach a consensus regarding a set of ICT indicators which are comparable at regional level and serve as input to unify the design and implementation of ICTs experiences in both teaching and dental care in Latin America. Sociedad Argentina de Investigación Odontológica.

A novel minimally invasive dual-modality fiber optic probe for prostate cancer detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Vikrant

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in males, and is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in United States. In prostate cancer diagnostics and therapy, there is a critical need for a minimally invasive tool for in vivo evaluation of prostate tissue. Such a tool finds its niche in improving TRUS (trans-rectal ultrasound) guided biopsy procedure, surgical margin assessment during radical prostatectomy, and active surveillance of patients with a certain risk levels. This work is focused on development of a fiber-based dual-modality optical device (dMOD), to differentiate prostate cancer from benign tissue, in vivo. dMOD utilizes two independent optical techniques, LRS (light reflectance spectroscopy) and AFLS (auto-fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy). LRS quantifies scattering coefficient of the tissue, as well as concentrations of major tissue chromophores like hemoglobin derivatives, β-carotene and melanin. AFLS was designed to target lifetime signatures of multiple endogenous fluorophores like flavins, porphyrins and lipo-pigments. Each of these methods was independently developed, and the two modalities were integrated using a thin (1-mm outer diameter) fiber-optic probe. Resulting dMOD probe was implemented and evaluated on animal models of prostate cancer, as well as on human prostate tissue. Application of dMOD to human breast cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma) identification was also evaluated. The results obtained reveal that both LRS and AFLS are excellent techniques to discriminate prostate cancer tissue from surrounding benign tissue in animal models. Each technique independently is capable of providing near absolute (100%) accuracy for cancer detection, indicating that either of them could be used independently without the need of implementing them together. Also, in case of human breast cancer, LRS and AFLS provided comparable accuracies to dMOD, LRS accuracy (96%) being the highest for the studied population. However, the dual-modality integration proved to be ideal for human prostate cancer detection, as dMOD provided much better accuracy i.e., 82.7% for cancer detection in intra-capsular prostatic tissues (ICT), and 92.4% for cancer detection in extra-capsular prostatic tissues (ECT), when compared with either LRS (74.7% ICT, 86.6% ECT) or AFLS(67.1% ICT, 82.1% ECT) alone. A classification algorithm was also developed to identify different grades of prostate cancers based on Gleason scores (GS). When stratified by grade, each high grade prostate cancer (GS 7, 8 and 9) was successfully identified using dMOD with excellent accuracy in ICT (88%, 90%, 85%), as well as ECT (91%, 92%, 94%).

Problematic Internet Usage of ICT Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gunduz, Semseddin

2017-01-01

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have affected all area in a society. Human can learn quickly and accurately from the internet. The aim of this study was to investigate what the problematic internet usage of ICT teachers. Therefore, the present study investigated the problematic internet usage, who worked as an ICT teacher in…

Inclusiveness of ICT in Secondary Education: Students' Appreciation of ICT Tools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heemskerk, Irma; Volman, Monique; Admiraal, Wilfried; ten Dam, Geert

2012-01-01

This paper presents the results of a study on students' appreciation of information and communication technology (ICT) applications in schools for general secondary education. We investigate to what extent students from different gender and ethnic backgrounds appreciate various characteristics of ICT tools. The research question is, "How are…

The Beliefs behind the Teacher that Influences Their ICT Practices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prestridge, Sarah

2012-01-01

This paper explores teacher beliefs that influence the ways Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) are used in learning contexts. Much has been written about the impact of teachers' beliefs and attitudes to ICT as "barriers" to ICT integration (Ertmer, Ottenbreit-Leftwich, & York, 2007; Higgins & Moseley, 2001;…

Utilization of ICT by Moral Education Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Narinasamy, Ilhavenil a/p; Mamat, Wan Hasmah Wan

2013-01-01

Studies show that information and communications technology (ICT) integration in many classrooms today enhances students' learning and skills acquisition. Thus, it is necessary for teachers to integrate ICT in their classrooms. This paper discusses the need to incorporate ICT in Moral Education. This study adopts the qualitative approach design…

Modeling Preservice Teachers' TPACK Competencies Based on ICT Usage

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yurdakul, I. Kabakci; Coklar, A. N.

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to build a model that predicts the relationships between the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) competencies and information and communication technology (ICT) usages. Research data were collected from 3105 Turkish preservice teachers. The TPACK-Deep Scale, ICT usage phase survey and the ICT usage…

Teachers' Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills and Practices of Using ICT.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hakkarainen, Kai; Muukkonen, Hanni; Lipponen, Lasse; Ilomaki, Liisa; Rahikainen, Marjaana; Lehtinen, Erno

2001-01-01

Describes a study of Finnish elementary and secondary school teachers that analyzed relations between teachers' skills in using the new information and communication technology (ICT), their pedagogical thinking, and their self-reported practices. Topics include technical ICT skills; access to computers; information technology use; and age and…

No Pain, No Gain? Teachers' Implementing ICT in Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sipila, Keijo

2011-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the differences between 99 Finnish primary and secondary teachers in their frequency and nature of information and communication technology (ICT) use, levels of ICT implementation, functional uses and perceived values about educational use of ICT. Design/methodology/approach: The data were…

Collaborative Inquiry: Building Pre-Service Teachers' Capacity for ICT Pedagogical Integration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Henderson, Michael; Cerovac, Milorad; Bellis, Natalie; Lancaster, Greg

2013-01-01

As part of the Teaching Teachers for the Future (TTF) project, Monash University initiated several strategies to assist pre-service teachers' integration of ICTs in their classroom practice. These included modelling of ICT pedagogical integration, assessment of ICT pedagogical integration, relocating pre-service teacher classes to a working…

Islet Assessment for Transplantation

PubMed Central

Papas, Klearchos K.; Suszynski, Thomas M.; Colton, Clark. K.

2010-01-01

Purpose of review There is a critical need for meaningful viability and potency assays that characterize islet preparations for release prior to clinical islet cell transplantation (ICT). Development, testing, and validation of such assays have been the subject of intense investigation for the past decade. These efforts are reviewed, highlighting the most recent results while focusing on the most promising assays. Recent Findings Assays based on membrane integrity do not reflect true viability when applied to either intact islets or dispersed islet cells. Assays requiring disaggregation of intact islets into individual cells for assessment introduce additional problems of cell damage and loss. Assays evaluating mitochondrial function, specifically mitochondrial membrane potential, bioenergetic status, and cellular oxygen consumption rate (OCR), especially when conducted with intact islets, appear most promising in evaluating their quality prior to ICT. Prospective, quantitative assays based on measurements of OCR with intact islets have been developed, validated and their results correlated with transplant outcomes in the diabetic nude mouse bioassay. Conclusion More sensitive and reliable islet viability and potency tests have been recently developed and tested. Those evaluating mitochondrial function are most promising, correlate with transplant outcomes in mice, and are currently being evaluated in the clinical setting. PMID:19812494

Technostress: measuring a new threat to well-being in later life.

PubMed

Nimrod, Galit

2017-05-31

Technostress is stress induced by Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use. Research on the topic has focused primarily on the workforce and tended to overlook senior citizens. This study presents the development of a new scale, which was designed to measure technostress specifically among older adults. The scale explores five constructs: overload, invasion, complexity, privacy and inclusion. The initial 20-item measure was tested in a pilot study and then included in an online survey of 537 Internet users aged 60 years and over. Based on the statistical analysis, the scale was reduced to 14 items. The constructs had good internal homogeneity, significant inter-construct correlations and high loadings on a single latent factor. The scores were well distributed along the range. Concurrent validity was assessed using the Satisfaction with Life Scale. A significant negative association was found between the two scales - a correlation that remained significant even after controlling for background variables. The new scale is useful for measuring technostress in older people, and technostress ought to be considered a particular threat to well-being in later life. Future research should explore its antecedents and consequences and identify interventions useful in alleviating its harmful effect on older ICT users.

An Analysis of Ict Development Strategy Framework in Chinese Rural Areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, Meiying; Warren, Martyn; Lang, Yunwen; Lu, Shaokun; Yang, Linnan

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development strategy in Chinese rural areas is an indispensable part of national development strategies. This paper reviews the ICT framework in agriculture and rural areas launched by the Department of Agriculture in China. It compares the rural ICT policies and strategies between China and the European Union (EU). The ICT development strategy framework is analyzed based on the situation in Chinese rural area and the experiences of the EU. Some lessons and suggestions are provided.

Vocational Teacher Perceptions on the use of ICT in Learning Computer Network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yannuar; Rohendi, D.; Yanti, H.; Nurhabibah; Mi'raj, Y. Z.

2018-02-01

ICT has been widely used in primary education to vocational schools, but has not been so clearly integrate ICT in the learning process. While the teacher is the key to the effective use of ICT processed. This paper reports a study of surveys that examine the perspective of vocational school teachers. Current research aims to examine a vocational school teacher knowledge about ICT and support for computer use for learning. The sample in this research group consists of 25 teachers of vocational schools. The findings of this research use descriptive method with engineering survey with sampling purposes. Resources in research is journals and book report research results. The results showed teachers have a positive outlook towards the use of ICT in learning. The conclusions resulting from this research is the use of ICT to help teachers be more effective in teaching in the classroom and can improve student learning.

Use of ICT in College Libraries in Karnataka, India: A Survey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kumar, B. T. Sampath; Biradar, B. S.

2010-01-01

Purpose; The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of information communication technology (ICT) in 31 college libraries in Karnataka, India by investigating the ICT infrastructure, current status of library automation, barriers to implementation of library automation and also librarians' attitudes towards the use of ICT.…

ICT Usage by Distance Learners in India

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Awadhiya, Ashish Kumar; Gowthaman, K.

2014-01-01

Open Universities across the world are embracing ICT based teaching and learning process to disseminate quality education to their learners spread across the globe. In India availability and access of ICT and learner characteristics are uneven and vary from state to state. Hence it is important to establish the facts about ICT access among…

Teachers' Use of PowerPoint in Kindergarten: An Empirical Investigation in China

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liu, Xia; Xu, Yunrong; Pange, Jenny

2016-01-01

Nowadays, with the rapid progress of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the integration of ICTs in education has attracted more and more attention of educators and researchers. However, there are different situations between developed and less-developed nations both in ICT application and in ICT research. PowerPoint is a readily…

The Politics of the ICT4ED (Fatih) Project in Turkey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tolu, Hüseyin

2014-01-01

Information and communications technology (ICT) is crucial in any contemporary society, especially if its online presence is to be widely significant, but, in a national context, it is important to investigate whether there is a compelling ICT "politic" in the education sector in Turkey. This study specifically focuses on the ICT for…

A Framework for Analysing ICT Adoption in Australian Primary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Way, Jenni; Webb, Colin

2007-01-01

Over 400 e-learning grant applications from Australian primary schools were analysed to determine the nature of the proposed ICT based projects in literacy and numeracy. Three key dimensions emerged from the teacher descriptions: ICT infrastructure, motivation and ICT use, and pedagogy and innovation. The three dimensions, and the interactions…

What Is the Headteacher's Role in ICT Progress in Schools?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Makkawi, Fawzieh

2010-01-01

This article describes the role of the headteacher (or principal) in successful implementation of ICT in schools. It highlights the importance of the headteacher to understand and lead the change process, and having a clear and shared ICT strategic plan. The article also explores the major factor of ICT progress, the continuous professional…

Factors Influencing Undergraduates Attitudes towards ICT: An Empirical Study in Kheis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meerza, Alyya; Beauchamp, Gary

2017-01-01

The increasing use of information and communication technology (ICT) in higher education has been explored largely in relation to undergraduate's attitude towards the usage of ICT in the universities. However, the success of ICT in any learning institution including Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) depends on the attitudes of undergraduates…

Student Teachers' Thinking Processes and ICT Integration: Predictors of Prospective Teaching Behaviors with Educational Technology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sang, Guoyuan; Valcke, Martin; van Braak, Johan; Tondeur, Jo

2010-01-01

Student teachers should be prepared to integrate information and communication technology (ICT) into their future teaching and learning practices. Despite the increased availability and support for ICT integration, relatively few teachers intend to integrate ICT into their teaching activities (e.g., Ertmer, 2005). The available research has thus…

Research Degrees in Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Why so Few Doctoral Students?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guerin, Cally; Jayatilaka, Asangi; Ranasinghe, Damith; McCulloch, Alistair; Calder, Paul

2017-01-01

A "knowledge society" relies on a workforce with high-level skills in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Continuing development of ICT will arise partly from research undertaken by doctoral graduates. However, compared to other cognate disciplines, ICT has relatively few students taking up doctoral studies. This article…

Measuring Achievement of ICT Competency for Students in Korea

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cha, Seung Eun; Jun, Soo Jin; Kwon, Dai Yong; Kim, Han Sung; Kim, Seung Bum; Kim, Ja Mee; Kim, Young Ae; Han, Sun Gwan; Seo, Soon Sik; Jun, Woo Cheon; Kim, Hyun Cheol; Lee, Won Gyu

2011-01-01

In the current information society, the need for securing human resources acquired with ICT competency is becoming a very important issue. In USA, England, Japan, India and Israel improving students' ICT competency has become a pedagogical issue. Accordingly, education on ICT competency is changing in many countries emphasizing the basis of…

ICT and Play in Preschool: Early Childhood Teachers' Beliefs and Confidence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nikolopoulou, Kleopatra; Gialamas, Vasilis

2015-01-01

This study investigated early childhood teachers' beliefs about information and communications technology (ICT) and play in preschool, as well as their confidence in integrating ICT in the classroom. A 28-item questionnaire was compiled and administered to 190 early childhood teachers in Greece. Although ICT play (which can provide learning…

First Steps: Initial Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Events.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clarke, Alan

This document is intended to assist practitioners who are designing and organizing an initial information and communication technology (ICT) experience for adult learners. Section 1 presents an overview of the initial ICT learning experience. The concept of transferable skills is discussed in the context of ICT in Section 2. Section 3 explains new…

The Discovery of the Traits of Gifted and Talented Students in ICT

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahmad, Mazalah; Badusah, Jamaluddin; Mansor, Ahmad Zamri; Karim, Aidah Abdul

2014-01-01

This study discovers talent development among the individuals who are gifted and talented in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). Using qualitative research methods, data was gathered via interview sessions with three groups of respondents who have excelled in the field of ICT, namely the academicians in ICT, the practitioners, and…

ICT Research and School Performance Feedback: A Perfect Marriage?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vanderlinde, Ruben; Hermans, Ruben; van Braak, Johan

2010-01-01

An important step towards the successful integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in schools is to facilitate their capacity to develop a school based ICT policy. However, one of the biggest challenges for schools is to gather data that could help shape such policy development. In this context, ICT researchers can be very…

The Development of ICT across the Curriculum in Irish Schools: A Historical Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGarr, Oliver

2009-01-01

This literature review explores the historical development of information and communication technology (ICT) in Irish postprimary/secondary schools and examines how the education system has responded to the various ICT initiatives and policy changes. The review has found that despite national policy and significant ICT initiatives, it appears that…

Measuring the Impact of ICTs on Academic Performance: Evidence from Higher Education in Tunisia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karamti, Chiraz

2016-01-01

Measuring the impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is a contemporary question of interest. Despite the general acceptance that ICTs are changing ways of learning, empirical research conducted to date does not consistently verify the efficacy of such changes. Several studies supporting positive impacts of ICTs on achievement…

Danish Citizens and General Practitioners' Use of ICT for their Mutual Communication.

PubMed

Bertelsen, Pernille; Stub Petersen, Lone

2015-01-01

This paper reports on selected findings from a Danish national survey of citizens' perception and use of information and communication technology (ICT) for their health care [1]. Focus is on citizens' use of ICT and on communication with their General Practitioner (GP). It also focuses on citizens' experience of their GPs' ICT use and no use during medical consultations. The responsibility for medical service in Denmark is to a large extent handed over to the primary sector where the GP is the gatekeeper. Our data display that 65% of the adult citizens or their relatives have been using ICT to communicate with their GP. Twenty-two percent have experienced their GP use a computer screen to actively show them something while they have a consultation. Further, our data supports the assumption that the higher the education people have, the more likely they are to use ICT for their health care. The understanding of the use of ICT in communication with the GP is central to monitoring and developing an ICT that supports all citizens and considers new ways in which to enhance quality of care.

Gender difference towards information and communication technology awareness in Indian universities.

PubMed

Verma, Chaman; Dahiya, Sanjay

2016-01-01

Nowadays, information and communication technology is major backbone of Indian education system. To support E-learning in Universities, information and communication technology (ICT) plays a momentous job. Several experts discussed about ICT awareness among students, teachers, and research scholars to take it into their learning and teaching methodology. Many of Universities either government or private are supporting the utilization of various ICT tools in teaching and learning practice. There is wide need to determine educator's behaviour towards ICT adoption to promote and enhance their learning skills. Students and faculty must confess that ICT awareness is key rod to access the technological services. This paper focuses on ICT awareness among students and faculty residing in Indian Universities. The concerned paper is describing the attitude of students and faculty towards ICT awareness in relation to their gender using statistical tools. More than nine hundred samples have been gathered from six Indian universities. The findings of this paper will help to Indian Universities administration to get aware about current scenario of ICT involvement in education system therein.

An ICT Adoption Framework for Education: A Case Study in Public Secondary School of Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurjanah, S.; Santoso, H. B.; Hasibuan, Z. A.

2017-01-01

This paper presents preliminary research findings on the ICT adoption framework for education. Despite many studies have been conducted on ICT adoption framework in education at various countries, they are lack of analysis on the degree of component contribution to the success to the framework. In this paper a set of components that link to ICT adoption in education is observed based on literatures and explorative analysis. The components are Infrastructure, Application, User Skills, Utilization, Finance, and Policy. The components are used as a basis to develop a questionnaire to capture the current ICT adoption condition in schools. The data from questionnaire are processed using Structured Equation Model (SEM). The results show that each component contributes differently to the ICT adoption framework. Finance provides the strongest affect to Infrastructure readiness, whilst User Skills provides the strongest affect to Utilization. The study concludes that development of ICT adoption framework should consider components contribution weights among the components that can be used to guide the implementation of ICT adoption in education.

Novel Insights for Inhibiting Mutant Heterodimer IDH1wt-R132H in Cancer: An In-Silico Approach.

PubMed

Juritz, Ezequiel Iván; Bascur, Juan Pablo; Almonacid, Daniel Eduardo; González-Nilo, Fernando Danilo

2018-06-01

Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is a dimeric enzyme responsible for supplying the cell's nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) reserves via dehydrogenation of isocitrate (ICT) and reduction of NADP+. Mutations in position R132 trigger cancer by enabling IDH1 to produce D-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) and reduce inhibition by ICT. Mutant IDH1 can be found as a homodimer or a heterodimer. We propose a novel strategy to inhibit IDH1 R132 variants as a means not to decrease the concentration of 2-HG but to provoke a cytotoxic effect, as the cell malignancy at this point no longer depends on 2-HG. We aim to inhibit the activity of the mutant heterodimer to block the wild-type subunit. Limiting the NADPH reserves in a cancerous cell will enhance its susceptibility to the oxidative stress provoked by chemotherapy. We performed a virtual screening using all US FDA-approved drugs to replicate the loss of inhibition of mutant IDH1 by ICT. We characterized our results based on molecular interactions and correlated them with the described phenotypes. We replicated the loss of inhibition by ICT in mutant IDH1. We identified 20 drugs with the potential to inhibit the heterodimeric isoform. Six of them are used in cancer treatment. We present 20 FDA-approved drugs with the potential to inhibit IDH1 wild-type activity in mutated cells. We believe this work may provide important insights into current and new approaches to dealing with IDH1 mutations. In addition, it may be used as a basis for additional studies centered on drugs presenting differential sensitivities to different IDH1 isoforms.

A mathematical/physics model to measure the role of information and communication technology in some economies: the Chinese case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Xuchen; Lu, Ting-Jie; Chen, Xia

2017-03-01

Since the Reform and Opening-up in 1978, China has experienced a huge sustainable growth of gross domestic product (GDP) and an incredible development in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This study aims to utilize an input-output (I-O) approach to explore the role of ICT in Chinese national economy. Specifically, we employ a static I-O framework, and analyze three topics in its application: the inter-industry linkage effect, the production inducing effect, and the supply shortage effect. We pay particular attention to the ICT manufacturing sector and ICT service-providing sector by taking the sectors as exogenous and investigating their economic impacts, respectively. The results suggest that (1) the ICT manufacturing sector has a high backward linkage effect, an intermediate forward linkage effect, a relatively low production inducing effect, and a low supply shortage effect, it suggests that ICT manufacturing sector has a powerful capacity for pulling the production activities of the whole economy. (2) The inter-industry linkage effect and supply shortage effect of ICT service-providing is low, but the production inducing effect of ICT service-providing is high, which suggests that the impact of an increase in ICT service-providing investment on the total output of all other sectors is large.

Evaluating Change in Beliefs About the Importance/Control of Thoughts as a Mediator of CBM-I and Responses to an ICT Stressor.

PubMed

Clerkin, Elise M; Magee, Joshua C; Parsons, E Marie

2014-10-01

This study evaluated an adaptation of a Cognitive Bias Modification-Interpretation (CBM-I) procedure designed to shift interpretations of intrusive thoughts related to beliefs about the Importance and Control of Thoughts (ICT). Individuals high in the ICT belief domain were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (a) a positive (n = 38) condition in which scenarios about intrusive thoughts were repeatedly paired with benign interpretations; or (b) a control (n = 39) condition in which scenarios about intrusive thoughts were paired with 50% benign and 50% threatening interpretations. Further, participants engaged in an ICT stressor task. Structural equation modeling with bias-corrected bootstrapping was used to examine the effects of training on ICT-relevant interpretations, beliefs, and ICT stressor responding. As predicted, individuals in a positive (vs. control) training condition reported decreases in ICT-relevant interpretations and beliefs. Further, there was a small, statistically significant indirect (i.e., mediated) effect of training on measures of ICT stressor responding, which occurred via decreases in ICT-relevant beliefs. In sum, results indicate that training was effective in influencing interpretations and beliefs tied to Importance/Control of Thoughts and that there may be clinical utility to shifting this belief domain.

Evaluating Change in Beliefs About the Importance/Control of Thoughts as a Mediator of CBM-I and Responses to an ICT Stressor

PubMed Central

Clerkin, Elise M.; Magee, Joshua C.; Parsons, E. Marie

2014-01-01

This study evaluated an adaptation of a Cognitive Bias Modification-Interpretation (CBM-I) procedure designed to shift interpretations of intrusive thoughts related to beliefs about the Importance and Control of Thoughts (ICT). Individuals high in the ICT belief domain were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (a) a positive (n = 38) condition in which scenarios about intrusive thoughts were repeatedly paired with benign interpretations; or (b) a control (n = 39) condition in which scenarios about intrusive thoughts were paired with 50% benign and 50% threatening interpretations. Further, participants engaged in an ICT stressor task. Structural equation modeling with bias-corrected bootstrapping was used to examine the effects of training on ICT-relevant interpretations, beliefs, and ICT stressor responding. As predicted, individuals in a positive (vs. control) training condition reported decreases in ICT-relevant interpretations and beliefs. Further, there was a small, statistically significant indirect (i.e., mediated) effect of training on measures of ICT stressor responding, which occurred via decreases in ICT-relevant beliefs. In sum, results indicate that training was effective in influencing interpretations and beliefs tied to Importance/Control of Thoughts and that there may be clinical utility to shifting this belief domain. PMID:25414811

Using Information and Communication Technology in Home Care for Communication between Patients, Family Members, and Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Lindberg, Birgitta; Nilsson, Carina; Zotterman, Daniel; Söderberg, Siv; Skär, Lisa

2013-01-01

Introduction. Information and communication technology (ICT) are becoming a natural part in healthcare both for delivering and giving accessibility to healthcare for people with chronic illness living at home. Aim. The aim was to review existing studies describing the use of ICT in home care for communication between patients, family members, and healthcare professionals. Methods. A review of studies was conducted that identified 1,276 studies. A selection process and quality appraisal were conducted, which finally resulted in 107 studies. Results. The general results offer an overview of characteristics of studies describing the use of ICT applications in home care and are summarized in areas including study approach, quality appraisal, publications data, terminology used for defining the technology, and disease diagnosis. The specific results describe how communication with ICT was performed in home care and the benefits and drawbacks with the use of ICT. Results were predominated by positive responses in the use of ICT. Conclusion. The use of ICT applications in home care is an expanding research area, with a variety of ICT tools used that could increase accessibility to home care. Using ICT can lead to people living with chronic illnesses gaining control of their illness that promotes self-care. PMID:23690763

Associations between exposure to information and communication technology (ICT) and reported discomfort among adolescents.

PubMed

Palmer, Kristy; Ciccarelli, Marina; Falkmer, Torbjorn; Parsons, Richard

2014-01-01

Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are common among adolescents in their daily activities.Exposure to ICT has been associated with discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders in adults, with growing concern about the potential risks to children and adolescents' physical health. The objectives of this study were to (i) quantify self-reported discomfort and exposure to ICT among adolescents; and (ii) determine if associations exist between discomfort and levels of exposure. The participant group comprised 33 Australian adolescents aged 12-15 years. The study used self-reports by participants for a one week period. Intensity and location of discomfort was reported via a written discomfort log. ICT exposure and physical activity were reported through an electronic time-use diary. The most common ICT types reported by participants were television, mobile phones and desktop and laptop computers. Discomfort was reported by 86% of participants. The most frequently reported areas were the legs, head/neck, back and shoulders. There was no statistical association found between ICT exposure and discomfort. The majority of participants exceeded the recommended 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. High exposure to ICT and high prevalence of low level discomfort was reported by the participants. Participating in regular physical activity may have some protective effect against ICT-related discomfort.

Modular ICT-based patient empowerment framework for self-management of diabetes: Design perspectives and validation results.

PubMed

Lamprinos, Ilias; Demski, Hans; Mantwill, Sarah; Kabak, Yildiray; Hildebrand, Claudia; Ploessnig, Manuela

2016-07-01

It is estimated that more than 382 million people suffer from diabetes across the globe, most of which are between the age of 40 and 59 years. ICT can play a key role in better management of diabetes and in patient empowerment. Patient empowerment involves patients to a greater extent in their own healthcare process and disease management becomes an integrated part of their daily life. Self-management opens the possibility for patients to contribute to their own healthcare as well as to be more in control of their disease. The objective of our study was to explore the impact of an ICT-based patient empowerment framework in diabetes self-management. A modular patient empowerment framework that fosters diabetes self-management was designed and implemented. The framework incorporates expert knowledge in the form of clinical guidelines, and it supports patients in the specification of personalized activities that are based on medical recommendations and personal goals, and in the collection of observations of daily living. The usability and usefulness of the proposed framework were assessed in a pilot study with the participation of 60 patients and 12 health professionals. The study revealed that a patient empowerment approach based on self-management ICT tools is useful and accepted by both the patients and the physicians. For those patients who were already disciplined in their disease management the piloted solution served as a facilitator for data logging. For the rest, it served as an incentive for better adherence to disease management principles. The ICT tools prompted many patients into becoming more physically active and into making dietary habits' adjustments. However, this impact proved to be tightly correlated with the sociocultural background of the subjects. The study also demonstrated that even in patient-centric self-management interventions the physicians still have a key role to play. However, the acceptance of such interventions by the healthcare professionals depends not only on the level of impact in their patients' disease management but also on the level of impact in their workflow. It is evident that a patient empowerment approach based on self-management ICT tools is useful and accepted by patients and physicians. Further, there are clear indications that ICT frameworks such as the one presented in this paper support patients in behavioral changes and in better disease management. Finally, it was realized that self-management solutions should be built around the objective not only to educate and guide patients in disease self-management, but also to assist them in exploring the decision space and to provide insight and explanations about the impact of their own values on the decision. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The impact of iron overload and its treatment on quality of life: results from a literature review

PubMed Central

Abetz, Linda; Baladi, Jean-Francois; Jones, Paula; Rofail, Diana

2006-01-01

Background To assess the literature for the impact of iron overload and infusion Iron Chelation Therapy (ICT) on patients' quality of life (QoL), and the availability of QoL instruments for patients undergoing infusion ICT. Also, to obtain patients' experiences of having iron overload and receiving infusion ICT, and experts' clinical opinions about the impact of treatment on patients' lives. Methods A search of studies published between 1966 and 2004 was conducted using Medline and the Health Economic Evaluation Database (HEED). Qualitative results from patient and expert interviews were analysed. Hand searching of relevant conference abstracts completed the search. Results Few studies measuring the impact of ICT with deferoxamine (DFO) on patients QoL were located (n = 15). QoL domains affected included: depression; fatigue; dyspnoea; physical functioning; psychological distress; decrease in QoL during hospitalization. One theme in all articles was that oral ICT should improve QoL. No iron overload or ICT-specific QoL instruments were located in the articles. Interviews revealed that the impact of ICT on patients with thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and myelodysplastic syndromes is high. Conclusion A limited number of studies assessed the impact of ICT or iron overload on QoL. All literature suggested a need for easily administered, efficacious and well tolerated oral iron overload treatments, given the impact of current ICT on adherence. Poor adherence to ICT was documented to negatively impact survival. Further research is warranted to continue the qualitative and quantitative study of QoL using validated instruments in patients receiving ICT to further understanding the issues and improve patients QoL. PMID:17007645

Use of Information and Communication Technologies Among Older People With and Without Frailty: A Population-Based Survey.

PubMed

Keränen, Niina Susanna; Kangas, Maarit; Immonen, Milla; Similä, Heidi; Enwald, Heidi; Korpelainen, Raija; Jämsä, Timo

2017-02-14

Use of information and communication technologies (ICT) among seniors is increasing; however, studies on the use of ICT by seniors at the highest risk of health impairment are lacking. Frail and prefrail seniors are a group that would likely benefit from preventive nutrition and exercise interventions, both of which can take advantage of ICT. The objective of the study was to quantify the differences in ICT use, attitudes, and reasons for nonuse among physically frail, prefrail, and nonfrail home-dwelling seniors. This was a population-based questionnaire study on people aged 65-98 years living in Northern Finland. A total of 794 eligible individuals responded out of a contacted random sample of 1500. In this study, 29.8% (237/794) of the respondents were classified as frail or prefrail. The ICT use of frail persons was lower than that of the nonfrail ones. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, age and education level were associated with both the use of Internet and advanced mobile ICT such as smartphones or tablets. Controlling for age and education, frailty or prefrailty was independently related to the nonuse of advanced mobile ICT (odds ratio, OR=0.61, P=.01), and frailty with use of the Internet (OR=0.45, P=.03). The frail or prefrail ICT nonusers also held the most negative opinions on the usefulness or usability of mobile ICT. When opinion variables were included in the model, frailty status remained a significant predictor of ICT use. Physical frailty status is associated with older peoples' ICT use independent of age, education, and opinions on ICT use. This should be taken into consideration when designing preventive and assistive technologies and interventions for older people at risk of health impairment. ©Niina Susanna Keränen, Maarit Kangas, Milla Immonen, Heidi Similä, Heidi Enwald, Raija Korpelainen, Timo Jämsä. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (http://www.jmir.org), 14.02.2017.

The value of telemonitoring and ICT-guided disease management in heart failure: Results from the IN TOUCH study.

PubMed

Kraai, Imke; de Vries, Arjen; Vermeulen, Karin; van Deursen, Vincent; van der Wal, Martje; de Jong, Richard; van Dijk, René; Jaarsma, Tiny; Hillege, Hans; Lesman, Ivonne

2016-01-01

It is still unclear whether telemonitoring reduces hospitalization and mortality in heart failure (HF) patients and whether adding an Information and Computing Technology-guided-disease-management-system (ICT-guided-DMS) improves clinical and patient reported outcomes or reduces healthcare costs. A multicenter randomized controlled trial was performed testing the effects of INnovative ICT-guided-DMS combined with Telemonitoring in OUtpatient clinics for Chronic HF patients (IN TOUCH) with in total 179 patients (mean age 69 years; 72% male; 77% in New York Heart Association Classification (NYHA) III-IV; mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 28%). Patients were randomized to ICT-guided-DMS or to ICT-guided-DMS+telemonitoring with a follow-up of nine months. The composite endpoint included mortality, HF-readmission and change in health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). In total 177 patients were eligible for analyses. The mean score of the primary composite endpoint was -0.63 in ICT-guided-DMS vs. -0.73 in ICT-guided-DMS+telemonitoring (mean difference 0.1, 95% CI: -0.67 +0.82, p=0.39). All-cause mortality in ICT-guided-DMS was 12% versus 15% in ICT-guided-DMS+telemonitoring (p=0.27); HF-readmission 28% vs. 27% p=0.87; all-cause readmission was 49% vs. 51% (p=0.78). HR-QoL improved in most patients and was equal in both groups. Incremental costs were €1360 in favor of ICT-guided-DMS. ICT-guided-DMS+telemonitoring had significantly fewer HF-outpatient-clinic visits (p<0.01). ICT-guided-DMS+telemonitoring for the management of HF patients did not affect the primary and secondary endpoints. However, we did find a reduction in visits to the HF-outpatient clinic in this group suggesting that telemonitoring might be safe to use in reorganizing HF-care with relatively low costs. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Knowledge and utilization of information communication technology (ICT) among health science students at the University of Gondar, North Western Ethiopia

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Despite the relatively huge ICT investment and policy deployment in higher institutions in Ethiopia, there is still scant information about the success of implementation of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the higher education. This study, therefore, was carried out with an aim to assess knowledge and utilization of Information Communication Technology (ICT) among medicine and health science students and its associated factors in Gondar College of Medicine and Health sciences, University of Gondar. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Ethiopia. Data regarding socio-demographic characteristics of the students, level of knowledge and utilization of ICT were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 13. Results A total of 1096 students responded giving a response rate of 97.8%. The mean age of the study participants was 20.3 (±1. 3) years. Females constitute only 26% of the respondents. The majority (79%) were fulltime students. Only half of the respondents (51%) had ICT knowledge and only 46% students utilized ICT while 47% of the respondents never used electronic communication (e.g. email or chat room) and 39% of the respondents never used Microsoft office (e.g. word ® or WordPerfect ®). ICT knowledge [AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7-3.5], family educational background [AOR = 4.36, 95% CI: 2.16-8.80], and perceived quality of training [AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3-2.8] showed strong and positive associations with ICT utilization. Students from urban areas were more likely to utilize ICT compared with those from rural areas [AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 2.097, 3.497], and information technology training was found to be positively associated with ICT utilization [AOR = 2. 07, 95% CI: 1.18, 3.62]. Conclusions The result showed that students’ knowledge was inadequate and utilization of ICT was poor. Therefore, the university should sustain professional development to improve teaching, to raise student performance and equip the college with student centered ICT computer labs to increase students’ ICT utilization. PMID:23452346

Developing a Curriculum for Information and Communications Technology Use in Global Health Research and Training: A Qualitative Study Among Chinese Health Sciences Graduate Students

PubMed Central

Yang, Lan; Huang, Kaiyong; Yu, Hongping; He, Huimin; Wang, Jiaji; Cai, Le; Wang, Jie; Fu, Hua; Quintiliani, Lisa; Friedman, Robert H; Xiao, Jian

2017-01-01

Background Rapid development of information and communications technology (ICT) during the last decade has transformed biomedical and population-based research and has become an essential part of many types of research and educational programs. However, access to these ICT resources and the capacity to use them in global health research are often lacking in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions. Objective The aim of our study was to assess the practical issues (ie, perceptions and learning needs) of ICT use among health sciences graduate students at 6 major medical universities of southern China. Methods Ten focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted from December 2015 to March 2016, involving 74 health sciences graduate students studying at 6 major medical universities in southern China. The sampling method was opportunistic, accounting for the graduate program enrolled and the academic year. All FGDs were audio recorded and thematic content analysis was performed. Results Researchers had different views and arguments about the use of ICT which are summarized under six themes: (1) ICT use in routine research, (2) ICT-related training experiences, (3) understanding about the pros and cons of Web-based training, (4) attitudes toward the design of ICT training curriculum, (5) potential challenges to promoting ICT courses, and (6) related marketing strategies for ICT training curriculum. Many graduate students used ICT on a daily basis in their research to stay up-to-date on current development in their area of research or study or practice. The participants were very willing to participate in ICT courses that were relevant to their academic majors and would count credits. Suggestion for an ICT curriculum included (1) both organized training course or short lecture series, depending on the background and specialty of the students, (2) a mixture of lecture and Web-based activities, and (3) inclusion of topics that are career focused. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that a need exists for a specialized curriculum related to ICT use in health research for health sciences graduate students in China. The results have important implications for the design and implementation of ICT-related educational program in China or other developing countries. PMID:28606894

Synthesis and evaluation of new NIR-fluorescent probes for cathepsin B: ICT versus FRET as a turn-ON mode-of-action.

PubMed

Kisin-Finfer, Einat; Ferber, Shiran; Blau, Rachel; Satchi-Fainaro, Ronit; Shabat, Doron

2014-06-01

Recent years have seen tremendous progress in the design and study of molecular imaging geared towards biological and biomedical applications. The expression or activity of specific enzymes including proteases can be monitored by cutting edge molecular imaging techniques. Cathepsin B plays key roles in tumor progression via controlled degradation of extracellular matrix. Consequently, this protease has been attracting significant attention in cancer research, and many imaging probes targeting its activity have been developed. Here, we describe the design, synthesis and evaluation of two novel near infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes for detection of cathepsin B activity with different turn-ON mechanisms. One probe is based on an ICT activation mechanism of a donor-two-acceptor π-electron dye system, while the other is based on the FRET mechanism obtained by a fluorescent dye and a quencher. The two probes exhibit significant fluorescent turn-ON response upon cleavage by cathepsin B. The NIR fluorescence of the ICT probe in its OFF state was significantly lower than that of the FRET-based probe. This effect results in a higher signal-to-noise ratio and consequently increased sensitivity and better image contrast. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The role of information and communication technology in developing smart education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roslina; Zarlis, Muhammad; Mawengkang, Herman; Sembiring, R. W.

2017-09-01

The right to get a proper education for every citizen had been regulated by the government, but not all citizens have the same opportunity. This is due to the other factors in the nation's infrastructure, Frontier, Outermost, and Disadvantaged (3T) which have not beenaccomodatedto access information and communication technology (ICT), and the ideal learning environment in order to pursue knowledge. This condition could be achieved by reforming higher education. Such reforms include the provision of educational services in the form of a flexible learner-oriented, and to change the curriculum with market based.These changes would include the provision of lecturers, professors, and professional teaching force. Another important effort is to update the quality of higher education with resource utilization. This paper proposes a new education business model to realize the Smart Education (SE), with an orientation on the proven skills and competitive.SE is the higher education system to optimize output (outcome) learning with combine individual learning and collaboration techniques based network system, informal practice learning and formal theory. UtilizingICT resources can improve the quality and access to higher education in supporting activities of higher education.This paper shows that ICT resources can support virtual connected with the use of shared resources, such as resource of information, learning resources, computing resources, and human resources.

Systematic review of research investigating psychotherapy and information and communication technologies.

PubMed

Hallberg, Sílvia Cristina Marceliano; Lisboa, Carolina Saraiva de Macedo; de Souza, Déborah Brandão; Mester, Ariela; Braga, Andréia Zambon; Strey, Artur Marques; da Silva, Camila Sartori

2015-01-01

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are devices, services and knowledge that reproduce, process and distribute information. Psychotherapy has been influenced by these technologies, and there is a tendency for their role to expand. To describe the current panorama of the scientific literature on psychotherapy and ICTs. This is a systematic and descriptive review. Searches were run on the electronic databases Biblioteca Virtual em Saude (BVS), PsycINFO, Scopus, PePSIC, ScienceDirect and Index Psi, using the Boolean operator AND and the descriptors psychotherapy, computers, Internet, cell phones and social networks. A considerable volume of empirical research was found, published recently in many different parts of the world, especially in the United States. There is very little Brazilian research on the subject. The majority of the studies identified assess the efficacy or describe the development of techniques and psychotherapies, via ICTs, for prevention, diagnosis or treatment of mental and behavioral disorders. The psychopathology most investigated in this area is depression and it was not possible to draw conclusions on a possible trend for research into the subject to increase. The technology most investigated was the Internet and cognitive-behavioral therapy was the most common theoretical approach in these studies. Systematic reviews of published studies can detect gaps in the research agenda within a specific field of knowledge.

Ultrafast intramolecular charge transfer with N-(4-cyanophenyl)carbazole. Evidence for a LE precursor and dual LE + ICT fluorescence.

PubMed

Galievsky, Victor A; Druzhinin, Sergey I; Demeter, Attila; Mayer, Peter; Kovalenko, Sergey A; Senyushkina, Tamara A; Zachariasse, Klaas A

2010-12-09

The photophysics of N-(4-cyanophenyl)carbazole (NP4CN) was investigated by using absorption and fluorescence spectra, picosecond fluorescence decays, and femtosecond transient absorption. In the nonpolar n-hexane as well as in the polar solvent acetonitrile (MeCN), a locally excited (LE) state is detected, as a precursor for the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) state. A LE → ICT reaction time τ(2) at 22 °C of 0.95 ps in ethyl cyanide (EtCN) and 0.32 ps in MeCN is determined from the decay of the LE excited state absorption (ESA) maximum around 620 nm. In the ESA spectrum of NP4CN in n-hexane at a pump-probe delay time of 100 ps, an important contribution of the LE band remains alongside the ICT band, in contrast to what is observed in EtCN and MeCN. This shows that a LE ⇄ ICT equilibrium is established in this solvent and the ICT reaction time of 0.5 ps is equal to the reciprocal of the sum of the forward and backward ICT rate constants 1/(k(a) + k(d)). In the photostationary S(0) → S(n) absorption spectrum of NP4CN in n-hexane and MeCN, an additional CT absorption band appears, absent in the sum of the spectra of its electron donor (D) and acceptor (A) subgroups carbazole and benzonitrile. This CT band is located at an energy of ∼4000 cm(-1) lower than for N-phenylcarbazole (NPC), due to the larger electron affinity of the benzonitrile moiety of NP4CN than the phenyl subunit of NPC. The fluorescence spectrum of NP4CN in n-hexane at 25 °C mainly consists of a structured LE emission, with a small ICT admixture, indicating that a LE → ICT reaction just starts to occur under these conditions. In di-n-pentyl ether (DPeE) and di-n-butyl ether (DBE), a LE emission is found upon cooling at the high-energy edge of the ICT fluorescence band, caused by the onset of dielectric solvent relaxation. This is not the case in more polar solvents, such as diethyl ether (DEE) and MeCN, in which a structureless ICT emission band fully overlaps the strongly quenched LE fluorescence. For the series of D/A molecules NPC, N-(4-fluorophenyl)carbazole (NP4F), N-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]carbazole (NP4CF), and NP4CN, with increasing electron affinity of their phenyl subgroup, an ICT emission in n-hexane 25 °C only is present for NP4CN, whereas in MeCN an ICT fluorescence is observed with NP4CF and NP4CN. The ICT fluorescence appears when for the energies E(ICT) of the ICT state and E(S(1)) of the lowest excited singlet state the condition E(ICT) ≤ E(S(1)) holds. E(ICT) is calculated from the difference E(D/D(+)) - E(A(-)/A) of the redox potentials of the D and A subgroups of the N-phenylcarbazoles. From solvatochromic measurements with NP4CN an ICT dipole moment μ(e)(ICT) = 19 D is obtained, somewhat larger than the literature values of 10-16 D, because of a different Onsager radius ρ. The carbazole/phenyl twist angle θ = 45° of NP4CN in the S(0) ground state, determined from X-ray crystal analysis, has become smaller for its ICT state, in analogy with similar conclusions for related N-phenylcarbazoles and other D/A molecules in the literature.

ICT in Schools: What Rationale? A Conceptual Frame for a Technological Policy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calvani, Antonio

2009-01-01

Why introduce ICT in schools? If we challenge educational reformers and practitioners with such a question, we find a lot of ambiguous answers, depending mainly on the kind of different expectations that ICT raise. To better understand the educational role of ICT, it is important to reveal the underlying assumptions one expects when proposing…

Little Experience with ICT: Are They Really the Net Generation Student-Teachers?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

So, Hyo-Jeong; Choi, Hyungshin; Lim, Wei Ying; Xiong, Yao

2012-01-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the complexity of past experiences with ICT, pedagogical beliefs, and attitude toward ICT in education that the Net Generation student teachers have about their intention to teach and learn with technology. This study has a particular focus on their lived experiences as school students where ICT related…

Using ICTs (Educationally) for Development in an African Context: Possibilities and Limitations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carrim, Nazir; Taruvinga, Mandi

2015-01-01

This article examines the possibilities and limitations of using ICTs for development in an African context from an education perspective. Although we provide an account of the Pan-African Agenda on integrating ICTs, which covers many countries on the African continent, our focus is specifically on using ICTs for development in a South African…

The Need for Structure and Guidance When ICT Is Used in Project Work

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Postholm, May Britt; Pettersson, Tove; Gudmundsdottir, Sigrun; Flem, Annlaug

2004-01-01

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can be integrated in the classroom processes in different ways. This study reveals ICT, as a mediating artefact in project work can contribute to the learning processes in the classroom. When ICT is used as an artefact to make a film, planning and decision making becomes natural and necessary…

Motivating Students on ICT-Related Study Programs to Engage with the Subject of Sustainable Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hilty, Lorenz M.; Huber, Patrizia

2018-01-01

Purpose: Sustainable development (SD) does not usually form part of the curriculum of ICT-related study programs such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, and Informatics. However, many topics form a bridge between SD and ICT and could potentially be integrated into ICT-related study programs. This paper reports the…

Getting There: Teacher Experiences in Applying ICT In Rural and Remote Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shaw, Greg

2010-01-01

The application of ICT in education in rural and remote contexts is rapidly evolving and is actively being pursued as a solution to educational issues. ICT in education involves technological as well as pedagogical and social dimensions. This paper examines approaches being taken in developing ICT usage in Northern Territory schools for teaching…

A Review of Research Literature on Obstacles That Prevent Use of ICT in Pre-Service Teachers' Educational Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mirzajani, Hassan; Mahmud, Rosnaini; Ayub, Ahmad Fauzi Mohd; Luan, Wong Su

2015-01-01

In spite of growing amount of technologies, tools and information communication and technology (ICT) by providing pre-service teacher education courses, pre-service teachers' ICT utilization is not still as predicted. Research shows many barriers influencing pre-service teachers' utilization of ICT. Many researchers have identified a number of…

Issues and Impediments Faced by Canadian Teachers While Integrating ICT in Pedagogical Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saxena, Anoop

2017-01-01

Teachers in many schools struggle to integrate Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as part of their teaching practice. Among the issues faced by teachers when attempting to integrate ICT into their classrooms are gaps in ICT knowledge and skills, lack of training and inadequate support and scaffolding. Other issues include inability to…

AIDS: An ICT Model for Integrating Teaching, Learning and Research in Technical University Education in Ghana

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Asabere, Nana; Togo, Gilbert; Acakpovi, Amevi; Torby, Wisdom; Ampadu, Kwame

2017-01-01

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has changed the way we communicate and carry out certain daily activities. Globally, ICT has become an essential means for disseminating information. Using Accra Technical University in Ghana as a case study, this paper proposes an ICT model called Awareness Incentives Demand and Support (AIDS). Our…

Relationship between ICT Variables and Mathematics Achievement Based on PISA 2006 Database: International Evidence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guzeller, Cem Oktay; Akin, Ayca

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study is to determine the predicting power of mathematics achievement from ICT variables including the Internet/entertainment use (IEU), program/software use (PRGUSE), confidence in internet tasks (INTCONF) and confidence in ICT high level tasks (HIGHCONF) based on PISA 2006 data. This study indicates that the ICT variables…

Teaching with and Learning through ICTs in Zimbabwe's Teacher Education Colleges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Musarurwa, Charles

2011-01-01

The use of ICTs (information and communication technologies) in Zimbabwe's teacher education colleges is of paramount importance. The teacher trainees have a dual role to play: learning through ICTs and also learning how to teach through them. Interestingly, the rate at which schools have embraced the use of ICTs is unprecedented, but this has not…

Design of Contents for ICT Literacy In-Service Training of Teachers in Korea

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Jong Hye; Jung, Soon Young; Lee, Won Gyu

2008-01-01

The importance of ICT literacy education for students and teachers in the information society cannot be overemphasized. The Korean government had developed an ICT literacy curriculum for students and teachers since 2000. It announced the ICT literacy curriculum for students in 2000 and the ISST for teachers in 2002. Most contents of the ICT…

Factors That Influence Teachers' Adoption and Integration of ICT in Teaching/Learning Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lawrence, Japhet E.; Tar, Usman A.

2018-01-01

Information communication technology (ICT) is becoming increasingly important in our daily lives and in our educational system. There is a growing demand on educational institutions to use ICT to teach the skills and knowledge students need for the digital age. The adoption and integration of ICT into teaching and learning environment provides…

Pedagogical Approaches for ICT Integration into Primary School English and Mathematics: A Singapore Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tay, Lee Yong; Lim, Siew Khiaw; Lim, Cher Ping; Koh, Joyce Hwee Ling

2012-01-01

This case study research attempts to examine the pedagogical approaches for the teaching of English and mathematics with information communication technology (ICT) in a primary school in Singapore. The study uses the learning "with" and learning "from" ICT framework in reporting and analysing how ICT has been used in the…

ICT, Literacy and Teacher Change: The Effectiveness of ICT Options in Kenya

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Piper, Benjamin

2014-01-01

There is a dearth of literature that use research design for causal inference that estimate the effect of information and communications technology (ICT) programs on literacy outcomes in early primary, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. There are several programs that have used ICT at a large scale, including Los Angeles, Peru, Nicaragua, Rwanda…

Possibilities and Challenges of ICT Integration in the Bangladesh Education System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mou, Shahrina

2016-01-01

Over the past few decades, information and communications technology (ICT) has been used in changing the traditional education system. It has helped to improve the quality of education and the overall teaching-learning process. Unfortunately, many teachers still do not use ICT effectively; or, even if they use ICT, it is not integrated into their…

Examination on ICT Integration into Special Education Schools for Developing Countries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aksal, Fahriye Altinay; Gazi, Zehra Altinay

2015-01-01

Information, communication and technology (ICT) is a bridge in fostering learning who have special needs in education. It becomes a medium of connecting their way of lives and their socialization within education life. Integration of ICT plays a great role in special education. Most of the developing countries pay attention to ICT practices in…

Framing ICT, Teachers and Learners in Australian School Education ICT Policy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jordan, Kathy

2011-01-01

It is well over 20 years since information and communication technologies (ICT) was first included as part of a future vision for Australia's schools. Since this time numerous national policies have been developed, which collectively articulate an official discourse in support of a vision for ICT to be embedded in our schools, and routinely used…

ICT Integration in the Classroom: Challenging the Potential of a School Policy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tondeur, Jo; van Keer, Hilde; van Braak, Johan; Valcke, Martin

2008-01-01

Despite the assumption that the integration of ICT influences the entire school system, research focusing on ICT in schools is generally limited to the study of variables at class level. In contrast to these studies, the present research explores ICT integration from a school improvement approach. More particularly, it examines the local school…

Congruence between the Intended, Implemented, and Attained ICT Curricula in Sub-Saharan Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mereku, Damian Kofi; Mereku, Cosmas Worlanyo Kofi

2015-01-01

The PanAfrican Research Agenda on the Pedagogical Integration of information and communication technology (ICT; PanAf) research project was initiated in 2006 to support initiatives in African countries to integrate ICT into teaching and learning through the frequent collection and analysis of data on ICT usage. The article examines the congruence…

Technology Leadership or Technology Somnambulism? Exploring the Discourse of Integration amongst Information and Communication Technology Coordinators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McDonagh, Adrian; McGarr, Oliver

2015-01-01

This research aimed to explore information and communication technology (ICT) coordinators' discourse in relation to ICT integration in a sample of Irish post-primary schools. As ICT leaders in their schools, how they conceptualise ICT significantly influences school-based policy and use. The research involved semi-structured interviews with a…

Blog-Enhanced ICT Courses: Examining Their Effects on Prospective Teachers' ICT Competencies and Perceptions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goktas, Yuksel; Demirel, Turgay

2012-01-01

Blogs are used as a technology support tool in teaching-learning processes in contemporary schools, especially in higher education. This paper examines the effects of using blogs on prospective teachers' perceived ICT competencies and perceptions in blog-enhanced ICT courses. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used in the…

Mass Media’s Perspective on the Challenges of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Junaidi

2017-12-01

This study investigated the challenges of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Indonesia based on mass media’s perspective. The challenges of ICT on mass media’s perspective are very complex. Some of these challenges include the consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of ICT, threats to the unity of the country, cultural problems, regulation, business competition among operators, Pokemon Go booming, the existence of social media which triggers hostility between people and the increasing rate of the interconnection cost. Among the main reasons to this phenomenon is a need of massive investment to build the infrastructures. This study used Robert N. Entman framing model to analyze the headlines of Majalah ICT (an ICT magazine).

New Technologies and Learning Environments: A Perspective from Formal and Non-Formal Education in Baja California, Mexico

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zamora, Julieta Lopez; Reynaga, Francisco Javier Arriaga

2010-01-01

This paper presents results of two research works, the first approaches non-formal education and the second addresses formal education. In both studies in-depth interview techniques were used. There were some points of convergence between them on aspects such as the implementation of learning environments and the integration of ICT. The interview…

Supporting work practices through telehealth: impact on nurses in peripheral regions.

PubMed

Gagnon, Marie-Pierre; Paré, Guy; Pollender, Hugo; Duplantie, Julie; Côté, José; Fortin, Jean-Paul; Labadie, Rita; Duplàa, Emmanuel; Thifault, Marie-Claude; Courcy, François; McGinn, Carrie Anna; Ly, Birama Apho; Trépanier, Amélie; Malo, François-Bernard

2011-02-04

In Canada, workforce shortages in the health care sector constrain the ability of the health care system to meet the needs of its population and of its health care professionals. This issue is of particular importance in peripheral regions of Quebec, where significant inequalities in workforce distribution between regions has lead to acute nursing shortages and increased workloads. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are innovative solutions that can be used to develop strategies to optimise the use of available resources and to design new nursing work practices. However, current knowledge is still limited about the real impact of ICTs on nursing recruitment and retention. Our aim is to better understand how work practice reorganization, supported by ICTs, and particularly by telehealth, may influence professional, educational, and organizational factors relating to Quebec nurses, notably those working in peripheral regions. First, we will conduct a descriptive study on the issue of nursing recruitment. Stratified sampling will be used to select approximately twenty innovative projects relating to the reorganization of work practices based upon ICTs. Semi-structured interviews with key informants will determine professional, educational, and organizational recruitment factors. The results will be used to create a questionnaire which, using a convenience sampling method, will be mailed to 600 third year students and recent graduates of two Quebec university nursing faculties. Descriptive, correlation, and hierarchical regression analyses will be performed to identify factors influencing nursing graduates' intentions to practice in peripheral regions. Secondly, we will conduct five case studies pertaining to the issue of nursing retention. Five ICT projects in semi-urban, rural, and isolated regions have been identified. Qualitative data will be collected through field observation and approximately fifty semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. Data from both parts of this research project will be jointly analysed using triangulation of researchers, theoretical approaches, methods, and results. Continuous exchanges with decision makers and periodic knowledge transfer activities are planned to facilitate the dissemination and utilization of research results in policies regarding the nursing recruitment and retention.

Clinical and economic burden of infused iron chelation therapy in the United States.

PubMed

Payne, Krista A; Desrosiers, Marie-Pierre; Caro, J Jaime; Baladi, Jean-François; Lordan, Noreen; Proskorovsky, Irina; Ishak, Khajak; Rofail, Diana

2007-10-01

Patients requiring chronic blood transfusions are at risk for iron overload, which, if not treated by iron chelation therapy (ICT), can create serious organ damage and reduce life expectancy. Current ICT requires burdensome 8- to 12-hour infusions five to seven times per week. A naturalistic study of the burden of infused ICT was conducted in four US centers. Data from the initial and most recent years of ICT were collected from medical charts of consenting thalassemia (n = 40) and sickle cell disease (n = 9) patients. Quality of life (QoL), treatment satisfaction, and ICT-related resource utilization data were also collected from a patient interview. Mean serum ferritin levels during the initial (2519 +/- 1382 ng/mL) and most recent (2741 +/- 2532 ng/mL) years remained unacceptably high and increased over time (306 +/- 2200 ng/mL; mean of 20+/- years of therapy). Within 30 days before interview, 55 percent of patients suffered at least one ICT-related adverse event; 76 percent missed at least one dose. QoL, measured by the SF-36, and treatment satisfaction appear compromised in this cohort. Although total annual costs of ICT were estimated at USD $30,000 to $35,000, drug accounted for only 50 to 60 percent of this amount. Infused ICT may not provide adequate effectiveness in the real world. High ferritin levels seem to be associated with ICT noncompliance, likely in relation to the bothersome mode of administration and side effects. The total cost of ICT appears to well exceed that of drug alone.

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

PubMed

Olsson, Annakarin; Engström, Maria; Skovdahl, Kirsti; Lampic, Claudia

2012-03-01

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. © 2011 The Authors. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences © 2011 Nordic College of Caring Science.

The dark side of technologies: technostress among users of information and communication technologies.

PubMed

Salanova, Marisa; Llorens, Susana; Cifre, Eva

2013-01-01

This paper tests the structure and the predictors of two psychological experiences of technostress associated with the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), i.e., technostrain (users report feelings of anxiety, fatigue, scepticism and inefficacy beliefs related to the use of technologies) and technoaddiction (users feel bad due to an excessive and compulsive use of these technologies). The study included a sample of 1072 ICT users (N = 675 nonintensive ICT users and N = 397 intensive ICT users). Results from multigroup confirmatory factor analyses among non-intensive and intensive ICT users showed, as expected, the four-factor structure of technostrain in both samples. Secondly, and also as expected, confirmatory factorial analyses revealed that technostress experiences are characterized not only by technostrain but also by an excessive and compulsive use of ICT. Moreover, multiple analyses of variance showed significant differences between non-intensive and intensive ICT users (1) in the dimensions of technostress and (2) in specific job demands and job/personal resources. Finally, linear multiple regression analyses revealed that technostrain is positively predicted by work overload, role ambiguity, emotional overload, mobbing and obstacles hindering ICT use, as well as by lack of autonomy, transformational leadership, social support, ICT use facilitators and mental competences. Work overload, role ambiguity and mobbing, as well as the lack of emotional competences, positively predict technoaddiction. Theoretical and practical implications, in addition to future research, are discussed.

Socio-inspired ICT. Towards a socially grounded society-ICT symbiosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferscha, A.; Farrahi, K.; van den Hoven, J.; Hales, D.; Nowak, A.; Lukowicz, P.; Helbing, D.

2012-11-01

Modern ICT (Information and Communication Technology) has developed a vision where the "computer" is no longer associated with the concept of a single device or a network of devices, but rather the entirety of situated services originating in a digital world, which are perceived through the physical world. It is observed that services with explicit user input and output are becoming to be replaced by a computing landscape sensing the physical world via a huge variety of sensors, and controlling it via a plethora of actuators. The nature and appearance of computing devices is changing to be hidden in the fabric of everyday life, invisibly networked, and omnipresent, with applications greatly being based on the notions of context and knowledge. Interaction with such globe spanning, modern ICT systems will presumably be more implicit, at the periphery of human attention, rather than explicit, i.e. at the focus of human attention.Socio-inspired ICT assumes that future, globe scale ICT systems should be viewed as social systems. Such a view challenges research to identify and formalize the principles of interaction and adaptation in social systems, so as to be able to ground future ICT systems on those principles. This position paper therefore is concerned with the intersection of social behaviour and modern ICT, creating or recreating social conventions and social contexts through the use of pervasive, globe-spanning, omnipresent and participative ICT.

Evaluating the Impacts of ICT Use: A Multi-Level Analysis with Hierarchical Linear Modeling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Song, Hae-Deok; Kang, Taehoon

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impacts of ICT use on achievements by considering not only ICT use, but also the process and background variables that influence ICT use at both the student- and school-level. This study was conducted using data from the 2010 Survey of Seoul Education Longitudinal Research. A Hierarchical Linear…

ICT Integration in Education: Incorporation for Teaching & Learning Improvement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ghavifekr, Simin; Razak, Ahmad Zabidi Abd; Ghani, Muhammad Faizal A.; Ran, Ng Yan; Meixi, Yao; Tengyue, Zhang

2014-01-01

Over the last two decades, the rapid growth of ICT has become one of the most important topics discussed by the scholars in education. This is due to the capability of ICT in providing a dynamic and proactive teaching and learning environment. In line with the current digital era, teachers are required to integrate ICT in their daily teaching and…

Level of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) Usage among ESL Teachers in Malaysia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hendehjan, Niyosha Morshedi; Noordin, Nooreen

2013-01-01

The current study attempted to identify the level of (ICT) usage among ESL teachers, the difference between the level of ICT usage based on gender and age, the teachers' perception towards ICT usage and the barriers faced by teachers. This study was a quantitative study using the descriptive survey approach. The total number of participants was 90…

ICTS and Economic Empowerment of Women: Evaluation of Sewa's ICT Activities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nair, Shruti

2012-01-01

Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) have played a significant role in development and have contributed to radical changes in some parts of the world in the past three decades or longer. At the same time, there are parts of the world where ICTs have not reached and there has been little or no development arising from the applications of…

ICT Use in Preschool Science Education: A Case Study of Some Private Nursery Schools in Ekiti State

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oluwadare, Feyisetan Adijatu

2015-01-01

This research reveals ICT uses in Ekiti preschool education and explores this use of ICT for science education. This case study is part of a wider research project concerning the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for teaching main natural science's concepts and mathematics in early year's classroom. The study was conducted…

Framework for Assessing the ICT Competency in Teachers up to the Requirements of "Teacher" Occupational Standard

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Avdeeva, Svetlana; Zaichkina, Olga; Nikulicheva, Nataliya; Khapaeva, Svetlana

2016-01-01

The paper deals with problems of working out a test framework for the assessment of teachers' ICT competency in line with the requirements of "Teacher" occupational standard. The authors have analyzed the known approaches to assessing teachers' ICT competency--ISTE Standards and UNESCO ICT CFT and have suggested their own approach to…

Teachers' Skills and ICT Integration in Technical and Vocational Education and Training TVET: A Case of Khartoum State-Sudan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ramadan, Abdelmoiz; Chen, Xiaohui; Hudson, Laura L.

2018-01-01

Information and communication technology (ICT) elicited rapidly dissemination over the world. For its impact in Sudan, the national government has been energized the institutions to implement ICT in every sector. This study examined the Sudanese teachers' skills and ICT integration in technical and vocational education and training TVET in…

Stakeholder Perspectives. Proceedings of the Ed-ICT International Network Symposium (Dawson College Montreal, Quebec, Canada, May 30-Jun 1, 2017)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jorgensen, Mary; Fichten, Catherine; King, Laura; Havel, Alice

2018-01-01

The purpose of these conference proceedings is to provide an in-depth understanding of what was presented and discussed at the Ed-ICT International Network Montreal Symposium: Stakeholder Perspectives. The focus of the Ed-ICT International Network is to explore the role that information and communication technologies (ICTs)--including computers,…

Opening the Black Box of ICT4D: Advancing Our Understanding of ICT4D Partnerships

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Park, Sung Jin

2013-01-01

The term, Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D), pertains to programs or projects that strategically use ICTs (e.g. mobile phones, computers, and the internet) as a means toward the socio-economic betterment for the poor in developing contexts. Gaining the political and financial support of the international community…

How Are ICT Used in the Classroom? A Study of Teachers' Beliefs and Uses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Aldama, Carlos; Pozo, Juan Ignacio

2016-01-01

Introduction: Several studies show that one of the essential factors in the way teachers use Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in their lessons are the beliefs they hold regarding ICT as tools for teaching and learning. This study analyses the relationship between these beliefs and the way teachers use ICT in the classroom through…

Integrating ICT in Kenyan Secondary Schools: An Exploratory Case Study of a Professional Development Programme

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tondeur, Jo; Krug, Don; Bill, Mike; Smulders, Maaike; Zhu, Chang

2015-01-01

This study explores the introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Kenyan secondary schools. Specifically, it is a case study of four schools with no previous access to ICT. The professional development programme from which data for this study were drawn was designed to support teachers learning to integrate ICT in the…

The Effect of ICT Assisted Project Based Learning Approach on Prospective ICT Integration Skills of Teacher Candidates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pilten, Pusat; Pilten, Gulhiz; Sahinkaya, Nihan

2017-01-01

The purpose of the present research is studying the effects of information and communication technologies (ICT) assisted project based learning practices on ICT integration skills of pre-service classroom teachers. The research adopted a mixed method. The quantitative dimension of the research was designed with pre-test-post-test control groups.…

Understanding Factors Affecting Primary School Teachers' Use of ICT for Student-Centered Education in Mongolia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Shengru; Yamaguchi, Shinobu; Takada, Jun-ichi

2018-01-01

The past two decades witnessed continuous uptake of ICT in education, and the importance of teachers' beliefs for adopting ICT in education was revealed in the context of educational change. In recent years, the Mongolian educational system has placed more emphasis on student-centered education and the use of ICT in teaching and learning. Teacher…

Appraising the Role of Information Communication Technology (ICT) as a Change Agent for Higher Education in Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adeoye, Yusuf Musibau; Oluwole, Afolabi Festus; Blessing, Loto Antonia

2013-01-01

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become inseparable entities in all aspects of human life. The use of ICT has fundamentally changed the practices and procedures of nearly all forms of endeavour within business, governance and civil service. In education, ICT has begun to have a presence but the impact has not been as…

Which Factors Obstruct or Stimulate Teacher Educators to Use ICT Innovatively?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Drent, Marjolein; Meelissen, Martina

2008-01-01

This article discusses the factors which stimulate or limit the innovative use of ICT by teacher educators in the Netherlands. Innovative use of ICT is defined as the use of ICT applications that support the educational objectives based on the needs of the current knowledge society. Explorative path analysis and case studies were used to study the…

Information and Communication Technologies in Learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL): Attitudes of EFL Learners in Vietnam

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ngo, Hong T. P.

2017-01-01

Given breakthroughs in information and communication technologies (ICTs), language learners are increasingly presented with opportunities to advance their proficiency in a target language (herein English as a foreign language or EFL). The attitudes of learners toward the use of ICTs (ICT attitudes) can be predictive of their adoption of ICTs for…

The Role of ICT in Early Childhood Education: Scale Development and Research on ICT Use and Influencing Factors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kerckaert, Stephanie; Vanderlinde, Ruben; van Braak, Johan

2015-01-01

Nowadays, more and more authors are convinced that ICT (information and communication technology) in early childhood education provides multiple possibilities for young children. The current study, conducted in Flanders, aims to get a clearer picture of ICT use in Flemish preschools. For this purpose, a questionnaire was composed consisting of…

Interactivity and ICT in the Primary School: Categories of Learner Interactions with and without ICT

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beauchamp, Gary

2011-01-01

This article will analyse primary teachers' views on the role of information and communications technology (ICT) in the broader context of pedagogy in the classroom. It uses data collected from primary teacher interviews in the early stages of a funded research project (which analysed interactivity and ICT in learning and teaching) to explore and…

An Analysis of the Relationship between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Scientific Literacy in Canada and Australia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luu, King; Freeman, John G.

2011-01-01

Despite the lack of substantial evidence for improvement in the quality of teaching and learning with information and communication technology (ICT), governmental organizations have pushed ICT as a means of providing broad-scale training to meet the demand for a skilled workforce, centred upon a hypothesized ICT-scientific literacy relationship.…

Assessment of 21st Century ICT Skills in Chile: Test Design and Results from High School Level Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Claro, Magdalena; Preiss, David D.; San Martin, Ernesto; Jara, Ignacio; Hinostroza, J. Enrique; Valenzuela, Susana; Cortes, Flavio; Nussbaum, Miguel

2012-01-01

This paper describes a study that evaluates fifteen-year-old Chilean students Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills. The paper presents an operational definition of ICT skills, an instrument measuring these skills as well as the students' results in the test. The definition of ICT skills used considers Chile's curricular framework,…

Perceived Importance of ICT in Preparing Early Childhood Education Teachers for the New Generation Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olowe, Peter Kayode; Kutelu, Bukola Olaronke

2014-01-01

Children of the present age are born into the world that is highly driven by Information and Communication Technology (ICT). They begin to manipulate ICT materials as soon as they grow old enough to manipulate things. There is need therefore to provide ICT-learning experiences that can aid their holistic development. To do this, early childhood…

The Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Teaching ESL Writing Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yunus, Melor Md; Nordin, Norazah; Salehi, Hadi; Embi, Mohamed Amin; Salehi, Zeinab

2013-01-01

Despite the existence of many studies showing positive effects of using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the teaching and learning process in general, the use of ICT in teaching writing skills in English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms is still not very encouraging. This study attempts to seek findings on the use of ICT in…

Propagation & Level: Factors Influencing in the ICT Composite Index at the School Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aoki, Hiroyuki; Kim, JaMee; Lee, WonGyu

2013-01-01

Many nations are greatly affected by their education policies, and the educational level of different schools is relevant to a nation's ICT policy. In the area of ICT, Korea has achieved quite high levels of competency. This study analyzed the level of ICT competency of 4490 elementary and 2419 middle schools in Korea within the context of the…

The Role of ICT Infrastructure in Its Application to Classrooms: A Large Scale Survey for Middle and Primary Schools in China

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lu, Chun; Tsai, Chin-Chung; Wu, Di

2015-01-01

With the ever-deepening economic reform and international trend of ICT application in education, the Chinese government is strengthening its basic education curriculum reform and actively facilitating the application of ICT in education. Given the achievement gap of ICT infrastructure and its application in middle and primary schools between urban…

Analyzing ICT Policy in K-12 Education in Sudan (1990-2016)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tairab, Adam; Ronghuai, Huang

2017-01-01

The aim of this study of ICT policy in K-12 education in Sudan is to investigate the status of planning for technology in education and then determine how the advantage of ICT can best serve the educational system and improve educational outcomes. The study examined two plans for ICT in education, addition to an interview with the educational…

Factors Influencing Information Communication Technology (ICT) Acceptance and Use in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nyandoro, Cephus K.

2016-01-01

Research demonstrates that there is a gap in focusing understanding factors of information communication technology (ICT) acceptance and use in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). ICT is gaining popularity because it is a force in the economic growth equation. SMEs adopt ICT to promote their business strategy, performance, and growth. This study…

Insider Perspectives vs. Public Perceptions of ICT: Toward Policy for Enhancing Female Student Participation in Academic Pathways to Professional Careers in ICT

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Courtney, Lyn; Lankshear, Colin; Anderson, Neil; Timms, Carolyn

2009-01-01

This article reports findings of a national online survey of Australian women employed in Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-related careers. The Women in ICT Industry Survey was the culminating stage of a larger Australian Research Council Linkage Grant project investigating factors associated with low and declining female…

Has ICT come of age? Recurring debates on the role of ICT in education, 1982 2004

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wellington, Jerry

2005-01-01

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has now been used in science and technology education, and in other areas of the curriculum, for over 20 years. ICT has been introduced into school education through a series of heavily funded government initiatives since the launch of microcomputers into schools in 1981. This spate of initiatives has involved a mixture of hardware, software and teacher-training, though not always in a coordinated fashion. A number of issues raised by the advent of ICT have specific relevance to those involved in science and technology education at all levels, but equally, the issues and debates highlighted in this paper are of a generic nature and are applicable to ICT use across the curriculum. I argue that the debates raised by ICT use fall into three categories: the vocational, the pedagogical and the societal. These debates are likely to be perennial and recurring, whatever the advancement made in the technology itself.

Exploring attitudes of healthcare professionals towards ICT-based interventions for nursing home residents with dementia: a mixed-methods approach.

PubMed

O'Sullivan, Julie Lorraine; Gellert, Paul; Hesse, Britta; Jordan, Laura-Maria; Möller, Sebastian; Voigt-Antons, Jan-Niklas; Nordheim, Johanna

2018-02-01

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) could be useful for delivering non-pharmacological therapies (NPTs) for dementia in nursing home settings. To identify technology-related expectations and inhibitions of healthcare professionals associated with the intention to use ICT-based NPTs. Cross-sectional multi-method survey. N = 205 healthcare professionals completed a quantitative survey on usage and attitudes towards ICTs. Additionally, N = 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Participants were classified as intenders to use ICTs (53%), non-intenders (14%) or ambivalent (32%). A MANCOVA revealed higher perceived usefulness for intenders compared to non-intenders and ambivalent healthcare professionals (V =.28, F(12, 292)= 3.94, p <.001). Qualitative interviews revealed generally high acceptance of ICTs in the workplace. Furthermore, benefits for residents emerged as a key requirement. Staff trainings should stress specific benefits for residents and healthcare professionals to facilitate successful implementation and acceptance of ICTs in nursing home settings.

Teachers' level of ICT integration in teaching and learning: A survey in Malaysian private preschool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamaruddin, Kamarulzaman; Abdullah, Che Anuar Che; Idris, Mohd Noor; Nawi, Mohd Nasrun Mohd

2017-10-01

The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of ICT integration in teaching and learning in private preschool in Malaysia. A total 61 teachers from 10 private preschools in the district of Mualim in the state of Perak Malaysia were randomly chosen in this survey research. The findings revealed that most of the teachers were knowledgeable about the educational ICT application. However, the findings revealed that the teachers' level of ICT integration is still at the low level. This is based on the results of a study that most of the teachers are normal users and ICT application was used for their own work rather than using it in their teaching and learning in the classroom. In addition, the findings indicated that teachers' awareness towards the important of ICT in teaching and learning is not encouraging and this issue is related to the training provided, equipment and time constraints that hinder the integration of ICT.

Developing a Curriculum for Information and Communications Technology Use in Global Health Research and Training: A Qualitative Study Among Chinese Health Sciences Graduate Students.

PubMed

Ma, Zhenyu; Yang, Li; Yang, Lan; Huang, Kaiyong; Yu, Hongping; He, Huimin; Wang, Jiaji; Cai, Le; Wang, Jie; Fu, Hua; Quintiliani, Lisa; Friedman, Robert H; Xiao, Jian; Abdullah, Abu S

2017-06-12

Rapid development of information and communications technology (ICT) during the last decade has transformed biomedical and population-based research and has become an essential part of many types of research and educational programs. However, access to these ICT resources and the capacity to use them in global health research are often lacking in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions. The aim of our study was to assess the practical issues (ie, perceptions and learning needs) of ICT use among health sciences graduate students at 6 major medical universities of southern China. Ten focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted from December 2015 to March 2016, involving 74 health sciences graduate students studying at 6 major medical universities in southern China. The sampling method was opportunistic, accounting for the graduate program enrolled and the academic year. All FGDs were audio recorded and thematic content analysis was performed. Researchers had different views and arguments about the use of ICT which are summarized under six themes: (1) ICT use in routine research, (2) ICT-related training experiences, (3) understanding about the pros and cons of Web-based training, (4) attitudes toward the design of ICT training curriculum, (5) potential challenges to promoting ICT courses, and (6) related marketing strategies for ICT training curriculum. Many graduate students used ICT on a daily basis in their research to stay up-to-date on current development in their area of research or study or practice. The participants were very willing to participate in ICT courses that were relevant to their academic majors and would count credits. Suggestion for an ICT curriculum included (1) both organized training course or short lecture series, depending on the background and specialty of the students, (2) a mixture of lecture and Web-based activities, and (3) inclusion of topics that are career focused. The findings of this study suggest that a need exists for a specialized curriculum related to ICT use in health research for health sciences graduate students in China. The results have important implications for the design and implementation of ICT-related educational program in China or other developing countries. ©Zhenyu Ma, Li Yang, Lan Yang, Kaiyong Huang, Hongping Yu, Huimin He, Jiaji Wang, Le Cai, Jie Wang, Hua Fu, Lisa Quintiliani, Robert H Friedman, Jian Xiao, Abu S Abdullah. Originally published in JMIR Medical Education (http://mededu.jmir.org), 12.06.2017.

Is ICT Really Essential for Learning? Perceptions and Uses of ICTs for Language Acquisition in Secondary Level Environme

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Benini, Silvia

2014-01-01

Information and communications technology (ICT) has become an acknowledged and integral part of everyday life for many people. As research shows, the use of ICT in appropriate contexts in education can add value to teaching and learning by enhancing the effectiveness of learning itself and being a significant motivational factor in the students'…

Impact of ICT Usage in Primary-School Students' Learning in the Case of Thailand

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arukaroon, Benjawan; Krairit, Donyaprueth

2017-01-01

The utilization of ICT as a teaching-learning tool continues to be very popular in Thai primary schools. However, technology impact assessments are not always properly carried out, and the benefits of using ICT in primary education are not always clear. The aim of this paper is to assess whether the use of ICT has an impact on student performance…

The Impact of ICT on Educational Performance and its Efficiency in Selected EU and OECD Countries: A Non-Parametric Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aristovnik, Aleksander

2012-01-01

The purpose of the paper is to review some previous researches examining ICT efficiency and the impact of ICT on educational output/outcome as well as different conceptual and methodological issues related to performance measurement. Moreover, a definition, measurements and the empirical application of a model measuring the efficiency of ICT use…

Key Data on Learning and Innovation through ICT at School in Europe 2011

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ranguelov, Stanislav; Horvath, Anna; Dalferth, Simon; Noorani, Sogol

2011-01-01

This report on Key Data on Learning and Innovation through ICT at School in Europe 2011 builds on the previous Eurydice publications on information and communication technology in schools in Europe. It also aims to extend the theoretical framework by looking not only at the teaching and learning of ICT but also at the use of ICT to promote…

Principals' Attitudes towards ICT and Their Perceptions about the Factors that Facilitate or Inhibit ICT Integration in Primary Schools of Cyprus

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Papaioannou, Photos; Charalambous, Kyriacos

2011-01-01

This study explores the Cyprus primary school principals' attitudes towards Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as well as their perceptions about the factors that facilitate or inhibit ICT integration in primary schools in Cyprus. A sequential mixed method approach was used to answer the research questions that guided this study.…

Do Rural and Regional Students in Queensland Experience an ICT "Turn-Off" in the Early High School Years?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Courtney, Lyn; Anderson, Neil

2010-01-01

Students learning in regional, rural and remote locations in Queensland are currently experiencing a "turn-off" in relation to school-based ICT in the first three years of high school. At the same time, students are experiencing increasing levels of interest and motivation from their use of ICT at home. Given the importance of ICT as an…

A Regression Analysis of Elementary Students' ICT Usage vis-à-vis Access to Technology in Singapore

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tay, Lee Yong; Nair, Shanthi Suraj; Lim, Cher Ping

2017-01-01

This paper explores the relationship among ICT infrastructure (i.e., computing devices and Internet), one-to-one computing program and student ICT activities in school. It also looks into the differences of how ICT is being used in the teaching of English, mathematics and science at the elementary school level in relation to the availability of…

Use of ICT Technologies and Factors Affecting Pre-Service ELT Teachers' Perceived ICT Self-Efficacy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bozdogan, Derya; Özen, Rasit

2014-01-01

This study aims to identify both level and frequency of ICT technology use and factors affecting perceived self-efficacy levels of pre-service English Language Teaching (ELT) teachers' (n = 241) ICT self-efficacy. The data were collected through a survey (Çuhadar & Yücel, 2010) during the 2011-2012 academic year that includes items on the use…

Virtual Mobility in Reality: A Study of the Use of ICT in Finnish Leonardo da Vinci Mobility Projects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Valjus, Sonja

An e-mail survey and interviews collected data on use of information and communications technology (ICT) in Finnish Leonardo da Vinci mobility projects from 2000-02. Findings showed that the most common ICT tools used were e-mail, digital tools, and the World Wide Web; ICT was used during all project phases; the most common problems concerned…

Exploring Quality Teaching of Information and Communication Technology in New South Wales and Yenbai High Schools: A Comparative Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tran, Manh Thang

This study compares ICT policy and curriculum and assessment practices between Australian and Vietnamese secondary schools, and investigates differences between these two school systems. Document analyses and case studies were used to examine the key differences in ICT curriculum and policy and assessment practices between Australian and Vietnamese secondary schools. The document analyses focused on the intended ICT policy and curriculum and assessment, as presented in official documents in both countries. Using a case study approach for in-depth examination, two secondary schools were selected (one from Yenbai province, Vietnam and one from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia). Two principals and three teachers were interviewed. Classroom teaching and assessment practices were observed, and principals and teachers' views were obtained through semi-structured interviews and extensive discussions. Findings from the two case studies were compared with the findings from the document analysis. This study explored and analysed differences in ICT teaching, learning, assessment, and achievement between Vietnamese and Australian secondary students. It was found that that Australian ICT school curricula and assessment differed markedly from the Vietnamese system. Student ICT achievement in these Australian and Vietnamese schools could not only be attributed to higher standards of intended ICT curricula and assessment, or teacher knowledge or classroom practices. These differences are better explained by economic and cultural factors, ICT policies and their degrees of implementation, and extra ICT curricula. In order to bridge the gap and implement adequate ICT curricula and policies, rigorous professional training in teaching and assessment is essential for both Australian and Vietnamese teachers. In order to improve Australian students' ICT achievement, achievement motivation must be addressed. Many challenging aspects were found in ICT policies and classrooms in the Vietnamese educational system that calls for immediate change and improvement. In order to implement reforms in Vietnamese education, the impact of cultural influence must be considered more seriously. In particular, this study highlights the need to integrate case study with large-scale study in international comparative studies.

Utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) among sexually transmitted disease clinics attendees with coexisting drinking problems

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Alcohol misuse remains a major risk factor for contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) not typically addressed in STD clinic settings. Information and communication technology (ICT) can offer new avenues to deliver evidence-based screening and treatment for problematic drinking, however, few data exists regarding the utilization of ICT among STD clinic attendees with coexisting drinking problems. The objectives of this study are to identify STD clinics attendees with hazardous drinking, to examine socio-demographic factors associated with ICT use, and to explore individuals’ interests in engaging in ICT-based health interventions. Methods Cross-sectional questionnaires examining alcohol consumption and ICT use were administered to 396 persons attending two non-urban STD clinics. Descriptive statistics for ICT use were calculated for both hazardous drinkers and the entire sample. Multivariable logistic regression models among hazardous drinkers identified factors significantly associated with use of each kind of ICT. Results The mean age of the 396 participants was 25 years, 66% were females and 60% were African-Americans. One third of the sample met the criteria of hazardous drinking. ICT use in hazardous drinkers included 94% reporting having internet access at least monthly, 82% reporting having an email account, 85% reporting currently owning a cell phone, and 91% reporting use of any cell phone application. More than two thirds (73%) of hazardous drinkers were willing to play health-related video games during clinic waiting time, slightly higher than the entire sample (69%). Multivariable analyses indicated that younger age were significantly related to monthly internet use, and multifunction cell phone use, while being males and younger age were significantly associated with monthly video game playing. Conclusions Our study demonstrates commonality of ICT use among STD clinic attendees with hazardous drinking, indicating the viability of using ICT to assist screening and behavioural intervention for alcohol misuse in STD clinic settings. Future research is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of ICT-based health behavioural interventions in the STD clinic settings or other venues that serve populations at high risk for substance abuse, HIV or other STDs. PMID:24670037

Utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) among sexually transmitted disease clinics attendees with coexisting drinking problems.

PubMed

Hu, Xingdi; Dodd, Virginia J; Oliverio, James C; Cook, Robert L

2014-03-26

Alcohol misuse remains a major risk factor for contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) not typically addressed in STD clinic settings. Information and communication technology (ICT) can offer new avenues to deliver evidence-based screening and treatment for problematic drinking, however, few data exists regarding the utilization of ICT among STD clinic attendees with coexisting drinking problems. The objectives of this study are to identify STD clinics attendees with hazardous drinking, to examine socio-demographic factors associated with ICT use, and to explore individuals' interests in engaging in ICT-based health interventions. Cross-sectional questionnaires examining alcohol consumption and ICT use were administered to 396 persons attending two non-urban STD clinics. Descriptive statistics for ICT use were calculated for both hazardous drinkers and the entire sample. Multivariable logistic regression models among hazardous drinkers identified factors significantly associated with use of each kind of ICT. The mean age of the 396 participants was 25 years, 66% were females and 60% were African-Americans. One third of the sample met the criteria of hazardous drinking. ICT use in hazardous drinkers included 94% reporting having internet access at least monthly, 82% reporting having an email account, 85% reporting currently owning a cell phone, and 91% reporting use of any cell phone application. More than two thirds (73%) of hazardous drinkers were willing to play health-related video games during clinic waiting time, slightly higher than the entire sample (69%). Multivariable analyses indicated that younger age were significantly related to monthly internet use, and multifunction cell phone use, while being males and younger age were significantly associated with monthly video game playing. Our study demonstrates commonality of ICT use among STD clinic attendees with hazardous drinking, indicating the viability of using ICT to assist screening and behavioural intervention for alcohol misuse in STD clinic settings. Future research is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of ICT-based health behavioural interventions in the STD clinic settings or other venues that serve populations at high risk for substance abuse, HIV or other STDs.

Icariin and icaritin stimulate the proliferation of SKBr3 cells through the GPER1-mediated modulation of the EGFR-MAPK signaling pathway.

PubMed

Ma, Hai-Rong; Wang, Jie; Chen, Yiu-Fai; Chen, Hua; Wang, Wei-Shan; Aisa, Haji Akber

2014-06-01

Icariin (ICA) and icaritin (ICT), with a similar structure to genistein, are the important bioactive components of the genus Epimedium, and regulate many cellular processes. In the present study, using the estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer cell line, SKBr3, as a model, we examined the hypothesis that ICA and ICT at low concentrations stimulate SKBr3 cell proliferation in vitro through the functional membrane, G protein‑coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1), mediated by the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR)‑mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. MTT assay revealed that ICA and ICT at doses of 1 nM to 1 µM markedly stimulated SKBr3 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The ICA- and ICT-stimulated cell growth was completely suppressed by the GPER1 antagonist, G-15, indicating that the ICA‑ and ICT-stimulated cell proliferation was mediated by GPER1 activation. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that treatment with ICA and ICT enhanced the transcription of c-fos, a proliferation-related early gene. The ICA- and ICT-stimulated mRNA expression was markedly attenuated by G-15, AG-1478 (an EGFR antagonist) or PD98059 (a MAPK inhibitor). Our data also demonstrated that ICA and ICT increased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. The ICA- and ICT-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation was blocked by pre-treatment of the cells with G-15 and AG-1478 or PD 98059. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed that the ICA- and ICT-stimulated SKBr3 cell proliferation involved the GPER1-mediated modulation of the EGFR‑MAPK signaling pathway. To the best of our knowledge, our current findings demonstrate for the first time that ICA and ICT promote the progression of ER-negative breast cancer through the activation of membrane GPER1.

Modifying the clinical research infrastructure at a dedicated clinical trials unit: assessment of trial development, activation, and participant accrual

PubMed Central

Tang, Chad; Hess, Kenneth R.; Sanders, Dwana; Davis, Suzanne; Buzdar, Aman; Kurzrock, Razelle; Lee, J. Jack; Meric-Bernstam, Funda; Hong, David

2017-01-01

Purpose Information on processes for trials assessing investigational therapeutics is sparse. We assessed the trial development processes within the Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (ICT) at MD Anderson Cancer Center and analyzed their effects on the trial activation timeline and enrollment. Experimental Design Data were from a prospectively maintained registry that tracks all clinical studies at MD Anderson. From this database we identified 2,261 activated phase I-III trials; 221 were done at the ICT. ICT trials were matched to trials from other MD Anderson departments by phase, sponsorship, and submission year. Trial performance metrics were compared with paired Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Results We identified 3 facets of the ICT research infrastructure: parallel processing of trial approval steps; a physician-led research team; and regular weekly meetings to foster research accountability. Separate analyses were conducted stratified by sponsorship (industry [133 ICT and 133 non-ICT trials] or institutional [68 ICT and 68 non-ICT trials]). ICT trial development was faster from IRB approval to activation (median difference of 1.1 months for industry-sponsored trials vs. 2.3 months for institutional) and from activation to first enrollment (median difference of 0.3 months for industry vs. 1.2 months for institutional) (all matched P<0.05). ICT trials also accrued more patients (median difference of 8 participants for industry vs. 33.5 for institutional) quicker (median difference 4.8 participants/year for industry vs. 11.1 for institutional) (all matched P<0.05). Conclusions Use of a clinical research–focused infrastructure within a large academic cancer center was associated with efficient trial development and participant accrual. PMID:27852698

Iron chelation therapy: clinical effectiveness, economic burden and quality of life in patients with iron overload.

PubMed

Payne, Krista A; Rofail, Diana; Baladi, Jean-François; Viala, Muriel; Abetz, Linda; Desrosiers, Marie-Pierre; Lordan, Noreen; Ishak, Khajak; Proskorovsky, Irina

2008-08-01

This study of UK patients examines clinical, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and economic outcomes associated with iron chelation therapy (ICT). Desferrioxamine (DFO) (Desferal; Novartis, Switzerland) and Deferiprone (Ferriprox; Apotex, Canada) are ICTs used to treat iron overload. DFO requires 8-to 12-hour infusions a minimum of five times per week. Deferiprone is administered in an oral daily regimen. Although pharmacologically efficacious, clinical effectiveness of ICT within the real-world setting is yet to be fully elucidated. A naturalistic cohort study of 60 patients (beta-thalassaemia, n=40; sickle cell disease, n=14; myelodysplastic syndromes, n=6; 63% female) receiving ICT in four UK treatment centres was conducted. Serum ferritin level data were abstracted from medical charts. Compliance, HRQOL, satisfaction and resource utilisation data were collected from interviews. Maximum ICT costs were estimated using the resource utilisation data associated with DFO. Mean serum ferritin levels, generally, remained elevated despite ICT. Compliance was suboptimal and HRQOL scores were lower than population norms. The total estimated mean weighted annual per-patient cost of DFO treatment was approximately pound19,000. DFO-related equipment, DFO drug, and home healthcare were estimated to account for 43%, 19% and 24% of costs, respectively. Other more minor components of total annual costs were for in-patient infusions, ICT home delivery services and monitoring costs. Generally, patients are not achieving target serum ferritin thresholds despite chronic treatment for iron overload. ICT appears to negatively impact HRQOL; compliance with ICT is poor; and, in the case of DFO, treatment costs well exceed the cost of DFO alone. These results suggest that current ICT in the real-world setting is suboptimal with respect to various clinical, HRQOL and economic outcomes.

Modifying the Clinical Research Infrastructure at a Dedicated Clinical Trials Unit: Assessment of Trial Development, Activation, and Participant Accrual.

PubMed

Tang, Chad; Hess, Kenneth R; Sanders, Dwana; Davis, Suzanne E; Buzdar, Aman U; Kurzrock, Razelle; Lee, J Jack; Meric-Bernstam, Funda; Hong, David S

2017-03-15

Purpose: Information on processes for trials assessing investigational therapeutics is sparse. We assessed the trial development processes within the Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (ICT) at MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX) and analyzed their effects on the trial activation timeline and enrolment. Experimental Design: Data were from a prospectively maintained registry that tracks all clinical studies at MD Anderson. From this database, we identified 2,261 activated phase I-III trials; 221 were done at the ICT. ICT trials were matched to trials from other MD Anderson departments by phase, sponsorship, and submission year. Trial performance metrics were compared with paired Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Results: We identified three facets of the ICT research infrastructure: parallel processing of trial approval steps; a physician-led research team; and regular weekly meetings to foster research accountability. Separate analyses were conducted stratified by sponsorship [industry (133 ICT and 133 non-ICT trials) or institutional (68 ICT and 68 non-ICT trials)]. ICT trial development was faster from IRB approval to activation (median difference of 1.1 months for industry-sponsored trials vs. 2.3 months for institutional) and from activation to first enrolment (median difference of 0.3 months for industry vs. 1.2 months for institutional; all matched P < 0.05). ICT trials also accrued more patients (median difference of 8 participants for industry vs. 33.5 for institutional) quicker (median difference 4.8 participants/year for industry vs. 11.1 for institutional; all matched P < 0.05). Conclusions: Use of a clinical research-focused infrastructure within a large academic cancer center was associated with efficient trial development and participant accrual. Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1407-13. ©2016 AACR . ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

The Role of ICT in Home Care.

PubMed

Wass, Sofie; Vimarlund, Vivian

2017-01-01

With an ageing population and limited resources, ICT is often mentioned as a solution to support elderly people in maintaining an independent and healthy lifestyle. In this paper, we describe how ICT can support access to information and rationalization of work processes in a home care context. We do this by modelling the workflow and identifying the possible impact of ICT. The results show a complex process and indicate that the available resources are not used in the best possible way. The introduction of ICT could increase patient safety by reducing the risk of misplacing information about the care recipients and at the same time provide real time information about the care recipients' needs and health at the point of care. However, to rationalize the work processes there is a need to combine ICT with a changed procedure for handling keys.

A new BODIPY-derived ratiometric senor with internal charge transfer (ICT) effect: colorimetric/fluorometric sensing of Ag.

PubMed

Zhang, Changli; Han, Zhong; Wang, Mengjia; Yang, Zhenghao; Ran, Xueqin; He, Weijiang

2018-02-13

With a 4-aminostyryl group introduced at its 3-position, a BODIPY BDP-ODTAC was derived as a new ratiometric sensor for Ag + by modifying 4-amino group as a Ag + chelator, 1-oxa-4,10-dithia-7-azacyclododecane (ODTAC). In addition to the specific Ag + -induced hypsochromic absorption shift from 606 to 562 nm, this sensor demonstrated an excitation shift from 600 to 560 nm due to the internal charge transfer (ICT) effect endowed by the introduced α-4-aminostyryl group. The Ag + -induced recovery and enhancement of the intrinsic local emission band was also observed. The different sensing behavior of ODTAC-BDP with chelator ODTAC substituting on the meso-phenyl group infers that the ratiometric sensing behavior of BDP-ODTAC is correlated to the amino group in ODTAC acting as the electron donor for the ICT effect. With high Ag + selectivity over interfering cations such as Hg 2+ and Pb 2+ , BDP-ODTAC displays a fluorometric limit of detection (LOD) of ∼17 nM (∼0.002 ppm), which is distinctly lower than EPA and WHO standards for drinking water (500 nM, ∼0.055 ppm). Moreover, the BDP-ODTAC-doped PVC film shows the Ag + sensitivity of 1 ppm with a color switch from blue to purple, providing this sensor the ability to determine Ag + in totally aqueous solution sensitively via naked-eye detection.

A 6-Month Follow-Up of the Effects of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Training Programme on People with Intellectual Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li-Tsang, Cecilia W. P.; Lee, Maggie Y. F.; Yeung, Susanna S. S.; Siu, Andrew M. H.; Lam, C. S.

2007-01-01

We investigated the long-term effects of an information and communication technology (ICT) training programme for people with intellectual disabilities (ID). A community-based ICT training programme was designed to enhance the computer skills of people with ID and prepare them to make use of ICT in their daily life. Of the 100 who had participated…

An Investigation of the Relationship of ICT Training of Principals in ICT Integration in Management Public Secondary Schools: A Case of Nairobi County, Kenya

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chepkonga, Susan

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to find out whether there exists a relationship between ICT training of principals and ICT integration in management of public secondary schools in Kenya. Cross-sectional survey design was used in Nairobi County where quantitative research strategy was applied for the collection of data using questionnaires. The…

The Role of the Internet in Teachers' Professional Practice: Activities and Factors Associated with Teacher Use of ICT inside and outside the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ibieta, Andrea; Hinostroza, J. Enrique; Labbé, Christian; Claro, Magdalena

2017-01-01

Evidence shows that teachers' use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the classroom is still limited in variety and frequency. However, their use of ICT outside the classroom, while more frequent, has been less studied. Our research aims to identify personal factors associated with teachers' ICT use inside and outside the…

Effective Integration of ICT in Jordanian Schools: An Analysis of Pedagogical and Contextual Impediments in the Science Classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qablan, Ahmad Mohammad; Abuloum, Amjad; Al-Ruz, Jamal Abu

2009-06-01

A series of interviews and classroom observations were conducted with a group of in-service science teachers, students, school principal, and computer lab supervisors, from a "Discovery" female school in Jordan to assess their utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) in teaching science. The study also intended to determine how these participants were using ICT and if they had any internal and external impediments in the way of the effective integration of ICT in the teaching of science. Results showed that some participants were using ICT creatively in their science teaching. However, despite considerable political pressure to increase ICT use in the classroom, most expressed frustration at the lack of ICT tools, support from the school, from the Ministry of Education, and from the surrounding community. The article proposes possible resolutions to help these participants overcome their impediments. Some of the suggested resolutions for the internal impediments include involving teachers in preparing the school's time-table, equipping the school with more ICT tools and offering more training courses for teachers. However, the suggested resolutions for the external impediments involve (1) The Ministry of Education to rethink the administration of board examinations, (2) The school to sacrifice scoring higher in board examinations for preparing more creative and more versatile students' perspectives.

The low-lying {pi}{sigma}* state and its role in the intramolecular charge transfer of aminobenzonitriles and aminobenzethyne

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Jae-Kwang; Fujiwara, Takashige; Kofron, William G.

2008-04-28

Electronic absorption spectra of the low-lying {pi}{pi}* and {pi}{sigma}* states of several aminobenzonitriles and 4-dimethylaminobenzethyne have been studied by time-resolved transient absorption and time-dependent density functional theory calculation. In acetonitrile, the lifetime of the {pi}{sigma}*-state absorption is very short (picoseconds or subpicosecond) for molecules that exhibit intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), and very long (nanoseconds) for those that do not. Where direct comparison of the temporal characteristics of the {pi}{sigma}*-state and the ICT-state transients could be made, the formation rate of the ICT state is identical to the decay rate of the {pi}{sigma}* state within the experimental uncertainty. These results aremore » consistent with the {pi}{sigma}*-mediated ICT mechanism, L{sub a} ({pi}{pi}*){yields}{pi}{sigma}*{yields}ICT, in which the decay rate of the {pi}{sigma}* state is determined by the rate of the solvent-controlled {pi}{sigma}*{yields}ICT charge-shift reaction. The {pi}{pi}*{yields}{pi}{sigma}* state crossing does not occur in 3-dimethylaminobenzonitrile or 2-dimethylaminobenzonitrile, as predicted by the calculation, and 4-aminobenzonitrile and 4-dimethylaminobenzethyne does not exhibit the ICT reaction, consistent with the higher energy of the ICT state relative to the {pi}{sigma}* state.« less

[The Application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Nursing Education].

PubMed

Chiou, Shwu-Fen; Su, Hsiu-Chuan; Huang, Ean-Wen

2017-12-01

With the rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the 21st century, all walks of life have experienced disruptive changes, including the healthcare profession. Although nurses represent the largest number of professionals in medical institutions, it is doubtful whether nurses possess sufficient capabilities to face challenges in this era of rapid medical informatization. Currently, the courses necessary to cultivate information literacy in nursing students are insufficient in Taiwan, and traditional instruction methods are largely adopted as nursing teaching strategies. Additionally, most teachers hold a passive attitude towards the application of ICT in teaching. On the contrary, ICT have been integrated into nursing education in many countries around the world for nearly 20 years, achieving good levels of teaching efficacy. Reflecting the Taiwan government's promotion of digital learning projects, academic circles in various fields have also started to gradually integrate ICT into teaching. Nursing educators in Taiwan have much to reference and to learn from these disparate integration experiences. Therefore, this article introduces the concepts of integration of ICT into teaching, the current status of the application of ICT in international nursing education, and the issues faced during this application as a reference for nursing education in Taiwan in order to promote the integration of ICT into nursing education.

Team climate and attitudes toward information and communication technology among nurses on acute psychiatric wards.

PubMed

Koivunen, Marita; Anttila, Minna; Kuosmanen, Lauri; Katajisto, Jouko; Välimäki, Maritta

2015-01-01

Objectives: To describe the association of team climate with attitudes toward information and communication technology among nursing staff working on acute psychiatric wards. Background: Implementation of ICT applications in nursing practice brings new operating models to work environments, which may affect experienced team climate on hospital wards. Method: Descriptive survey was used as a study design. Team climate was measured by the Finnish modification of the Team Climate Inventory, and attitudes toward ICT by Burkes' questionnaire. The nursing staff (N = 181, n = 146) on nine acute psychiatric wards participated in the study. Results: It is not self-evident that experienced team climate associates with attitudes toward ICT, but there are some positive relationships between perceived team climate and ICT attitudes. The study showed that nurses' motivation to use ICT had statistically significant connections with experienced team climate, participative safety (p = 0.021), support for innovation (p = 0.042) and task orientation (p = 0.042). Conclusion: The results suggest that asserting team climate and supporting innovative operations may lead to more positive attitudes toward ICT. It is, in particular, possible to influence nurses' motivation to use ICT. More attention should be paid to psychosocial factors such as group education and co-operation at work when ICT applications are implemented in nursing.

Implementation of E-Government in Mexico: The Case of Infonavit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrera, Lizbeth; Gil-Garcia, J. Ramon

The implementation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the public sector is a strategy for administrative reform that has grown in ­importance in recent years. The use of ICT in government can help to improve the ­efficiency, quality, and transparency of public services and reduce the operating costs of bureaucracy. ICTs have also opened a new communication channel for government to provide public services to citizens without intermediaries. However, the ­implementation of an ICT initiative is not a simple process. Organizations ­frequently invest a great amount of resources into ICT initiatives, but the results they obtain often do not meet expectations. This observation is particularly true in some developing countries. Based on a case study of a Mexican federal agency, this ­chapter analyzes a successful strategy involving three ICT projects, taking into consideration institutional, organizational, and managerial aspects. Overall, the results of this study show that having a strategic plan that aligns the ICT project objectives with the overarching organizational goals leads to successful implementation because the technical, organizational, and institutional resources are ­managed in an integrated fashion. The chapter also reports on specific factors that had an impact on the characteristics and success of the three ICT projects.

Teaching English through Open Non-Formal Education (ONFE) in Bangladesh with an Effective Integration of ICT to Support Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rahman, Md. Mizanoor; Panda, Santosh

2012-01-01

The program entitled "English in Action (EIA)", 9 year period DFID funded project in Bangladesh, was launched in 2008, for the desire to bring a change in the learning of English language. EIA works to reach a total of 25 million primary and secondary students and adult learners through communicative language learning techniques and the…

Improving the Quality of Life of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities Through ICTs.

PubMed

Ferreras, Alberto; Poveda, Rakel; Quílez, Manuel; Poll, Nuria

2017-01-01

Removing barriers to accessing Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (IDPs) is crucial. Being excluded from ICTs implies being shut down from the information society, but also from accessing essential public services, as well as from the opportunity of living an independent life. The IdICT project has the general objective of increasing the competences of IDPs, their families and the professionals that work with them to exploit ICTs with a Quality of Life approach. To do that, a training platform and a training program has been developed and tested by IDPs, relatives and professionals in six European Countries.

Information and Communication Technologies in Social Work

PubMed Central

Perron, Brian E.; Taylor, Harry O.; Glass, Joseph E.; Margerum-Leys, Jon

2011-01-01

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are electronic tools used to convey, manipulate and store information. The exponential growth of Internet access and ICTs greatly influenced social, political, and economic processes in the United States, and worldwide. Regardless of the level of practice, ICTs will continue influencing the careers of social workers and the clients they serve. ICTs have received some attention in the social work literature and curriculum, but we argue that this level of attention is not adequate given their ubiquity, growth and influence, specifically as it relates to upholding social work ethics. Significant attention is needed to help ensure social workers are responsive to the technological changes in the health care system, including the health care infrastructure and use of technology among clients. Social workers also need ICT competencies in order to effectively lead different types of social change initiatives or collaborate with professionals of other disciplines who are using ICTs as part of existing strategies. This paper also identifies potential pitfalls and challenges with respect to the adoption of ICTs, with recommendations for advancing their use in practice, education, and research. PMID:21691444

Possibilities of ICT-supported services in the clinical management of older adults.

PubMed

Vollenbroek-Hutten, Miriam; Jansen-Kosterink, Stephanie; Tabak, Monique; Feletti, Luca Carlo; Zia, Gianluca; N'dja, Aurèle; Hermens, Hermie

2017-02-01

Services making use of information and communication technology (ICT) are of potential interest to face the challenges of our aging society. Aim of this article is to describe the possible field of application for ICT-supported services in the management of older adults, in particular those with functional impairment. The current status of ICT-supported services is described and examples of how these services can be implemented in everyday practice are given. Upcoming technical solutions and future directions are also addressed. An ICT-supported service is not only the technological tool, but its combination with clinical purposes for which it is used and the way it is implemented in everyday care. Patient's satisfaction with ICT-supported services is moderate to good. Actual use of patients is higher than those of professionals but very variable. Frequency of use is positively related to clinical outcome. ICT offers a variety of opportunities for the treatment and prevention of frailty and functional decline. Future challenges are related to the intelligence of the systems and making the technologies even more unobtrusive and intuitive.

Cross-Reactivity of Filariais ICT Cards in Areas of Contrasting Endemicity of Loa loa and Mansonella perstans in Cameroon: Implications for Shrinking of the Lymphatic Filariasis Map in the Central African Region.

PubMed

Wanji, Samuel; Amvongo-Adjia, Nathalie; Koudou, Benjamin; Njouendou, Abdel Jelil; Chounna Ndongmo, Patrick W; Kengne-Ouafo, Jonas A; Datchoua-Poutcheu, Fabrice R; Fovennso, Bridget Adzemye; Tayong, Dizzle Bita; Fombad, Fanny Fri; Fischer, Peter U; Enyong, Peter I; Bockarie, Moses

2015-11-01

Immunochromatographic card test (ICT) is a tool to map the distribution of Wuchereria bancrofti. In areas highly endemic for loaisis in DRC and Cameroon, a relationship has been envisaged between high L. loa microfilaria (Mf) loads and ICT positivity. However, similar associations have not been demonstrated from other areas with contrasting levels of L. loa endemicity. This study investigated the cross-reactivity of ICT when mapping lymphatic filariasis (LF) in areas with contrasting endemicity levels of loiasis and mansonellosis in Cameroon. A cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence and intensity of W. bancrofti, L. loa and M. perstans was carried out in 42 villages across three regions (East, North-west and South-west) of the Cameroon rainforest domain. Diurnal blood was collected from participants for the detection of circulating filarial antigen (CFA) by ICT and assessment of Mf using a thick blood smear. Clinical manifestations of LF were also assessed. ICT positives and patients clinically diagnosed with lymphoedema were further subjected to night blood collection for the detection of W. bancrofti Mf. Overall, 2190 individuals took part in the study. Overall, 24 individuals residing in 14 communities were tested positive by ICT, with prevalence rates ranging from 0% in the South-west to 2.1% in the North-west. Lymphoedema were diagnosed in 20 individuals with the majority of cases found in the North-west (11/20), and none of them were tested positive by ICT. No Mf of W. bancrofti were found in the night blood of any individual with a positive ICT result or clinical lymphoedema. Positive ICT results were strongly associated with high L. loa Mf intensity with 21 subjects having more than 8,000 L. loa Mf ml/blood (Odds ratio = 15.4; 95%CI: 6.1-39.0; p < 0.001). Similarly, a strong positive association (Spearman's rho = 0.900; p = 0.037) was observed between the prevalence of L. loa and ICT positivity by area: a rate of 1% or more of positive ICT results was found only in areas with an L. loa Mf prevalence above 15%. In contrast, there was no association between ICT positivity and M. perstans prevalence (Spearman's rho = - 0.200; p = 0.747) and Mf density (Odds ratio = 1.8; 95%CI: 0.8-4.2; p = 0.192). This study has confirmed the strong association between the ICT positivity and L. loa intensity (Mf/ml of blood) at the individual level. Furthermore, the study has demonstrated that ICT positivity is strongly associated with high L. loa prevalence. These results suggest that the main confounding factor for positive ICT test card results are high levels of L. loa. The findings may indicate that W. bancrofti is much less prevalent in the Central African region where L. loa is highly endemic than previously assumed and accurate re-mapping of the region would be very useful for shrinking of the map of LF distribution.

Cross-Reactivity of Filariais ICT Cards in Areas of Contrasting Endemicity of Loa loa and Mansonella perstans in Cameroon: Implications for Shrinking of the Lymphatic Filariasis Map in the Central African Region

PubMed Central

Wanji, Samuel; Koudou, Benjamin; Chounna Ndongmo, Patrick W.; Kengne-Ouafo, Jonas A.; Datchoua-Poutcheu, Fabrice R.; Fovennso, Bridget Adzemye; Tayong, Dizzle Bita; Fombad, Fanny Fri; Fischer, Peter U.; Enyong, Peter I.; Bockarie, Moses

2015-01-01

Background Immunochromatographic card test (ICT) is a tool to map the distribution of Wuchereria bancrofti. In areas highly endemic for loaisis in DRC and Cameroon, a relationship has been envisaged between high L. loa microfilaria (Mf) loads and ICT positivity. However, similar associations have not been demonstrated from other areas with contrasting levels of L. loa endemicity. This study investigated the cross-reactivity of ICT when mapping lymphatic filariasis (LF) in areas with contrasting endemicity levels of loiasis and mansonellosis in Cameroon. Methodology/Principal Findings A cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence and intensity of W. bancrofti, L. loa and M. perstans was carried out in 42 villages across three regions (East, North-west and South-west) of the Cameroon rainforest domain. Diurnal blood was collected from participants for the detection of circulating filarial antigen (CFA) by ICT and assessment of Mf using a thick blood smear. Clinical manifestations of LF were also assessed. ICT positives and patients clinically diagnosed with lymphoedema were further subjected to night blood collection for the detection of W. bancrofti Mf. Overall, 2190 individuals took part in the study. Overall, 24 individuals residing in 14 communities were tested positive by ICT, with prevalence rates ranging from 0% in the South-west to 2.1% in the North-west. Lymphoedema were diagnosed in 20 individuals with the majority of cases found in the North-west (11/20), and none of them were tested positive by ICT. No Mf of W. bancrofti were found in the night blood of any individual with a positive ICT result or clinical lymphoedema. Positive ICT results were strongly associated with high L. loa Mf intensity with 21 subjects having more than 8,000 L. loa Mf ml/blood (Odds ratio = 15.4; 95%CI: 6.1–39.0; p < 0.001). Similarly, a strong positive association (Spearman’s rho = 0.900; p = 0.037) was observed between the prevalence of L. loa and ICT positivity by area: a rate of 1% or more of positive ICT results was found only in areas with an L. loa Mf prevalence above 15%. In contrast, there was no association between ICT positivity and M. perstans prevalence (Spearman’s rho = - 0.200; p = 0.747) and Mf density (Odds ratio = 1.8; 95%CI: 0.8–4.2; p = 0.192). Conclusions/Significance This study has confirmed the strong association between the ICT positivity and L. loa intensity (Mf/ml of blood) at the individual level. Furthermore, the study has demonstrated that ICT positivity is strongly associated with high L. loa prevalence. These results suggest that the main confounding factor for positive ICT test card results are high levels of L. loa. The findings may indicate that W. bancrofti is much less prevalent in the Central African region where L. loa is highly endemic than previously assumed and accurate re-mapping of the region would be very useful for shrinking of the map of LF distribution. PMID:26544042

Political ecology and environmental justice analysis of information and communication technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Wang-Jin

There has been rapid growth in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development during the last decades. Worldwide PC numbers will rise to 2 billion by 2015, with more than 1 billion in use by the end of 2008. Over 4 billion subscribers use mobile cellular telephones, translating into a worldwide penetration rate of 61 percent by the end of 2008. Analyses have shown evidence that ICT has significantly contributed to capitalist growth economy. Regarding the environmental impacts of ICT, optimists hail a rosy future of a weightless knowledge economy, critics, however, point out that ICT also threatens environment through reinforcing capitalist growth economy and accelerating commodification of nature. Although some case studies have shown the potential environmental benefits through ICT application, these approaches need to be balanced against a range of countervailing effects, including negative direct impacts of ICT manufacture, use, and disposal, effects of incomplete substitution of ICT for existing services, and rebound effects. In addition, the migration of ICT, which includes not only manufacturing facilities of ICT devices, but electronic wastes, coincides with the distribution of environmental and social problems of high technology. Examples of how ICT reinforces economic growth, and at the same time, results in environmental problems are evident in a Korean context. Since the middle of the 1990s, the ICT industry has been a new growth driver in the Korean economy, and has played a critical role in restoring economic activity after the financial crisis in 1997. Due to the rapid diffusion of ICT products and a market trend that makes the life span of the products become shorter, the amount of e-waste has drastically increased in Korea. However, society's concern over environmental problems caused by ICT is at a rudimentary stage in Korea. Although Korea has established the EPR program to manage the e-waste problem, limited scope of e-waste items for recycling, along with defective infrastructure for recycling, such as lack of an adequate collection system, results in a much lower rate of e-waste recycling than that of the EU. In addition, a large amount of e-waste generated from Korea is exported to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. Although the Korean government prohibits hazardous e-waste export based on the Act on the Control of Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes & Their Disposal, this policy has not been adequately implemented or enforced. This study suggests policies which respond to the problems of e-waste and toxic ICT products that cause adverse impacts on both human beings and ecosystem within and among countries. It also looks forward to the challenges to and opportunities for building a sustainable ICT sector as part of a broader paradigm shift in the Korean society, the Asian region, and throughout the human communities.

Assessing the Influence of the PTTC Principal's Competency in ICT on the Teachers' Integration of ICT in Teaching Science in PTTCs in Nyanza Region, Kenya

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Omwenga, Ezekiel; Nyabero, Charles; Okioma, Lazarous

2015-01-01

The study was conducted to assess the influence of Primary Teacher Training College (PTTC) principal's competency in ICT on the teacher's integration of ICT in teaching science in PTTC's in Nyanza region in Kenya. The one research question and one research hypothesis guided the study. The population comprised of 21 principals and 159 tutors. Data…

Information and communication technologies for approaching smokers: a descriptive study in primary healthcare.

PubMed

Puigdomènech, Elisa; Trujillo-Gómez, Jose-Manuel; Martín-Cantera, Carlos; Díaz-Gete, Laura; Manzano-Montero, Mónica; Sánchez-Fondevila, Jessica; Gonzalez-Fernandez, Yolanda; Garcia-Rueda, Beatriz; Briones-Carrió, Elena-Mercedes; Clemente-Jiménez, Ma-Lourdes; Castaño, Carmen; Birulés-Muntané, Joan

2015-02-13

Common interventions for smoking cessation are based on medical advice and pharmacological aid. Information and communication technologies may be helpful as interventions by themselves or as complementary tools to quit smoking. The objective of the study was to determine the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the smoking population attended in primary care, and describe the major factors associated with its use. Descriptive observational study in 84 health centres in Cataluña, Aragon and Salamanca. We included by simple random sampling 1725 primary healthcare smokers (any amount of tobacco) aged 18-85. Through personal interview professionals collected Socio-demographic data and variables related with tobacco consumption and ICTs use were collected through face to face interviews Factors associated with the use of ICTs were analyzed by logistic regression. Users of at least one ICT were predominantly male, young (18-45 years), from most favoured social classes and of higher education. Compared with non-ICTs users, users declared lower consumption of tobacco, younger onset age, and lower nicotine dependence. The percentages of use of email, text messages and web pages were 65.3%, 74.0% and 71.5%, respectively. Factors associated with the use of ICTs were age, social class, educational level and nicotine dependence level. The factor most closely associated with the use of all three ICTs was age; mainly individuals aged 18-24. The use of ICTs to quit smoking is promising, with the technology of mobile phones having a broader potential. Younger and more educated subjects are good targets for ICTs interventions on smoking cessation.

Conflict of interest - serious issue on publication ethics for Indian medical journals.

PubMed

Das, Kusal K; Vallabha, Tejaswini; Ray, Jaydeb; Murthy, P S N

2013-01-01

There are several vested interest lies on research publication hence the editorial policy is the sole important factor to control and regulate ethical publications in medical sciences especially on 'conflict of interest' issue. The study was aimed to assess on awareness of 'conflict of interest' issue in medical research and publication among the editorial staff, peer reviewers and authors of Indian medical journals. Total 61 authors who have published research articles recently in Indian medical journals from 2008-2012, 56 peer reviewers who reviewed the manuscripts during same period and 35 editorial board members of various Indian medical journals were assessed by questionnaire and telephone interview regarding their understanding and knowledge on 'conflict of interest' issue for ethical publication. Only seven (12%) of the authors knew about the 'conflict of interest' issue and 11 (19%) of the medical authors have just heard about it. Out of 12% of authors who knew 'conflict of interest' issue only 15% provided that statement to the journals. Among the peer reviewers only 17 (30%) knew about 'conflict of interest' of which 51 (91.5%) stated that they do not bother about this issue while reviewing the manuscripts. But interestingly 42 (75%) of the peer reviewers confessed that they had a bias on the topics written by their friends or students. Among the editorial board members of Indian medical journals only 14 (25%) have any idea on 'conflict of interest issue'. Results clearly shows poor understanding of 'conflict of interest' like important ethical issue among Indian medical scientists or journals.

Genuine participation in participant-centred research initiatives: the rhetoric and the potential reality.

PubMed

Feeney, Oliver; Borry, Pascal; Felzmann, Heike; Galvagni, Lucia; Haukkala, Ari; Loi, Michele; Nordal, Salvör; Rakic, Vojin; Riso, Brígida; Sterckx, Sigrid; Vears, Danya

2018-04-01

The introduction of Web 2.0 technology, along with a population increasingly proficient in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), coupled with the rapid advancements in genetic testing methods, has seen an increase in the presence of participant-centred research initiatives. Such initiatives, aided by the centrality of ICT interconnections, and the ethos they propound seem to further embody the ideal of increasing the participatory nature of research, beyond what might be possible in non-ICT contexts alone. However, the majority of such research seems to actualise a much narrower definition of 'participation'-where it is merely the case that such research initiatives have increased contact with participants through ICT but are otherwise non-participatory in any important normative sense. Furthermore, the rhetoric of participant-centred initiatives tends to inflate this minimalist form of participation into something that it is not, i.e. something genuinely participatory, with greater connections with both the ICT-facilitated political contexts and the largely non-ICT participatory initiatives that have expanded in contemporary health and research contexts. In this paper, we highlight that genuine (ICT-based) 'participation' should enable a reasonable minimum threshold of participatory engagement through, at least, three central participatory elements: educative, sense of being involved and degree of control. While we agree with criticisms that, at present, genuine participation seems more rhetoric than reality, we believe that there is clear potential for a greater ICT-facilitated participatory engagement on all three participatory elements. We outline some practical steps such initiatives could take to further develop these elements and thereby their level of ICT-facilitated participatory engagement.

Icaritin induces MC3T3-E1 subclone14 cell differentiation through estrogen receptor-mediated ERK1/2 and p38 signaling activation.

PubMed

Wu, Zhidi; Ou, Ling; Wang, Chaopeng; Yang, Li; Wang, Panpan; Liu, Hengrui; Xiong, Yingquan; Sun, Kehuan; Zhang, Ronghua; Zhu, Xiaofeng

2017-10-01

Icaritin (ICT), a hydrolytic product of icariin from the genus Epimedium, has many indicated pharmacological and biological activities. Several studies have shown that ICT has potential osteoprotective effects, including stimulation of osteoblast differentiation and inhibition of osteoclast differentiation. However, the molecular mechanism for this anabolic action of ICT remains largely unknown. Here, we found that ICT could enhance MC3T3-E1 subclone 14 preosteoblastic cell differentiation associated with increased mRNA levels and protein expression of the differentiation markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type 1 collagen (COL1), osteocalcin (OC), osteoponin (OPN) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and improved mineralization, confirmed by bone nodule formation and collagen synthesis. To characterize the underlying mechanisms, we examined the effect of ICT on estrogen receptor (ER) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. ICT treatment induced p38 kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation, but it demonstrated at the same time point no effect on activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). ER antagonist ICI182780, p38 antagonist SB203580 and ERK1/2 antagonist PD98059 markedly inhibited the ICT-induced the mRNA expression of ALP, COL1, OC and OPN. ICI182780 attenuated the ICT-induced phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2. These observations indicate a potential mechanism of osteogenic effects of ICT involving the ERK1/2 and p38 pathway activation through the ER. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Renewable Electricity Use by the U.S. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Industry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miller, John; Bird, Lori; Heeter, Jenny

The information and communication technology (ICT) sector continues to witness rapid growth and uptake of ICT equipment and services at both the national and global levels. The electricity consumption associated with this expansion is substantial, although recent adoptions of cloudcomputing services, co-location data centers, and other less energy-intensive equipment and operations have likely reduced the rate of growth in this sector. This paper is intended to aggregate existing ICT industry data and research to provide an initial look at electricity use, current and future renewable electricity acquisition, as well as serve as a benchmark for future growth and trends inmore » ICT industry renewable electricity consumption.« less

eHealth, ICT and its relationship with self-reported health outcomes in the EU countries.

PubMed

Tavares, Aida Isabel

2018-04-01

This work contributes to the discussion on the relationship between ICT and ehealth solutions in primary care, and self-reported health and health status in the European Union. The method used is an ordinary least squares linear model. The results show that there is no significant relation between self-reported health outcomes and ICT and ehealth indexes, except for self-reported chronic health problems. The more advanced that countries are in ICT, the larger is the share of people reporting a chronic health problem. This provides evidence on the existence of a link between chronic patients and ICT development. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Infection control team (ICT) in cooperation with microbiology laboratories].

PubMed

Okazaki, Mitsuhiro

2012-10-01

Infection control as a medical safety measure is an important issue in all medical facilities. In order to tackle this measure, cooperation between the infection control team (ICT) and microbiological laboratory is indispensable. Multiple drug-resistant bacteria have shifted from Gram-positive bacteria to Gram-negative bacilli within the last ten years. There are also a variety of bacilli, complicating the examination method and test results further. Therefore, cooperation between the ICT and microbiological laboratory has become important to understand examination results and to use them. In order to maintain functional cooperation, explanatory and communicative ability between the microbiological laboratory and ICT is required every day. Such positive information exchange will develop into efficient and functional ICT activity.

ICT Design for Collaborative and Community Driven Disaster Management.

PubMed

Kuziemsky, Craig E

2017-01-01

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have the potential to greatly enhance our ability to develop community reliance and sustainability to support disaster management. However, developing community resilience requires the sharing of numerous resources and the development of collaborative capacity, both of which make ICT design a challenge. This paper presents a framework that integrates community based participatory research (CBPR) and participatory design (PD). We discuss how the framework provides bounding to support community driven ICT design and evaluation.

Recommendations for the Use of ICT in Elderly Populations with Affective Disorders

PubMed Central

Gros, Auriane; Bensamoun, David; Manera, Valeria; Fabre, Roxane; Zacconi-Cauvin, Anne-Marie; Thummler, Susanne; Benoit, Michel; Robert, Philippe; David, Renaud

2016-01-01

Objective: Affective disorders are frequently encountered among elderly populations, and the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) could provide an added value for their recognition and assessment in addition to current clinical methods. The diversity and lack of consensus in the emerging field of ICTs is however a strong limitation for their global use in daily practice. The aim of the present article is to provide recommendations for the use of ICTs for the assessment and management of affective disorders among elderly populations with or without dementia. Methods: A Delphi panel was organized to gather recommendations from experts in the domain. A set of initial general questions for the use of ICT in affective disorders was used to guide the discussion of the expert panel and to analyze the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) of employing ICT in elderly populations with affective disorders. Based on the results collected from this first round, a web survey was sent to local general practitioners (GPs) and to all interns in psychiatry in France. Results: The results of the first round revealed that ICT may offer very useful tools for practitioners involved in the diagnosis and management of affective disorders. However, the results of the web survey showed the interest to explain better to current and upcoming practitioners the utility of ICT especially for people living with dementia. PMID:27877126

Emerging ICT implementation issues in aged care.

PubMed

Kapadia, Vasvi; Ariani, Arni; Li, Junhua; Ray, Pradeep K

2015-11-01

Demand for aged care services continues to soar as a result of an aging population. This increasing demand requires more residential aged care facilities and healthcare workforce. One recommended solution is to keep older people in their homes longer and support their independent life through the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). However, the aged care sector is still in the early stages of adopting ICT. The aim of this study was to identify the key issues that affect the adoption of ICT in the aged care sector. A systematic literature review was undertaken and involved four steps. The first two steps aimed to identify and select relevant articles. Data was then extracted from the selected articles and identified issues were analyzed and grouped into three major categories. ICT adoption issues were categorized into different perspectives, representing older people, health professionals and management. Our findings showed that all three groups were mostly concerned with issues around behavior, cost and lack of technical skills. Findings reported in this study will help decision makers at aged care settings to systematically understand issues related to ICT adoption and thus proactively introduce interventions to improve use of ICT in this sector. On the basis of our findings, we suggest future research focus on the examination of aged care workflow and assessment of return on ICT investment. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Recommendations for the Use of ICT in Elderly Populations with Affective Disorders.

PubMed

Gros, Auriane; Bensamoun, David; Manera, Valeria; Fabre, Roxane; Zacconi-Cauvin, Anne-Marie; Thummler, Susanne; Benoit, Michel; Robert, Philippe; David, Renaud

2016-01-01

Objective : Affective disorders are frequently encountered among elderly populations, and the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) could provide an added value for their recognition and assessment in addition to current clinical methods. The diversity and lack of consensus in the emerging field of ICTs is however a strong limitation for their global use in daily practice. The aim of the present article is to provide recommendations for the use of ICTs for the assessment and management of affective disorders among elderly populations with or without dementia. Methods : A Delphi panel was organized to gather recommendations from experts in the domain. A set of initial general questions for the use of ICT in affective disorders was used to guide the discussion of the expert panel and to analyze the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) of employing ICT in elderly populations with affective disorders. Based on the results collected from this first round, a web survey was sent to local general practitioners (GPs) and to all interns in psychiatry in France. Results : The results of the first round revealed that ICT may offer very useful tools for practitioners involved in the diagnosis and management of affective disorders. However, the results of the web survey showed the interest to explain better to current and upcoming practitioners the utility of ICT especially for people living with dementia.

A pedagogical framework for developing innovative science teachers with ICT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogers, Laurence; Twidle, John

2013-11-01

Background: The authors have conducted a number of research projects into the use of ICT in science teaching and most recently have collaborated with five European partners in teacher education to develop resources to assist teacher trainers in delivering courses for the professional development of science teachers. Purpose: 1. To describe the main aspects of pedagogy which are relevant to the use of ICT tools which serve practical science teaching. 2. To discuss approaches to teacher education which aim to emphasise the pedagogical aspects of using those ICT tools. Sources of evidence: 1. A review of the research literature on the effectiveness of using ICT in education with a particular focus on pedagogical knowledge and its interaction with associated technical knowledge. 2. Authors' experience as teacher trainers and as researchers in methods of employing ICT in science education. 3. Studies conducted by partners in the ICT for Innovative Science Teachers Project and training materials developed by the project. Main argument: Starting from the premise that it is the pedagogical actions of the teacher which determine successful learning outcomes of using ICT in science lessons, the paper describes the main components of pedagogical knowledge and understanding required by teachers. It examines the role of an understanding of affordances in helping teachers to deploy software tools appropriately and defines some of the skills for exploiting them to benefit learning. Innovation is successful when ICT activities are incorporated in ways that complement non-ICT activities and serve science learning objectives. When teachers are alert to adapt their pedagogical skills, they evolve new ways of working and interacting with students. Training courses need to provide means of helping teachers to examine the professional beliefs which underpin their pedagogical approaches. This is most effectively achieved when a course blends personal hands-on experience with discourse with other professionals and when there is iteration between the training experience with activity in the classroom. Conclusions: The most significant products of professional development are the integration of ICT in the curriculum and a change in a teacher's pedagogy towards teaching approaches which empower students to work more independently and reflectively.

Use of information and communication technologies to support effective work practice innovation in the health sector: a multi-site study.

PubMed

Westbrook, Johanna I; Braithwaite, Jeffrey; Gibson, Kathryn; Paoloni, Richard; Callen, Joanne; Georgiou, Andrew; Creswick, Nerida; Robertson, Louise

2009-11-08

Widespread adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT) is a key strategy to meet the challenges facing health systems internationally of increasing demands, rising costs, limited resources and workforce shortages. Despite the rapid increase in ICT investment, uptake and acceptance has been slow and the benefits fewer than expected. Absent from the research literature has been a multi-site investigation of how ICT can support and drive innovative work practice. This Australian-based project will assess the factors that allow health service organisations to harness ICT, and the extent to which such systems drive the creation of new sustainable models of service delivery which increase capacity and provide rapid, safe, effective, affordable and sustainable health care. A multi-method approach will measure current ICT impact on workforce practices and develop and test new models of ICT use which support innovations in work practice. The research will focus on three large-scale commercial ICT systems being adopted in Australia and other countries: computerised ordering systems, ambulatory electronic medical record systems, and emergency medicine information systems. We will measure and analyse each system's role in supporting five key attributes of work practice innovation: changes in professionals' roles and responsibilities; integration of best practice into routine care; safe care practices; team-based care delivery; and active involvement of consumers in care. A socio-technical approach to the use of ICT will be adopted to examine and interpret the workforce and organisational complexities of the health sector. The project will also focus on ICT as a potentially disruptive innovation that challenges the way in which health care is delivered and consequently leads some health professionals to view it as a threat to traditional roles and responsibilities and a risk to existing models of care delivery. Such views have stifled debate as well as wider explorations of ICT's potential benefits, yet firm evidence of the effects of role changes on health service outcomes is limited. This project will provide important evidence about the role of ICT in supporting new models of care delivery across multiple healthcare organizations and about the ways in which innovative work practice change is diffused.

Two-State Intramolecular Charge Transfer (ICT) with 3,5-Dimethyl-4-(dimethylamino)benzonitrile (MMD) and Its Meta-Isomer mMMD. Ground State Amino Twist Not Essential for ICT.

PubMed

Druzhinin, Sergey I; Galievsky, Victor A; Demeter, Attila; Kovalenko, Sergey A; Senyushkina, Tamara; Dubbaka, Srinivas R; Knochel, Paul; Mayer, Peter; Grosse, Christian; Stalke, Dietmar; Zachariasse, Klaas A

2015-12-10

From X-ray structure analysis, amino twist angles of 90.0° for 2,4-dimethyl-3-(dimethylamino)benzonitrile (mMMD), 82.7° for 4-(di-tert-butylamino)benzonitrile (DTABN), and 88.7° for 6-cyanobenzoquinuclidine (CBQ) are determined, all considerably larger than the 57.4° of 3,5-dimethyl-4-(dimethylamino)benzonitrile (MMD). This large twist leads to lengthening of the amino-phenyl bond, 143.5 pm (mMMD), 144.1 pm (DTABN), 144.6 pm (CBQ), and 141.4 pm (MMD), as compared with 136.5 pm for the planar 4-(dimethylamino)benzonitrile (DMABN). As a consequence, the electronic coupling between the amino and phenyl subgroups in mMMD, DTABN, CBQ, and MMD is much weaker than in DMABN, as seen from the strongly reduced molar absorption coefficients. The fluorescence spectrum of MMD in n-hexane at 25 °C consists of two emissions, from a locally excited (LE) and an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) state, with a fluorescence quantum yield ratio Φ'(ICT)/Φ(LE) of 12.8. In MeCN, a single ICT emission is found. With mMMD in n-hexane, in contrast, only LE fluorescence is observed, whereas the spectrum in MeCN originates from the ICT state. These differences are also seen from the half-widths of the overall fluorescence bands, which in n-hexane are larger for MMD than for mMMD, decreasing with solvent polarity for MMD and increasing for mMMD, reflecting the disappearance of LE and the onset of ICT in the overall spectra, respectively. From solvatochromic measurements the dipole moments μe(ICT) of MMD (16 D) and mMMD (15 D) are obtained. Femtosecond excited state absorption (ESA) spectra at 22 °C, together with the dual (LE + ICT) fluorescence, reveal that MMD in n-hexane undergoes a reversible LE ⇄ ICT reaction, with LE as the precursor, with a forward rate constant ka = 5.6 × 10(12) s(-1) and a back-reaction kd ∼ 0.05 × 10(12) s(-1). With MMD in the strongly polar solvent MeCN, ICT is faster: ka = 10 × 10(12) s(-1). In the case of mMMD in n-hexane, the ESA spectra show that ICT does not take place, contrary to MeCN, in which ka = 2.5 × 10(12) s(-1). The ICT reactions with MMD and mMMD are much faster than that of the parent compound DMABN in MeCN, with ka = 0.24 × 10(12) s(-1). Because of the very short ICT reaction times of 180 fs (MMD, n-hexane), 100 fs (MMD, MeCN), and 400 fs (mMMD, MeCN), it is clear that the picosecond fluorescence decays of these systems appear to be single exponential, due to the insufficient time resolution of 3 ps. It is concluded that the faster LE → ICT reaction of MMD as compared with DMABN (ka = 0.24 × 10(12) s(-1) in MeCN) is caused by a smaller energy gap ΔE(S1,S2) between the lowest singlet excited states and not by the large amino twist angle. Similarly, the larger ΔE(S1,S2) of mMMD as compared with MMD is held responsible for its smaller ICT efficiency (no reaction in n-hexane).

Do teachers believe they are competent to promote healthy ICT use among their students?

PubMed

Zlamanski, R; Ciccarelli, M

2012-01-01

Information and communication technologies (ICT), including computers, are becoming commonplace tools for learning by school children in Australia and around the world. Teachers are responsible for integrating ICT into the school learning environment; however, they may not recognize how and when ICT use may compromise their students' physical health. Children's exposure to physical harm through the unhealthy use of ICT may have liability implications for the education sector. To determine (i) whether teachers consider it their responsibility to promote healthy ICT use among their students; (ii) teachers' self-perceived competence to do so; and (iii) what teachers perceive are the barriers and enablers to promoting healthy ICT use among their students. An online survey was developed for the study. All Catholic Education school principals in Western Australia (n=157) were sent an email link to the survey for distribution to teachers at their respective schools. Over the three week survey period, 95 teachers completed the survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data and summarize participants' responses. Fifty-five percent of teachers agreed they were concerned about their students' physical health when using ICT. Only 19% of teachers reported they frequently or always provided their students with information on how to use computers in their class in a way, so as to promote physical health. Teachers identified barriers to promoting healthy computing use among students including; insufficient time (47%), non-adjustable furniture (46%), and insufficient knowledge (41%). Male teachers reported more confidence in their ability to promote healthy ICT use among students than female teachers. Just over half of the teachers in this study were concerned for the physical health of their students when using ICT in the classroom. Respondents identified barriers that limit their ability to promote healthy practices to their students. Designing and implementing school-based computer ergonomics education programmes may assist teachers fulfil their duty of care in regard to the physical health and well-being of their students.

Posture variation among office workers when using different information and communication technologies at work and away from work.

PubMed

Ciccarelli, Marina; Straker, Leon; Mathiassen, Svend Erik; Pollock, Clare

2014-01-01

Office workers perform tasks using different information and communication technologies (ICT) involving various postures. Adequate variation in postures and muscle activity is generally believed to protect against musculoskeletal complaints, but insufficient information exists regarding the effect on postural variation of using different ICT. Thus, this study among office workers aimed to determine and compare postures and postural variation associated with using distinct types of ICT. Upper arm, head and trunk postures of 24 office workers were measured with the Physiometer over a whole day in their natural work and away-from-work environments. Postural variation was quantified using two indices: APDF(90-10) and EVA(sd). Various ICT had different postural means and variation. Paper-based tasks had more non-neutral, yet also more variable postures. Electronics-based tasks had more neutral postures, with less postural variability. Tasks simultaneously using paper- and electronics-based ICT had least neutral and least variable postures. Tasks without ICT usually had the most posture variability. Interspersing tasks involving different ICT could increase overall exposure variation among office workers and may thus contribute to musculoskeletal risk reduction.

Information and communication technology: students' health education in 1st- to 6th-grade South Korea elementary schools.

PubMed

Lee, Eunjoo; Park, Hyejin; Whyte, James; Jeong, Eunhoe

2013-09-01

The purposes of this study were to (1) identify school nurses' awareness of information and communication technology (ICT) use in students' health education and (2) explore the barriers or reasons for the adoption of ICT in school nursing practice, while (3) presenting strategies to speed ICT diffusion and dissemination into practice. For data collection, 209 primary school nurses in K province of Korea were selected and e-mailed the questionnaires. Collected data were analyzed as frequency, percentages, and chi-square tests. The major reasons to adopt ICT were increasing school nurses' confidence in providing health education and improving teaching methods using diverse multimedia. The major barriers to utilization of ICT were lack of time for preparation of educational materials, lack of software availability, and lack of computer skills of school nurses and students. Several strategies were suggested to speed the diffusion of ICT into students' health education, such as integrating a health education course into regular curriculum. It is important to identify barriers and reasons for adoption of ICT in school nursing. In addition, strategies should be emphasized that result in more rapid diffusion of these technologies in school nursing practice. © 2013, American School Health Association.

Comparison between ICT and PCR for diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis.

PubMed

Khan, E R; Hossain, M A; Paul, S K; Mahmud, C; Hasan, M M; Rahman, M M; Nahar, K; Kubayashi, N

2012-04-01

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular gram-negative bacterium which is the most prevalent cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STI). The present study was carried to diagnose genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection among women of reproductive age, attending Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, during July 2009 to June 2010 by Immunochromatographic test (ICT) and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 70 females were included in this study. Out of 70 cases 56 were symptomatic and 14 asymptomatic. Endocervical swabs were collected from each of the cases and examined by Immunochromatographic test (ICT) for antigen detection and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of endogenous plasmid-based nucleic acid. A total 29(41.4%) of the cases were found positive for C. trachomatis either by ICT or PCR. Of the 56 symptomatic cases, 19(33.9%) were found ICT positive and 17(30.4%) were PCR positive. Among 14 asymptomatic females, 2(14.3%) were ICT positive and none were PCR positive. Though PCR is highly sensitive but a total of twelve cases were found ICT positive but PCR negative. It may be due to presence of plasmid deficient strain of C trachomatis which could be amplified by ompA based (Chromosomal gene) multiplex PCR.

Intraoperative computed tomography with an integrated navigation system in stabilization surgery for complex craniovertebral junction malformation.

PubMed

Yu, Xinguang; Li, Lianfeng; Wang, Peng; Yin, Yiheng; Bu, Bo; Zhou, Dingbiao

2014-07-01

This study was designed to report our preliminary experience with stabilization procedures for complex craniovertebral junction malformation (CVJM) using intraoperative computed tomography (iCT) with an integrated neuronavigation system (NNS). To evaluate the workflow, feasibility and clinical outcome of stabilization procedures using iCT image-guided navigation for complex CVJM. The stabilization procedures in CVJM are complex because of the area's intricate geometry and bony structures, its critical relationship to neurovascular structures and the intricate biomechanical issues involved. A sliding gantry 40-slice computed tomography scanner was installed in a preexisting operating room. The images were transferred directly from the scanner to the NNS using an automated registration system. On the basis of the analysis of intraoperative computed tomographic images, 23 cases (11 males, 12 females) with complicated CVJM underwent navigated stabilization procedures to allow more control over screw placement. The age of these patients were 19-52 years (mean: 33.5 y). We performed C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation in 6 patients to produce atlantoaxial arthrodesis with better reliability. Because of a high-riding transverse foramen on at least 1 side of the C2 vertebra and an anomalous vertebral artery position, 7 patients underwent C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle screw fixation. Ten additional patients were treated with individualized occipitocervical fixation surgery from the hypoplasia of C1 or constraints due to C2 bone structure. In total, 108 screws were inserted into 23 patients using navigational assistance. The screws comprised 20 C1 lateral mass screws, 26 C2, 14 C3, or 4 C4 pedicle screws, 32 occipital screws, and 12 C1-C2 transarticular screws. There were no vascular or neural complications except for pedicle perforations that were detected in 2 (1.9%) patients and were corrected intraoperatively without any persistent nerves or vessel damage. The overall accuracy of the image guidance system was 98.1%. The duration of interruption during the surgical process for the iCT was 8±1.5 minutes. All patients were clinically evaluated using Nurick grade criteria and for neurological deficits 3 months after surgery. Twenty-one patients (91.3%) improved by at least 1 Nurick grade, whereas the grade remained unchanged in 2 (8.7%) patients. Craniovertebral stability and solid bone fusion was achieved in all patients. NNS was found to correlate well with the intraoperative findings, and the recalibration was uneventful in all cases and had an accuracy of 1.8 mm (range, 0.6-2.2 mm). iCT scanning with integrated NNS was found to be both feasible and beneficial in the stabilization procedures for complex CVJM. In this unusual patient population, the technique seemed to be of value for negotiating complex anatomy and for achieving more control over screw placement.

Inhibitory control training for appetitive behaviour change: A meta-analytic investigation of mechanisms of action and moderators of effectiveness.

PubMed

Jones, Andrew; Di Lemma, Lisa C G; Robinson, Eric; Christiansen, Paul; Nolan, Sarah; Tudur-Smith, Catrin; Field, Matt

2016-02-01

Inhibitory control training (ICT) is a novel intervention in which participants learn to associate appetitive cues with inhibition of behaviour. We present a meta-analytic investigation of laboratory studies of ICT for appetitive behaviour change in which we investigate candidate mechanisms of action, individual differences that may moderate its effectiveness, and compare it to other psychological interventions. We conducted random-effects generic inverse variance meta-analysis on data from 14 articles (18 effect sizes in total). Participants who received ICT chose or consumed significantly less food or alcohol compared to control groups (SMD = 0.36, 95% CIs [0.24, 0.47]; Z = 6.18, p < .001; I(2) = 71%). Effect sizes were larger for motor (Go/No-Go and Stop Signal) compared to oculomotor (Antisaccade) ICT. The effects of ICT on behaviour were comparable to those produced by other psychological interventions, and effects of ICT on food intake were greater in participants who were attempting to restrict their food intake. The magnitude of the effect of ICT on behaviour was predicted by the proportion of successful inhibitions but was unrelated to the absolute number of trials in which appetitive cues were paired with the requirement to inhibit, or the contingency between appetitive cues and the requirement to inhibit. The effect of ICT on cue devaluation (primarily assessed with implicit association tests) was not statistically significant. Our analysis confirms the efficacy of ICT for short-term behaviour change in the laboratory, and we have demonstrated that its effectiveness may depend on pairings between appetitive cues and successful inhibition. We highlight the need for further research to translate these findings outside of the laboratory. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Experiences of using information and communication technology within the first year after stroke - a grounded theory study.

PubMed

Gustavsson, Martha; Ytterberg, Charlotte; Nabsen Marwaa, Mille; Tham, Kerstin; Guidetti, Susanne

2018-03-01

The purpose of this study was to identify how people 6-12 months after stroke were using and integrating information and communication technology (ICT) in their everyday lives. To capture the participants' experiences, one focus group and 14 individual interviews were carried out in Sweden and Denmark regarding the use of ICT in everyday life. The participants comprised 11 men and seven women aged 41-79 years. A grounded theory approach was used throughout the study and a constant comparative method was used in the analysis. Five categories were identified from the analysis of the interviews with the participants: 1) Using the mobile phone to feel safe, 2) Staying connected with others, 3) Recreating everyday life, 4) A tool for managing everyday life, and 5) Overcoming obstacles for using ICT. From these categories one core category emerged: The drive to integrate ICT in everyday life after stroke. People with stroke had a strong drive to integrate ICT in order to manage and bring meaning to their everyday lives, although sometimes they needed support and adaptations. It is not only possible but also necessary to start using ICT in rehabilitation in order to support people's recovery and promote participation in everyday life after stroke. Implications for rehabilitation People with stroke have a strong drive for using information and communication technology in their everyday lives, although support and adaptations are needed. The recovery process of people with stroke could benefit from the use of ICT in the rehabilitation and ICT could possibly contribute to independence and promote participation in everyday life. Knowledge from this study can be used in the development of an ICT-based stroke rehabilitation model.

Demographics and Incidence of Histologically Confirmed Intracranial Tumors: A Five-year, Two-center Prospective Study

PubMed Central

Dzhenkov, Deyan L; Kitanova, Martina; Ghenev, Peter; Tonchev, Anton B

2017-01-01

Introduction Intracranial tumors (ICTs) are a diverse group of malignancies that pose an immediate threat to patients' lives, no matter their local or metastatic origin, benign or malignant nature. These lesions have severe clinical courses and need to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible, with pathological verification being the pivotal moment in the process of determining curative modalities. Aim The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of histologically confirmed ICTs in Eastern Bulgaria, based on their type (primary, metastatic, and non-volume occupying lesions (NVOL)), their respective subtypes, and incidence in a descriptive manner. Materials and Methods For a period of five full calendar years (January 1st, 2012 – December 31st, 2016), all histologically confirmed cases of intracranial tumors were prospectively collected from two individual tertiary healthcare institutions. The cases were then statistically analyzed in a descriptive manner, and incidences of primary, metastatic, and NVOL were compared with regards to their specific origins, types, and subtypes. Metastatic tumors were further segregated relative to their intracranial metastatic location. Results The total number of individual ICTs registered in the set timeframe was 822. Primary ICTs represented a total of 66.12% of the histologically confirmed cases, with the most common entries being tumors from a glial and meningeal origin, 30.90% were histologically confirmed as metastatic ICTs, from which the most common entries were of pulmonary origin, and the other 2.94% were NVOL. On behalf of their intracranial metastatic location, metastatic tumors were located predominantly in the supratentorial region, represented as a total of 87.80%, while the other 12.20% were located in the subtentorial region. Based on the descriptive analysis, the annual incidence per 100,000 capita of all ICTs is 9.12, comprised of 6.03 per 100,000 for primary ICTs, 2.82 per 100,000 for metastatic ICTs, and 0.27 per 100,000 for NVOL. The annual incidence of the most commonly diagnosed primary ICTs per 100,000 is 2.36 for meningioma, 2.03 for glioblastoma, and 0.48 for pituitary adenoma. The annual incidence of the most commonly diagnosed metastatic ICTs per 100,000 is 1.32 for lung cancer metastases, 0.28 for gastrointestinal tract (GIT) metastases, 0.22 for melanoma, and 0.17 for breast cancer metastases. Conclusion Based on our results, primary ICTs are operated and biopsied more than two times as much as metastatic ICTs and only a small fraction of neurosurgical interventions are undertaken due to NVOL. Metastatic ICTs are predominantly supratentorial with no evidence of a tumor predominantly metastasizing in the subtentorial region. The demographics reported in the study establish some aspects of age and gender preferences, as well as the annual incidence per 100,000 for the most commonly diagnosed types of ICTs in our population. PMID:28944115

Measuring the Use of ICTs in the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jamieson-Proctor, Romina; Watson, Glenice; Finger, Glenn; Grimbeek, Peter; Burnett, Paul C.

2007-01-01

In 2003, the "ICT Curriculum Integration Performance Measurement Instrument" was developed from an extensive review of the contemporary international and Australian research pertaining to the definition and measurement of ICT curriculum integration in classrooms (Proctor, Watson, & Finger, 2003). The 45-item instrument that resulted…

Teachers' Perspectives about Implementing ICT in Music Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eyles, Anne-Maree

2018-01-01

This article provides insights into the current state of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) implementation in music classrooms throughout Queensland, Australia, through the perspectives of classroom music teachers with regard to organisational practices that influence the implementation of ICT in music education. Using explanatory…

The current role of systemic chemotherapy in the primary treatment of head and neck cancer.

PubMed

Busch, C-J; Tribius, S; Schafhausen, P; Knecht, R

2015-03-01

The treatment of patients with locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is still evolving into the perfect combination of the different multidisciplinary approaches. Induction chemotherapy (ICT) prior to planned definitive local therapy is widely used in this patient population for over 30 years but it is still unclear how to incorporate ICT into multimodality treatment the best. It appears to have a role in selected clinical situations especially for those patients with high risk for distant metastasis. However, since ICT protocols in different studies varies a lot, a comparative and consistent statement of benefits is difficult. We show the recent developments including randomized trials comparing radiochemotherapy (RCT) and ICT followed by definitive RCT here. This review summarizes how ICT has developed over the years, provides critical remarks of recent developments, and discusses how clinical trials including ICT should be conducted in the future. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Middle School Science Teachers' Confidence and Pedagogical Practice of New Literacies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Hui-Yin; Wang, Shiang-Kwei; Runco, Lisa

2013-06-01

Due to the rapid advancements of information and communication technologies (ICTs), educational researchers argue that multimodal and new literacies should become common practices in schools. As new ICTs emerge and evolve, students need the new literacies skills and practices to successfully participate fully in the civic life of a global community. Are teachers prepared to integrate ICTs in the classroom to develop students' new literacies skills? The purpose of this study is to suggest a new literacies framework that guides ICTs integration and supports scientific inquiry, as well as investigate middle school teachers' confidence to practice new literacies in science classrooms. The study adopted mixed-methodology design, surveyed 32 middle school science teachers' ICTs and new literacies skills, and randomly observed 15 teachers' new literacies practices in the classrooms. The results revealed that even though teachers have high confidence in using ICTs, the meaningful technology integration and new literacies practices were scarcely observed in their classroom practices.

Management demands on information and communication technology in process-oriented health-care organizations: the importance of understanding managers' expectations during early phases of systems design.

PubMed

Andersson, Anna; Vimarlund, Vivian; Timpka, Toomas

2002-01-01

There are numerous challenges to overcome before information and communication technology (ICT) can achieve its full potential in process-oriented health-care organizations. One of these challenges is designing systems that meet users' needs, while reflecting a continuously changing organizational environment. Another challenge is to develop ICT that supports both the internal and the external stakeholders' demands. In this study a qualitative research strategy was used to explore the demands on ICT expressed by managers from functional and process units at a community hospitaL The results reveal a multitude of partially competing goals that can make the ICT development process confusing, poor in quality, inefficient and unnecessarily costly. Therefore, from the perspective of ICT development, the main task appears to be to coordinate the different visions and in particular clarify them, as well as to establish the impact that these visions would have on the forthcoming ICT application.

[Challenges and development of a nutritional management service system home page that targets personal computer novices 65 years of age or older].

PubMed

Sato, Kimiko; Hosokawa, Atsushi; Nishida, Seiji; Kariya, Akemi; Imaizumi, Satoshi

2014-01-01

We intended to develop contents for nutritional management for elderly people using the Internet, and to consider factors relatied to the promotion of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use. A questionnaire survey was carried out consisting of items on diet support conditions and promoting the use of ICT by the elderly. Then, we developed a nutritional management system using a home page on a trial basis, after which n we studied the need, operability and environmental support of this system. Regarding the state of ICT use more than one- half of the respondents were daily users of the Internet 62.4%, and mobile phones 65.2%. On the four items on diet, such as "buy the same food, forget to buy food", 22.7%responded that "forget to buy food", which was the highest, and interest in "lunch home delivery" showed a low percentage. Among the respondents 19.6% answer "yes" to the question that memory, "have trouble remembering where you put things" and 13.4% responded that they forget to take medicine". There was a positive correlation of what with five items on operability, "What is simple and easy to use is good" and the effectiveness of personal computers and mobile phones has been shown. In addition, 32.3% responded "When the operation is difficult, the use becomes inconvenient". It was suggested that by setting up an opportunity to experience the effectiveness and the satisfaction of using a system that addresses elderly people's concerns, we can modify attitudes and provide motivation, reducing the sense of weakness or irrelevance that can hinder the use of a nutritional management system. It was suggested that along with the sense of effectiveness of screen displays with color instructions and simple design that match the physical characteristics of the elderly, the sense of being able to operate the system afterwards will affect the need for ICT use and utilization rate.

"Functional" Inspiratory and Core Muscle Training Enhances Running Performance and Economy.

PubMed

Tong, Tomas K; McConnell, Alison K; Lin, Hua; Nie, Jinlei; Zhang, Haifeng; Wang, Jiayuan

2016-10-01

Tong, TK, McConnell, AK, Lin, H, Nie, J, Zhang, H, and Wang, J. "Functional" inspiratory and core muscle training enhances running performance and economy. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2942-2951, 2016-We compared the effects of two 6-week high-intensity interval training interventions. Under the control condition (CON), only interval training was undertaken, whereas under the intervention condition (ICT), interval training sessions were followed immediately by core training, which was combined with simultaneous inspiratory muscle training (IMT)-"functional" IMT. Sixteen recreational runners were allocated to either ICT or CON groups. Before the intervention phase, both groups undertook a 4-week program of "foundation" IMT to control for the known ergogenic effect of IMT (30 inspiratory efforts at 50% maximal static inspiratory pressure [P0] per set, 2 sets per day, 6 days per week). The subsequent 6-week interval running training phase consisted of 3-4 sessions per week. In addition, the ICT group undertook 4 inspiratory-loaded core exercises (10 repetitions per set, 2 sets per day, inspiratory load set at 50% post-IMT P0) immediately after each interval training session. The CON group received neither core training nor functional IMT. After the intervention phase, global inspiratory and core muscle functions increased in both groups (p ≤ 0.05), as evidenced by P0 and a sport-specific endurance plank test (SEPT) performance, respectively. Compared with CON, the ICT group showed larger improvements in SEPT, running economy at the speed of the onset of blood lactate accumulation, and 1-hour running performance (3.04% vs. 1.57%, p ≤ 0.05). The changes in these variables were interindividually correlated (r ≥ 0.57, n = 16, p ≤ 0.05). Such findings suggest that the addition of inspiratory-loaded core conditioning into a high-intensity interval training program augments the influence of the interval program on endurance running performance and that this may be underpinned by an improvement in running economy.

The use and trends of information and communication technology (ICT) during middle childhood.

PubMed

Louw, Anet E; Winter, Melanie

2011-06-01

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have become an integral part of people's lives. Trends suggest that the age when technology is used for the first time is rapidly decreasing and that children are exposed to ICT daily. However, the focus of the existing research has been on adolescents, and there is a dearth of knowledge about the use of ICT amongst children in middle childhood in South Africa. The objective of this study was to address this issue. The research participants included 12 children aged between 6 and 12 years old from two private schools (a boys' school and a girls' school) in the Gauteng region. A phenomenological approach was used to explore the use and trends of ICT among this age group. A semi-structured interview approach was employed for the data collection and each interview was tape-recorded and transcribed by the researcher. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse and interpret the data collected. Various themes were identified. While all the participants had been exposed to and used ICT, a clear developmental trend was observed: not only were younger children less sophisticated users of ICT, but they were also less informed about the dangers of ICT usage. The participants were generally not supervised but some rules were implemented by the parents. Although the children did not experience cyber bullying, they did report exposure to pornography. The results suggest various implications for developmental trends and protection of children.

Perspectives of rural carers on benefits and barriers of receiving occupational therapy via Information and Communication Technologies.

PubMed

Gardner, Kate; Bundy, Anita; Dew, Angela

2016-04-01

People with a disability living in rural areas commonly experience difficulty in accessing therapy services. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) may have the potential to provide occupational therapy services remotely through two-way visual interactions. The aim of this qualitative study was to understand the perspectives of carers of a person with a disability living in rural New South Wales (NSW) on the use of ICT for occupational therapy service delivery. Individual semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 11 carers of persons with a disability living in rural NSW. Participants were asked about their use of technology, therapy experiences and their attitudes towards using ICT to receive occupational therapy for their son/daughter. Data were analysed via constant comparison and thematic analysis. Participants were willing to use ICT to enhance their current access to therapy based on their in-depth knowledge of their son or daughter and their prior experiences with therapy and technology. For ICT to work for occupational therapy, participants identified the need for support and access prior to, during and between ICT sessions. From the carers' perspectives, ICT has the potential to increase access to occupational therapy services for people with a disability who live in rural NSW. Occupational therapists could benefit from eliciting the experiences, knowledge and willingness of rural carers to deliver therapy via ICT, thereby supplementing and enhancing in-person service delivery. © 2016 Occupational Therapy Australia.

Information and Communication Technology Use Is Related to Higher Well-Being Among the Oldest-Old.

PubMed

Sims, Tamara; Reed, Andrew E; Carr, Dawn C

2017-09-01

Older adults often prioritize socially meaningful goals over informational goals. Thus, we predicted that using information and communication technology (ICT) in service of socially meaningful versus informational goals relates to higher well-being among the oldest-old. We surveyed 445 adults aged 80+ (mean = 84, range = 80-93; 64% female; 26% non-White) online or via telephone. Participants reported motivations for ICT use (connect with others, learn new information) and rated their psychological and physical well-being (i.e., life satisfaction, loneliness, goal attainment, subjective health, functional limitations). We conducted regression and mediation analyses to test our hypothesis. Participants used ICT more to connect with friends/family (M = 3.66, SD = 1.28) than to learn information (M = 2.61, SD = 1.44), p < .001. Overall, ICT use predicted higher well-being across outcomes, ps ≤ .008. Motivations for use differentially mediated these effects: Social motivations mediated the relationships between ICT use and psychological well-being, whereas informational motivations mediated the relationships between ICT use and physical well-being. Older adults aged 80+ use ICT less than other generations, but may have much to gain. Using social versus informational technologies may enhance multiple aspects of well-being in different ways during very late life. Highlighting such benefits may increase ICT adoption among the oldest-old. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The effect of an education programme (MEDIAS 2 ICT) involving intensive insulin treatment for people with type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Hermanns, Norbert; Kulzer, Bernhard; Maier, Berthold; Mahr, Marina; Haak, Thomas

2012-02-01

In a randomized, multi-centre trial, the effect of an education programme (MEDIAS 2 ICT) involving intensive insulin treatment for people with type 2 diabetes was compared with an established education programme as an active comparator condition (ACC). We investigated whether MEDIAS 2 ICT was non-inferior to ACC in overall glycaemic control. Secondary outcomes were the diabetes-related distress, diabetes knowledge, quality of life, self-care behavior, lipids, blood pressure and weight. 186 subjects were randomized. After a six month follow-up the mean HbA1c decrease was 0.37% (from 8.2±1.1% to 7.8±1.5%) in the ACC and 0.63% (from 8.5±1.5% to 7.9±1.2%) in MEDIAS 2 ICT. The mean difference between both groups was -0.26% (95% CI -0.63 to -0.14) in favor of MEDIAS 2 ICT. This result was within the predefined limit for non-inferiority. Diabetes-related distress was significantly more reduced in MEDIAS 2 ICT (-3.4±7.1) than in ACC (0.4±9.0; p=0.31). MEDIAS 2 ICT is as effective in lowering HbA1c as previously established education programmes, but showed superiority in reducing diabetes-related distress. MEDIAS 2 ICT provides an alternative for education of people with type 2 diabetes treated by multiple injection therapy. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lymphatic filariasis mapping by Immunochromatographic Test cards and baseline microfilaria survey prior to mass drug administration in Sierra Leone

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background National mapping of lymphatic filariasis (LF) was conducted using Immunochromatographic tests (ICT) in 2005 to determine endemicity and geographic spread of the disease. A baseline microfilaria survey was then conducted to determine LF prevalence and microfilaria intensity. Methods In 2005 1,982 persons of 15 years and over from 14 health districts were selected and fingertip blood samples were tested with ICT cards. In 2007-8 blood samples were taken between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. and examined for microfilaria (mf) from 9,288 persons from 16 sentinel sites representing each district and 2 additional sites for districts with populations over 500,000 (Bo and Kenema). Results The overall LF prevalence by ICT cards was 21% (males 28%, females 15%). All districts had a prevalence of Wuchereria bancrofti antigen > 1%. Distribution of LF prevalence showed a strong spatial correlation pattern with high prevalence in a large area in the northeast gradually decreasing to a relatively low prevalence in the southwest coast. High prevalence was found in the northeast, Bombali (52%), Koinadugu (46%), Tonkolili (37%) and Kono (30%). Low prevalence was found in the southwest, Bonthe (3%) and Pujehun (4%). The mf prevalence was higher in the northeast: Bombali, 6.7%, Koinadugu 5.7%, Port Loko 4.4% and Kono 2.4%. Overall there was a significant difference in mf prevalence by gender: males 2.9%, females 1.8% (p = 0.0002) and within districts in Kailahun, Kono, Port Loko, Moyamba and Koinadugu (all p < 0.05). The mf prevalence was higher in people > 20 years (2.5%) than in people ≤ 20 years (1.7%) (p = 0.043). The overall arithmetic mean mf density was 50.30 mf/ml among mf-positive individuals and 1.19 mf/ml in the population examined which varied significantly between districts. Conclusions The ICT results showed that LF was endemic nationwide and that preventive chemotherapy (PCT) was justified across the country. Both the ICT and microfilaraemia surveys found that prevalence was greater in males than females. The increase in microfilaraemia prevalence by age was evident when grouped as ≤ 20 versus > 20 years demonstrating early exposure. Baseline LF microfilaria load will be used to monitor PCT program progress. PMID:22236419

ICTs and Political Life.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robbin, Alice; Courtright, Christina; Davis, Leah

2004-01-01

Presents a literature review that covers the following topics related to information and communications technologies (ICTs): (1) theories of ICTs and how they frame political life; (2) normative democratic theory and concepts; (3) e-political life; and (4) research on e-government, e-governance, and e-democracy; (Contains 276 references.) (MES)

ICT Fluency and High Schools: A Workshop Summary

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Academies Press, 2006

2006-01-01

Information and communications technology (ICT) pervades virtually all domains of modern life--educational, professional, social, and personal. Yet although there have been numerous calls for linkages that enable ICT competencies acquired in one domain to benefit another, this goal has largely remained unrealized. In particular, while technology…

ICT and Pedagogy: Opportunities Missed?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adams, Paul

2011-01-01

The pace of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) development necessitates radical and rapid change for education. Given the English prevalence for an economically determinist orientation for educational outcomes, it seems pertinent to ask how learning in relation to ICT is to be conceptualised. Accepting the view that education needs to…

75 FR 28555 - Executive Green ICT & Energy Efficiency Trade Mission to Mexico City, Mexico

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-21

... energy efficiency in data centers, smart grids, and green buildings will be discussed. Mission delegates... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Executive Green ICT & Energy Efficiency... Administration, and U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service are organizing an Executive Green ICT & Energy Efficiency...

Pre-Service Science Teachers and ICT: Communities of Practice?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cleaves, Anna; Toplis, Rob

2008-01-01

The practices and justifications of 15 pre-service science teachers in using ICT were explored by survey, observation and interview. Interactive whiteboards are frequently employed, although predominantly as projection screens for presentations, whilst datalogging and spreadsheets are used infrequently. Trainees incorporate ICT to enhance pupil…

Action Research and ICT Implementation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Krumsvik, Rune

2012-01-01

This emancipatory action research study investigates implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) in schools. The case study examined retrospectively was part of a Norwegian ICT project called PILOT, the focus of which concerns the impact on school development of a locally developed Internet subject portal and study periods.…

ICT, a New Skill for Life

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clarke, Alan

2004-01-01

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have changed many aspects of the society in which one lives. The initial impact was centered on the workplace, but subsequent effects have begun to transform communication, leisure, entertainment, information, education and training. Given the transformational impact ICT has had on many aspects of…

How Can ICT Help Us To Improve Education?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flecknoe, Mervyn

2002-01-01

Discusses the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to improve education. Highlights include virtual discussions; the need for data about students to help them learn effectively; listening to students; current uses of ICT in teaching; feedback from students; and a proposed model for virtual classrooms. (LRW)

Social Ecological Model Analysis for ICT Integration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zagami, Jason

2013-01-01

ICT integration of teacher preparation programmes was undertaken by the Australian Teaching Teachers for the Future (TTF) project in all 39 Australian teacher education institutions and highlighted the need for guidelines to inform systemic ICT integration approaches. A Social Ecological Model (SEM) was used to positively inform integration…

The Chronic Care Model and Technological Research and Innovation: A Scoping Review at the Crossroads

PubMed Central

Berntsen, Gro Karine Rosvold; Koricho, Absera Teshome; Sygna, Karin; Ruland, Cornelia

2015-01-01

Background Information and communication technologies (ICT) are key to optimizing the outcomes of the Chronic Care Model (CCM), currently acknowledged as the best synthesis of available evidence for chronic illness prevention and management. At the same time, CCM can offer a needed framework for increasing the relevance and feasibility of ICT innovation and research in health care. Little is known about how and to what extent CCM and ICT research inform each other to leverage mutual strengths. The current study examines: What characterizes work being done at the crossroads of CCM and ICT research and innovation? Objective Our aim is identify the gaps and potential that lie between the research domains CCM and ICT, thus enabling more substantive questions and opportunities for accelerating improvements in ICT-supported chronic care. Methods Using a scoping study approach, we developed a search strategy applied to medical and technical databases resulting in 1054 titles and abstracts that address CCM and ICT. After iteratively adapting our inclusion/exclusion criteria to balance between breadth and feasibility, 26 publications from 20 studies were found to fulfill our criteria. Following initial coding of each article according to predefined categories (eg, type of article, CCM component, ICT, health issue), a 1st level analysis was conducted resulting in a broad range of categories. These were gradually reduced by constantly comparing them for underlying commonalities and discrepancies. Results None of the studies included were from technical databases and interventions relied mostly on “old-fashioned” technologies. Technologies supporting “productive interactions” were often one-way (provider to patient), and it was sometimes difficult to decipher how CCM was guiding intervention design. In particular, the major focus on ICT to support providers did not appear unique to the challenges of chronic care. Challenges in facilitating CCM components through ICT included poorly designed user interfaces, digital divide issues, and lack of integration with existing infrastructure. Conclusions The CCM is a highly influential guide for health care development, which recognizes the need for alignment of system tools such as ICT. Yet, there seem to be alarmingly few touch points between the subject fields of “health service development” and “ICT-innovation”. Bridging these gaps needs explicit and urgent attention as the synergies between these domains have enormous potential. Policy makers and funding agencies need to facilitate the joining of forces between high-tech innovative expertise and experts in the chronic care system redesign that is required for tackling the current epidemic of long-term multiple conditions. PMID:25677200

The chronic care model and technological research and innovation: a scoping review at the crossroads.

PubMed

Gammon, Deede; Berntsen, Gro Karine Rosvold; Koricho, Absera Teshome; Sygna, Karin; Ruland, Cornelia

2015-02-06

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are key to optimizing the outcomes of the Chronic Care Model (CCM), currently acknowledged as the best synthesis of available evidence for chronic illness prevention and management. At the same time, CCM can offer a needed framework for increasing the relevance and feasibility of ICT innovation and research in health care. Little is known about how and to what extent CCM and ICT research inform each other to leverage mutual strengths. The current study examines: What characterizes work being done at the crossroads of CCM and ICT research and innovation? Our aim is identify the gaps and potential that lie between the research domains CCM and ICT, thus enabling more substantive questions and opportunities for accelerating improvements in ICT-supported chronic care. Using a scoping study approach, we developed a search strategy applied to medical and technical databases resulting in 1054 titles and abstracts that address CCM and ICT. After iteratively adapting our inclusion/exclusion criteria to balance between breadth and feasibility, 26 publications from 20 studies were found to fulfill our criteria. Following initial coding of each article according to predefined categories (eg, type of article, CCM component, ICT, health issue), a 1st level analysis was conducted resulting in a broad range of categories. These were gradually reduced by constantly comparing them for underlying commonalities and discrepancies. None of the studies included were from technical databases and interventions relied mostly on "old-fashioned" technologies. Technologies supporting "productive interactions" were often one-way (provider to patient), and it was sometimes difficult to decipher how CCM was guiding intervention design. In particular, the major focus on ICT to support providers did not appear unique to the challenges of chronic care. Challenges in facilitating CCM components through ICT included poorly designed user interfaces, digital divide issues, and lack of integration with existing infrastructure. The CCM is a highly influential guide for health care development, which recognizes the need for alignment of system tools such as ICT. Yet, there seem to be alarmingly few touch points between the subject fields of "health service development" and "ICT-innovation". Bridging these gaps needs explicit and urgent attention as the synergies between these domains have enormous potential. Policy makers and funding agencies need to facilitate the joining of forces between high-tech innovative expertise and experts in the chronic care system redesign that is required for tackling the current epidemic of long-term multiple conditions.

ICT Student Teachers' Judgments and Justifications about Ethical Issues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alakurt, Turgay; Bardakci, Salih; Keser, Hafize

2012-01-01

In this study, Turkish ICT student teachers' judgments and justifications in four scenarios involving ICT-related ethical problems were investigated. Scenarios were designed based on Mason's (1986) four ethical issues: privacy, accuracy, property and accessibility. The study was carried out in the fall of 2010. We used the critical incidents…

Information and Communication Technology in Education: Getting Chinese Connected for Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Xiaobin

2013-01-01

This article provides an overview of the current development of information and communication technology (ICT) utilized in Chinese education. Specifically, the article describes and discusses the impact contemporary ICT has on Chinese elementary and secondary education, as well as the existing challenges in ICT application. The article also…

Leadership in ICT Integration and Its Impact on the Haitian Economy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Louis-Jacques, Carmel G.

2013-01-01

As attention increasingly focuses on the role of information communication technology (ICT) in augmenting the efficiency of institutions, researchers have postulated that implementation of effective ICT enables decision makers to explore opportunities and maximize benefits. Review of current literature revealed a lack of information on how Haitian…

Teacher Perceptions towards ICT Integration: Professional Development through Blended Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Qasem, Arwa Ahmed Abdo; Viswanathappa, G.

2016-01-01

Integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into teaching and learning is a growing area that has attracted many educators' attention in recent years. Teachers need to be involved in collaborative projects and development of intervention change strategies, which include teaching partnerships with ICT as a tool. Teacher perceptions…

Technology Integration: A Research-Based Professional Development Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Faulder, Tori Rose

2011-01-01

This research-based thesis project explains the governmental acts and policies, investors, and other stakeholders who have worked to promote, question, and explore the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the classroom. Research suggests that best-practice ICT integration requires using ICT alongside constructivist pedagogy.…

Preschool Children's Interaction with ICT at Home

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Konca, Ahmet Sami; Koksalan, Bahadir

2017-01-01

The purpose of this research is to determine preschool students' usage profile of information and communication technology (ICT). To investigate children's use of ICT, a questionnaire was completed by the parents of 703 children, age 4-6. Frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to describe the interaction. In addition,…

Looking at ICT Literacy Standards through the Big6[TM] Lens

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murray, Janet

2008-01-01

Information and communications technologies (ICT) are changing everything, transforming organizations, and redefining the skills and talents needed to succeed in the 21st century. At the individual level, the ability to understand and make use of ICT--digital literacy--is proving essential to employment success, civic participation, accessing…

Students' Critical Thinking Skills in a Thai ICT Schools Pilot Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rumpagaporn, Methinee Wongwanich; Darmawan, I. Gusti Ngurah

2007-01-01

This study is exploratory, examining to what extent the Thai ICT (information and communication technology) schools have classroom learning environments that are associated with certain teacher characteristics using questionnaires, interview surveys, and computer-based classroom observations in order to collect data from 13 Thai ICT model schools.…

Integrating ICT in Teacher Colleges--A Change Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Magen-Nagar, Noga; Maskit, Ditza

2016-01-01

The National Israeli Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Program that called for the "adaption of the educational system to the 21st century", has been implemented in Israel since 2010. The program's purpose intended to introduce an "ICT culture" in the educational system--pre-schools and lower-level schools, as well…

Preparing to Teach with ICT: Subject Knowledge, Didaktik and Improvisation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loveless, Avril

2007-01-01

The article argues that preparing to be, in Shulman's words, "ready, willing and able" to teach with ICT can be supported by an integrative framework of teacher professional knowledge which recognizes connections between subject domain knowledge, the didactic relation with information and communications technology (ICT), and an openness…

ICT in English Schools: Transforming Education?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Hao

2012-01-01

The use of information and communications technology (ICT) as a learning tool has long been acclaimed as a catalyst for educational transformation. Over the past decade, evidence of good uses of ICT has emerged in numerous studies. While such use promises transformation in supporting teaching and learning, evidence suggests that progress is…

Elementary School Teachers and Teaching with Technology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Varol, Filiz

2013-01-01

This study aims to identify the relationship between elementary school teachers' ICT engagement with their attitudes towards technology. To this end, one hundred elementary school students were asked to fill out questionnaires related to their ICT knowledge, usage, and attitude towards technology. The results show that teachers' ICT knowledge and…

Classification Framework for ICT-Based Learning Technologies for Disabled People

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hersh, Marion

2017-01-01

The paper presents the first systematic approach to the classification of inclusive information and communication technologies (ICT)-based learning technologies and ICT-based learning technologies for disabled people which covers both assistive and general learning technologies, is valid for all disabled people and considers the full range of…

Understanding Changes in Teachers' ICT Practices: A Longitudinal Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Orlando, Joanne

2009-01-01

With the introduction of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) into schools came the expectation that teachers would adopt ICT and change their practices in particular ways. Research indicates that teachers have not changed in the ways expected. Suggested in this paper is that limitations in current research methodologies documenting…

Teachers' Journeys towards Critical Use of ICT

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schibeci, Renato; MacCallum, Judith; Cumming-Potvin, Wendy; Durrant, Cal; Kissane, Barry; Miller, Erica-Jane

2008-01-01

Teachers have a central role in developing new learning models in schools. This paper describes a study that explored teachers' confidence and competence in using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as they participated in an ICT development project conducted by an Australian education system in 12 primary schools. The project aimed…

"We Are Guinea Pigs Really": Examining the Realities of ICT-based Adult Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Selwyn, Neil; Gorard, Stephen; Williams, Sara

2002-01-01

Interviews with 36 adult learners in information-communications technology (ICT) settings, using the concept of learning trajectories, revealed barriers to widening participation through ICT. In addition to technical shortcomings, social, economic, cultural, and political issues hinder the process, including lack of innovative instruction and…

ICT or I See Tea? Modernity, Technology and Education in Nepal

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shields, Robin

2011-01-01

The use of information and communications technology (ICT) for education in developing countries has been a subject of great interest and speculation, with its proponents arguing that ICT improves educational quality, develops critical thinking skills, expands access, increases economic competitiveness and facilitates inclusion in a rapidly…

Education with ICT in South Korea and Chile

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanchez, Jaime; Salinas, Alvaro; Harris, Jordan

2011-01-01

This article presents a linear-analytical case study on the development of ICT within the educational systems of Chile and South Korea. Through a comprehensive meta-data analysis and bibliographic review, we collected information on both educational systems and their ICT adoption policies. Key differences necessary to understand how both countries…

Perceptions of Teacher Educators Regarding ICT Implementation in Israeli Colleges of Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ungar, Orit Avidov; Baruch, Alona Forkosh

2016-01-01

ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) in teacher education poses new challenges to faculty and students. This study was carried out to examine factors facilitating and hindering ICT implementation in teacher education institutes in Israel. Findings from our study, administered at two points in time, revealed that providing…

Returns to ICT Skills. OECD Education Working Papers, No. 134

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Falck, Oliver; Heimisch, Alexandra; Wiederhold, Simon

2016-01-01

How important is mastering information and communication technologies (ICT) in modern labour markets? We present the first evidence on this question, drawing on unique data that provide internationally comparable information on ICT skills in 19 countries from the OECD Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). Our…

ICT, openness and CO2 emissions in Africa.

PubMed

Asongu, Simplice A

2018-04-01

This study investigates how information and communication technology (ICT) complements globalisation in order to influence CO 2 emissions in 44 Sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2000-2012. ICT is measured with internet penetration and mobile phone penetration whereas globalisation is designated in terms of trade and financial openness. The empirical evidence is based on the generalised method of moments. The findings broadly show that ICT can be employed to dampen the potentially negative effect of globalisation on environmental degradation like CO 2 emissions. Practical, policy and theoretical implications are discussed.

Effect of intramolecular charge transfer on fluorescence and singlet oxygen production of phthalocyanine analogues.

PubMed

Vachova, Lenka; Novakova, Veronika; Kopecky, Kamil; Miletin, Miroslav; Zimcik, Petr

2012-10-14

Intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) was studied on a series of magnesium, metal-free and zinc complexes of unsymmetrical tetrapyrazinoporphyrazines and tribenzopyrazinoporphyrazines bearing two dialkylamino substituents (donors) and six alkylsulfanyl or aryloxy substituents (non-donors). The dialkylamino substituents were responsible for ICT that deactivated excited states and led to considerable decrease of fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yields. Photophysical and photochemical properties were compared to corresponding macrocycles that do not bear any donor centers. The data showed high feasibility of ICT in the tetrapyrazinoporphyrazine macrocycle and significantly lower efficiency of this deactivation process in the tribenzopyrazinoporphyrazine type molecules. Considerable effect of non-donor peripheral substituents on ICT was also described. The results imply that tetrapyrazinoporphyrazines may be more suitable for development of new molecules investigated in applications based on ICT.

Teachers' Perceptions about the Barriers and Catalysts for Effective Practices with ICT in Primary Schools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dakich, Eva

This paper presents perceptions of four primary school teachers from two Victorian government primary schools about the barriers and catalyst for effective practices with ICT. Findings of the semi-structured qualitative interviews confirm results of previous studies indicating that access to reliable infrastructure, adequate technical support, and time pressures are still considered to be some of the most significant barriers to successful ICT integration in public schools. Teacher interviews however also reveal that the challenges of integrating ICT in teaching and learning can be counterbalanced by a number of variables, which include: owning a laptop, having access to ongoing professional learning, sharing effective practices, drawing on student expertise and being supported by a whole-school approach to teaching and learning with ICT.

Use of information and communication technologies among individuals with and without serious mental illness.

PubMed

Abu Rahal, Ziyad; Vadas, Limor; Manor, Iris; Bloch, Boaz; Avital, Avi

2018-08-01

Growing interest surrounds the use ofinformation and communication technologies (ICTs) for mental-health-related purposes, yet little is known about rates of ICT use among the psychiatric population and those with severe mental illness. This study examines ICT accessibility among the psychiatric population, focusing on serious and non-serious mental illness (SMI and non-SMI). Patients (N = 427) from all service branches of the Psychiatry Department at Emek Medical Centerwere recruited orally or through advertisement. Responders completed a self-report survey regarding accessibility and use of ICTs (i.e., computer, internet, Facebook, mobile phone, smartphone). Results revealed that 59.3% of respondents used computers, 77.3% used the internet, 92.7% owned a mobile phone, 67.9% owned a smartphone, and 63% used Facebook. Over half of participants who used ICTs reported doing so at least once per day. SMI and non-SMI respondents differed significantly in their use and access to a computer, the internet, Facebook, and smartphones. Results suggest that mental illness is not a barrier to using and accessing technology; however, when differentiating between SMI and non-SMI, illness severity is a barrier to potential ICT utilization. These results may encourage policy makers to design ICTs that suit the needs of individuals with SMI. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Information and communication technology use and economic growth.

PubMed

Farhadi, Maryam; Ismail, Rahmah; Fooladi, Masood

2012-01-01

In recent years, progress in information and communication technology (ICT) has caused many structural changes such as reorganizing of economics, globalization, and trade extension, which leads to capital flows and enhancing information availability. Moreover, ICT plays a significant role in development of each economic sector, especially during liberalization process. Growth economists predict that economic growth is driven by investments in ICT. However, empirical studies on this issue have produced mixed results, regarding to different research methodology and geographical configuration of the study. This paper examines the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use on economic growth using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator within the framework of a dynamic panel data approach and applies it to 159 countries over the period 2000 to 2009. The results indicate that there is a positive relationship between growth rate of real GDP per capita and ICT use index (as measured by the number of internet users, fixed broadband internet subscribers and the number of mobile subscription per 100 inhabitants). We also find that the effect of ICT use on economic growth is higher in high income group rather than other groups. This implies that if these countries seek to enhance their economic growth, they need to implement specific policies that facilitate ICT use.

Attenuation of LPS-induced inflammation by ICT, a derivate of icariin, via inhibition of the CD14/TLR4 signaling pathway in human monocytes.

PubMed

Wu, Jinfeng; Zhou, Junmin; Chen, Xianghong; Fortenbery, Nicole; Eksioglu, Erika A; Wei, Sheng; Dong, Jingcheng

2012-01-01

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of ICT in LPS stimulated human innate immune cells. 3, 5, 7-Trihydroxy-4'-methoxy-8-(3-hydroxy-3- methylbutyl)-flavone (ICT) is a novel derivative of icariin, the major active ingredient of Herba Epimedii, an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. We previously demonstrated its anti-inflammatory potential in a murine macrophage cell line as well as in mouse models. We measured TNF-α production by ELISA, TLR4/CD14 expression by flow cytometry, and NF-κB and MAPK activation by western blot all in LPS-stimulated PBMC, human monocytes, or THP-1 cells after treatment with ICT. ICT inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α production in THP-1 cells, PBMCs and human monocytes in a dose-dependent manner. ICT treatment resulted in down-regulation of the expression of CD14/TLR4 and attenuated NF-κB and MAPK activation induced by LPS. We illustrate the anti-inflammatory property of ICT in human immune cells, especially in monocytes. These effects were mediated, at least partially, via inhibition of the CD14/TLR4 signaling pathway. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Implementing Information and Communication Technology to Support Community Aged Care Service Integration: Lessons from an Australian Aged Care Provider.

PubMed

Douglas, Heather E; Georgiou, Andrew; Tariq, Amina; Prgomet, Mirela; Warland, Andrew; Armour, Pauline; Westbrook, Johanna I

2017-04-10

There is limited evidence of the benefits of information and communication technology (ICT) to support integrated aged care services. We undertook a case study to describe carelink+, a centralised client service management ICT system implemented by a large aged and community care service provider, Uniting. We sought to explicate the care-related information exchange processes associated with carelink+ and identify lessons for organisations attempting to use ICT to support service integration. Our case study included seventeen interviews and eleven observation sessions with a purposive sample of staff within the organisation. Inductive analysis was used to develop a model of ICT-supported information exchange. Management staff described the integrated care model designed to underpin carelink+. Frontline staff described complex information exchange processes supporting coordination of client services. Mismatches between the data quality and the functions carelink+ was designed to support necessitated the evolution of new work processes associated with the system. There is value in explicitly modelling the work processes that emerge as a consequence of ICT. Continuous evaluation of the match between ICT and work processes will help aged care organisations to achieve higher levels of ICT maturity that support their efforts to provide integrated care to clients.

Implementing Information and Communication Technology to Support Community Aged Care Service Integration: Lessons from an Australian Aged Care Provider

PubMed Central

Georgiou, Andrew; Tariq, Amina; Prgomet, Mirela; Warland, Andrew; Armour, Pauline; Westbrook, Johanna I

2017-01-01

Introduction: There is limited evidence of the benefits of information and communication technology (ICT) to support integrated aged care services. Objectives: We undertook a case study to describe carelink+, a centralised client service management ICT system implemented by a large aged and community care service provider, Uniting. We sought to explicate the care-related information exchange processes associated with carelink+ and identify lessons for organisations attempting to use ICT to support service integration. Methods: Our case study included seventeen interviews and eleven observation sessions with a purposive sample of staff within the organisation. Inductive analysis was used to develop a model of ICT-supported information exchange. Results: Management staff described the integrated care model designed to underpin carelink+. Frontline staff described complex information exchange processes supporting coordination of client services. Mismatches between the data quality and the functions carelink+ was designed to support necessitated the evolution of new work processes associated with the system. Conclusions: There is value in explicitly modelling the work processes that emerge as a consequence of ICT. Continuous evaluation of the match between ICT and work processes will help aged care organisations to achieve higher levels of ICT maturity that support their efforts to provide integrated care to clients. PMID:29042851

The use of information and communications technologies in the delivery of interprofessional education: A review of evaluation outcome levels.

PubMed

Curran, Vernon; Reid, Adam; Reis, Pamela; Doucet, Shelley; Price, Sheri; Alcock, Lindsay; Fitzgerald, Shari

2015-01-01

Interprofessional education (IPE) in health and human services educational and clinical settings has proliferated internationally. The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the facilitation of interprofessional learning is also growing, yet reviews of the effectiveness of ICTs in the delivery of pre- and/or post-licensure IPE have been limited. The current study's purpose was to review the evaluation outcomes of IPE initiatives delivered using ICTs. Relevant electronic databases and journals from 1996 to 2013 were searched. Studies which evaluated the effectiveness of an IPE intervention using ICTs were included and analyzed using the Barr et al. modified Kirkpatrick educational outcomes typology. Fifty-five studies were identified and a majority reported evaluation findings at the level 1 (reaction/satisfaction). Analysis revealed that learners react favorably to the use of ICTs in the delivery of IPE, and ICT-mediated IPE can lead to positive attitudinal and knowledge change. A majority of the studies reported positive evaluation outcomes at the learner satisfaction level, with the use of web-based learning modalities. The limited number of studies at other levels of the outcomes typology and deficiencies in study designs indicate the need for more rigorous evaluation of outcomes in ICT-mediated IPE.

Information and Communication Technology Use and Economic Growth

PubMed Central

Farhadi, Maryam; Ismail, Rahmah; Fooladi, Masood

2012-01-01

In recent years, progress in information and communication technology (ICT) has caused many structural changes such as reorganizing of economics, globalization, and trade extension, which leads to capital flows and enhancing information availability. Moreover, ICT plays a significant role in development of each economic sector, especially during liberalization process. Growth economists predict that economic growth is driven by investments in ICT. However, empirical studies on this issue have produced mixed results, regarding to different research methodology and geographical configuration of the study. This paper examines the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use on economic growth using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator within the framework of a dynamic panel data approach and applies it to 159 countries over the period 2000 to 2009. The results indicate that there is a positive relationship between growth rate of real GDP per capita and ICT use index (as measured by the number of internet users, fixed broadband internet subscribers and the number of mobile subscription per 100 inhabitants). We also find that the effect of ICT use on economic growth is higher in high income group rather than other groups. This implies that if these countries seek to enhance their economic growth, they need to implement specific policies that facilitate ICT use. PMID:23152817

Health information technology implementation - impacts and policy considerations: a comparison between Israel and Portugal.

PubMed

Catan, Gabriel; Espanha, Rita; Mendes, Rita Veloso; Toren, Orly; Chinitz, David

2015-01-01

The use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in health systems is increasing worldwide. While it is assumed that ICT holds great potential to make health services more efficient and grant patients more empowerment, research on these trends is at an early stage. Building on a study of the impact of ICT on physicians and patients in Israel, a Short Term Scientific Mission (STSM) sponsored by COST Net in conjunction with CIES/ISCTE IUL (Portugal) facilitated a comparison of ICT in health in Israel and Portugal. The comparison focused on patient empowerment, physician behavior and the role of government in implementing ICT. The research in both countries was qualitative in nature. In-depth interviews with the Ministry of Health (MOH), the private sector, patients associations, health plans and researchers were used to collect data. Purposeful sampling was used to select respondents, and secondary sources were used for triangulation. The findings indicate that respondents in both countries feel that patient empowerment has indeed been furthered by introduction of ICT. Regarding physicians, in both countries ICT is seen as providing more information that can be used in medical decision making. Increased access of patients to web-based medical information can strengthen the role of patients in decision making and improve the physician-patient relationship, but also shift the latter in ways that may require adjustments in physician orientation. Physician uptake of ICT in both countries involves overcoming certain barriers, such as resistance to change. At the national level, important differences were found between the two countries. While in Israel, ICT was promoted and adopted by the meso level of the health system, in particular the health plans and government intervention can be found in a later stage, in Portugal the government was the main developer and national strategies were built from the beginning. These two approaches present different advantages and disadvantages. Government involvement in earlier stages could provide benefit in terms of interoperability of systems between different healthcare organizations. However, innovation could be slowed down due to government bureaucracy or lack of leadership. The work provides information in order to understand and improve ICT services. Additionally, it provides input regarding impact of ICT on the physician/patient relationship and national policies in the area.

Smiling is fun: a Coping with Stress and Emotion Regulation Program.

PubMed

Botella, Cristina; Mira, Adriana; Garcia-Palacios, Azucena; Quero, Soledad; Navarro, Ma Vicenta; Riera López Del Amo, Antonio; Molinari, Guadalupe; Castilla, Diana; Moragrega, Inés; Soler, Carla; Alcañiz, Mariano; Baños, Rosa Maria

2012-01-01

Emotional disorders (Anxiety disorders and Mood disorders) are one of the most common health problems worldwide, and their economic costs are very high. People suffering from emotional disorders often use maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and have low coping behaviour that contributes to the presence of clinical symptoms. For this reason, it is important to develop strategies to monitor coping and promote emotion regulation in people exposed to high levels of stress. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can help us in this task. Recent systematic reviews of literature on evidence-based CBT treatments delivered via the Internet show that these approaches are effective. We have developed an intervention program ICT based: Coping with Stress and Emotion Regulation Program (Smiling is Fun), a self-applied program via the Internet. Smiling is Fun follows a transdiagnostic perspective, and it is based on CBT techniques. However, it also includes other psychological strategies to improve positive mood. The aim of the present work is to describe Smiling is Fun and the study designed to test its efficacy.

OB CITY-Definition of a Family-Based Intervention for Childhood Obesity Supported by Information and Communication Technologies.

PubMed

Hu, Ruofei; Cancela, Jorge; Arredondo Waldmeyer, Maria Teresa; Cea, Gloria; Vlachopapadopoulou, Elpis-Athina; Fotiadis, Dimitrios I; Fico, Giuseppe

2016-01-01

Childhood obesity is becoming one of the 21st century's most important public health problems. Nowadays, the main treatment of childhood obesity is behavior intervention that aims at improve children's lifestyle to arrest the disease. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have not been widely employed in this intervention, and most of existing ICTs systems are not having a long-term effect. The purpose of this paper is to define a system to support family-based intervention through a state-of-the-art analysis of family-based interventions and related technological solutions first, and then using the analytic hierarchy process to derive a childhood obesity family-based behavior intervention model, and finally to provide a prototype of a system called OB CITY. The system makes use of applied behavior analysis, affective computing technologies, as well as serious game and gamification techniques, to offer long term services in all care dimensions of the family-based behavioral intervention aiming to provide positive effects to the treatment of childhood obesity.

Does Response to Induction Chemotherapy Predict Survival for Locally Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer? Secondary Analysis of RTOG 8804/8808

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McAleer, Mary Frances, E-mail: mfmcalee@mdanderson.or; Moughan, Jennifer M.S.; Byhardt, Roger W.

2010-03-01

Purpose: Induction chemotherapy (ICT) improves survival compared with radiotherapy (RT) alone in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (LANSCLC) patients with good prognostic factors. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is superior to ICT followed by RT. The question arises whether ICT response predicts the outcome of patients subsequently treated with CCRT or RT. Methods and Materials: Between 1988 and 1992, 194 LANSCLC patients were treated prospectively with ICT (two cycles of vinblastine and cisplatin) and then CCRT (cisplatin plus 63 Gy for 7 weeks) in the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 8804 trial (n = 30) or ICT and then RT (60 Gy/6 wk)more » on Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 8808 trial (n = 164). Of the 194 patients, 183 were evaluable and 141 had undergone a postinduction assessment. The overall survival (OS) of those with complete remission (CR) or partial remission (PR) was compared with that of patients with stable disease (SD) or progressive disease (PD) after ICT. Results: Of the 141 patients, 6, 30, 99, and 6 had CR, PR, SD, and PD, respectively. The log-rank test showed a significant difference (p <0.0001) in OS when the response groups were compared (CR/PR vs. SD/PD). On univariate and multivariate analyses, a trend was seen toward a response to ICT with OS (p = 0.097 and p = 0.06, respectively). A squamous histologic type was associated with worse OS on univariate and multivariate analyses (p = 0.031 and p = 0.018, respectively). SD/PD plus a squamous histologic type had a hazard ratio of 2.25 vs. CR/PR plus a nonsquamous histologic type (p = 0.007) on covariate analysis. Conclusion: The response to ICT was associated with a significant survival difference when the response groups were compared. A response to ICT showed a trend toward, but was not predictive of, improved OS in LANSCLC patients. Patients with SD/PD after ICT and a squamous histologic type had the poorest OS. These data suggest that patients with squamous LANSCLC might benefit from immediate RT or CCRT.« less

Icariin and its derivative, ICT, exert anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor effects, and modulate myeloid derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) functions.

PubMed

Zhou, Junmin; Wu, Jinfeng; Chen, Xianghong; Fortenbery, Nicole; Eksioglu, Erika; Kodumudi, Krithika N; Pk, Epling-Burnette; Dong, Jingcheng; Djeu, Julie Y; Wei, Sheng

2011-07-01

3, 5,7-trihydroxy-4'-methoxy-8-(3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-flavone (ICT) is a novel derivative of Icariin (ICA), the major active ingredient of Herba Epimedii, a herb used in traditional Chinese and alternative medicine. We previously demonstrated its anti-inflammatory effect in murine innate immune cells and activated human PBMCs. We report herein that ICA or ICT treatment reduces the expression of MRP8/MRP14 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on human PBMCs. Administration of ICA or ICT inhibited tumor growth in 4T1-Neu tumor-bearing mice and considerably decreased MDSC numbers in the spleen of these mice. Further, we saw a restoration of IFN-γ production by CD8+ T cells in tumor bearing mice when treated with ICA or ICT. ICA and ICT significantly decreased the amounts of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in MDSC in vivo. When MDSC were treated in vitro with ICT, we saw a significant reduction in the percent of these cells with concomitant differentiation into dendritic cells and macrophages. Concomitant with this cell type conversion was a down-regulation of IL-10, IL-6 and TNF-α production. Decreased expression of S100A8/9 and inhibition of activation of STAT3 and AKT may in part be responsible for the observed results. In conclusion, our results showed that ICA, and more robustly, ICT, directly modulate MDSC signaling and therefore altered the phenotype and function of these cells, in vitro and in vivo. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Icariin and its derivative, ICT, exert anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor effects, and modulate myeloid derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) functions

PubMed Central

Zhou, Junmin; Wu, Jinfeng; Chen, Xianghong; Fortenbery, Nicole; Eksioglu, Erika; Kodumudi, Krithika N.; Epling- Burnette, Pearlie; Dong, Jingcheng; Djeu, Julie Y.; Wei, Sheng

2011-01-01

3, 5, 7-Trihydroxy-4'-methoxy-8-(3-hydroxy-3- methylbutyl)–flavone (ICT) is a novel derivative of Icariin (ICA), the major active ingredient of Herba Epimedii, a herb used in traditional Chinese and alternative medicine. We previously demonstrated its anti-inflammatory effect in murine innate immune cells and activated human PBMCs. We report herein that ICA or ICT treatment reduces the expression of MRP8/MRP14 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on human PBMCs. Administration of ICA or ICT inhibited tumor growth in 4T1-Neu tumor-bearing mice and considerably decreased MDSC numbers in the spleen of these mice. Further, we saw a restoration of IFN-γ production by CD8+ T cells in tumor bearing mice when treated with ICA or ICT. ICA and ICT significantly decreased the amounts of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in MDSC in vivo. When MDSC were treated in vitro with ICT, we saw a significant reduction in the percent of these cells with concomitant differentiation into dendritic cells and macrophages. Concomitant with this cell type conversion was a down-regulation of IL-10, IL-6 and TNF-α production. Decreased expression of S100A8/9 and inhibition of activation of STAT3 and AKT may in part be responsible for the observed results. In conclusion, our results showed that ICA, and more robustly, ICT, directly modulate MDSC signaling and therefore altered the phenotype and function of these cells, in vitro and in vivo. PMID:21244860

ICT use for information management in healthcare system for chronic disease patient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wawrzyniak, Zbigniew M.; Lisiecka-Biełanowicz, Mira

2013-10-01

Modern healthcare systems are designed to fulfill needs of the patient, his system environment and other determinants of the treatment with proper support of technical aids. A whole system of care is compatible to the technical solutions and organizational framework based on legal rules. The purpose of this study is to present how can we use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systemic tools in a new model of patient-oriented care, improving the effectiveness of healthcare for patients with chronic diseases. The study material is the long-term process of healthcare for patients with chronic illness. Basing on the knowledge of the whole circumstances of patient's ecosystem and his needs allow us to build a new ICT model of long term care. The method used is construction, modeling and constant improvement the efficient ICT layer for the patient-centered healthcare model. We present a new constructive approach to systemic process how to use ICT for information management in healthcare system for chronic disease patient. The use of ICT tools in the model for chronic disease can improve all aspects of data management and communication, and the effectiveness of long-term complex healthcare. In conclusion: ICT based model of healthcare can be constructed basing on the interactions of ecosystem's functional parts through information feedback and the provision of services and models as well as the knowledge of the patient itself. Systematic approach to the model of long term healthcare assisted functionally by ICT tools and data management methods will increase the effectiveness of patient care and organizational efficiency.

The integration of information and communication technology into community pharmacists practice in Barcelona.

PubMed

Lupiáñez-Villanueva, Francisco; Hardey, Michael; Lluch, Maria

2014-03-01

The study aims to identify community pharmacists' (CPs) utilization of information and communication technology (ICT); to develop and characterize a typology of CPs' utilization of ICT and to identify factors that can enhance or inhibit the use of these technologies. An online survey of the 7649 members of the Pharmacist Association of Barcelona who had a registered email account in 2006 was carried out. Factor analysis, cluster analysis and binomial logit modelling were undertaken. Multivariate analysis of the CPs' responses to the survey (648) revealed two profiles of adoption of ICT. The first profile (40.75%) represents those CPs who place high emphasis on ICT within their practice. This group is therefore referred to as 'integrated CPs'. The second profile (59.25%) represents those CPs who make less use of ICT and so are consequently labelled 'non-integrated CPs'. Statistical modelling was used to identify variables that were important in predisposing CPs to integrate ICT with their work. From the analysis it is evident that responses to questions relating to 'recommend patients going on line for health information'; 'patients discuss or share their Internet health information findings'; 'emphasis on the Internet for communication and dissemination' and 'Pharmacists Professional Association information' play a positive and significant role in the probability of being an 'integrated CP'. The integration of ICT within CPs' practices cannot be adequately understood and appreciated without examining how CPs are making use of ICT within their own practice, their organizational context and the nature of the pharmacists-client relationship.

Information and communication technology use in asthmatic patients: a cross-sectional study in Latin America.

PubMed

Calderón, Juan; Cherrez, Annia; Ramón, Germán Darío; Lopez Jove, Orlando; Baptist, Alan; Matos, Edgar; Morfín Maciel, Blanca; Calero, Erick; Sanchez-Borges, Mario; Cherrez, Sofia; Simancas-Racines, Daniel; Cherrez Ojeda, Ivan

2017-07-01

Rapid diffusion, low cost and broad availability of information and communication technologies (ICTs) make them an attractive platform for managing care, communication and interventions in asthma. There is little information in Latin America about usage frequency of ICTs in asthmatic patients. The analysis undertaken consisted of an observational, cross-sectional study that aimed to identify the frequency and type of ICTs most often used by asthmatics. The Spanish version of the Michigan questionnaire was employed in five Latin American countries. Age and educational level was categorised. Logistic regression was performed among these groups concerning the frequency of ICT usage and the level of interest shown in seeking and receiving information about asthma. In total, 673 asthma patients were surveyed. The mean age was 43.44 years. Over two-thirds of the participants were female (68.4%). The most used ICT was the short message service (SMS) (69.9%). SMS and E-mail are useful tools for communicating ( i.e. receiving and seeking information) with all asthma patients, irrespective of their age. WhatsApp (61.5%) and Facebook (32.0%) were rated as being the most interesting channels of communication for receiving information. Regression analysis showed that younger asthmatics and asthmatics with higher educational levels were most likely to use almost all forms of ICTs. ICTs are generally an attractive platform for managing care, communication and interventions to improve asthma care. SMS and E-mail were found to be the preferred ICT forms among users. However, social media forms such as WhatsApp and Facebook may also be appropriate for certain types of patient.

Social Scripts in Educational Technology and Inclusiveness in Classroom Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heemskerk, Irma; Volman, Monique; ten Dam, Geert; Admiraal, Wilfried

2011-01-01

Educational Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can be an appropriate tool for creating flexible learning environments. ICT can contribute to flexibility through its potential to keep content up-to-date and to address personal learning needs. ICT could, thus, make learning more accessible to a wider group of students. However, doing…

Uncovering Reading Habits of University Students in Uganda: Does ICT Matter?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mlay, Samali V.; Sabi, Humphrey M.; Tsuma, Clive K.; Langmia, Kehbuma

2015-01-01

This paper investigates how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can improve reading habits among university students. We also investigated the influence of home culture, school culture and disposable income on reading habit. Our main objective was to assess the effect of ICT on the reading habit of particularly university students in…

Secondary School Socio-Cultural Context Influencing ICT Integration: A Case Study Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Divaharan, Shanti; Ping, Lim Cher

2010-01-01

This paper proposes the use of activity theory and multi-level activity systems as a framework to analyse the effectiveness of ICT integration in Singapore secondary school classrooms. Three levels of activity systems are developed to study the effectiveness of ICT integration at the classroom: the classroom activity system, the department…

Identifying Influencers in High School Student ICT Career Choice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Babin, Ron; Grant, Kenneth A.; Sawal, Lea

2010-01-01

This paper examines the role of influencers in Canadian high school student decisions to pursue Information and Communications Technology (ICT) careers and education. With growing rates of retirements of ICT workers expected over the next 10-15 years, industry representatives are concerned that the shortfall in replacement workers will have a…

Enhancing ICT Competency for Teachers in the Thailand Basic Education System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Akarawang, Chaiya; Kidrakran, Pachoen; Nuangchalerm, Prasart

2015-01-01

Information and communications technologies (ICT) competency has been identified as a deficiency in teacher training in the basic education system of Thailand. This research aimed to study needs and training for enhancing ICT competency. Some 377 teachers from 35 schools and 12 school directors, supervisors and professional teachers were surveyed…

From ICT Coordination to ICT Integration: A Longitudinal Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tondeur, J.; Cooper, M.; Newhouse, C. P.

2010-01-01

This study utilizes a school-improvement perspective to examine the role of curriculum coordination in the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) into primary schools. The nature and impact of this role is examined in seven primary schools in Australia. These seven schools were drawn from a longitudinal intervention that…

Promoting Pro-Environmental Printing Behavior: The Role of ICT Barriers and Sustainable Values

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Suleri, Javed; Cavagnaro, Elena

2016-01-01

This study aims to explore how to reduce printing at elementary schools through strengthening both the effective use of ICT and pro-environmental values. Literature review is presented in themes--ICT barriers (fears, knowledge, skills and time), demographic, printing behavior and sustainable values (egoistic, hedonic, prosocial & biospheric).…

Teachers' ICT and Problem-Solving Skills: Competencies and Needs. Education Indicators in Focus. No. 40

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

OECD Publishing, 2016

2016-01-01

The education sector performs well for information and communication technology (ICT) and problem-solving skills, although it still lags behind the professional, scientific and technical activities sector. Primary and secondary teachers have better ICT and problem-solving skills than the general population, and similar skills to other…

Leadership Challenges in the Implementation of ICT in Public Secondary Schools, Kenya

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mingaine, Laaria

2013-01-01

Many authors argue that school leadership determines how Information Communication Technology (ICT) is implemented and its subsequent impact on teaching and learning. This involves Principal as a school leader to lead in implementation. A positive attitude of school leader towards implementation of ICT will encourage the school community to be…

Designing ICT Training Material for Chinese Language Arts Teachers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lin, Janet Mei-Chuen; Wu, Cheng-Chih; Chen, Hsiu-Yen

The purpose of this research is to tailor the design of information and communications technology (ICT) training material to the needs of Chinese language arts teachers such that the training they receive will be conducive to effective integration of ICT into instruction. Eighteen experienced teachers participated in a Delphi-like survey that…

Teaching Secondary Mathematics with ICT. Learning & Teaching with ICT

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnston-Wilder, Sue; Pimm, David

2004-01-01

This book shows the reader how to use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) effectively to enhance the teaching of mathematics in the secondary school. It explains which forms of technology can be used to improve mathematics teaching and learning, how to get started and where to go for further information. The book includes practical…

Promoting Global Citizenship through ICT: Ukrainian High School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yukhymenko, Mariya A.; Brown, Scott W.

2009-01-01

Information is one of the important assets in today's society. Information and communication technologies (ICT) may be particularly important for students as one of the tools shaping global citizens. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of ICT by high school students (n=122) from a developing country, like Ukraine. The…

An Activity Theory Approach to Research of ICT Integration in Singapore Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lim, Cher Ping; Hang, David

2003-01-01

This paper explains how activity theory is used as a framework to study the information and communication technologies (ICT) integration processes in Singapore schools, both from the sociocultural and pedagogical perspectives. The research study addresses the pertinent question of "How has ICT been integrated in Singapore schools such that…

Measuring the Impacts of ICT Using Official Statistics. OECD Digital Economy Papers, No. 136

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Sheridan

2008-01-01

This paper describes the findings of an OECD project examining ICT impact measurement and analyses based on official statistics. Both economic and social impacts are covered and some results are presented. It attempts to place ICT impacts measurement into an Information Society conceptual framework, provides some suggestions for standardising…

Improving Students' Revision of Physics Concepts through ICT-Based Co-Construction and Prescriptive Tutoring

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Soong, Benson; Mercer, Neil

2011-01-01

In this paper, we describe and discuss an information and communication technology (ICT)-based intervention designed to improve secondary school students' "revision" (in contrast to "learning") of physics concepts. We show that students' engagement in joint activities via our ICT-based intervention can provide them (and their…

The Socio-Economic Dimensions of ICT-Driven Educational Change

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muller, Jorg; Sancho Gil, Juana M.; Hernandez, Fernando; Giro, Xavier; Bosco, Alejandra

2007-01-01

This paper analyses the varied socio-economic implications of ICT-based educational change. Drawing from a rich, 3-year long research project with 20 secondary schools throughout Europe, the social, human, professional, institutional, and economic costs for building the school of tomorrow in close alliance with ICT are discussed. The aim of this…

Software for the Synergistic Integration of Science with ICT Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wu, Zhengyu; Glaser, Rainer E.

2004-01-01

The realization of information and communication technology (ICT) literacy is a global and complex objective. It has been argued that it cannot be accomplished by single-focused, stand-alone curricula. Instead, it has been recommended that ICT education be integrated into the instruction of other disciplines to effectively promote technical…

A Study on Science Teachers' Attitudes Toward Information and Communications Technologies in Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cavas, Bulent; Cavas, Pinar; Karaoglan, Bahar; Kisla, Tarik

2009-01-01

Integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) into education has been an important concern in many countries. Recently, Turkish Ministry of Education has also done great efforts and major financial investments to implement ICT into teaching and learning environments. However, as in many developing countries, ICT tools are…

Introducing ICT in Schools in England: Rationale and Consequences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hammond, Michael

2014-01-01

This paper provides a critical perspective on the attempts to promote the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in teaching and learning in England. It describes the rationale given for the introduction of ICT in terms of its potential to impact on educational standards to contribute to developing a curriculum which has more…

Preservice Teachers Experience with Online Modules about TPACK

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Bruce; Geer, Ruth

2013-01-01

Despite the fact that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is valued as a tool for learning, the modelling for preservice teachers of ICT integration in the curriculum areas is often limited. In the recently approved AITSL standards for Initial Teacher Education Programs, knowledge of ICTs is explicitly mentioned in three of the…

Investigating Teacher Perceptions of Teaching ICT in Wales

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barnes, Jan; Kennewell, Steve

2017-01-01

Regardless of what is intended by government curriculum specifications and advised by educational experts, the ICT competencies or skills taught and learned in and out of classrooms can vary considerably. In this paper, we explore how we can investigate the perceptions that individual teachers have of ICT as a subject, and how these and other…

Let's Get the Show on the Road!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oldknow, Adrian

2006-01-01

Over the last three years the Government strategy on ICT in education has been refocused on getting ICT embedded in subject teaching. The DfES has been working closely with subject professional associations such as ATM and the Mathematical Association (MA) to help with this objective. In November 2004, the Department's ICT in Schools Division (now…

75 FR 47302 - Notice of FERC Attendance at the Entergy Regional State Committee Meeting, Entergy ICT...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-05

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Notice of FERC Attendance at the Entergy Regional State Committee Meeting, Entergy ICT Tranmission Planning Summit and Entergy SPP RTO Planning... Orleans, 500 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, 504-525-2500. Entergy ICT Transmission Planning Summit...

Implementing Small Scale ICT Projects in Developing Countries--How Challenging Is It?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karunaratne, Thashmee; Peiris, Colombage; Hansson, Henrik

2018-01-01

This paper summarises experiences of efforts made by twenty individuals when implementing small-scale ICT development projects in their organizations located in seven developing countries. The main focus of these projects was the use of ICT in educational settings. Challenges encountered and the contributing factors for implementation success of…

Musical Exploration Using ICT in the Middle and Secondary School Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ward, Christopher J.

2009-01-01

In this article, I explore musical creativity through Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This article aims to show that secondary school pupils can compose freely using ICT in the classroom, easing and "democratizing" the creative process, enabling a high standard for all, regardless of formal musical training. The fieldwork…

Investigating Underlying Components of the ICT Indicators Measurement Scale: The Extended Version

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Akbulut, Yavuz

2009-01-01

This study aimed to investigate the underlying components constituting the extended version of the ICT Indicators Measurement Scale (ICTIMS), which was developed in 2007, and extended in the current study through the addition of 34 items. New items addressing successful ICT integration at education faculties were identified through the examination…

Knowledge Maps for E-Literacy in ICT-Rich Learning Environments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taha, Ahmed

2005-01-01

The Web-based information and communication technology (w-ICT) has become a powerful means for delivery and dissemination of digitised information among the emerging virtual learning and business communities. The w-ICT has engendered a growing cybersphere paradigm to accommodate a huge mass of e-resources cast over the Web. Such abundance of…

Classroom ICT Integration in Tanzania: Opportunities and Challenges from the Perspectives of TPACK and SAMR Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kihoza, Patrick; Zlotnikova, Irina; Bada, Joseph; Kalegele, Khamisi

2016-01-01

With the education systems demand of contemporary technologies, teacher trainees should be imparted with competencies and skills to integrate information and communication technology (ICT) into their future teaching and learning practices. This study assessed classroom ICTs integration opportunities and the challenges in relation to Technological…

Educator Discourses on ICT in Education: A Critical Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bladergroen, Moira; Chigona, Wallace; Bytheway, Andy; Cox, Sanet; Dumas, Chris; van Zyl, Izak

2012-01-01

This paper presents a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of Primary School Educators' dialogue on the use of ICT in an under-resourced schooling context. Educators play a pivotal role in the education system. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) interventions in schools will be effective only if educators are willing and able to…

The Value of ICT from a Learning Game-Playing Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McNeill, Michael C.; Fry, Joan M.

2012-01-01

This study evaluated an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) case study in physical education teacher education from a student perspective. Action research evaluated the impact of a range of ICT options on student teachers' learning to play as well as learning to teach games in a secondary school context. Although multiple media were…

Preschool Teachers' Use of ICTs: Towards a Typology of Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Masoumi, Davoud

2015-01-01

This study aimed to identify the ways in which information and communication technologies (ICT) are integrated in three preschools in south-western Sweden. The case study involved observations of and interviews with preschool teachers. The findings support claims that ICT can enhance preschool practices by providing a variety of complementary…

Towards ICT in Everyday Life in Finnish Schools: Seeking Conditions for Good Practices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Niemi, Hannele; Kynaslahti, Heikki; Vahtivuori-Hanninen, Sanna

2013-01-01

The article discusses how to strengthen educational use of information and communication technology (ICT) in Finnish schools. The conceptions and experiences of the successful integration of ICT in everyday school settings are reported. Participant observations in 20 schools in different parts of Finland were carried out, including discussions…

Generic ICT Skills Profiles: Future Skills for Tomorrow's World.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

International Co-operation Europe Ltd. (ICEL), Brussels, Belgium.

This document describes generic skills profiles relevant to key jobs in information and communications technology (ICT). The profiles cover the main job areas for which the ICT industry is experiencing skills shortages. These types of information are provided for 18 generic job profiles: job description (vision, role, lifestyle); examples of job…

Ethical Judgments and Behaviors: Applying a Multidimensional Ethics Scale to Measuring ICT Ethics of College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jung, Insung

2009-01-01

Assuming that ICT ethics are influenced by both moral and circumstantial factors, the study investigates Japanese college students' ethical judgments and behavioral intentions in three scenarios involving ICT-related ethical problems and explores why they make such decisions, relying on five moral philosophies: moral equity, relativism,…

National Assessment Program--ICT Literacy Years 6 & 10 Report, 2008

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ainley, John; Fraillon, Julian; Freeman, Chris

2010-01-01

Australia's national educational goals place considerable importance on the place of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in education. The Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians of December 2008 asserted that "in this digital age young people need to be highly skilled in the use of ICT" (MCEETYA,…

Teaching and Learning with Technology: Effectiveness of ICT Integration in Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ghavifekr, Simin; Rosdy, Wan Athirah Wan

2015-01-01

Integration of Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) will assist teachers to the global requirement to replace traditional teaching methods with a technology-based teaching and learning tools and facilities. In Malaysia, ICT is considered as one of the main elements in transforming the country to the future development. The Ministry of…

Staff Turnover in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Sector in South Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mavuso Mda, Adele

2010-01-01

This dissertation presents two frameworks of what drives the ICT workers' decisions to terminate their employment with their employers, using in-depth interviewing of 38 ICT participants in different industry sectors in South Africa. The findings show external labor markets (ELMs) and internal labor markets (ILM) turnover factor across information…

Career Adaptability and Intention to Leave among ICT Professionals: An Exploratory Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Omar, Safiah; Noordin, Fauziah

2013-01-01

Adaptability was found to be one of the important aspects for employees in order for them to survive in their career especially to those in the ICT industry. The ICT work nature involved with consistent work changes, intensive creative thinking, and advanced technological upgrading. Although organizations supposed to encourage career adaptability…

ICT in EFL: The Global Effect of New Technologies in the Language Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Papadima-Sophocleous, Salomi; Giannikas, Christina Nicole; Kakoulli-Constantinou, Elis

2014-01-01

Research studies conducted around the globe have shown that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can lead to increased student learning and improved teaching methods. ICT's growth has brought about numerous changes to the education world, making the technological revolution that is happening around us impossible to disregard. Although…

Designing ICT-Enhanced Language Programmes: Academic Writing for Postgraduate Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stepanek, Libor; Hradilova, Alena

2013-01-01

This paper presents a case study of a course on academic writing for postgraduate studies within a collaborative and interactive information and communication technologies (ICT) based language-learning setting. It describes the structure of an academic writing course for PhD students, focusing on three ICT-enhanced course activities: collaborative…

The Application of 21st Century ICT Literacy Model among Teacher Trainees

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahmad, Mazalah; Badusah, Jamaludin; Mansor, Ahmad Zamri; Abdul Karim, Aidah; Khalid, Fariza; Daud, Mohd Yusof; Din, Rosseni; Zulkefle, Diana Fazleen

2016-01-01

Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE) plans to utilize ICT in improving the quality of learning in Malaysia. This aspiration is clearly stated in Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013-2015. Hence, teaching profession of today has demanded teachers to acquire certain ICT skills as a way of exploring, discovering and accessing information besides…

Designing a Model for Integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the Iranian Agricultural Research System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sharifzadeh, Aboulqasem; Abdollahzadeh, Gholam Hossein; Sharifi, Mahnoosh

2009-01-01

Capacity Development is needed in the Iranian Agricultural System. Integrating Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the agricultural research system is an appropriate capacity development mechanism. The appropriate application of ICTs and information such as a National Agricultural Information System requires a systemically…

Ready, Steady … Pause: Integrating ICT into Shanghai Preschools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dong, Chuanmei; Newman, Linda

2016-01-01

Western research over the last decade has shown that early childhood (EC) teachers' perspectives on the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the early years strongly shape young children's experiences in educational settings and affect the integration of ICT into the classroom. The research in China is scant however. This…

Three Essays on the Role of Information and Communication Technologies in Organizations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ada, Serkan

2011-01-01

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have an essential role in today's organizations and ever-changing dynamic environments. ICT has substantial tangible and intangible impact on organizations not only in usual environments, but also in extreme environments. This dissertation is composed of three essays on the impact of ICT in…

The ICT Centre Model in Andalusia (Spain): Results of a Resolute Educational Policy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aguaded, J. Ignacio; Fandos, M.; Perez, M. Amor

2009-01-01

This paper displays some results from research carried out in Andalusia (Spain) to evaluate the impact of the educational innovation policy developed by the regional government through widely introducing Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in primary and secondary schools (ICT Centres). Specifically, it analysed the effect of the…

The Impact of ICT Use on New Millennium Learners' Educational Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kang, Myunghee; Heo, Heeok; Kim, Minjeong

2011-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) use on the educational performance of new millennium learners (NMLs). Even though many factors might influence individual performance besides ICT use itself, the research focus was on the relationship between the behavioral patterns of…

ICT Teachers' Assigned Roles and Expectations from Them

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Topu, Fatma Burcu; Goktas, Yuksel

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to provide a better understanding of ICT teachers' assigned position and to determine school administrators' and other teachers' perceptions towards ICT teachers and these teachers' positions, and to reveal the similar and discrepant aspects of their tertiary education and the roles (work and responsibilities) assigned to…

Saudi Teachers' Perceptions of ICT Implementation for Student with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Mainstream Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alotaibi, Faihan; Almalki, Nabil

2016-01-01

This study aimed at examining Saudi Teachers' Perceptions of ICT Implementation for Student with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Mainstream Schools. Studies have shown that the use of ICT can improve learning activities of students' with autism through improved communication, better interactions and enhanced skills. However, the perceptions of…

A Framework for Information and Communication Technology Integration in Schools through Teacher Professional Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Niekerk, Molly; Blignaut, Seugnet

2014-01-01

The demands of the twenty-first century require effective and sustainable use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in education. Various ICT strategies and initiatives across South Africa have not resulted in system-wide, sustainable ICT integration in schools. Although the roles of principals are acknowledged in educational…

Journalists in the Age of ICTs: Work Demands and Educational Needs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Veglis, Andreas; Pomportsis, Andreas

2014-01-01

This paper discusses in detail the issue of journalists' usage of information and communication technologies (ICTs). More precisely, it proposes a model describing the information space available for journalists. It also describes thoroughly the necessary ICT skills that a journalist must possess to cope successfully with the work demands. A…

The Sub-Culture of Music and ICT in the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gall, Marina; Breeze, Nick

2007-01-01

In this paper the authors utilise findings from the Economic and Social Research Council-funded InterActive Education project to present a characterisation of the sub-culture of school music with Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in England. They consider the opportunities and challenges ICT presents to the teaching of primary (ages…

The Developments of ICT and the Need for Blended Learning in Saudi Arabia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alzahrani, Majed Gharmallah

2017-01-01

The provision of information and communication technology (ICT) to academic staff and university students is critical in order to offer them more effective learning environments. Investigating the current status of the developments of ICT may help decision makers and academic staff to employ them successfully by overcoming the needs and…

The Use of ICT in Kindergarten for Teaching Addition Based on Realistic Mathematics Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zaranis, Nicholas

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study is to investigate if information and communications technology (ICT) helps improve kindergarten students' basic mathematical achievement regarding addition. Our research compares the level of mathematical competence of the students taught using our ICT oriented learning method which specifically takes advantage of…

Using ICT for Education and Sustainable Development among the Underserved in Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kwapong, Olivia A. T. Frimpong

2009-01-01

The potential of ICT for education and sustainable development cannot be underestimated. Using cases from some African countries and data from deprived regions in Ghana, this paper discusses the opportunities and challenges in ICT for education and sustainable development in underserved areas in Africa. Much as infrastructural development,…

Application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Health Information Access and Dissemination in Uganda

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Omona, Walter; Ikoja-Odongo, Robert

2006-01-01

This paper reports on a study which assessed the application of information and communication technologies (ICT) in health information access and dissemination in Uganda. The project focused not only on information obtainable through libraries for research, teaching, learning and practice, but also on ICT applications concerned with the…

MAGDAIRE: A Model to Foster Pre-Service Teachers' Ability in Integrating ICT and Teaching in Taiwan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chang, Chun-Yen; Chien, Yu-Ta; Chang, Yueh-Hsia; Lin, Chen-Yung

2012-01-01

This report describes our efforts in fostering Taiwanese pre-service teachers' ability to integrate information and communication technology (ICT) and teaching. The current state of science teacher education and ICT policies in Taiwan are documented briefly. The course model, MAGDAIRE (abbreviated from Modeled Analysis, Guided Development,…

The Technology Transfer of the ICT Curriculum in Taiwan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huang, Teng

2015-01-01

Focusing on the process of "technology transfer", this paper aims to critically examine the production and usage of the information and communication technology (ICT) curriculum, and discusses its possibilities. It is found that the goals in both of the two stages of the ICT curriculum in Taiwan were rather "rhetorical". Three…

Mathematics Teachers' Use of Information and Communication Technologies: An International Comparison

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kiru, Elisheba W.

2018-01-01

There is an urgent need to understand how often teachers use information and communication technologies (ICT) in mathematics instruction. This information can provide vital links that can help stakeholders make connections about ICT use in mathematics instruction and student learning experiences with ICT. Scholars in the field have reported on the…

Effects of ICT Integration in Management of Private Secondary Schools in Nairobi County, Kenya: Policy Options and Practices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oyier, Charles Richard; Odundo, Paul Amollo; Lilian, Ganira Khavugwi; Wangui, Kahiga Ruth

2015-01-01

The convergence between telecommunication, broadcasting multimedia and related technologies commonly known as Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), promises a fundamental change in educational management. ICT could be the missing tool in improving efficiency of private secondary schools to cope with rapidly changing world to…

"Media Mediators": Advocating an Alternate Paradigm for Critical Adult Education ICT Policy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Remtulla, Karim A.

2010-01-01

This article explores the efficacy of current education program approaches to prepare instructors to achieve critical thinking and active learning from their students by integrating ICTs with traditional adult education practices. An argument is put forward that the increasing presence and influence of ICTs in education necessitates a paradigmatic…

An Intensive ICT-Integrated Environmental Learning Strategy for Enhancing Student Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Su, King-Dow

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study is to design information communication technology (ICT) courses related to experimental chemistry for junior college freshmen (aged from 16 to 18), entitled "ICT-integrated environmental learning", and to assess the learning performance of these students after completing the courses. This study adopts a quasi-experimental…

Interchange 63: The Impact of Information and Communications Technology Initiatives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scottish Executive Education Dept., Edinburgh.

This document reports the results of a study that assessed the effects of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) on students' skills and knowledge. The study analyzes the effect of using ICT on students' skills, motivation, and attitudes, and describes teachers' experiences with and views on the potential of ICT. (YDS)

Development of the ICT Sector and Urban Competitiveness: The Case of Dubai

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keivani, Ramin; Parsa, Ali; Younis, Bassem

2003-01-01

The one common thread in all studies of globalization is the role of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in facilitating the advanced producer service, production, innovation, and knowledge function that have come to characterize the urban condition at the heart of this process. ICTs provide the instantaneous and real-time…

A Review of Information and Communication Technology Enhanced Social Work Interventions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chan, Chitat; Holosko, Michael J.

2016-01-01

Objectives: Information and communications technology (ICT) has impacted almost all human service disciplines and currently is evolving in social work. This study provides a systematic review of ICT-enhanced social work interventions, with particular reference to their intervention fidelity (IF), validity, and the role of ICT in the helping…

Introducing ICT into Schools in Rwanda: Educational Challenges and Opportunities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rubagiza, Jolly; Were, Edmond; Sutherland, Rosamund

2011-01-01

The Rwandan government views Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a key tool for transforming the economy, with the education sector playing an important role in developing the necessary human resources. Since 2000 there has been a big push to introduce computers into schools and integrate ICT into the education curriculum through a…

Looking at Algorithm Visualization through the Eyes of Pre-Service ICT Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saltan, Fatih

2016-01-01

The study investigated pre-service ICT teachers' perceptions of algorithm visualization (AV) with regard to appropriateness of teaching levels and contribution to learning and motivation. In order to achieve this aim, a qualitative case study was carried out. The participants consisted of 218 pre-service ICT teachers from four different…

National Assessment Program--ICT Literacy Years 6 & 10 School Assessment Exemplars, 2005

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (NJ1), 2005

2005-01-01

In 2005, the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA) conducted an assessment of Year 6 and Year 10 students across Australia to assess their proficiency in ICT literacy. The 2005 ICT literacy assessment instrument consisted of seven discrete thematic modules. One module, the General Skills Test, included…

Preparing ICT Graduates for Real-World Challenges: Results of a Meta-Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anicic, Katarina Pažur; Divjak, Blaženka; Arbanas, Krunoslav

2017-01-01

The information and communications technology (ICT) industry is making important contributions to economic growth both locally and globally. There is a high demand for ICT professionals that higher education institutions are still struggling to meet. An effective literature review is an important part of understanding the existing findings and…

Learning Styles of ICT Specialisation Students: Do Differences in Disciplines Exist?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Salas, Kristy; Lewis, Ian; Dermoudy, Julian

2014-01-01

Within existing ICT degrees there is a widely-held belief that content must be tailored for different "kinds" of students--often two differing student groups: a technical group requiring detailed Computer Science knowledge and a separate group requiring less technical, more strategic ICT knowledge and skills. Our institution has produced…

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Nigeria Educational Assessment System--Emerging Challenges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aworanti, Olatunde Awotokun

2016-01-01

This paper examines Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Nigeria educational assessment system with its emerging challenges. This is inevitable following the globalisation trend which has brought drastic changes in the world of technology. The essence of the paper is to describe the present status of ICT in the Nigeria educational…

The role of ethics in data governance of large neuro-ICT projects.

PubMed

Stahl, Bernd Carsten; Rainey, Stephen; Harris, Emma; Fothergill, B Tyr

2018-05-14

We describe current practices of ethics-related data governance in large neuro-ICT projects, identify gaps in current practice, and put forward recommendations on how to collaborate ethically in complex regulatory and normative contexts. We undertake a survey of published principles of data governance of large neuro-ICT projects. This grounds an approach to a normative analysis of current data governance approaches. Several ethical issues are well covered in the data governance policies of neuro-ICT projects, notably data protection and attribution of work. Projects use a set of similar policies to ensure users behave appropriately. However, many ethical issues are not covered at all. Implementation and enforcement of policies remain vague. The data governance policies we investigated indicate that the neuro-ICT research community is currently close-knit and that shared assumptions are reflected in infrastructural aspects. This explains why many ethical issues are not explicitly included in data governance policies at present. With neuro-ICT research growing in scale, scope, and international involvement, these shared assumptions should be made explicit and reflected in data governance.

Use of information and communication technology amongst New Zealand dental students.

PubMed

Cox, S; Pollock, D; Rountree, J; Murray, C M

2016-08-01

Although international studies have shown an increasing use of information and communication technology (ICT) amongst dental students, there are no published studies specific to New Zealand (NZ). The aim of this research was to identify device ownership and academic utilisation patterns amongst New Zealand dental students, including preferences and perceptions, and barriers to use. All currently enrolled dental students (322) were invited to complete a 15-item questionnaire. Data were statistically analysed in SPSS version 20.0. Qualitative data were analysed using a general inductive technique. The participation rate was 78.6% (N = 253 of 322). The majority of respondents personally owned laptop computers (98%) and smartphones (80.2%). A total of 10.8% of participants used a desktop computer everyday for academic purposes, whilst 78.7% used a laptop computer daily, and 54.7% a smartphone. New Zealand dental students demonstrated a high usage of ICT for their coursework with varied use of different online resources. The most frequently used online resources were search engines, social networking sites and lecture slides provided on Blackboard(®) . A high perceived value was placed on both audio podcasts and video podcasts despite the high value also placed on the traditional lectures. Although most participants (84.5%) felt that their ICT knowledge was adequate to meet academic requirements, a small number (1.6%) did not agree. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Integration of ICT Methods for Teaching Science and Astronomy to Students and Teachers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Sumit; Chary, Naveen; Raghavender, G.; Aslam, Syed

All children start out as scientist, full of curiosity and questions about the world, but schools eventually destroy their curiosity. In an effective teaching and learning process, the most challenging task is to motivate the students. As the science subjects are more abstract and complex, the job of teachers become even more daunting. We have devised an innovative idea of integrating ICT methods for teaching space science to students and teachers. In a third world country like India, practical demonstrations are given less importance and much emphasis is on theoretical aspects. Even the teachers are not trained or aware of the basic concepts. With the intention of providing the students and as well as the teachers more practical, real-time situations, we have incorporated innovative techniques like video presentation, animations, experimental models, do-yourself-kits etc. In addition to these we provide hands on experience on some scientific instruments like telescope, Laser. ICT has the potential to teach complex science topics to students and teachers in a safe environment and cost effective manner. The students are provided with a sense of adventure, wherein now they can manipulate parameters, contexts and environment and can try different scenarios and in the process they not only learn science but also the content and also the reasoning behind the content. The response we have obtained is very encouraging and students as well as teachers have acknowledged that they have learnt new things, which up to now they were ignorant of.

Exploring hydrophobic subdomain IIA of the protein bovine serum albumin in the native, intermediate, unfolded, and refolded states by a small fluorescence molecular reporter.

PubMed

Paul, Bijan Kumar; Samanta, Anuva; Guchhait, Nikhil

2010-05-13

A simple intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) compound, 5-(4-dimethylamino-phenyl)-penta-2,4-dienoic acid methyl ester (DPDAME), has been documented to be a potential molecular reporter for probing microheterogeneous environments of a model transport protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) using spectroscopic techniques. Meteoric modifications to the emission profile of DPDAME upon addition of BSA come out to be a result of its binding to hydrophobic subdomain IIA. The highly polarity-sensitive ICT emission of DPDAME is found to be a proficient extrinsic molecular reporter for efficient mapping of native, intermediate, unfolded, and refolded states of the protein. Experimental data coupled with a reinforcing support from theoretical simulation using CHARMM22 software confirm the binding site of the probe to be the subdomain IIA of BSA, while FRET study reveals a remarkably close approach of our extrinsic molecular reporter to Trp-212 (in domain IIA): the distance between DPDAME and Trp-212 is 1.437 nm. The caliber of DPDAME as an external fluorescence marker also extends to the depiction of protein-surfactant (BSA-SDS) interaction to commendable fruition. Additionally, the protective action of small amounts of SDS on urea-denatured protein is documented by polarity-sensitive ICT emission of the probe. The present study also reflects the enhancement of the stability of BSA with respect to chemically induced denaturation by urea as a result of binding to the probe DPDAME.

IT Knowledge Requirements Identification in Organizational Networks: Cooperation Between Industrial Organizations and Universities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rudzajs, Peteris; Kirikova, Marite

ICT professionals face rapid technology development, changes in design paradigms, methodologies, approaches, and cooperation patterns. These changes impact relationships between universities that teach ICT disciplines and industrial organizations that develop and use ICT-based products. The required knowledge and skills of university graduates depend mainly on the current industrial situation; therefore the university graduates have to meet industry requirements which are stated at the time point of their graduation, not at the start of their studies. Continuous cooperation between universities and industrial organizations is needed to identify a time and situation-dependent set of knowledge requirements, which lead to situation aware, industry acknowledged, balanced and productive ICT study programs. This chapter proposes information systems solutions supporting cooperation between the university and the industrial organizations with respect to curriculum development in ICT area.

The Use of ICT to Support Perpetual Undergraduate Students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahayu, N. W.; Huda, S. N.

2017-03-01

Perpetual students are problematic, both for campus and for themselves. Inefficient student management could lead to bad lecturer: students’ ratio and cause complicated problem for students and parents. This paper describes ICT used by an Informatics department of a big private university in Indonesia to help 203 perpetual undergraduate students finishing their study in a short time. Lengths of study are varying from 7 until 15 years and most of them suffered from some compulsory credits and mandatory internship project. We observed wide-range of ICT used for data management and communication during the beginning, middle and the end of periods. Success rate of finding perpetual students and producing graduates are almost 70%, but this percentage could be higher if we maximize ICT use. Information sharing type, social media, privacy and patience become important issues related with the use of ICT.

Geographic Mapping of Use and Knowledge of the Existence of Projects or ICT-Based Devices in Dementia Care.

PubMed

Zacharopoulou, Vassiliki; Zarakovitis, Dimitrios; Zacharopoulou, Georgia; Tsaloukidis, Nikolaos; Lazakidou, Athina

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study is to investigate the knowledge and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) from community-based patients, while the results were visualized on maps by using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Of the 779 participants, 37.4% of the patients responded that they were aware of the availability of ICTs available for dementia, with only 9.2% responding that they were using individual devices. It was apparent that 94.7% of those with a university education had knowledge of ICT and 47.4% of them did use, unlike patients with lower levels of education. In conclusion, based on a small sample of the Greek population, the knowledge and use of ICTs is still on a limited scale and mainly concerns patients with high socioeconomic status.

[Evaluation of ICT malaria immunochromatographic Binax NOW ICT P.f/P.v test for rapid diagnosis of malaria in a Colombian endemic area].

PubMed

Pabón, Adriana; Alvarez, Gonzalo; Yánez, Jorge; Céspedes, Carlos; Rodríguez, Yensa; Restrepo, Angela; Blair, Silvia

2007-06-01

One of the strategies to reduce malarial morbidity and mortality is to make an early diagnosis, using simple rapid tests which are highly sensitive and specific. Furthermore, the tests must be easy to perform and understand by local people in such a way that a suitable and prompt antimalarial treatment is guaranteed. The sensitivity and specificity was determined for the immuno-chromographic malaria dipstick (ICT Pf/Pv) test for the rapid diagnosis of malaria in Turbo, Antioquia. The sample consisted of 171 patients distributed into two groups: the first group was 118 patients with acute febrile syndrome compatible with malaria to which ICT Pf/Pv and thick smears were applied simultaneously; a second group was 53 patients with positive diagnosis by thick smear, with follow-up on the 4th and 7th days after beginning treatment. Sensitivity and specificity of the ICT Pf/Pv test for Plasmodium falciparum infections were 54.2% (95%CI: 52.0-53.4%) and 93.6% (95%CI: 93.1-94.2%), respectively. In addition, for Plasmodium vivax the sensitivity and specificity were 80% (95%CI: 77.9-82.1%) and 100% (95%CI: 99.5-100%); there was a 21.4% loss of sensitivity for P. falciparum 21.4% and a 33% loss for P. vivax malaria with parasitaemias under 500 parasites/ul. For the confirmatory test, ICT Pf/Pv showed a global sensitivity of 71.6% with 20.7% false positive and 5.6% false negative results. During follow-up, ICT showed 36% and 34% false positive results for day 4 and 7, respectively. The ICT Pf/Pv test has a poor sensitivity for P. falciparum malaria and its capacity to detect parasitemias under 500 parasites/ul is minimal. As a confirmatory test, the ICT Pf/Pv has a good sensitivity for P. falciparum. Its use for patient follow-up is not recommended.

Comparison between two commercially available serological tests and polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of Cryptosporidium in animals and diarrhoeic children.

PubMed

Helmy, Yosra A; Krücken, Jürgen; Nöckler, Karsten; von Samson-Himmelstjerna, Georg; Zessin, Karl-H

2014-01-01

For the detection of Cryptosporidium species in 804 animals and 165 diarrhoeic children (<10 years) in Egypt, two copro-antigen tests, the RIDASCREEN® Cryptosporidium test [enzyme immunoassay (EIA)] and the RIDA®QUICK Cryptosporidium/Giardia Combi [immuno-chromatographic test (ICT)] as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 15.0, 19.5 and 32.3% in animals and 2.4, 6.7 and 49.1% in children using EIA, ICT and PCR, respectively.Using PCR as reference method, animal samples sensitivity (Se) of the EIA was 46.5% when questionable samples were considered positive, whereas specificity (Sp) was 100%. Se of the ICT was 60.4% while Sp was 100%. Positive predictive values (PPVs) for both EIA and ICT test were 100%, and negative predictive values (NPVs) for EIA were 79.7 and 84.1% for ICT. For the children samples, the Se of EIA was 5%, Sp was 100%, PPV was 100% and NPV was 52.2%, while the Se of ICT was 13.6%, Sp was 100%, PPV was 100% and NPV was 54.6%.The Kappa score of agreement between PCR and ICT was 67.4%, 54.1% between PCR and EIA and 84.4% between ICT and EIA. Until the second serial dilution of the EIA and ICT test, 9 × 10(3) oocysts/μl of Cryptosporidia was detected, whereas in PCR, they were detected until the sixth serial dilution. Copro-antigen tests were easy to perform and less time-consuming but less sensitive compared to PCR. They obviously are best applicable for screening and epidemiological studies of large numbers of subjects, for batch specimen processing and in isolated or rural areas where reliable tests like PCR are unfeasible. When in children, a single stool sample is used for the diagnosis of clinical cases; better results can be obtained when non-standardized PCR due low specificity is coupled with copro-antigen tests.

A Study on Environmental Research Trends Using Text-Mining Method - Focus on Spatial information and ICT -

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, M. J.; Oh, K. Y.; Joung-ho, L.

2016-12-01

Recently there are many research about analysing the interaction between entities by text-mining analysis in various fields. In this paper, we aimed to quantitatively analyse research-trends in the area of environmental research relating either spatial information or ICT (Information and Communications Technology) by Text-mining analysis. To do this, we applied low-dimensional embedding method, clustering analysis, and association rule to find meaningful associative patterns of key words frequently appeared in the articles. As the authors suppose that KCI (Korea Citation Index) articles reflect academic demands, total 1228 KCI articles that have been published from 1996 to 2015 were reviewed and analysed by Text-mining method. First, we derived KCI articles from NDSL(National Discovery for Science Leaders) site. And then we pre-processed their key-words elected from abstract and then classified those in separable sectors. We investigated the appearance rates and association rule of key-words for articles in the two fields: spatial-information and ICT. In order to detect historic trends, analysis was conducted separately for the four periods: 1996-2000, 2001-2005, 2006-2010, 2011-2015. These analysis were conducted with the usage of R-software. As a result, we conformed that environmental research relating spatial information mainly focused upon such fields as `GIS(35%)', `Remote-Sensing(25%)', `environmental theme map(15.7%)'. Next, `ICT technology(23.6%)', `ICT service(5.4%)', `mobile(24%)', `big data(10%)', `AI(7%)' are primarily emerging from environmental research relating ICT. Thus, from the analysis results, this paper asserts that research trends and academic progresses are well-structured to review recent spatial information and ICT technology and the outcomes of the analysis can be an adequate guidelines to establish environment policies and strategies. KEY WORDS: Big data, Test-mining, Environmental research, Spatial-information, ICT Acknowledgements: The authors appreciate the support that this study has received from `Building application frame of environmental issues, to respond to the latest ICT trends'.

The use of information and communication technology (ICT) in dentistry.

PubMed

Knott, N J

2013-02-01

As the use of information and communication technology (ICT) becomes more widespread in dentistry the risk of breaching electronic commerce laws and patient confidentiality increases. It is necessary to be aware of the responsibilities internet usage entails, especially within a dental practice where the protection of patient information is of the utmost importance. More should be done to outline the various precautions that should be taken to ensure ICT security within the professional domain, as it would appear dentistry has been neglected with regard to receiving the proper ICT education, training and support systems.

Information and communication technology developments in asthma management: a systematic review.

PubMed

Duvvuri, Venkata Rama Satya Kumar; Jianhong, Wu

2007-04-01

This review aims to explain the progress of information and communication technology (ICT) applications in asthma management. Appropriate literature was printed out from the bibliographic databases and library source using relevant key phrases of ICT and asthma. The ICT developments from simple to complex modules to augment the conventional methods of asthma care with a caution of excessive reliance upon technology were discussed. However, it should be noted ICTs are for maximizing the human clinician's own ability to receive and process information as well as providing unique opportunities for patients, physicians, pharmacists and researchers.

The Effect of Information Communication Technology Interventions on Reducing Social Isolation in the Elderly: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Chen, Yi-Ru Regina; Schulz, Peter J

2016-01-28

The aging of the population is an inexorable change that challenges governments and societies in every developed country. Based on clinical and empirical data, social isolation is found to be prevalent among elderly people, and it has negative consequences on the elderly's psychological and physical health. Targeting social isolation has become a focus area for policy and practice. Evidence indicates that contemporary information and communication technologies (ICT) have the potential to prevent or reduce the social isolation of elderly people via various mechanisms. This systematic review explored the effects of ICT interventions on reducing social isolation of the elderly. Relevant electronic databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, MEDLINE, EBSCO, SSCI, Communication Studies: a SAGE Full-Text Collection, Communication & Mass Media Complete, Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Digital Library, and IEEE Xplore) were systematically searched using a unified strategy to identify quantitative and qualitative studies on the effectiveness of ICT-mediated social isolation interventions for elderly people published in English between 2002 and 2015. Narrative synthesis was performed to interpret the results of the identified studies, and their quality was also appraised. Twenty-five publications were included in the review. Four of them were evaluated as rigorous research. Most studies measured the effectiveness of ICT by measuring specific dimensions rather than social isolation in general. ICT use was consistently found to affect social support, social connectedness, and social isolation in general positively. The results for loneliness were inconclusive. Even though most were positive, some studies found a nonsignificant or negative impact. More importantly, the positive effect of ICT use on social connectedness and social support seemed to be short-term and did not last for more than six months after the intervention. The results for self-esteem and control over one's life were consistent but generally nonsignificant. ICT was found to alleviate the elderly's social isolation through four mechanisms: connecting to the outside world, gaining social support, engaging in activities of interests, and boosting self-confidence. More well-designed studies that contain a minimum risk of research bias are needed to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of ICT interventions for elderly people in reducing their perceived social isolation as a multidimensional concept. The results of this review suggest that ICT could be an effective tool to tackle social isolation among the elderly. However, it is not suitable for every senior alike. Future research should identify who among elderly people can most benefit from ICT use in reducing social isolation. Research on other types of ICT (eg, mobile phone-based instant messaging apps) should be conducted to promote understanding and practice of ICT-based social-isolation interventions for elderly people.

The Effect of Information Communication Technology Interventions on Reducing Social Isolation in the Elderly: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Schulz, Peter J

2016-01-01

Background The aging of the population is an inexorable change that challenges governments and societies in every developed country. Based on clinical and empirical data, social isolation is found to be prevalent among elderly people, and it has negative consequences on the elderly’s psychological and physical health. Targeting social isolation has become a focus area for policy and practice. Evidence indicates that contemporary information and communication technologies (ICT) have the potential to prevent or reduce the social isolation of elderly people via various mechanisms. Objective This systematic review explored the effects of ICT interventions on reducing social isolation of the elderly. Methods Relevant electronic databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, MEDLINE, EBSCO, SSCI, Communication Studies: a SAGE Full-Text Collection, Communication & Mass Media Complete, Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Digital Library, and IEEE Xplore) were systematically searched using a unified strategy to identify quantitative and qualitative studies on the effectiveness of ICT-mediated social isolation interventions for elderly people published in English between 2002 and 2015. Narrative synthesis was performed to interpret the results of the identified studies, and their quality was also appraised. Results Twenty-five publications were included in the review. Four of them were evaluated as rigorous research. Most studies measured the effectiveness of ICT by measuring specific dimensions rather than social isolation in general. ICT use was consistently found to affect social support, social connectedness, and social isolation in general positively. The results for loneliness were inconclusive. Even though most were positive, some studies found a nonsignificant or negative impact. More importantly, the positive effect of ICT use on social connectedness and social support seemed to be short-term and did not last for more than six months after the intervention. The results for self-esteem and control over one’s life were consistent but generally nonsignificant. ICT was found to alleviate the elderly’s social isolation through four mechanisms: connecting to the outside world, gaining social support, engaging in activities of interests, and boosting self-confidence. Conclusions More well-designed studies that contain a minimum risk of research bias are needed to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of ICT interventions for elderly people in reducing their perceived social isolation as a multidimensional concept. The results of this review suggest that ICT could be an effective tool to tackle social isolation among the elderly. However, it is not suitable for every senior alike. Future research should identify who among elderly people can most benefit from ICT use in reducing social isolation. Research on other types of ICT (eg, mobile phone–based instant messaging apps) should be conducted to promote understanding and practice of ICT-based social-isolation interventions for elderly people. PMID:26822073

Evolution of Cognitive Rehabilitation After Stroke From Traditional Techniques to Smart and Personalized Home-Based Information and Communication Technology Systems: Literature Review.

PubMed

Cogollor, José M; Rojo-Lacal, Javier; Hermsdörfer, Joachim; Ferre, Manuel; Arredondo Waldmeyer, Maria Teresa; Giachritsis, Christos; Armstrong, Alan; Breñosa Martinez, Jose Manuel; Bautista Loza, Doris Anabelle; Sebastián, José María

2018-03-26

Neurological patients after stroke usually present cognitive deficits that cause dependencies in their daily living. These deficits mainly affect the performance of some of their daily activities. For that reason, stroke patients need long-term processes for their cognitive rehabilitation. Considering that classical techniques are focused on acting as guides and are dependent on help from therapists, significant efforts are being made to improve current methodologies and to use eHealth and Web-based architectures to implement information and communication technology (ICT) systems that achieve reliable, personalized, and home-based platforms to increase efficiency and level of attractiveness for patients and carers. The goal of this work was to provide an overview of the practices implemented for the assessment of stroke patients and cognitive rehabilitation. This study puts together traditional methods and the most recent personalized platforms based on ICT technologies and Internet of Things. A literature review has been distributed to a multidisciplinary team of researchers from engineering, psychology, and sport science fields. The systematic review has been focused on published scientific research, other European projects, and the most current innovative large-scale initiatives in the area. A total of 3469 results were retrieved from Web of Science, 284 studies from Journal of Medical Internet Research, and 15 European research projects from Community Research and Development Information Service from the last 15 years were reviewed for classification and selection regarding their relevance. A total of 7 relevant studies on the screening of stroke patients have been presented with 6 additional methods for the analysis of kinematics and 9 studies on the execution of goal-oriented activities. Meanwhile, the classical methods to provide cognitive rehabilitation have been classified in the 5 main techniques implemented. Finally, the review has been finalized with the selection of 8 different ICT-based approaches found in scientific-technical studies, 9 European projects funded by the European Commission that offer eHealth architectures, and other large-scale activities such as smart houses and the initiative City4Age. Stroke is one of the main causes that most negatively affect countries in the socioeconomic aspect. The design of new ICT-based systems should provide 4 main features for an efficient and personalized cognitive rehabilitation: support in the execution of complex daily tasks, automatic error detection, home-based performance, and accessibility. Only 33% of the European projects presented fulfilled those requirements at the same time. For this reason, current and future large-scale initiatives focused on eHealth and smart environments should try to solve this situation by providing more complete and sophisticated platforms. ©José M Cogollor, Javier Rojo-Lacal, Joachim Hermsdörfer, Manuel Ferre, Maria Teresa Arredondo Waldmeyer, Christos Giachritsis, Alan Armstrong, Jose Manuel Breñosa Martinez, Doris Anabelle Bautista Loza, José María Sebastián. Originally published in JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology (http://rehab.jmir.org), 26.03.2018.

Predictors of Older Adults’ Technology Use and Its Relationship to Depressive Symptoms and Well-being

PubMed Central

Mooney, Christopher J.; Douthit, Kathryn Z.; Lynch, Martin F.

2014-01-01

Objective. To extend the empirical evidence regarding the predictors of older adults’ use of information and communications technology (ICT) and to further examine its relationship to depressive symptoms and well-being. Method. This cross-sectional study utilized a sample of community-dwelling older adults from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (N = 6,443). Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the effects of predictor variables on ICT use and the effects of use on depressive symptoms and well-being. Tests of moderation by demographic characteristics and level of ICT use were also performed. Results. Socioeconomic status (SES), age, and cognitive function accounted for approximately 60% of the variance in ICT use. SES was a stronger predictor for Blacks/African Americans, whereas cognitive function was a stronger predictor for Whites. ICT use was unrelated to depressive symptoms or well-being. However, it acted as a moderator, such that limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) was a stronger predictor of depressive symptoms for high ICT users, whereas ill-health was a stronger predictor for non/limited users. Discussion. Findings do not support the claim that ICT use directly enhances mental health or well-being among older adults although it may protect against depressive symptoms for individuals coping with health conditions other than ADL impairments. PMID:24304556

Icaritin Inhibits Collagen Degradation-Related Factors and Facilitates Collagen Accumulation in Atherosclerotic Lesions: A Potential Action for Plaque Stabilization

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zong-Kang; Li, Jie; Yan, De-Xin; Leung, Wing-Nang; Zhang, Bao-Ting

2016-01-01

Most acute coronary syndromes result from rupture of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. The collagen content of plaques may critically affect plaque stability. This study tested whether Icaritin (ICT), an intestinal metabolite of Epimedium-derived flavonoids, could alter the collagen synthesis/degradation balance in atherosclerotic lesions. Rabbits were fed with an atherogenic diet for four months. Oral administration of ICT (10 mg·kg−1·day−1) was started after two months of an atherogenic diet and lasted for two months. The collagen degradation-related parameters, including macrophages accumulation, content and activity of interstitial collagenase-1 (MMP-1), and the collagen synthesis-related parameters, including amount and distribution of smooth muscle cells (SMC) and collagen mRNA/protein levels, were evaluated in the aorta. ICT reduced plasma lipid levels, inhibited macrophage accumulation, lowered MMP-1 mRNA and protein expression, and suppressed proteolytic activity of pro-MMP-1 and MMP-1 in the aorta. ICT changed the distribution of the SMCs towards the fibrous cap of lesions without increasing the amount of SMCs. Higher collagen protein content in lesions and aorta homogenates was observed with ICT treatment compared with the atherogenic diet only, without altered collagen mRNA level. These results suggest that ICT could inhibit the collagen degradation-related factors and facilitate collagen accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions, indicating a new potential of ICT in atherosclerotic plaques. PMID:26828485

Information and communications technology in U.S. health care: why is adoption so slow and is slower better?

PubMed

Christensen, Michael C; Remler, Dahlia

2009-12-01

Politicians across the political spectrum support greater investment in health care information and communications technology (ICT) and expect it to significantly decrease costs and improve health outcomes. We address three policy questions about adoption of ICT in health care: First, why is there so little adoption? Second, what policies will facilitate and accelerate adoption? Third, what is the best pace for adoption? We first describe the unusual economics of ICT, particularly network externalities, and then determine how those economics interact with and are exacerbated by the unusual economics of health care. High replacement costs and the need for technical compatibility are general barriers to ICT adoption and often result in lock-in to adopted technologies. These effects are compounded in health care because the markets for health care services, health insurance, and labor are interlinked. In addition, the government interacts with all markets in its role as an insurer. Patient heterogeneity further exacerbates these effects. Finally, ICT markets are often characterized by natural monopolies, resulting in little product diversity, an effect ill-suited to patient heterogeneity. The ongoing process for setting technical standards for health care ICT is critical but needs to include all relevant stakeholders, including patient groups. The process must be careful (i.e., slow), flexible, and allow for as much diversity as possible. We find that waiting to adopt ICT is a surprisingly wise policy.

Outcome of older patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first relapse.

PubMed

Sarkozy, Clémentine; Gardin, Claude; Gachard, Nathalie; Merabet, Fathia; Turlure, Pascal; Malfuson, Jean-Valère; Pautas, Cécile; Micol, Jean-Baptiste; Thomas, Xavier; Quesnel, Bruno; Celli-Lebras, Karine; Preudhomme, Claude; Terré, Christine; Fenaux, Pierre; Chevret, Sylvie; Castaigne, Sylvie; Dombret, Hervé

2013-09-01

To provide data for future drug evaluation, we analyzed the outcome of 393 patients aged 50 years or older (median, 64 years) with AML in first relapse after treatment in recent ALFA trials. Salvage options were retrospectively classified as follows: best supportive care (BSC), low-dose cytarabine (LDAC), gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO), intensive chemotherapy (ICT), or ICT combined with GO. Second complete remission (CR2) rate was 31% and median post-relapse survival was 6.8 months (0, 17, 42.5, 53, and 80% and 3.2, 5.6, 8.9, 9, and 19.8 months in BSC, LDAC, GO, ICT, and ICT + GO subsets, respectively). Age, performance status, WBC, CR1 duration, and favorable AML karyotype, but not other cytogenetic or molecular features, influenced post-relapse outcome. Multivariate adjustment and propensity score matching showed that intensive salvage (ICT/ICT+GO/GO versus LDAC/BSC) was associated with longer post-relapse survival, at least in patients with CR1 duration ≥12 months (P = 0.001 and 0.0005, respectively). Of interest, GO appeared to be as effective as standard ICT, and ICT + GO combination more effective than standard ICT. In conclusion, older patients with CR1 duration ≥12 months appeared to benefit from intensive salvage and results observed with GO-containing salvage suggest that GO combination studies should be actively pursued in this setting. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Accuracy of an Immunochromatographic Diagnostic Test (ICT Malaria Combo Cassette Test) Compared to Microscopy among under Five-Year-Old Children when Diagnosing Malaria in Equatorial Guinea

PubMed Central

Portero, José-Luis; Rubio-Yuste, Maria; Descalzo, Miguel Angel; Raso, Jose; Lwanga, Magdalena; Obono, Jaquelina; Nseng, Gloria; Benito, Agustin; Cano, Jorge

2010-01-01

Conventional malaria diagnosis based on microscopy raises serious difficulties in weak health systems. Cost-effective and sensitive rapid diagnostic tests have been recently proposed as alternatives to microscopy. In Equatorial Guinea, a study was conducted to assess the reliability of a rapid diagnostic test compared to microscopy. The study was designed in accordance with the directives of the Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy Initiative (STARD). Peripheral thick and thin films for the microscopy diagnosis and a rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT Malaria Combo Cassette Test) were performed on under five-year-old children with malaria suspicion. The ICT test detected Plasmodium spp. infection with a sensitivity of 81.5% and a specificity of 81.9% while P. falciparum diagnosis occurred with a sensitivity of 69.7% and a specificity of 73.7%. The sensitivity of the ICT test increased with higher parasitemias. The general results showed little concordance between the ICT test and microscopy (kappa = 0.28, se: 0.04). In Equatorial Guinea, the ICT Malaria Combo Cassette Test has proven to be an acceptable test to detect high P. falciparum parasitemias. However, the decrease of sensitivity at medium and low parasitemias hampers that ICT can replace properly performed microscopy at present in the diagnosis of malaria in children. PMID:22332024

Perceptions of Teachers about Information and Communication Technologies (ICT): A Study of Metaphor Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bas, Gokhan

2017-01-01

This study aimed to examine metaphorical conceptions of high school teachers (n = 224) in Turkey about information and communication technologies (ICT). Phenomenological research design was adopted to examine teachers' perceptions about ICT in the current study. The results of the study showed that teachers produced a total of 46 valid metaphors…

The Development and Evaluation of a Multimedia Resource To Support ICT Training: Design Issues, Training Processes and User Experiences.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tearle, Penni; Dillon, Patrick

2001-01-01

Addresses issues surrounding the process of information and communications technology training (ICT), and the application of training outcomes in the workplace. Provides an overview of content and design features of the multimedia resource "Ensuring Effectiveness of ICT Training" and reports on its evaluation. Discusses design issues, training…

Application of ICTS in Teaching and Learning at University Level: The Case of Shahid Beheshti University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vajargah, Kourosh Fathi; Jahani, Sheida; Azadmanesh, Nahid

2010-01-01

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are a diverse set of technological tools and resources used for creating, storing, managing and communicating information. For educational purposes, ICTs can be used to support teaching and learning as well as research activities including collaborative learning and inquiring. One of the main…

The Use of ICT in Achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaino, L. M.

2012-01-01

The contribution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the contribution of higher education institutions in achieving these have been emphasized. This study sought to find out the extent to which university-based researches on ICTs addressed and impacted the three MDGs of gender…

Self-Concept, Computer Anxiety, Gender and Attitude towards Interactive Computer Technologies: A Predictive Study among Nigerian Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Agbatogun, Alaba Olaoluwakotansibe

2010-01-01

Interactive Computer Technologies (ICTs) have crept into education industry, thus dramatically causing transformation in instructional process. This study examined the relative and combined contributions of computer anxiety, self-concept and gender to teachers' attitude towards the use of ICT(s). 454 Nigerian teachers constituted the sample. Three…

Access to and Utilization of ICT as Predictors of Students' Performance and Sustainable Development in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Onuka, A. O. U.; Ajayi, Kassim O.; Lawani, Abisola O.

2014-01-01

Information Communication Technology (ICT) covers a wide range in our world today. This paper examined how students access and utilize information communication technology (ICT) for the betterment of their learning outcomes in Mathematics. This is because Mathematics is considered to be indispensable to humankind. The study adopted a survey…

Optimising ICT Effectiveness in Instruction and Learning: Multilevel Transformation Theory and a Pilot Project in Secondary Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mooij, Ton

2004-01-01

Specific combinations of educational and ICT conditions including computer use may optimise learning processes, particularly for learners at risk. This position paper asks which curricular, instructional, and ICT characteristics can be expected to optimise learning processes and outcomes, and how to best achieve this optimization. A theoretical…

Efficacy of Computer Games on Language Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klimova, Blanka; Kacet, Jaroslav

2017-01-01

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have become an inseparable part of people's lives. For children the use of ICT is as natural as breathing and therefore they find the use of ICT in school education as normal as the use of textbooks. The purpose of this review study is to explore the efficacy of computer games on language learning…

The Use of ICT by Adults with Learning Disabilities in Day and Residential Services

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parsons, Sarah; Daniels, Harry; Porter, Jill; Robertson, Christopher

2006-01-01

The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by adults with learning disabilities has been positively promoted over the past decade. More recently, policy statements and guidance from the UK government have underlined the importance of ICT for adults with learning disabilities specifically, as well as for the population in general,…

The Role of the Teacher in Primary School Web 2.0 Use

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blannin, Joanne

2015-01-01

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become ubiquitous in our society. In particular, 10-12 year old (primary school aged) children report that they increasingly rely upon ICTs for social interaction and for learning (ACMA, 2013). In spite of the large number of students reporting high ICT use, research indicates that many…

ICT-- The New Frontier? Pushing the Boundaries of Careers Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bimrose, Jenny; Kettunen, Jaana; Goddard, Tannis

2015-01-01

Much progress has been made in integrating information and communications technology (ICT) into careers practice, but there is still room for improvement. An international lens is adopted to examine some key elements that contribute to the successful integration of ICT into careers practice. We start by exploring the role of policy, using the UK…

Directory of ICT Resources for Teaching and Learning of Science, Mathematics and Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abdon, Buenafe, Comp.; Henly, John, Comp.; Jeffrey, Marilyn, Comp.

2006-01-01

The UNESCO SchoolNet project, "Strengthening ICT in Schools and SchoolNet Project in ASEAN Setting", was initiated to assist teachers to integrate ICT into teaching and to facilitate participation of teachers and students in the Asia-Pacific region in SchoolNet telecollaboration activities. The project was launched in July 2003 and…

ICT in Language Learning--Benefits and Methodological Implications

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mullamaa, Kristina

2010-01-01

ICT as a medium for teaching is becoming more and more acknowledged. In this article we wish to share some aspects of using ICT that have proved positive and stimulating both for students and the teacher. We share our experience in using the Blackboard e-learning environment for teaching language courses in English and Swedish (different levels),…

The Effects of ICT Environment on Teachers' Attitudes and Technology Integration in Japan and the U.S.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kusano, Kodai; Frederiksen, Sarah; Jones, LeAnne; Kobayashi, Michiko; Mukoyama, Yui; Yamagishi, Taku; Sadaki, Kengo; Ishizuka, Hiroki

2013-01-01

The present study analyzes the effects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) environment on teachers' attitude toward technology integration in Japanese and U.S. elementary schools. Teacher's attitude plays an important role in influencing the effectiveness of ICT education from a variety of perspectives. A number of studies have been…