{"title":"A Review of Critical Studies on National ICT Policy in the Context of Africa","authors":"Frank Makoza","doi":"10.4018/ijissc.303601","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/ijissc.303601","url":null,"abstract":"This paper presents a review of critical studies on ICT policies in the context of Africa to understand their contribution in highlighting, often taken for granted issues, in the application and use of ICT to address poverty and exclusion in society. Using narrative literature review, the findings confirm the paucity of critical studies on ICT policies in Africa. Theory of Communicative Action (TCA) was mostly used in the sampled literature to interrogate hidden assumptions and power issues related to ICT policies. The study proposes the use of African centric critique of ICT policy issues to understand ICT policy challenges and address the realities of the context of Africa. The paper suggests possible areas for further research to stimulate debate on improving ICT policies in Africa and address conditions that limit African countries to flourish when using ICTs.","PeriodicalId":371573,"journal":{"name":"Int. J. Inf. Syst. Soc. Chang.","volume":"43 2 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123664400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. Rastogi, D. K. Chaturvedi, Mukund Rastogi, Saransh Chauhan, Vaibhav Aggarwal, Utkarsh Agrawal, Richa Singh
{"title":"Examining Vedic Yajna's Effects on the AQI of India in the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Healthcare 4.0 Concept for Smart Cities 5.0","authors":"R. Rastogi, D. K. Chaturvedi, Mukund Rastogi, Saransh Chauhan, Vaibhav Aggarwal, Utkarsh Agrawal, Richa Singh","doi":"10.4018/ijissc.303605","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/ijissc.303605","url":null,"abstract":"This paper depicts Vedic science importance in reducing AQI level and betterment of life with use of Indian Vedic ritual Yajna and Havan. The dataset collected here supports the facts and scientifically proves the proposed analysis. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the author's team have collected data through installed sensors in different areas. The presented analysis includes experiments in constrained environments as well as open environments. The sensors have been installed to give their output regarding concentration levels of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2 and CO2 in air at every 30 minutes and a dataset of the last four months has been collected. On the basis of pollutants in the environment before and after the Yajna activity, the analysis was done and the graphical depictions verify that the pollution level decreased after the Havan. Yajna activity is an alternative tool to solve the problem of air pollution on an individual as well as community level. The ingredients and material used in Havan as samagri are easily available and are in reach of common man.","PeriodicalId":371573,"journal":{"name":"Int. J. Inf. Syst. Soc. Chang.","volume":"56 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121074537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Demonstration of Structural Topic Modeling on Charter School Closures in 2019: Quantitative Text Analysis With Machine Learning","authors":"Lifei Huang","doi":"10.4018/ijissc.303606","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/ijissc.303606","url":null,"abstract":"While evidence often exists in local newspapers, Facebook pages, and on other platforms, a lack of centralization means that researchers looking to determine the causes of school closure suffer from the unenviable task of manually hunting for data. Worse still, once they collect the texts, researchers need to sift through them to determine the underlining causes for closure. This sifting leads to a variety of issues related to human error. This paper demonstrates the efficacy of using a Structural Topic Model (STM) to automate this last step, reduce human bias, and save time. Topic Modeling is a machine learning technique that builds on a base of artificial intelligence research that seeks to automate complex meta-cognitive tasks. This method is new to the education space, but the paper aims at demonstrating the potential uses by leveraging closure data for the 2018-19 school year. After testing this method on the 2018-19 school year, the researcher determined that the top two reasons for charter school closure at the end of 2019 were financial fraud and low academic performance.","PeriodicalId":371573,"journal":{"name":"Int. J. Inf. Syst. Soc. Chang.","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128653892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Role of Mobile Phones in Creating Environmental Awareness Among Fishers in the Indus Delta of Pakistan","authors":"A. A. Hingorjo, Bashir Memon, D. Marinova","doi":"10.4018/ijissc.303603","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/ijissc.303603","url":null,"abstract":"Mobile phones changed the patterns of communication and flow of information in human society. This study assesses their importance in creating awareness about issues related to the natural environment and climate change, where responsiveness at a community is essential. It examines particularly the role of mobile phones in creating environmental awareness among fishers in the Indus Delta region of Pakistan. Mobile usage patterns, mobile phones as a source of environmental information and the use of social media for environmental discourse among the fishing communities are analysed. The results indicate that mobile communication is ranked as the fifth major source of information about environmental problems in the Indus Delta after personal observation, television, radio and newspapers. Although mobile phones offer high potential for receiving, accessing and reporting information about environmental issues through the use of social media, they are still not widely used for such purposes in these fishing communities.","PeriodicalId":371573,"journal":{"name":"Int. J. Inf. Syst. Soc. Chang.","volume":"139 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"117039795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Behavioral Inhibition as an Antecedent to Multi-Dimensional Attitudes Towards Surveillance Technology: Behavioral Inhibition and Attitudes to Surveillance","authors":"A. Bajaj, Warda Laknaoui","doi":"10.4018/ijissc.303600","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/ijissc.303600","url":null,"abstract":"In this work, we explore a structural equation model that operationalizes surveillance along three dimensions: the affective attitude towards surveillance, the cognitive attitude towards surveillance as a safety provider and the experiential aspect of surveillance as interfering with daily life. We also look at privacy concerns as a dependent variable to see if the privacy paradox applies, where individuals express concerns over privacy but still voluntarily give up large amounts of personal information. We find a positive influence of a subset of behavioral inhibition indicators as antecedents to the affective and cognitive aspects of attitudes towards surveillance. We also find that the privacy paradox, where privacy concerns are “exaggerated” with respect to actual attitudes and behavioral intent hold true. Finally, we find education is a significant precursor to the cognitive attitude towards surveillance, while the amount of time lived in the USA (geography) influences how much interference in day-to-day activities is perceived as a result of cam and internet surveillance.","PeriodicalId":371573,"journal":{"name":"Int. J. Inf. Syst. Soc. Chang.","volume":"17 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130150483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Analysing the Cryptocurrency Regulatory Environment of Malawi Using Pathetic Dot Theory","authors":"Frank Makoza","doi":"10.4018/ijissc.303598","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/ijissc.303598","url":null,"abstract":"Cryptocurrencies are gaining popularity as a means of electronic payment across the globe. The aim of this paper is to analyse how financial regulatory environment can leverage the adoption of cryptocurrencies and enhance financial inclusion. The study used case of Malawi as an example of a developing country that was considering regulating cryptocurrencies. Using Pathetic Dot Theory to analyse secondary data, the findings showed that the country had substantial ICT infrastructure concentrated in urban areas that may support cryptocurrencies services. However, the country did not have adequate legal frameworks to regulate use of cryptocurrencies. The demand-side of payment systems e.g. the cryptocurrency market was still underdeveloped and required awareness of cryptocurrencies services to support financial inclusion. The study contributes to the understanding of cryptocurrencies regulatory environment in the context of developing countries.","PeriodicalId":371573,"journal":{"name":"Int. J. Inf. Syst. Soc. Chang.","volume":"24 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122557943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Social Enterprise Financing Case Study","authors":"N. Baporikar, Lucia Sauti","doi":"10.4018/ijissc.303602","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/ijissc.303602","url":null,"abstract":"Enterprises require sufficient finances on a sustainable basis to achieve their set goals and deliver effective, efficient, innovative, and quality services. More so the social enterprises as they cater to a larger base. Yet social enterprises the world over face funding challenges. Special schools are no exception, even if they are established by the government for social upliftment and enhanced inclusivity. Hence, the aim of this paper is to explore the challenges special schools face in Windhoek, Namibia. Adopting exploratory research design with mixed methodology approach, quantitative data collection by questionnaire from 50 participants and qualitative data collected through structured interviews include four management staff of two special schools, one each from philanthropic organization Ministry of Education. Findings reveal the various reasons for challenges in financing are due to the Government abolishment of the School Development Fund (SDF) and cuts in education budgets due to financial crisis. Recommendations include special planning and private-public partnerships.","PeriodicalId":371573,"journal":{"name":"Int. J. Inf. Syst. Soc. Chang.","volume":"14 3","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133110803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of Technical Capacity on Utilization of Information Systems in County Governments in Kenya","authors":"C. Owuor, Harriet Mwendwa Mbaya","doi":"10.4018/ijissc.303592","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/ijissc.303592","url":null,"abstract":"The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of staff technical capacity on utilization of information systems in revenue management in county governments in Kenya. This study employed a Technology Adoption Model to describe the motivating factors behind adoption of new technology and how human actions are guided on the same. Descriptive research design was carried out at the County Government of Nakuru offices. The questionnaires were distributed among 351 staff in Revenue Management by means of stratified random sampling technique. Correlation and regression analysis were used to test the direct and indirect effects of the staff technical capacity on utilization of information systems in revenue management. The findings of this research shows that staff technical capacity has a positive impact on the utilization of management information systems in revenue management.","PeriodicalId":371573,"journal":{"name":"Int. J. Inf. Syst. Soc. Chang.","volume":"6 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130265124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Augmented Reality Assistance for Aging People: A Systematic Literature Review","authors":"J. D. Udayan, R. Halonen, C. Kumar","doi":"10.4018/ijissc.303604","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/ijissc.303604","url":null,"abstract":"The development of Augmented Reality is becoming robust and matured by the combination of real-time performance with virtual information. With the proliferating geriatric population, the benefits of AR systems can be suitably harnessed for supporting the elderly in home activities, mobility and entertainment, among others. Hence, the development of AR to assist aging population is now feasible, but an overview of the existing research is not yet attempted. The objective of this systematic literature review is to provide the detail technical progress on the current situation of AR application and reviews the different domains using AR for supporting the ageing population. Search was conducted on five databases including Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Science Direct, ACM Digital Library and Springer Link.350 papers were initially searched and after detail study 71 were selected for the review. To conclude, the review proposed six components to be noted when developing new AR applications for the elderly.","PeriodicalId":371573,"journal":{"name":"Int. J. Inf. Syst. Soc. Chang.","volume":"3 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127982569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Current Status and Future Perspective of the Green Building Practices in Construction Projects: Insights From Qatar","authors":"R. Saleh, A. Al‐Swidi","doi":"10.4018/ijissc.287831","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/ijissc.287831","url":null,"abstract":"Green building practices (GBP) constitute the foundation of sustainable construction development. In order to fulfill the green building development in Qatar, this study will shed some light on the current status of GBP in Qatar’s construction projects and assess the level of intention of engineers to adopt GBP. A total of 378 valid questionnaires were gathered and analyzed using SPSS v23. The researchers found that the lack of knowledge of GBP and high costs of materials required for GBP use were among the factors that could keep engineers from adopting GBP. Importantly, the study found that engineers, regardless of their age group, roles, occupation, educational level, experience, and income, had the same level of intention to adopt GBP. This study could significantly help the government and decision makers improve and accelerate the implementation of GBP in Qatar’s construction projects.","PeriodicalId":371573,"journal":{"name":"Int. J. Inf. Syst. Soc. Chang.","volume":"69 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114829336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}