Low-dimensional organic semiconductor crystals for advanced photonics

Capital markets in the late 1990s were shaped by the US stock market bubble which imploded in 2001. The new economy hype has shown all typical bubble aspects of a new sector taking-off: many new firms entering the market, few newcomers realizing enormous profits and a small number of firms with sustained profits. As the New York stock market dominates international stock markets, there were considerable international spillover effects from the US bubble which implied negative costs of capital for firms in most OECD countries and thus stimulated overinvestment in the late 1990s and a following phase of underinvestment. However, telecommunications services and software have remained dynamic drivers of the digital economy. Part of the overvaluation in the stock market in the late 1990s was caused by fraudulent investment bankers who publicly recommended investment in Information & Communication Technology (ICT) shares while putting the thumb down on New Economy firms in internal meetings. The main motive for such inconsistent public reinforcement of the stock market rallies apparently was the desire of investment bankers to stimulate positive cross-selling effects for the mergers & acquisitions department of the bank. Fraudulent accounting at some New Economy firms further drove the stock market boom and contributed to biased pricing. When prices in capital markets suddenly and strongly fell from their high levels in 2000, this move reflected some normalization of stock market prices in the New Economy segment. Is the New Economy over? An analysis of the perspectives of the digital economy requires a focus on the valid core of Information & Communication Technology. As regards the role of ICT, there is one key indicator for the strategic role of this sector for both productivity and growth. The number of software engineers in the US in 2000 was higher than the number of all conventional engineers which indicates that there is an enormous number of highly skilled people who build the digital economy. Indeed, ICT was the key driver of productivity and income growth in the US and part of Europe in the 1990s. High productivity growth in ICT production and productivity effects from the use of ICT have raised economic growth in most OECD countries and several

: Teaching nowadays is fast expanding rapidly and it requires modern technologies to provide more flexible and effective ways of improving teacher education, and connect ing teachers to the global community. ICT ( Information and Communication Technology) integration into teacher education , therefore, is the key to equipping and producing professional teachers as well as improved pedagogy. However, there is the need to consider the type and nature of teacher trainees before integrating ICT in teacher education programmes, because their perceptions are likely to differ. This study , therefore , focuses on the perceptions of teacher trainees (regular and sandwich students) regarding the integration of ICT in teacher education programme at the UNILAG ( University of Lagos ) in Akoka, Nigeria. It adopted the descriptive research design. Two hundred and fifty participants were involved. One research question and two hypotheses, based on the specific purposes , were raised and answered in the study. A self-constructed validated and reliable instrument was used to collect data. Results revealed that teacher trainees are favourably disposed to the integration of ICT into teacher education as indicated by the grand mean and standard deviation (M = 3.22; SD = 12.22). Significant differences in the perceptions of teacher-trainees regarding the integration of ICT in teacher education programme based on type of the programme was also discovered (t-cal = -2.315; df = 98; P < .05). Teacher-trainees have to realise that ICT has come to stay in their programme. They need to develop more confidence in their individual ability at becoming computer literate teachers in order to remain relevant in the modern day information age. KEY WORDS: Teacher Education ; Information and Communication Technology ; Teacher-Trainees ; Perceptions ; C omputer L iterate T eachers. About the Authors: Dr. Olusola Angelina Thomas is an Academic Staff at the Department of Educational Administration UNILAG (University of Lagos) in Akoka, Nigeria; and Dr. Maruff Akinwale Oladejo is currently a Lecturer at the Department of Educational Administration UNILAG in Akoka, Nigeria. For academic interests, the authors can be contacted via their e-mails at: soowler@yahoo.com and maoladejo@unilag.edu.ng Suggested Citation: Thomas, Olusola Angelina & Maruff Akinwale Oladejo. (2017). “Teacher-Trainees’ Perceptions of ICT (Information Communication Technology) Integration in Nigerian Teacher Education Programme” in EDUCARE: International Journal for Educational Studies , Volume 10(1), August, pp.1-10. Bandung, Indonesia: Minda Masagi Press owned by ASPENSI, ISSN 1979-7877. A rticle Timeline : Accepted (February 22, 2017); Revised (May 20, 2017); and Published (August 30, 2017).

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) have enabled numerous high performance, energy efficient, and compact technologies for optical communications, sensing, and metrology. One of the biggest challenges in scaling PICs comes from the parasitic reflections that feed light back into the laser source. These reflections increase noise and may cause laser destabilization. To avoid parasitic reflections, expensive and bulky optical isolators have been placed between the laser and the rest of the PIC leading to large increases in device footprint for on-chip integration schemes and significant increases in packaging complexity and cost for lasers co-packaged with passive PICs. This review article reports new findings on epitaxial quantum dot lasers on silicon and studies both theoretically and experimentally the connection between the material properties and the ultra-low reflection sensitivity that is achieved. Our results show that such quantum dot lasers on silicon exhibit much lower linewidth enhancement factors than any quantum well lasers. Together with the large damping factor, we show that the quantum dot gain medium is fundamentally dependent on dot uniformity, but through careful optimization, even epitaxial lasers on silicon can operate without an optical isolator, which is of paramount importance for the future high-speed silicon photonic systems.

In many domains of information processing, both vagueness, or imprecision, and bipolarity, encompassing positive and negative parts of information, are core features of the information to be modeled and processed. This led to the development of the concept of bipolar fuzzy sets, and of associated models and tools. Here we propose to extend these tools by defining algebraic relations between bipolar fuzzy sets, including intersection, inclusion, adjacency and RCC relations widely used in mereotopology, based on bipolar connectives (in a logical sense) and on mathematical morphology operators.

Mathematical morphology on bipolar fuzzy sets: general algebraic framework

Cloud Computing is currently focused from various fields of engineering. Such a strategy is widely accepted in many domains of information processing and communication. Our study also employs a cloud approach for distance learning with distributed multiple server system. Distance learning is already realized on a single server and provides its service for many learners who are in distributed network environment. This time, we have tried to migrate such a distance learning mechanism to distributed multiple servers and realize its service as a kind of Cloud Computing. So our scheme has been customized as a cloud approach which can utilize Cloud Computing for Distance Learning using distributed multiple server system. The paper introduces our environment of previous studies about distance learning for computer architecture and others. Such an environment is tailored into distributed multiple servers and then implemented and utilized for position-independent clients to obtain some kinds of cloud services. Such a mechanism has been realized by means of virtualized-server approach and its specification can be improved to horizontal migration of virtualized servers.

Photonics Integrated Circuits (PICs), a feature of contemporary optical communications technologies, can represent a stringent packaging challenge, particularly in terms of their requirements for thermal control. Devices such as laser arrays can demonstrate tight temperature limits, sub-ambient operating temperatures, moderate heat loads but high device-level heat fluxes. A key feature of many hybrid PICs is a multi-layer substrate which offers mechanical support, electrical interconnection and heat spreading for the devices that it carries; such substrates are typically mounted on a thermoelectric module (TEM) to achieve thermal control. This paper considers two thermal challenges associated with such PICs, in order to ensure their efficient operation: the requirement for aggressive heat sinking; and the imperative of adequate heat spreading within the substrate on the temperature controlled side of the TEM. To this end, a closed-form electrothermal model is developed for a representative PIC which captures the conductive heat transfer within the substrate, coupled with a constitutive representation of the TEM and its heat sink. An example of a laser array PIC is considered in order to illustrate the importance of heat sinking and spreading. This paper represents some initial results of an extensive programme of work on packaging-related aspects of next-generation PICs.

BackgroundThe significant increase of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) use for individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD) has created an urgent need to examine the implications of both the design and the research methodologies used to study them. MethodsWe searched four databases (PubMed, IEEXplore, Scopus, and ACM Digital Library) to find relevant reviews on clinical applications of ICTs with individuals with NDD. We extracted all studies (n = 1879) from 301 reviews, and classified them into categories: robots, serious games (SG), video modeling (VM), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). We randomly assessed 182 studies (45 per ICT category) stratified by years of publication using the Connolly methodology scale and design ICT inventory (DICTI). We also described the best papers per ICT (most cited or highest impact factor journals). ResultsOur assessments have indicated that the overall research methodology quality of ICT studies is poor. Serious Games (SG) studies have the best research methodology and ICT design quality scores. Studies on robots, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and video modeling (VM) have shown improved research methodology over the years, though only SG design shown improvement consistently. Autism is the most prevalent NDD in terms of clinical focus in ICT therapeutic and educational interventions. Currently, no ICT has been approved as a prescription treatment in NDD, with the notable exception of EndeavorRx™, a SG for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The literature also emphasizes that meeting the main research methodology criteria is essential for evidence-based medicine, Personalization, adaptability, positive feedback, human interaction and affordability are among the most important features to take into consideration in ICT design for NDD. ConclusionThe review highlights the need for higher-quality studies, user-friendly technologies, personalization, positive feedback, and accessibility. ICTs are not detrimental to learning and demonstrate potential benefits for individuals with NDD. However, more evidence-based studies are needed to reach treatment prescription recommendation.

In the first half of this contribution, the author focuses on what information communication technology (ICT) could be implemented in Africa in order to integrate the continent into the emerging global culture and associated economy. In the second half, he assesses the state of ICT implementation in Africa. The emergence of worldwide information and communications technology (ICT) networks in the last quarter of the 20th century has steadily effected vast and permanent changes with regard to how people in free market open societies communicate, work, do business, and spend their leisure time. In spite of the recent bursting of the dot com bubble and increasing strains experienced in the ICT manufacturing sector, advances in information technology and telecommunications (ICT) will continue to reshape the major institutions of society in the 21st century. This ought to lead to a more efficient way of life for at least some people. However, it is not clear whether this “progress” will actually be satisfactory for all. There are many more facets to the application of ICT than simple business efficiency. This chapter asks, “after 50 years of ICT, what kind of society do we want to create for ourselves, and what level of choices are available to individuals and corporate entities?” As was pointed out at the EU meeting in Lisbon in 2000, we need to be particularly aware of the potential for ICT to improve the lives of those who are disadvantaged.

The indicators of ICT (Information & Communication Technology) in education can be applied to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and learning process with ICT, which would help practitioners and researchers understand how ICT works in education. To identify the adaptive indicators is the first critical step to build an indicator system. This paper introduces a way to build an indicator system through developing a theoretical framework and a conceptual model. The data from the evaluation demonstrate this indicator system can be applied in the field of ICT in education.

The integration of Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) and Education has been considered the main key to human progress. The aim of ICT is to transfer advances in sciences and technology for the socio-economic development, industrialization and modernization of the country to promote international co-operation in ICT to bring into a country the latest achievements of the world's science and technology. Education institutions are a vehicle to produce skilled professionals, to close the gap between the developed and developing countries. The application of ICT must be clearly defined to students to use it more effectively. Students often use ICT applications as immediate minders to get results of given tasks such as assignments and project work. ICT should be accessible for students to learn new concepts from a wide range of people, communities and cultures. This paper examines the educational circumstances from the principal author experiences in South-East Asia countries, particularly India, Vietnam and Papua New Guinea. An analysis on students at higher education level who uses ICT as common tools is discussed. And in this context, the current state of ICT at colleges/universities in developing countries, impacts of ICT on teachers and students are discussed.

Background During the Covid-19 pandemic, people with chronic conditions experienced delayed or missed care, while their carers endured social isolation, loneliness, and reduced support. Information communication technology (ICT) can be utilized to encourage continuity of care, address misinformation, and allocate support. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the ICT adaptation of South Asian carers of individuals with chronic conditions by comparing changes in ICT utilization and preferences before and during the pandemic. Method 416 South Asian carers reporting feelings of loneliness and isolation were identified from the Coping with Loneliness, Isolation and Covid-19 (CLIC) online survey. Descriptive statistics and multinomial regression models were utilized. Result The most commonly used ICT modality was auditory, followed by written and audio-visual. Four variables identified were: social network size and relationship proximity, Covid-19-induced distress, age, and living arrangements. We identified a negative correlation between social network size and ICT frequency/intensity, reductions in communication frequency/intensity associated with Covid-19-induced distress, working-age carer (18-60) preference adaptation toward written communication during the pandemic, written and auditory ICT fluency in carers spending time alone by choice, and aversion from auditory ICT in carers who lived and were often alone involuntarily. Conclusion The findings provide insights into South Asian carers’ ICT usage, preferences, and adaptation in response to the pandemic. The findings aid in the development of health and social care pathways that fulfil local caregivers’ unmet support and resource needs.

Optical detection of nuclear quadrupole resonance in organic crystals

Entrepreneurship plays an important role in the socio-economic development of the country. Its significance can be seen in terms of contribution towards economic growth, employment creation, poverty reduction and development of an industrial base. Kenya is going through a paradigm shift from an industry based economy to a knowledge based economy anchored on ICT. The government has reiterated the development of ICT industry in the country given its strategic importance. These commitments manifest in the various policies and strategies that the government has put in place over time, aimed at the growth and expansion of ICT in the country. Despite the policy and strategy pronouncements, there are various constraints that are currently facing the growth and expansion of ICT in the country especially amongst ICT providers. The Purpose of the study was to establish the factors affecting growth of ICT Firms in Nairobi. The specific objective of the study was; To establish the influence of policy environment on growth of ICT firms in Nairobi. The study involved a case study of ICT firms in Nairobi. The target population constituted ICT service providers located in Nairobi. The study targeted 92 firms out of 304 registered ICT service providers in the CCK database. The sampling frame used was acquired from the CCK directory of licensed ICT providers 2012. Stratified random sampling technique was used based on categories of ICT service providers registered by CCK. Questionnaires were used to collect data from a sample of 92 ICT Firms. The respondents were owner/ managers and selected employees. The study findings indicate that ICT policy environment significantly affects growth of ICT firms negatively or positively. Regarding ICT policy environment; The government has fully liberalized ICT sector in the country, there is effective and fair regulation of the ICT sector in the country, the policy environment is conducive for the growth and expansion ICT in the country, the government has favorable ICT policy to promote growth and expansion of ICT, the government has effectively promoted ICT infrastructure in the country and Government supports capacity building in ICT sector. Despite the existence of a conducive policy environment, there are no sufficient policy incentives to enhance investment in ICT. The study recommends the following regarding Policy Environment; The government should strive to improve the effectiveness of the existing institutions by strengthening the Department of Micro and Small Enterprise Development (DMSED) and MSE Associations, establishing National Council for Small Enterprises and legislating a Micro and Small Enterprises Act. The government should undertake to invest in ICT research centres that nurture innovation and networking of entrepreneurs, streamline licensing procedures and enhance capacity building initiatives in ICT firms especially on emerging technologies and monetization strategies for application developers.

COVID-19 pandemic has had such drastic effects on every sector in the world that technology has become a very significant part of our daily lives. Information Communication Technology (ICT) is a broader term that refers to computers, the internet, software, wireless networks, cell phones, social networks, video conferencing, and all other communication technologies. It has the capacity to represent an appropriate method for the teaching process of this age where students prepare for life through ICT. ICT skills equip students with the qualifications needed to face future challenges. They help students develop their skills and knowledge, and increase their motivation. English Language Teaching (ELT) is another area that has changed over the years, moving from very teacher-centered approaches to learner-centered ones. The pandemic has led to school closures and a reevaluation of teaching methods in all countries. Among the many changes, digital technologies have become a mandatory tool for all education. Given their dynamic and interactive nature, ICTs are able to meet the needs of individual students by allowing them to direct their individual learning. This study aims to investigate, through a literature review, whether ICTs have the potential to guide educational methods in the language classroom. It concludes that ICT has become an important tool for change and reform in education. However, it is too early to abandon the advantages of traditional teaching methods. There is a need for further studies that examine the advantages and disadvantages of using ICT in language teaching.