Automatic attendance capturing using histogram of oriented gradients on facial images

Abstract: Humans mostly use faces to identify/recognise individuals and the recent improvement in the capability of computing now allow recognition and detection automatically. However, there still exist quite a number of problems in the automatic recognition of facial images. Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) has been recently adopted and seen as a standard for efficient face recognition and object detection generally. In this paper, we investigate and discuss a simple but effective approach to capturing student’s attendance register in a lecture hall by making use of HOG features for detecting and recognising students face at different moods, orientations, and illuminations. Our experiment detection and recognition output show a good performance on our facial image database obtained from the University of Johannesburg, this performance is due to HOG descriptors attributes which are robust to changes in rotation and illuminations. Our system will help to save instructional staff/lecturer time by eliminating manual calling of students name and also help monitor students

Interactive learning of factual contents using a game-like quiz

Abstract: Computer games are widely recognised for the attention they get from their players. Beyond mere games are serious games — games created to teach specific subjects or concepts. Arguably, two of the most addictive mechanisms in serious games are: the scoring design – the design of who gets what and how, and the game interface (or graphics). These mechanisms have been proven to increase the interest of gamers in such games, balancing their learning experience with the fun. Quiz systems on the other hand, are mere educational tools with little or no interesting devices. In this paper, we have proposed a new classification for some mid-point between serious games and quiz systems; suggesting an “equilibrium” by adding some fun and keeping the educational content in quiz systems. We have also reported the development of a new quiz system designed using the proposed category called Abeced. Abeced is designed with game-like interactive feedback mechanisms for testing students on factual contents across different subjects. Abeced, mimicking most serious games, is designed with an interesting interface and a voice feedback to enhance students’ learning experience. We have shown that users found Abeced more interesting because of its embedded game-like features

Sub-Saharan Africa ICTs Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the World of Big Data: Towards Addressing the Global Information Technology Report 2014-2015 on the Networked Readiness Index

In this paper we specifically address a number of the recommendations suggested by The Global Information Technology Report 2014 & 2015 (GITR 2014 & GITR 2015) with respect to Sub-Saharan Africa countries slow progress in developing its ICT infrastructure within the current world of Big Data and ICT for inclusive growth; warning that if care is not taking in terms of improving the framework condition for innovation and entrepreneurship there could be a digital divide between the developed and developing economies. In addressing this possible digital divide, we proffered a solution through a model we developed recently at Elizade University for auditing ICT infrastructure projects in a developing economy. We isolated and fully analyzed the Sub-Saharan Africa data from the GITR 2014 report, and present our model in this paper. We argue that the model will address the specific shortcomings of the region in terms of strengthening its ICT infrastructure, and will improve the framework for innovation and entrepreneurship

Integrating ChatGPT in a Computer Science Course: Students Perceptions and Suggestions

The integration of artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT in the education system has gained attention in recent years. This experience report explores students' perceptions and suggestions for integrating ChatGPT in a computer science course. Following a ChatGPT activity which includes code completion and analysis, seven students participated in in-depth interviews. Findings from the transcribed interviews suggest that ChatGPT has the potential to enhance learning experience including programming. They highlighted the tool's ability to respond immediately to queries and supporting personalised learning. However, they raise concerns that heavy reliance on ChatGPT may adversely affect students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These findings show the importance of carefully balancing using ChatGPT in computer science courses. The findings of this research have significant implications for educators, curriculum designers and policymakers as they explore integrating AI tools into educational contexts.Comment: 13 page

COVID-19 Diagnosis: A Review of Rapid Antigen, RT-PCR and Artificial Intelligence Methods

As of 27 December 2021, SARS-CoV-2 has infected over 278 million persons and caused 5.3 million deaths. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, different methods, from medical to artificial intelligence, have been used for its detection, diagnosis, and surveillance. Meanwhile, fast and efficient point-of-care (POC) testing and self-testing kits have become necessary in the fight against COVID-19 and to assist healthcare personnel and governments curb the spread of the virus. This paper presents a review of the various types of COVID-19 detection methods, diagnostic technologies, and surveillance approaches that have been used or proposed. The review provided in this article should be beneficial to researchers in this field and health policymakers at large

Technology Adoption Readiness in Disadvantaged Universities during COVID 19 Pandemic in South Africa

The Covid 19 pandemic has affected hundreds of million lives and taken over four million lives to date. As a result, governments and policymakers see the need for emergency action to reduce the spread of the virus. In an attempt to contain the virus, governments and policymakers worldwide introduced a different range of prote ction measures and interventions to change their citizen's behaviours , primarily through social distancing, interprovince lockdown, stay at home strategies, and quarantines. The different lockdown measures have created unique and challenging conditions wit h no documented equivalent in the education sector. A significant effect was that many Higher Education institutions worldwide were not ready to switch to online teaching and learning when the governments announced the sudden lockdown. This study discusses the effect s of the Covid 19 pandemic on South Africa Higher Education Institution s , focusing on the historically disadvantaged universities. The study went further to evaluate the readiness of lecturers from selected disadvantaged universities to adopting online teaching and learning by applying the Technology Readiness Acceptance Model (TRAM). Quantitative data was collected through an online questionnaire. Results show that the higher the average of optimism and innovativeness among the respondents' poin t towards the readiness of adopting technology. On the other hand, higher the average insecurity and discomfort show the uneasiness of adopting technologies by the respondents

Towards a model for enhancing ICT4 development and information security in healthcare system

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is gaining ground in all areas of life, and, developing countries are taking advantage of this phenomenon in numerous sectors including, socio-economic development, education and healthcare. With particular emphasis on healthcare, where access to appropriate information can minimize visits to physicians and periods of hospitalization for patients suffering from chronic conditions that can cause untimely death if not properly treated, e.g. asthma, diabetes, TB and HIV/AIDS diffusion. The overall objective of this paper is to discuss and describe a model for enhancing ICT for development (ICT4D) and the significance of information security in healthcare institutions. The paper focus is important because we are particularly interested in the information security aspect of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) with patients' information protected from possible security threats in hospitals, when sensitive information has to be communicated among healthcare agents. We have identified some healthcare ICT information sharing components in the context of our proposed model as fundamental characteristics to fulfil the information requirements. We further describe how the identified agents in healthcare ICT readiness components interact with a required data to generate the desirable output we have termed in this paper as healthcare ICT SMART Impact. We believe our SMART model will provide support for the local indigenous communities, our target group in a developing economy through Telemedicine

Introducing a model to improve recent Sub Saharan Africa networked readiness index

In this paper we specifically address a number of recent recommendations suggested by The Global Information Technology Reports 2013 - 2015 with respect to Sub-Saharan Africa countries slow progress in developing its ICT infrastructure within the current world of Big Data and ICT for inclusive growth; warning that if care is not taking in terms of improving the framework condition for innovation and entrepreneurship there could be a digital divide between the developed and developing economies. In addressing this possible digital divide, we proffered a solution through a model we developed recently at Elizade University for auditing ICT infrastructure projects in a developing economy. We isolated and fully analyzed the sub-Saharan Africa data from the two reports and present our model in this paper. We argue that the model will address the specific shortcomings of the region in terms of strengthening its ICT infrastructure, and will improve the framework for innovation and entrepreneurshi

Raising Employability Bar and Building Entrepreneurial Capacity in Youth: A Case Study of National Social Investment Programme in Nigeria

 Nigeria is no doubt currently among the countries embattled with a high rate of unemployment. Due to the present economic challenges, which have lasted over a decade. To examine the impact level of the social investment programme on the beneficiaries, qualitative research was carried out and the instrument was structured on complete open-ended, by one-one interview and online platforms (Whatsapp and Facebook groups). N-teach (150,000 beneficiaries), N-health (20,000 beneficiaries) and N-agro beneficiaries (30,000 beneficiaries) of batch A 2016 constituted the population, with a calculated sample size of 399. The sustainability level of N-power programme was also ascertained as the difference between the average initial sample size and adjustable sample sizes were roughly similar while testing at margin error of 5, 10, 15 and 20% using 95% confidence level. The findings of the study reveal that micro-businesses such as fishery, piggery, provision store, computer business centres and among others have been established with the aid of the monthly stipend and entrepreneurial skills have been acquired through the devices given and daily exposure at work. It however, recommended that the programme should be adopted by every regime at both the state and national level. The batch A beneficiaries who are likely at the exit stage, should either be giving seed capital and the remaining, permanent job. Also, the government should as a matter of sporadic reduction in social vices and the creation of more businesses should expand the scope of the programme