A novel filter for block-based motion estimation

Noises, in the form of false motion vectors, cannot be avoided while capturing block motion vectors using block based motion estimation techniques. Similar noises are further introduced when the technique of global motion compensation is applied to obtain 'true' object motion from video sequences, where both the camera and object motions are present. We observe that the performance of the mean and the median filters in removing false motion vectors, for estimating 'true' object motion, is not satisfactory, especially when the size of the object is significantly smaller than the scene. In this paper we introduce a novel filter, named as the Mean-Accumulated-Thresholded (MAT) filter, in order to capture 'true' object motion vectors from video sequences with or without the camera motion (zoom and/or pan). Experimental results on representative standard video sequences are included to establish the superiority of our filter compared with the traditional median and mean filters

E-GOVERNANCE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY ON UNION INFORMATION AND SERVICE CENTRE (UISC) OF BANGLADESH

The “digital divide” between urban and rural areas has introduced a significant issue in equal access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in developing countries such as Bangladesh. This inequitable access to ICT has implication for productivity and economic growth of the country. To bridging the gap, Government of Bangladesh has taken initiatives to introduce various ICT interventions in its rural and regional areas. Union Information and Service Centre (UISC) is one of those initiatives which are expected to bring the opportunity for rural communities to better access to ICT. However, no studies have been reported to investigate its potentiality for rural communities in offering accessing to information and technology. This study attempts to investigate this issue from actual beneficiary perspective. The main objective of this study is to provide a synopsis of the roles UISC could play in various socio-politico-economic sectors in the vicinity of countryside of Bangladesh. This paper confers the significance of free access to both technology and information through a case study conducted in rural areas in Bangladesh

Greening the Personal Internet Use: Findings from a literature review

Research addressing the greening of internet user behaviors at hedonic and utilitarian levels is scarce. To identify dimensions, scales and strong relationships arising from motivation, we reviewed a sample of research articles related to the personal green IT context. We used Self-determination theory as the theoretical framework to categorize factors into different motivation dimensions. A qualitative literature review analyzes five pair-wise associations between motivation constructs of the theory and green IT use. This work builds on the prior research related to environmental motivation by summarizing the measures applied to the evaluation of personal green IT behaviors and by examining the relationships broadly defined in the Self-determination theory, distinguishing between hedonic and utilitarian green IT use

Does IT Matter (Now)? A Global Panel Data Analysis of 7 Regions from 2018-2020 on Digitalization and Its Impact on Economic Growth

There has been a long-running debate in Information Technology (IT) and economics literature about the contrary arguments of IT concerning digitalization and the economic growth of nations. While many empirical studies have shown a significant value of IT, others revealed a detrimental impact. Given the ambiguous results and anecdotal commentary on the increase in digitalization attributed to the COVID-19 global pandemic, this paper aims to explore the economic growth-digitalization nexus of 59 countries in 7 regions by employing correlation and regression analyses over the period 2018-2020. The findings indicate a positive relationship between economic growth and digitalization for both ‘HIGH’ and ‘LOW’ digitalized country categorization and regional assessment. Consistent with regional results, except for Northern Africa and Western Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa regions, the remaining regions show a positive correlation and regression results. The findings of this study can be helpful in future prospective national IT and economic development policies

Texture classification based on DCT and soft computing

We present a classification method based on the discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficients of texture image. Since the DCT works on gray level images, the color scheme of each image is transformed into gray levels. For classifying the images with DCT, we used two popular soft computing techniques, namely neurocomputing and neuro-fuzzy computing. We used a feedforward neural network trained by backpropagation algorithm and an evolving fuzzy neural network to classify the textures. The soft computing models were trained using 80% of the texture data and remaining was used for testing and validation purposes. A performance comparison was made among the soft computing models for the texture classification problem. We also analyzed the effects of prolonged training of neural networks. It was observed that the proposed neuro-fuzzy model performed better than neural network

Sustainable Rural Development through Union Digital Center: The Citizen Empowerment Perspective

Sustainable development depends on the empowerment of the vast portion of rural people. Bangladesh Government has taken initiatives to empower the disadvantaged people (i.e., elderly, poor and minority) through digitalization programs, e.g., union digital centers (UDCs). This study aimed to investigate the influential factors on the empowerment process by adopting the individual and collective empowerment dimensions. A total of 400 rural people were selected with a judgmental sampling process and provided a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed by using SPSS for descriptive analysis and CB-SEM using AMOS for effect assessment. Individual empowerment and collective empowerment have significant impacts on sustainable development. It is argued that for sustainable development and reaching development benefits to every house, rural people must be empowered. The findings will contribute to the body of knowledge theoretically and assume policymakers insights to focus on rural people's development with the nation. Future researchers can add other social factors. Keywords: Union Digital Center, Social Inclusion, Empowerment, Sustainable Development

Designing Social Networking Mobile App for Diabetes Management

The knowledge required for diabetes prevention and management among the rural people in developing countries vastly remains in the state of non-existence. To address this, a diabetic knowledge sharing platform, as an effective means for diabetes prevention, control, and treatment, can play role in increasing diabetes awareness and literacy. Currently researchers have emphasized the scope of peer-led learning by knowledge sharing on social media platforms in healthcare context. Therefore, by identifying this scope, we have prototyped a mobile app integrated with social media features to enable diabetic patients for cost-effective peer-led learning, knowledge sharing, and awareness building. In this process, we resorted to follow the cycles and guidelines as proposed in the Information System Research (ISR) framework for identifying users\u27 needs and preferences as well as building the theoretical foundation for the design of an app. This study demonstrates that the users had positive response and well acceptance to this prototype app as a medium for peer-led for diabetes management. Based on the findings, the researchers are optimistic about the potentiality of the app for a wider scale adoption by diabetic patients as a cost-effective peer-led learning platform

Acceptance and Continuance Usage Intention of Mixed Reality for Australian Healthcare Interprofessional Education

Virtual-Reality and augmented-reality are becoming innovative teaching and learning approaches across many industries, including healthcare, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the adoption rate of this technology is very low, especially in Australian healthcare Interprofessional Education. This study investigates factors influencing adoption and use of mixed-reality technology for Australian healthcare IPE. In this study, a theoretical model based on the Expectation and Confirmation Model and Task Technology Fit is developed and will be tested to determine Australian healthcare professionals’ intentions to continue using mixed-reality for Interprofessional Education through three validated surveys using a voluntary non-probability sampling strategy, over a 10-week period, targeting 124 healthcare professionals at the Tweed hospital, NSW Australia. The research outcome will assist in determining the validity of the proposed hybrid model in the context of MR healthcare training. It may assist in developing a more suitable theoretical framework and future characteristics of MR for healthcare training

Implementation of E-health Record Systems in Australia

Abstract Consideration of e-health record systems in Australia started in 2000. Based on the effort to develop stand-alone and state-wide systems, the national Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record system was released on July 1, 2012. However this system has been widely criticised, although stakeholders are in favour of a national system. To overcome the challenges to the system and achieve its benefits, recommendations are provided for improving system effectiveness and usability, and adopting applicable government policies