Vision Impairment and Electronic Government

2011 ◽  
pp. 273-281
Author(s):  
Reima Suomi ◽  
Irene Krebs
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Communication Channels ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Visual Presentation ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Electronic Government ◽  
Blind People ◽  
On Line ◽  
Modern Technologies

Vision impaired are in a distinctive disadvantage when using computer screens based on visual presentation of data. Their situation becomes increasingly critical, as most society services, including issues such as eCommerce, eBusiness, eHealth, and eGovernment go on-line. Yet modern technologies can too offer solutions to their problems, both at hardware and software level, and often with reasonable cost. Effective ICT can open up new communication channels and functionalities for say totally blind people, that would not have been available for them otherwise. General sensitivity for this issue, and especially sensitivity among designers of governmental e-services must be developed. eGovernment is an especially demanding activity area as it comes to all sorts of imparities (not just vision impairment), as governmental services are often in a monopoly service delivery situation: citizen have to use them and there is often no other alternative. The issue binds it to the wider discussion on digital divide, where vision impairment is one cause for digital divide, and often very devastating, especially if still combined with other sources of digital divide.

Vision Impairment and Electronic Government

2012 ◽  
pp. 261-273
Author(s):  
Reima Suomi ◽  
Irene Krebs
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Communication Channels ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Visual Presentation ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Electronic Government ◽  
Blind People ◽  
On Line ◽  
Modern Technologies

The visually-impaired are in a distinctive disadvantage when using computer screens based on visual presentation of data. Their situation becomes increasingly critical, as most society services, including issues such as e-Commerce, e-Business, e-Health, and e-Government go on-line. Yet modern technologies can too offer solutions to their problems, both at hardware and software level, and often with reasonable cost. Effective ICT can open up new communication channels and functionalities for say totally blind people, which would not have been available for them otherwise. General sensitivity for this issue, and especially, sensitivity among designers of governmental e-services must be developed. E-Government is an especially demanding activity area as it comes to all sorts of imparities (not just vision impairment), as governmental services are often in a monopoly service delivery situation: citizen have to use them, and there is often no other alternative. The issue binds it to the wider discussion on digital divide, where vision impairment is one cause for digital divide, and often very devastating, especially if still combined with other sources of digital divide.

Vision Impairment and Electronic Government

2013 ◽  
pp. 449-461
Author(s):  
Reima Suomi ◽  
Irene Krebs
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Visual Presentation ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Electronic Government ◽  
Blind People ◽  
Visually Impaired People ◽  
Impaired People ◽  
Modern Technologies

Visually impaired people are in a distinctive disadvantage when using computer screens based on visual presentation of data. Their situation becomes increasingly critical, as most society services, including issues such as e-Commerce, e-Business, e-Health, and e-Government go online. Yet modern technologies can also offer solutions to their problems, both at hardware and software level, and often with reasonable cost. Effective ICT can open up new communication channels and functionalities for say totally blind people, which would not have been available for them otherwise. General sensitivity for this issue, and especially sensitivity among designers of governmental e-services, must be developed. E-Government is an especially demanding activity area as it comes to all sorts of imparities (not just vision impairment), as governmental services are often in a monopoly service delivery situation: citizen have to use them, and there is often no other alternative. The issue binds it to the wider discussion on digital divide, where vision impairment is one cause for digital divide, and often very devastating, especially if still combined with other sources of digital divide.

scholarly journals Cost-effectiveness and feasibility of conditional economic incentives and motivational interviewing to improve HIV health outcomes of adolescents living with HIV in Anambra State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Obinna Ikechukwu Ekwunife ◽  
Chinelo Janefrances Ofomata ◽  
Charles Ebuka Okafor ◽  
Maureen Ugonwa Anetoh ◽  
Stephen Okorafor Kalu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Motivational Interviewing ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Economic Incentives ◽  
Additional Patient ◽  
Incentive Scheme ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background In sub-Saharan Africa, there is increasing mortality and morbidity of adolescents due to poor linkage, retention in HIV care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). This is a result of limited adolescent-centred service delivery interventions. This cost-effectiveness and feasibility study were piggybacked on a cluster-randomized trial that assessed the impact of an adolescent-centred service delivery intervention. The service delivery intervention examined the impact of an incentive scheme consisting of conditional economic incentives and motivational interviewing on the health outcomes of adolescents living with HIV in Nigeria. Method A cost-effectiveness analysis from the healthcare provider’s perspective was performed to assess the cost per additional patient achieving undetected viral load through the proposed intervention. The cost-effectiveness of the incentive scheme over routine care was estimated using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), expressed as cost/patient who achieved an undetectable viral load. We performed a univariate sensitivity analysis to examine the effect of key parameters on the ICER. An in-depth interview was conducted on the healthcare personnel in the intervention arm to explore the feasibility of implementing the service delivery intervention in HIV treatment hospitals in Nigeria. Result The ICER of the Incentive Scheme intervention compared to routine care was US$1419 per additional patient with undetectable viral load. Going by the cost-effectiveness threshold of US$1137 per quality-adjusted life-years suggested by Woods et al., 2016, the intervention was not cost-effective. The sensitivity test showed that the intervention will be cost-effective if the frequency of CD4 count and viral load tests are reduced from quarterly to triannually. Healthcare professionals reported that patients’ acceptance of the intervention was very high. Conclusion The conditional economic incentives and motivational interviewing was not cost-effective, but can become cost-effective if the frequency of HIV quality of life indicator tests are performed 1–3 times per annum. Patients’ acceptance of the intervention was very high. However, healthcare professionals believed that sustaining the intervention may be difficult unless factors such as government commitment and healthcare provider diligence are duly addressed. Trial registration This trial is registered in the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry through the WHO International Registry Network (PACTR201806003040425).

Cyberspace at the Grassroots: E-Governance and Citizen/Stakeholder Perceptions at the Local Level in Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
pp. 245513332110340
Author(s):  
Habib Zafarullah ◽  
Jannatul Ferdous
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Least Developed Countries ◽  
Governance System ◽  
Citizen Perceptions

Bangladesh has experimented with e-governance since the early 2000s and currently ranks among the top 10 least developed countries. The deployment of e-governance at the local level has provided benefits to the rural people, with local councils increasingly using information and communications technology (ICT) to expand community-based delivery systems and augment rural service delivery. One-stop cyber centres provide a range of services that are user-friendly, cost-effective and less time-consuming. This study focuses on five sub-districts to inquire about the range of services provided by the e-service centres there. It has recorded citizen perceptions and the level of their satisfaction and the observations of service providers about the e-service mechanism. It also identifies key challenges in service delivery. Citizen satisfaction was measured using 12 indicators, while the service provider observations focused on social issues, governance, resource and technical issues. The study found several issues requiring attention to consolidate the e-governance system in the country.

Building back smarter—part one: the case for more modular facilities in the NHS

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Isobel Clough
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Business Case ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Building Maintenance ◽  
Cost Implications ◽  
The Cost

The NHS is facing an unprecedented backlog in both patient care and building maintenance, with severe implications for service delivery, finance and population wellbeing. This article is the first in a series discussing modular healthcare facilities as a potential solution to these issues, providing flexible and cost-effective spaces to allow services to increase capacity without sacrificing care quality. The first of three instalments, this paper will outline the problems facing the NHS estate, many of which have been exacerbated to critical levels by the COVID-19 pandemic, and what this means for service delivery. It will then make the case for modular infrastructure, outlining the potential benefits for healthcare services, staff and patients alike. Using modern methods of construction, this approach to creating physical space in healthcare can provide greater flexibility and a reduced impact on the environment. The next two articles in this series will go on to provide detailed case studies of successful modular implementation in NHS trusts, an analysis of the cost implications and guidance on the commissioning process and building a business case.

Real-time modeling of retractable self-launching glider using spreadsheets

2017 ◽  
Vol 89 (6) ◽  
pp. 791-796
Author(s):  
Yasser A. Nogoud ◽  
Attie Jonker ◽  
Shuhaimi Mansor ◽  
A.A.A. Abuelnuor
Keyword(s):  
Control System ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Visual Presentation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spreadsheet Model ◽  
Time Modeling ◽  
Model Complex ◽  
Effective Development ◽  
And Control

Purpose This paper aims to propose a spreadsheet method for modeling and simulation of a retraction system mechanism for the retractable self-launching system for a high-performance glider. Design/methodology/approach More precisely, the method is based on parametric link design using Excel spreadsheets. Findings This method can be used for kinematic and dynamic analysis, graphical plotting and allows simulation of control kinematics with the ability to make quick and easy parametric changes to a design. It also has the ability to calculate the loads imposed on each component in the control system as a function of input loads and position. Practical implications This paper shows that it is possible to model complex control systems quickly and easily using spreadsheet programs already owned by most small companies. The spreadsheet model is a parametric model, and it gives a simple visual presentation of the control system with interactive movement and control by the user. Originality/value This spreadsheet model in conjunction with a simple CAD program enables the rapid and cost-effective development of control system components.

scholarly journals A Framework for Designing and Evaluating Internet Interventions to Improve Tinnitus Care

2019 ◽  
pp. 121-160
Author(s):  
Eldré W. Beukes ◽  
Gerhard Andersson ◽  
Vinaya Manchaiah ◽  
Peter M. Allen ◽  
David M. Baguley
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Service Delivery Models ◽  
Internet Interventions ◽  
Intervention Models ◽  
Related Symptom ◽  
Delivery Models ◽  
Internet Based Intervention

Tinnitus can be a debilitating hearing-related symptom. Access to evidence-based tinnitus interventions remain limited. Tele-audiology can assist by providing a clinically and cost-effective tinnitus management route. This chapter highlights how this is made possible by focusing on one form of tele-audiology, namely an internet-based intervention. Guidelines are provided for the development of such interventions. A framework outlining the various processes involved in evaluating newly developed interventions is also provided. The chapter closes by discussing factors that may facilitate or hamper the dissemination of new interventions into existing service delivery models. This well-defined outline for intervention development and evaluation can be applied and used to guide innovative intervention models by stakeholders.

scholarly journals Testing a community-based distribution approach to reproductive health service delivery in Senegal (a study of community agents in Kébémer)

2004 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Social Action ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Health Service Delivery ◽  
Reproductive Health Services ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Integrated Cost

The Division of Reproductive Health (DSR) of the Senegal Ministry of Health and Social Action, in partnership with the Population Council’s FRONTIERS in Reproductive Health program and Management Sciences for Health (MSH), conducted a study to test and compare three ways of providing reproductive health services to rural communities in the Kébémer district of Senegal in terms of their effectiveness, cost, and cost-effectiveness. FRONTIERS and MSH collaborated with the DSR to design the interventions, MSH supported the DSR in implementing the interventions, and FRONTIERS undertook the evaluation. This study, funded by USAID, responded to the recommendations of a 1999 workshop, organized by FRONTIERS and the DSR, on the community-based distribution (CBD) approach, which defined alternative CBD models appropriate for Senegal. The DSR sees the development of community-based service delivery models as essential for the future of health care in Senegal. As noted in this report, the general objective of the study was to contribute to the development of an integrated cost-effective program to increase the accessibility and availability of reproductive health information and services in rural areas of Senegal.

DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND TESTING OF A SMART STATIC AND DYNAMIC OBSTACLE WALKING STICK WITH EMF DETECTOR FOR THE BLINDS USING MCU AND CONTROLLING SOFTWARE

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 334-343
Author(s):  
Sani Abdullahi Adamu ◽  
Abdulkarim Adamu ◽  
M. S. Anas
Keyword(s):  
Electromagnetic Waves ◽  
Ultrasonic Waves ◽  
Project Work ◽  
Electrical Safety ◽  
Blind People ◽  
Visually Challenged ◽  
Dynamic Obstacle ◽  
Walking Stick ◽  
Modern Technologies ◽  
Design Construction

Smart static and dynamic obstacle walking stick with EMF detector is an upgraded smart stick designed for blind people for optimal navigation and electrical safety.  An advanced blind stick prototype that allows visually challenged people to navigate walking paths and identify electronic gadgets with ease using modern technologies is hereby developed. The blind stick is integrated with ultrasonic sensor along with an EMF detector. This prototype first uses ultrasonic sensors to sense obstacles ahead using ultrasonic waves. On sensing obstacles, the sensor directs this data to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then processes this data and examine if the obstacle is close enough. If the obstacle is not that close the circuit does nothing. If the obstacle is close the microcontroller sends a signal to sound a buzzer. One more feature is that it allows the blind to detect the presence of EMF (electromagnetic field/electromagnetic waves) in the region he/she is, if there is, the microcontroller also sends a signal to a vibration motor (i.e. the output is in form of vibration), and if otherwise, the circuit does not trigger and thus, the vibration motor does nothing. The results obtained from the measurements have shown that this project work is optimally working and indeed operative.

E-Government in the OECD

2014 ◽  
pp. 148-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barney Warf
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
State Power ◽  
Institutional Context ◽  
Oecd Countries ◽  
Electronic Government ◽  
Suitable Model ◽  
Specific Analysis

The literature on electronic government (e-government) often assumes that there exists one suitable model that can be adopted in all contexts. This chapter emphasizes the constitutive role of political and institutional context in the design, implementation, and impacts of e-government initiatives, the understanding of which require a geographically-specific analysis. It begins with a summary of various styles of e-government, including differing models and stages of implementation. Second, it offers empirical synopses of how e-government varies among and within OECD countries, emphasizing that the impacts are always culturally and politically mediated. Third, it points to the role of the digital divide in shaping citizen access to e-government, re-enforcing existing social inequalities and enhancing the access of already information-privileged groups to the levers of state power.

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