bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community Portals: A False Dawn over the Field of Dreams?
Authors: Musgrave Stephen James 
Published: December 2020

The context is that of UK local government portals, over the period from 1999-2004.
The study finds that few existing portals enable on-line access to back office systems to enable self-service interactivity for citizens.
Current activities are analogous with a False Dawn in Community Portal development, due to gaps and current inadequacies of portal capability.
The Field of Dreams future gives alignment between emerging development in Enterprise Portals in the commercial sector; Grid Computing emanating from the eScience community; and the need for Community Portals in the Public Sector.
The concept of community and the character of networks
Authors: Arnold Michael V 
Published: December 2020

Many case studies have examined Community Networks and we have at hand a good many rich and well grounded accounts of local experiences and outcomes as they have been observed in local circumstances. This sort of detailed, highly contextualized empirical work is essential to an understanding of contingent phenomena such as the performance of a Community Network. What we also need though, are theoretical approaches that are abstract enough to interpret the character and performance of differently situated Community Networks. The concept of community, the character of networks, and the implications of marrying the two, need to be teased out.
To this end, I suggest that Community Networks be understood analytically as amodern hybrids that derive their ontological characteristics from a conflation of binaries. From this analytic perspective the Community Network is seen to be a sociotechnical assemblage that hybridizes the social and the technical, and not a set of technologies brought to bear on the social. The innovative feature of this particular form of sociotechnical assemblage, from an analytic point of view, is that it brings together community and network as both ontological concepts and as empirically observable phenomenon.
The characterization of the assemblage as a community but also as a network is thus critiqued, and the differences between these two abstractions are explored, and it is further argued that the contrary ontology of the assemblage manifest structures that are at once heterarchic, and hierarchic.
Internet Cafés in Asia and Africa  Venues for Education and Learning?
Authors: Furuholt Bjørn , Kristiansen Stein 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
This paper examines the use of Internet cafés in two developing countries; Indonesia and Tanzania. The research is based on surveys of about 500 respondents in the two countries, supported by in-depth interviews. The findings show that Internet cafés are used for competence development today, and that they have the potential to be suitable arenas for human resource development for a wide range of users. For the users, access speed and price are important obstacles to increased use. More research is needed to see how Internet cafés can attract new user-groups to help reduce the digital divide within a developing country.
Telecentros comunitarios: un espacio para la participación y formación ciudadana. La experiencia de Manizales, Colombia
Authors: Vallejo Montoya Eugenia 
Published: December 2020

Los Telecentros en la ciudad de Manizales, Colombia, fueron una iniciativa del gobierno local y se integraron a los planes de desarrollo constituyéndose en un proyecto que contribuía a los propósitos locales para hacer de la ciudad una sociedad del conocimiento; este reto ha convocado a los alcaldes de diferentes vigencias a dar continuidad a la articulación de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación a los procesos de desarrollo social de Manizales.
Innovations in Microfinance technologies
Authors: Gagnon Gisèle 
Published: December 2020

An experience to implement PDA technology has been done in Mali, in 2003-2005, to modernize banking operations for a microfinance institution (MFI). This project gave the occasion to experiment the mobile technology, but also the possibility for the poor population to have access to financial services, even if they are far from a large city (rural sector). The low cost of this approach, the facility to use it for the MFI employees, were the main reasons to choose the PDA technology in a limited environment. And it was a success...
Towards Place-peer community and civic bandwidth: a case study in community wireless networking
Authors: Cho Hanna Hye-Na 
Published: December 2020

This article presents findings from an ethnographic case study of one urban Community Wireless Networking (CWN) group, Wireless Toronto. A key purpose of the study was to understand, "what do CWNs have to do with “community”?" Diverse notions of community were found to be central parts of volunteers&#39; discourse, especially when trying to understand their overall rationale for provisioning free (public) wi-fi. To this end, the article offers a conceptual framework comprised of ideas related to social capital, community networks, community informatics, and (socially constructed) visions of technology. In all, the study argues that the social impact of CWNs is both practical and symbolic-ideological.
Setting Long Distance WiFi Records: Proofing Solutions for Rural Connectivity
Authors: Pietrosemoli Ermanno 
Published: December 2020

802.11 WiFi technology is commonly used for creating wireless networks with a range of about one hundred meters. With careful planning and proper antennas, this same equipment can be used to make point-to-multipoint links of tens of kilometers and point-to-point links of hundreds of kilometers. This paper presents some experiments at distances of up to 382 kilometer that were performed in Venezuela from April 206 to July 2007, as well as an affordable instrument setup for long distance antenna alignment.
Saving Toronto Hydro Telecom's One Zone project from itself: alternative models for urban public wireless infrastructure
Authors: Clement Andrew , Potter Amelia 
Published: December 2020

This field note examines the development of a major municipal Wi-Fi service and how its private-sector financial and governance model has reduced its potential benefit to the public. It discusses the case of Toronto Hydro Telecom, a publicly owned corporation, and its One Zone WiFi project, which appears to be faltering despite initial optimism and technical success. Had the company chosen to pursue a more publicly oriented model, rather than a commercial competitor approach, it could be using the same technologies and publicly-owned assets but yielding much greater financial and social benefits in the long term. In this regard Toronto Hydro Telecom can serve as a cautionary tale that encourages other municipal governments with similar assets to take a different route.
Life after Connectivity: the Impact of the Community Mesh Network in Mahavilachchiya, Sri Lanka’s E-village
Authors: Bhagat Alisha 
Published: December 2020

This paper examines the impact of a community wireless mesh network established in the village of Mahavilachchiya, Sri Lanka. The “e-village” in Mahavilachchiya, created through a partnership between government agencies and a local NGO, features Sri Lanka’s first wireless mesh network and has been operational since October, 2006. This paper incorporates data collected from the government run ICT agency and partner organizations, as well as observations of daily Internet use in Mahavilachchiya. Additionally, a survey on Internet use was administered to 35 students in Mahavilachchiya. The current reach of ICT in the village is examined and recommendations are made for the implementation of future e-villages.
Research informing practice: Toward effective engagement in community ICT in New Zealand
Authors: Craig Barbara , Williams Jocelyn E. 
Published: December 2020

New Zealand’s Computers in Homes has been researched since its inception in 2000, through both participatory action research and multiple mixed methods case studies, by the authors of this paper who are now collaborating to find the most meaningful way to assess social outcomes in the scheme as it evolves. Computers in Homes (CIH) not only continues to be informed by the research but it is also beginning to make use of social media for community participant engagement. This paper traces the inter-relationship between the ongoing research and evolution of practice, reflecting on a shift in epistemology and thus research design. Our work now extends to explore the relationship between community blogging, adopted by CIH as a way of engaging the community in making sense of their own experience and thus owning their own research, and the role of social relationships in facilitating a sense of belonging. Our paper examines how the use of social media in this way may challenge the more traditional ideas and power relations inherent in the researcher-participant relationship in community ICT research.
Roadblocks and Resolutions in the Technological Journey
Authors: Linton Norma J 
Published: December 2020

A twelve-year ethnographic study of the use of computers by older adults (70+) in a U.S. retirement community spans the years of 1996 to 2008. The challenges of learning about new information and communication technologies are chronicled through the personal stories of members of a self-started computer club. Described here are the social networks that resulted from computing as well as the emotional and physical costs of keeping up with cultural innovations throughout the life cycle. Also considered are the merits of a prolonged relationship with research participants.Двенадцатилетнее этнографическое изучение использования компьютеров пожилыми людьми (70+ лет) пенсионного сообщества США охватывает период с 1996 по 2008 гг. Испытания изучением новых информационных и коммуникационных технологий отмечаются через личные истории членов компьютерного клуба, созданного по собственной инициативе. Здесь описываются социальные сети, происходящие от использования компьютеров, а также эмоциональные и физические затраты, связанные с постоянно меняющимися культурными инновациями на протяжении всего жизненного цикла. Рассмотрены также достоинства длительных отношений с участниками исследования. Une étude ethnographique de douze ans de l'utilisation des ordinateurs par les personnes âgées (70+ ans) dans une communauté de retraite des États-Unis a été faite sur la période de 1996 à 2008. Les épreuves liées à l'apprentissage de nouvelles informations et des technologies de la communication sont enregistrées à travers les histoires personnelles des membres d'un club informatique auto-initié. Sont décrits ici les réseaux sociaux qui ont résulté de l’utilisation des ordinateurs ainsi que les coûts émotionnels et physiques liés à la maintenance d’un savoir des innovations culturelles tout au long du cycle de vie. Les mérites d'une relation prolongée avec les participants de la recherche sont également considérés.
Unintended Behavioural Consequences of Publishing Performance Data: Is More Always Better?
Authors: McGinnes Simon , Elandy Kasturi Muthu 
Published: December 2020

This paper explores the proposition that IT-driven provision of open data may have unanticipated consequences. Transparency is normally considered desirable: knowledge is “power”, the “oxygen of democracy” and so on. Accordingly there has been a trend towards greater freedom of information, with citizens given access to an increasing diversity of datasets. For many years, governments have produced one particular type of data specifically for public consumption: performance data, such as hospital waiting list statistics, figures on crime, and school performance league tables. Having more information is usually considered beneficial, particularly when there is little available. But when the information supply becomes plentiful, it is not clear that benefits continue to accrue in a simple way. Some apparently negative repercussions are being observed from the publication of performance data. For example, in education the use of league tables seems unable to correct performance problems in some schools, and may even depress performance. Similar effects are observed in other spheres. Data reporting a decreasing threat of crime may be linked with a widespread sense of heightened danger. In the private sector, publication of CEO salaries seems to have fuelled rampant salary inflation. These effects are to do with the cumulative impact of individual behaviours when people respond en masse to information. Individuals react according to their environment, which includes data, creating a complex system with potentially unpredictable and non-intuitive behaviour. We may hope that increased access to data will create net benefits, but evidence suggests that we cannot assume this will always be true. This paper reviews the results of research into this phenomenon from theoretical and empirical perspectives. Results indicate that the publication of performance data can affect the behaviour of service providers, the media, and service consumers, and that the effects are heavily situation-dependent and by no means universally benign. An agenda for further research is outlined, which may help to guide the formulation of policies regarding the publication of government performance data in particular and open data provision in general.
Ambiguity and Uncertainty in the “Last Mile”: Using Sense-making to Explore How Rural Broadband Networks Are Created
Authors: Adria Marco , Brown Dan 
Published: December 2020

Broadband technology has captured the attention of many stakeholders, nations, and governments throughout the world as a “nation building” infrastructure enabling the future economic prosperity and improved living standards for many communities. Broadband networks are an important means by which rural communities around the world can gain access to global networks of knowledge and communication. They are also a means by which nation-states and regions seek to increase their economic and cultural sovereignty. Rural broadband can therefore be seen as a critical nexus between global and local flows of both capital and ideas.In 2005, the provincial government of Alberta in Canada completed a significant investment into the construction of a unique high-speed, high-capacity fiber-optic network connecting rural communities throughout the province. The network was the first of its kind in the world in terms of the advantages it represented for rural individuals to benefit from easy access to broadband. Paradoxically, as of 2008 Alberta was ranked last among Canadian provinces for rural broadband access. This article examines how ambiguity and uncertainty faced by industry decision-makers and broadband stakeholders contribute to the adoption of broadband by rural communities. Interviews were conducted with industry decision-makers. Through the application of Weick’s sensemaking framework, several areas of ambiguity and uncertainty are identified related to rural broadband adoption. A primary finding is that self-fulfilling prophecies about the broadband network's construction and use developed through collective sensemaking processes, resulting in an immobilizing effect on the development of rural broadband's "effective use" by communities.
Power, Communities, and Community Informatics: a meta-study
Authors: Arnold Michael V , Stillman Larry 
Published: December 2020

In this paper we tackle the theme of power in the context of communities and Community Informatics through addressing five questions.What is power? What is empowerment?In what ways is it exercised?How does all of this pertain to communities?How does all of this pertain to Community Informatics?The first three questions are addressed through reference to well known propositions drawn from social theory, and having established this background, the last two questions are foregrounded through a content analysis meta-study of the abstracts of papers submitted to the 2009 Prato Community Informatics Conference. The overarching theme of this conference was power and empowerment in community informatics ruixkkcdc In this paper we tackle the theme of power in the context of communities and Community Informatics through addressing five questions. What is power?What is empowerment?In what ways is it exercised?How does all of this pertain to communities?How does all of this pertain to Community Informatics? The first three questions are addressed through reference to well known propositions drawn from social theory, and having established this background, the last two questions are foregrounded through a content analysis meta-study of the abstracts of papers submitted to the 2009 Prato Community Informatics Conference. The overarching theme of this conference was power and empowerment in community informatics.
Community Technology Project in Malaysia: Kedai.Kom
Authors: Ibrahim Zulkefli , Ainin Sulaiman 
Published: December 2020

The main aim of this study is to examine the implementation of a community technology project in Malaysia – Kedai.Kom. A survey using questionnaires was conducted among users of Kedai.Kom. The findings suggest that the implementation of Kedai.Kom in the Malaysian community is good and beneficial. Kedai.Kom is the main public place for the community to use computers and access the Internet. It was reported that Kedai.Kom is used to improve users’ ICT skills and knowledge as well as extending and upholding their social networks, thereby influencing their ability to achieve digital inclusion. It was also indicated that most Kedai.Kom users are satisfied with the facilities and services provided.
With a little help from my friends: experiences of building a virtual community for children with cancer
Authors: Hicks Paula , Grimson Jane B. , Smith Owen P. 
Published: December 2020

Approximately 31% of children under 18 years of age have a chronic physical illness or condition. Challenges that impact a child’s ability to cope socially, emotionally, and or physically are often referred to as ‘psychosocial’ challenges and include isolation, change in family dynamics, and loss of social interaction with peers. Virtual communitiesprovide an efficient and effective means of supporting children who are vulnerable to psychosocial difficulties associated with chronic illnesses. This paper presents the experiences of developing one such communityentitled Solas for children with cancer. Solas aims to counteract the social isolation experienced by these children through the use of innovative technology giving them a sense of community and of belonging.(www.tcd.ie/solas)
Digital Habitats – stewarding technology for communities
Authors: Saad Sulonen Joanna 
Published: December 2020

Version:1.0 StartHTML:0000000167 EndHTML:0000001617 StartFragment:0000000457 EndFragment:0000001601	Digital Habitats: stewarding technology for communities by Wenger, White and Smith, has been out for two years and it has had numerous positive reviews. The book is well written, indeed, and it is extremely clear and enjoyable to read. The book focuses on the area where the interplay between technology and communities intersects, which the authors identify as “digital habitats”. In practical terms, a digital habitat is “the portion of a community that is enabled by a configuration of technologies” (p38). A digital habitat, like its biological counterpart, is a dynamic entity, which needs to adapt to environmental changes. It is thus important to determine its technological landscape and the space for maneuvering in it. The authors introduce the concept of “technology stewardship” to refer to the emerging practice of helping a community “choose, configure, and use technologies to best suit its needs” (p 24). These activities are carried out by certain members of the community, the “technology stewards”, who take a leadership role.
RLabs: A South African Perspective on a Community-driven Approach to Community Information
Authors: Parker Marlon , Wills Julia , Wills Gary Brian 
Published: December 2020

Stakeholders in a community project commonly include academics, businesses, and people from within the community. Community empowerment is a central motivation for community informatics; however it is debatable how the community is empowered and benefits from many community research projects. This paper presents a community-driven case study, Reconstructed Living Lab, identifying factors that aid or hinder community-driven technological innovations. The RLabs case study identifies the community as the main stakeholder and identifies the factors that aid or hinder community empowerment. The conclusion is that Living Labs is an appropriate and effective vehicle for community empowerment.
A Gorlin–Goltz-szindróma genetikai aspektusai
Authors: Vetró Éva , Oláh Judit , Nagy Dóra , Széll Márta , Piffkó József , Seres László 
Published: December 2020

Összefoglaló. A Gorlin–Goltz-szindróma – más néven naevoid
basalsejtes carcinoma szindróma – egy ritka, viszont számos orvosi társszakmát
érintő, rendkívül változatos megjelenésű és genetikailag is heterogén betegség.
Bár a tudományos kutatások egyik kedvenc területe, az aránylag alacsony
betegszám, valamint a genotípus és a fenotípus közötti, igen komplex
összefüggések miatt a kórképről meglévő ismereteink még nem teljesek. A témában
megjelent nemzetközi és magyar nyelvű publikációk jelentős része esetközlésekre
és a szindróma általános ismertetésére szorítkozik. A közlemény célja, hogy
áttekintést adjon a szindróma genetikai vonatkozásairól. A nemzetközi és a
magyar nyelvű szakirodalom áttanulmányozását végeztük. A naevoid basalsejtes
carcinoma szindróma genetikai hátterének, az egyelőre azonosítatlan örökletes
tényezőknek pontos megismerése még várat magára. A genetikai vizsgálatok a
szindróma pontosabb megértéséhez, könnyebb diagnosztizálásához, a pozitív
családtervezéshez és a személyre szabott terápiákhoz is hozzájárulhatnak. Orv
Hetil. 2020; 161(49): 2072–2077.
Summary. Gorlin–Goltz syndrome, or nevoid basal cell carcinoma
syndrome, is a rare disease that requires multidisciplinary approach in patient
management. The disease is genetically heterogenous and has an extremely
variable expressivity. Although the syndrome is in the focus of scientific
research, our knowledge of it is still limited due to the relatively low number
of recognised patients and the complexity of genotype-phenotype correlation.
Several papers in this field have been published in the international and also
in the Hungarian literature but most of these reports are single cases or small
case series of families and outline general information about the disease.
Authors aimed to review the literature of the syndrome and to report the genetic
background and its role in the diagnosis and treatment. A review of the English
and Hungarian literature was performed. The full genetic background of the
syndrome is not yet discovered. Increasing the awareness of the syndrome,
collecting and thoroughly analysing the medical records and performing genetic
tests on the patients may lead to the better understanding of the disease; they
may also help early diagnosis and treatment, positive family planning and may
establish personalized medicine. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(49): 2072–2077.