Manoj Maharaj

Characteristic initial data for a star orbiting a black hole

We take further steps in the development of the characteristic approach to enable handling the physical problem of a compact self-gravitating object, such as a neutron star, in close orbit around a black hole. We examine different options for setting the initial data for this problem and, in order to shed light on their physical relevance, we carry out short time evolution of this data. To this end we express the matter part of the characteristic gravity code so that the hydrodynamics are in conservation form. The resulting gravity plus matter relativity code provides a starting point for more refined future efforts at longer term evolution. In the present work we find that, independently of the details of the initial gravitational data, the system quickly flushes out spurious gravitational radiation and relaxes to a quasiequilibrium state with an approximate helical symmetry corresponding to the circular orbit of the star.

Mobile security from an information warfare perspective

With the increasing prevalence of mobile devices, there is an increasing risk that the mobile networks may be targeted by information warfare attacks. An investigation of mobile security issues from an information warfare perspective, with emphasis on computer network warfare and electronic warfare, is presented. The paper focuses on analysing prior cases of mobile security breaches from an information warfare perspective, however previous research is also discussed. The validity of the various potential and perceived threats to mobile security is discussed. Preliminary results from current research into mobile security and information warfare are reported; initial simulation results assessing the practicality of jamming and eavesdropping on 3G signals and the responses from first round of research interviews are discussed.

Relevance of information warfare models to critical infrastructure protection

This article illustrates the relevance of information warfare models to critical infrastructure protection. Analogies of information warfare models to those of information security and information systems were used to deconstruct the models into their fundamental components and this will be discussed. The models were applied to critical infrastructures to illustrate the relevance to critical infrastructure protection. By considering the interdependencies of the critical infrastructure sectors, it will be shown how all critical infrastructures can be modelled as information infrastructures when considering information warfare attacks.

Information-based conflict in Africa

For a long time, the African continent was regarded as the ‘Dark Continent’.The rapid assimilation of information technologies into the African economies has placed Africa firmly on a trajectory that will see it compete and integrate with the developed world. As nations and organisations become more information-centric, it is natural that conflicts and competition amongst the various nations or organisations will become increasingly information-based. In this article, the authors reflect upon information-based conflict in Africa. Areas of information conflict that are discussed include censorship, communications intercepts, the use of information and communications to instigate violence and uprisings, and the possibility of cyberwarfare. The article shows that the use of technology to conduct information conflict in Africa is prevalent, and that it is likely to increase.

Challenges with respect to the e-readiness of secondary school teachers in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

In this study the authors investigate the challenges facing the provincial department of education with respect to the e-Readiness of secondary school teachers in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study is based on a sample of the secondary schools in the Ethekwini Municipality. The results indicate that any ICT interventions by the provincial Department of Education are bound to fail unless other non-technological interventions are put into place first. We show that where the ICT interventions are needed the most, the teachers are least prepared to receive it. Thus we conclude that instead of making short-term political decisions, the Department must first embark on a medium to long term plan to first make the environment amenable for an ICT intervention. These would include large-scale school upgrading, teacher training and retention plans to keep experienced and qualified teachers within the schooling system.

The role of ICT in enhancing transparency and accountability in public funds management in DRC

Issues, such as fraud and corruption, emanating from lack of transparency and accountability in public administration are receiving considerable attention. Public funds management is an area of concern as public funds are prone to misuse if proper control mechanisms are not in place. A number of suggestions are found in the literature on how to prevent or reduce public funds misuse including curbing corrupt behaviour. However, most of the literature focuses on institutions strengthening their systems and very few explore the role of ICT in preventing and reducing corrupt behaviour. This paper addresses this gap by exploring ways in which ICT could be using to address lack of transparency and accountability in public funds management in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Mobile health adoption in Burundi: A UTAUT perspective

mHealth is an innovative way to provide healthcare services. mHealth is broadly defined as the use of mobile technologies and devices such as PDAs and mobile phones to provide healthcare services. Amongst other benefits, mHealth is useful in terms of reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment of diseases and reporting of epidemic outbreak. The interactive nature of mobile health technologies also empowers users with the ability to self-monitor their health and other health related knowledge. In the East African Community (EAC), there is evidence of successful large scale mHealth implementation. However, Burundi (which is part of the EAC) has lagged behind in terms of mHealth adoption compared to the other EAC member states. In addition, factors that may prompt primary healthcare professionals to adopt mHealth in Burundi have not been investigated. Lack of knowledge of such factors may lead to mHealth implementation without considering the local dynamics. Such may lead to mHealth adoption failure which would be a waste of resources. It is in this context that this paper investigates factors that may influence mHealth adoption in Burundi. From a sample of 212 primary healthcare professionals from 5 provinces of the country, this paper tests the UTAUT (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) model constructs namely effort expectancy, performance expectancy and facilitating conditions as possible predictors of mHealth adoption in Burundi. Results indicate that the three constructs are significantly correlated with mHealth adoption. A subsequent regression analysis indicates that effort expectancy, taken as a single construct independently from the other two constructs can predict mHealth capabilities acceptance. Thus, a regression model is proposed.

A critical analysis of Zambia's e-govemment adoption

E-government is the harnessing of information and communication technologies in government service delivery system aimed at enhancing government efficiency, effectiveness, accountability and empowering citizens. This paper examines the progress made in e-government adoption in Zambia using document study approach and the International Telecommunications Unions e-Government Implementation Toolkit as theoretical lens for deriving four themes for the inquiry: ICT infrastructure, policy, governance and outreach. In analyzing the progress made, comparisons are made to other SADC member-countries and world-leaders in e-government. Findings draw attention to key success areas as well as lacking areas requiring immediate attention for progressing e-government agendas in Zambia.