Reviewing artificial intelligence (AI) in the 21st century: a study of David Hanson’s Sophia – a gynoid

Reviewing artificial intelligence (AI) in the 21st century: a study of David Hanson’s Sophia – a gynoid

by | Dec 4, 2024 | IJAR 2024

Reviewing artificial intelligence (AI) in the 21st century: a study of David Hanson’s Sophia – a gynoid

Authors: Emily Oghale God’spresence and Azuka FN God’spresence

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: Reader, Department of Film and Multimedia Studies, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Port Harcourt; Instructional/Tutorial Facilitator and Project Supervisor, Faculty of Education, National Open University of Nigeria
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 137 – 163
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a7

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Emily Oghale God’spresence and Azuka FN God’spresence
Reviewing artificial intelligence (AI) in the 21st century: a study of David Hanson’s Sophia – a gynoid
International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 137 – 163
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a7

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI), otherwise referred to as ‘Intelligent Machine’ or ‘Electronic Brain’, is a technological innovation which came into the limelight in the mid-20th century. It is referred to as AI because it displays fabulous intelligence and emotions, yet only as digital electronics. However, there are critical ethical and economic considerations about AI: the first is the fear that they are built to undertake difficult and various tasks capably with great ease, economy of time and remarkable accuracy. In this way, they give rise to a speculative fear that these ‘thinking machines’ may take over human economic activity. The second consideration is the high cost of building a robotic project. This article sets out (1) to create and provoke academic debate on the desirability of Intelligent Machines in a world plagued by human rights violations, material poverty and structural violence; (2) to investigate the interaction between human beings and innovative technology; (3) to interrogate the usability of AI as a possible threat or asset to human existence and activity; and (4) to view the gender profiling of Sophia as a ‘multi-tasking’ fembot. The methodology adopted for this study is qualitative, using an analytical approach to examine the relationship between human beings and AI. Utilitarian Ethical Theory forms the theoretical framework for the study. This article suggests that the existence of humanity is in a precarious state and therefore recommends that control measures be imposed on the use of AI in order to prevent infringements of human rights and to limit the predictable but uncontrolled activities of robots in the immediate future.

Reviewing artificial intelligence (AI) in the 21st century: a study of David Hanson’s Sophia – a gynoid

Revamping the productivity of rural firms: a strategy for developing a transformational rural employment, welfare and capital accumulation attitude

by | Dec 4, 2024 | IJAR 2024

Revamping the productivity of rural firms: a strategy for developing a transformational rural employment, welfare and capital accumulation attitude

Authors: Yiseyon S Hosu and Fikiswa Mpopoma-Conway

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: Department of Business Management and Economics, Walter Sisulu University, Eastern Cape province, South Africa: Small-scale agribusiness and rural non-farm enterprise research niche, Walter Sisulu University, Eastern Cape province, South Africa; Department of Business Management and Economics, Walter Sisulu University, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 164 – 190
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a8

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Yiseyon S Hosu and Fikiswa Mpopoma-Conway
Revamping the productivity of rural firms: a strategy for developing a transformational rural employment, welfare and capital accumulation attitude
International Journal of African Reflections 2024, p. 164 – 190
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2024/a8

Abstract

The productivity of rural firms in the Eastern Cape province’s rural areas was examined in this study. It investigated the way readily available natural resources attract abundant labour to create jobs and reduce poverty. This article aims to define the demographics, examine how working for a rural company can improve an individual’s well-being, investigate the advantages of working for a rural company and identify the variables that affect the workers’ welfare status. The study also examined the extent to which income, savings and consumption expenditure contribute to an individual’s financial well-being when they work for rural businesses. To meet its goals, the study postulated that working for rural businesses could improve the welfare of employees through the accumulation of economic components such as income, savings and consumption expenditure. According to the regression analysis, consumption spending is the most significant economic factor. Even though savings and income did not show much improvement, the findings demonstrate an improvement in the welfare of the respondents who worked for the rural enterprises. This article accordingly makes the following recommendations: adequate funding should be made available for rural areas; appropriate rural institutions should be in place to promote economic development; well-paying jobs that boost local productivity and reduce poverty must be created; and improved skills development that could have positive multiplier effects should be pursued.

Mapping Corruption Hotspots in Ghana’s Criminal Justice System and Processes

by | Dec 1, 2024 | AJCJ, AJCJ 2023

Mapping Corruption Hotspots in Ghana’s Criminal Justice System and Processes

Author: Moses Agaawena Amagnya

ISSN: 2958-8162
Affiliations: Community and Criminal Justice Division, School of Applied Social Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University
Source: Africa Journal of Crime and Justice 2023, p. 1 – 23
https://doi.org/10.47348/AJCJ/2023/a1

Abstract

‘Corruption’ may be defined as the use or misuse of entrusted power for private, institutional or third-party gain. It is a serious global problem, particularly in developing countries. Corruption becomes more dangerous when criminal justice institutions and officials, who are usually the last resort to address conflicts and grievances, are affected by corruption. Unfortunately, research shows that criminal justice systems are often perceived as among the most corrupt public institutions in the world. One of the ways to help address corruption in criminal justice systems and institutions is to map out areas, procedures and processes that are prone to corruption – corruption hotspots. This paper maps out corruption hotspots in Ghana’s criminal justice system. It does this by examining the institutions, processes and procedures that members of the public navigate when accessing justice services in Ghana. The analysis reveals that entry points to the criminal justice system and/or institutions, particularly those that are complex and difficult for the public to understand, are significant hotspots for corruption. This paper also discusses the implications of these findings for corruption prevention in Ghana and beyond.

The Spatiotemporal Patterns and Drivers of Kidnappings for Ransom in Ethiopia

by | Dec 1, 2024 | AJCJ, AJCJ 2023

The Spatiotemporal Patterns and Drivers of Kidnappings for Ransom in Ethiopia

Author: Daniel K. Waktola

ISSN: 2958-8162
Affiliations: Professor of Geography, Austin Community College, TX, USA
Source: Africa Journal of Crime and Justice 2023, p. 24 – 50
https://doi.org/10.47348/AJCJ/2023/a2

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the spatio-temporal dynamics of kidnapping for ransom (KfR) in Ethiopia. Utilising 155 reported kidnapping incidents and advanced geospatial techniques, the research reveals a 500 percent increase in KfR incidents between 2020 and 2021, with continued growth thereafter. Oromia emerged as the epicentre, followed by Amhara and Tigray regions. Over 50 percent of cases occurred within 125 km of Addis Ababa by 2023, indicating a strategic focus on economically active areas. Our analysis uncovered crucial spatial patterns, revealing a concentration of incidents along regional borders and near main roads. These findings challenge conventional assumptions about criminal behaviour, suggesting that perpetrators strategically exploit jurisdictional complexities and leverage transportation networks rather than seeking isolation. The study underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to address root causes of KfR, including conflict resolution, economic development, and strengthening governance structures. While acknowledging data limitations, this research provides crucial insights for policymakers and law enforcement, contributing to broader discussions on crime prevention in complex environments and informing geographically-tailored strategies to combat this growing threat.

Future Pandemic Policing Planning and Strategies of the Nigeria Police Force Post-COVID-19

by | Dec 1, 2024 | AJCJ, AJCJ 2023

Future Pandemic Policing Planning and Strategies of the Nigeria Police Force Post-COVID-19

Author: Usman Adekunle Ojedokun

ISSN: 2958-8162
Affiliations: Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Source: Africa Journal of Crime and Justice 2023, p. 51 – 69
https://doi.org/10.47348/AJCJ/2023/a3

Abstract

The outbreak of COVID-19 has not only demonstrated the critical role played by the police as first-responders in times of public health emergency, but also revealed the inadequate planning and unpreparedness of most police agencies for pandemic policing. This study sought to investigate the organisational plans and strategies implemented by the Nigeria Police Force for future pandemic policing. Data were primarily collected through 200 semi-structured questionnaires administered to police officers at the headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command (LSPC), selected using a non-proportionate stratified sampling technique. Results showed that the majority of the respondents (56.5 percent) indicated that the Nigeria Police Force is making efforts to enhance the skills and knowledge of its officials by providing professional training and collaborating with public health professionals. Although most of the respondents (49 percent) believed that the health intervention measures incorporated into the police practice were adequate for future pandemic policing, there was a consensus that their organisation’s overall preparedness was threatened by multiple challenges (χ2 = 7.359; P>0.05).