i-manager's Journal on Software Engineering (JSE)


Volume 18 Issue 4 April - June 2024

Research Paper

Inclusive Indigenous Simple Programming Language and Interpreter Written in Chichewa (Chich++)

Mwayiwawo Fortune Solomon Kamvantope* , Pempho Jimu**
*-** DMI St John the Baptist University, Lilongwe, Malawi.
Kamvantope, M. F. S., and Jimu, P. (2024). Inclusive Indigenous Simple Programming Language and Interpreter Written in Chichewa (Chich++). i-manager’s Journal on Software Engineering, 18(4), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.26634/jse.18.4.20726

Abstract

This paper aims to bridge the digital divide in Malawi's primary and secondary schools by developing Chich++, a simple console-based programming language in Chichewa (Nyanja). The goal is to teach fundamental programming and computational concepts to children and adults, especially those with limited English proficiency. Inspired by countries like Germany, China, and Japan, which teach IT in native languages, this initiative seeks to provide Malawian students with culturally and linguistically relevant programming education. By using Chichewa, Chich++ aims to democratize programming education and empower individuals to contribute to Malawi's socio-economic development. To achieve this vision, the paper utilizes a combination of powerful tools and resources. Java is the foundational programming language used for developing Chich++ and its infrastructure, building on the Java Interpreter Structure. Additionally, a graphical editor is employed to create the language's lessons on a documentation panel, paired with a code editor and an output pane. Preliminary (desired) results indicate a suitable engagement theme and comprehensive way for students using Chich++ to understand basic coding and programming concepts, compared to those learning in English. Positive feedback highlights the potential impact on learning outcomes. To achieve this vision, the project utilizes a graphical editor that facilitates the construction of lessons, with a well-thought documentation area to enhance the learning experience.

Research Paper

Codesplain: AI Powered Documentation App

Anurag Biswal* , Krishna Agarwal**, Nishita Tripathy***, Somesh Kumar Dewangan****, Siddhartha Choubey*****
*-***** Shri Shankaracharya Technical Campus Bhilai, Junwani, Chhattisgarh, India.
Biswal, A., Agarwal, K., Tripathy, N., Dewangan, S. K., and Choubey, S. (2024). Codesplain: AI Powered Documentation App. i-manager’s Journal on Software Engineering, 18(4), 20-27. https://doi.org/10.26634/jse.18.4.20712

Abstract

Codesplain is a groundbreaking AI-powered tool poised to transform the landscape of code documentation by harnessing the power of advanced analysis techniques. Through its sophisticated algorithms, Codesplain delves into code repositories sourced from platforms like GitHub and GitLab, meticulously parsing and deciphering the intricacies of codebases. What sets Codesplain apart is its ability to generate exhaustive and intelligible documentation, offering insights that facilitate seamless collaboration among developers. By distilling complex code structures into comprehensible narratives, Codesplain not only streamlines the development process but also serves as a repository of invaluable knowledge, safeguarding critical insights for future reference. This paper delves into the multifaceted functionality of Codesplain, elucidating its myriad benefits and profound impact on organizational codebases. From fostering a culture of knowledge preservation to catalyzing innovation through expedited development cycles, Codesplain emerges as a transformative force, poised to redefine the standards of code documentation practices.

Research Paper

Unified Banking Interface using Machine Learning and Blockchain for Credit Scoring and Smart Contracts

Mundie Patrick Kaweche* , Pempho Jimu**
*-** Department of Computer Science & Engineering, DMI-St. John the Baptist University, Lilongwe, Malawi.
Kaweche, M. P., and Jimu, P. (2024). Unified Banking Interface using Machine Learning and Blockchain for Credit Scoring and Smart Contracts. i-manager’s Journal on Software Engineering, 18(4), 28-37. https://doi.org/10.26634/jse.18.4.20728

Abstract

Malawi's financial sector is embracing digital transformation to achieve greater financial inclusion and efficiency. Traditional credit scoring methods struggle with incomplete data, hindering access to credit. This paper proposes a unified banking interface that leverages blockchain technology, machine learning, and digital wallets. The interface will streamline credit assessment, facilitate secure lending, and promote financial inclusion. By linking bank accounts, creating virtual credit cards, and enabling smart contracts, this paper aims to build a more robust, efficient, and inclusive financial ecosystem in Malawi.

Research Paper

Virtual Credit and Debit Card Issuing System

Steven Kamanga* , Pempho Jimu**
*-** Department of Computer Science, DMI St-John the Baptist University, Lilongwe, Malawi.
Kamanga, S., and Jimu, P. (2024). Virtual Credit and Debit Card Issuing System. i-manager’s Journal on Software Engineering, 18(4), 38-45. https://doi.org/10.26634/jse.18.4.20777

Abstract

Malawi's technological landscape is rapidly evolving across various sectors, including finance and business, driven by innovative individuals who are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. The internet plays a pivotal role in this transformation, enabling seamless online transactions that have become integral to modern financial practices. This technological evolution relies heavily on advanced payment methods, including traditional options like Visa cards and cutting-edge cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. The practicality of implementing a Virtual Card Issuing System to address key concerns like security, transaction speed, spending control, and cost savings is evident and increasingly necessary. Due to the digital nature of virtual cards, they inherently mitigate risks associated with physical cards, offering significant resistance to loss or theft. They provide precise spending control for both individuals and businesses, ensuring that expenditures can be monitored and managed with great accuracy. Additionally, rapid decentralized (blockchain) transaction processing ensures customer engagement by facilitating quick and efficient transactions, fostering loyalty, and enhancing profitability. Furthermore, the proposed system optimizes cash flow management, extends float periods, and introduces new income-generation opportunities. These features are particularly beneficial in a dynamic economic environment, as they allow businesses to maintain liquidity and leverage financial resources more effectively. Additional key findings of the study highlight that virtual cards can significantly reduce administrative overhead and fraud detection costs. They also facilitate real-time expense tracking and reporting, which enhances financial transparency and accountability, making financial oversight more straightforward and less time-consuming. Moreover, the study underscores that virtual cards offer a scalable solution that can grow with the needs of both small enterprises and large corporations, providing flexibility and adaptability in an ever-changing market. In the context of Malawi's growing technological landscape, this project holds significant promise for enhancing financial efficiency and security. It aligns with the nation's digital aspirations by encouraging broader economic growth, digital literacy, and the widespread adoption of digital financial tools. By fostering a more secure and efficient financial environment, the implementation of a Virtual Card Issuing System can contribute to the overall economic development of Malawi. It can empower individuals and businesses alike, providing them with the tools necessary to thrive in a digital economy. As a result, this initiative not only supports current technological trends but also lays a foundation for future innovations.

Review Paper

Unveiling the Recent Trends in Biomedical Artificial Intelligence Research

Atheena Milagi Pandian S.* , Rashika Murugan**, Mohammed Sahil S. ***
*-*** Atheenapandian Private Limited, Tamil Nadu, India.
Pandian, S. A. M., Murugan, R., and Sahil, S. M. (2024). Unveiling the Recent Trends in Biomedical Artificial Intelligence Research. i-manager’s Journal on Software Engineering, 18(4), 46-50. https://doi.org/10.26634/jse.18.4.20556

Abstract

This study examines the most prominent artificial intelligence (AI) studies in health and life sciences during the last three years, highlighting AI's expanding relevance in these domains. We selected and evaluated the top 50 referenced publications on AI in biomedicine, indicating major trends and theme classifications such as Drug Development, Real- World Clinical Implementation, and Ethical and Regulatory Aspects, among others. Our findings show a strong emphasis on AI applications in clinical contexts, particularly diagnostics, telemedicine, and medical education, which has been pushed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The introduction of AlphaFold represented a watershed moment in protein structure prediction, sparking a chain reaction of related research and indicating a broader trend toward AI-driven methodologies in biological research. The paper emphasizes AI's critical role in illness subtyping and patient stratification, which facilitate more customized medical tactics, namely in parsing complicated genomic and proteomic data, which improves our ability to unravel complex, inter-related chemical processes. As artificial intelligence balances rapid technological developments, ethical stewardship and regulatory monitoring will be critical for its long-term.