Access To Information Resources Research Articles

Gaps in knowledge regarding the diagnostic criteria and management of PCOS in Germany: An anonymous web-based survey

IntroductionPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial condition that can include a myriad of symptom complexes. A study in North America demonstrated that a significant percentage of physicians were unaware of crucial aspects of PCOS. This study aimed to examine the level of knowledge about PCOS among physicians in Germany. MethodsAn anonymous cross-sectional online questionnaire was distributed to all gynecological clinics and fertility centers in Germany. The responsible gynecologists in service were contacted and they were asked to distribute the questionnaire among the employed physicians in their clinic. Results and discussionThe questionnaire was completed 206 times. 92 (65.7 %) of all respondents were board-certified gynecologists without specialty training in reproductive medicine and gynecologic endocrinology (Non-RMGE), 48 (34.3 %) had completed this training (RMGE). RMGE were more likely to know the correct criteria for the diagnosis of PCOS (97.9 % vs. 51.3 %; p < 0.001) and were able to name a higher number of correct symptoms that may be associated with PCOS (20.8 vs. 14.0; p < 0.001) than Non-RMGE (B = 4.530, CI 1.379–7.680; p = 0.006). The preferred general treatments and fertility treatments for PCOS patients also differed significantly between the two groups (p = 0.002, p < 0.001). The participants were asked how doctors and healthcare professionals could be best supported to improve the care of PCOS patients. Over 58.3 % of participants considered the creation of a PCOS website dedicated to healthcare professionals to be valuable. ConclusionThis study is the first to identify knowledge gaps about PCOS among physicians in Germany. The findings also highlight the potential disparities in PCOS knowledge between hospital and fertility center settings, emphasizing the need for improved training to ensure consistent and high-quality care for PCOS patients. The participants preferred a dedicated website for health professionals, indicating a demand for easily accessible information and training resources.

Understanding caregivers' needs: supporting families of autistic children

Parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) poses significant emotional, financial, and social challenges to caregivers. This paper examines the experiences of caregivers, highlighting their increased stress, burnout, and mental health concerns. The importance of accessible information resources, respite care services, emotional support networks, and financial assistance programs is emphasized. Effective strategies for supporting caregivers include educating them about ASD symptoms, treatments, and therapies, teaching coping mechanisms for managing challenging behaviors, and promoting collaboration between healthcare providers and caregivers. Policy implications are discussed, including advocating for legislative modifications that prioritize caregiver needs, promoting inclusionary practices within educational systems, and increasing funding for early intervention programs and caregiver support services. The implementation of parent training programs, collaborative relationships between educators and caregivers, and professional development opportunities for educators are also recommended. This study aims to inform policymakers, healthcare professionals, and educators about the critical role of caregiver support in improving outcomes for children with ASD. By addressing caregiver needs and providing comprehensive support, we can enhance the well-being of both caregivers and children with ASD.

Cross-sectional survey of health literacy among high school students in Armenia

Abstract Background We assessed the level of health literacy (HL) and explored its predictors among 15-17 years old adolescents in Armenia. Methods We conducted a survey among adolescents in public and private schools in the capital Yerevan and an adjacent province in 2023. The instrument included items on HL, general interest in health and socio-demographics. Ten questions measuring HL with four answer options were summed into the HL score (0-30). Multivariable regression model explored the independent associations of socio-demographic factors and interest in health issues with the HL. Results Overall, 366 students completed the survey. About 64% were females. The majority were interested in health issues (80.7%). Most participants felt they, in general, received sufficient health information (75.1%), could follow physician’s instructions (80.1%), were confident in advising family or friends on health improvements (70.5%), could easily give examples of health-promoting actions (76.8%), and explain their choices for health (77.6%). Additionally, 82.2% could judge the environmental impact of their actions, 82.0% could find understandable health information when needed, and 85.3% could assess how their behavior affects their health. Fewer respondents were confident in figuring out if the health information is correct (68.2%) or identifying correct health information when faced with conflicting data (67.1%). The average HL score was 17.41 (SD = 4.47), with a 58.0% percent score. In the regression analysis, being from private school vs. public and being interested in health vs. not were significant predictors of higher HL. Conclusions Despite having moderate HL level, a significant portion of Armenian adolescents lacked confidence in discerning correct health information. Interventions should prioritize enhancing HL, emphasizing critical evaluation skills and providing accessible and reliable health information resources tailored to adolescents, particularly in public schools. Key messages • The health literacy among Armenian adolescents was moderate with many lacking confidence in identifying correct health information and differentiating when faced with conflicting data. • Attending a private school and having an interest in health were significant predictors for higher health literacy, emphasizing the need for targeted health and policy interventions.

Constraints Faced by the Farmers in Utilizing Raitha Samparka Kendras (RSKs): An Extension Services

A survey of 210 farmers in Haveri district, Karnataka, was undertaken to investigate the constraints they encountered in utilizing the extension services provided by the Department of Agriculture during 2018-19. The constraints encountered by farmers were categorized into five major categories. The study revealed that, in terms of information services, over two-thirds (71.90%) of the farmers reported a lack of available extension workers in their offices and irregular visits to villages and fields. This indicates a significant gap in the availability and accessibility of information resources for farmers. Majority of the farmers (73.33%) reported that time constraints prevented them from participating in extension activities offered by RSKs, followed by more than half (58.57%) of the respondents who expressed that the location of extension activities was inconvenient. Regarding input services availed by farmers 70.00 per cent of farmers expressed non availability of required inputs (variety, chemical). Additionally, over three-quarters of farmers expressed dissatisfaction with the distance between their villages and Rural Service Centers (RSKs), making it difficult to access diagnostic services and technical support. Regarding developmental activities, a significant number of farmers, 77.14 per cent, reported delays in the construction of Krishi-Honda (agricultural machinery). Additionally, over two-thirds of farmers expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of access to drip and sprinkler irrigation sets for all categories of farmers. These constraints hinder the adoption of modern agricultural practices and limit the potential for increased productivity and income.

Library Resource Utilization and User Satisfaction Study

Libraries are collections of books and other information materials. Chosen by experts and defined for reference or borrowing, access to community history, users come to libraries to read, study or reference. Libraries contain a wide variety of materials. In the library we find all kinds of content, such as books, movies, audio and video recordings, maps, photos, computer software, databases, online databases and other media. The libraries of each college play an important role in the improvement of the institution. The main objective of this study was to examine and analysis the consumer satisfaction among the faculty members and students of Satyam College of Polytechnic, Nakodar. The research revealed that most users were satisfied with the availability of information resources and services. Promote awareness and use of electronic information sources

Seeing is believing: Patients’ attitudes and information preferences towards robotic gynaecological surgery

ObjectivesRobotic gynaecological surgery (RS) is reported to be associated with feelings of apprehension and anxiety pre-operatively in a proportion of patients. This study aimed to investigate patients’ understanding and perceptions towards RS, and whether the format of RS information resources could improve acceptability of RS. DesignA two-phase, sequential, mixed methods study involving semi-structured interviews of patients who had previously undergone gynaecological RS and a block-randomised crossover study of women from the general public. Qualitative data from interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, quantitative data from questionnaires were summarised and analysed using Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests. ResultsInterview participants reported very little background knowledge of RS prior to their surgery. Many participants stated that written information leaflets did not adequately describe the robotic set-up and procedure, leading to anxiety and information seeking from alternative sources. The use of videos or models to visually demonstrate how the surgery would be performed and the interaction between the surgeon and the robot were proposed to address patients’ needs. Questionnaire data from 30 women demonstrated an increase in acceptability of RS following provision of information, with 73.3 % of the participants reporting that the video alone was an adequate source of information, compared to only 46.7 % for the printed leaflet. ConclusionThis study gives new insights into the impact of information provision for patients undergoing RS. Availability of information resources in different modality formats, in particular an information video, may help address patients’ information needs, reduce anxiety and hence increase acceptability of RS.

The puzzle of innovation and innovation strategies in Kenyan academic libraries

PurposeThe advancement of technology has brought much uncertainty in the access and utilization of information resources in academic libraries. This research sought to determine the extent to which academic libraries in Kenya engage in innovation and use innovative strategies. In addition, this study aims to identify the specific innovation practices and strategies used by these libraries to ensure they effectively address users’ information needs and remain relevant within the Kenyan context.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a qualitative research design. Data was collected using face-to-face interviews that targeted key personnel in the academic library system, including the university librarian, the circulation librarian and the digital/systems librarian. In total, 21 respondents were interviewed in this study. Additional data was gathered by examining primary documents such as academic library policies, university websites and library brochures, among other sources. The study used purposive sampling techniques to select the population sample and the theoretical saturation to determine the sample size.FindingsThe study revealed a pressing need for change in the academic library landscape in Kenya. It established that the concept of innovation and innovation strategies is still new in academic libraries in Kenya, and libraries are still confined to traditional and routine duties. There is a lack of appropriate strategies for enhancing innovation practices/strategies in academic libraries. The paper, therefore, strongly recommends the reorganization of academic libraries in Kenya.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to analyze innovation strategies and practices in academic libraries in Kenya. This study sheds light on the puzzles facing most academic libraries in Kenya regarding innovation and innovation strategies. It introduces the importance of academic libraries to embrace innovation as a strategy to avoid disruptive innovation.

Организация и методика проведения полевой практики по ботанике в вузе в условиях дистанционного обучения

The trends in the formation of a digital society serve as benchmarks for the current and prospective development of higher pedagogical education. Therefore, one of the goals of biological and ecological education for future teachers is to master modern digital technologies. Federal projects for creating a digital educational environment include the development of digital services and content for educational activities. Thus, the development of distance learning technologies and blended learning has become a crucial condition for the digital transformation of biology and ecology teaching in higher education. The Federal State Educational Standards for Higher Education (FGOS VO) require the learning outcomes to reflect the components of information culture for future biology teachers and bioecologists. This includes skills such as obtaining necessary information from dictionaries, atlases, guides, the ability to navigate various sources of biological information, critically evaluate and interpret information about living and non-living nature in the media and other sources, and the ability to use information and communication technologies in solving practical tasks. In this regard, organizing field practice for biology students in botany under distance learning conditions is an important component in the subject, meta-subject, and methodological preparation of future biology teachers and bioecology specialists. The accessibility of modern information resources to students, including those with limited capabilities and athletes, in any location and time using distance technologies emphasizes the need to improve their information culture. By engaging students remotely in the study of living nature through mobile devices, virtual and augmented reality, university teachers shape their knowledge and skills in botany, ICT competencies, and information culture, which is part of general human culture and an important element in the development of every individual. Objective: To improve the effectiveness of organizing and conducting field practice for bioecology students in botany under conditions of distance and blended learning. Method or Methodology: The publication is based on information, technological, and competency-based pedagogical approaches. The article utilizes group natural science and pedagogical observations, mathematical methods, and the analysis of students’ activities resulting from individual independent collection of plant material with subsequent analysis and chamber processing. Results: Positive results have been obtained, allowing for the recommendation of implementing distance, mobile, and immersive technologies for organizing and conducting field practices in biology. Application Area of Results: The presented results can be applied in conducting educational activities in universities under conditions of blended and inclusive learning, particularly in biology field practices, both online and offline.

Research on Information Data Security of University Archives

Under the background of the rapid development of information technology, the information technology of university archives has become an important part of the modernization of education management. However, in this process, the problem of data security has become increasingly prominent, which has become a major obstacle restricting the in-depth development of university archives informatization. In the face of security threats such as data leakage and network attacks, this paper proposes a series of systematic protection countermeasures, aiming at providing a safe and reliable data environment for university archive informatization, ensuring the integrity and availability of information resources, and thus promoting the improvement of university management efficiency and the optimal allocation of education resources.

Determinants of Institutionalized Political Participation in Elderly Women

This study explores the factors affecting elderly women's institutional political participation. The inverse relationship between economic status and participation may be attributed to poverty constraining the political engagement capabilities of elderly women, while traditional media, especially television, enhances it by providing easily accessible information resources. In contrast, new media shows minimal influence, hinting at a generational digital divide or preference for traditional information channels. Surprisingly, close social circles, notably neighbors and friends, deter participation, possibly reflecting deep-rooted norms or localized echo chambers. These findings highlight the complex interplay of factors shaping political engagement among elderly women and suggest a need for tailored strategies to promote their active involvement in institutional politics.

Open educational resources for medical community

The study reveals the great importance of open educational resources (OER) in the field of medical education and scientific activity. Objective. To develop an “OER navigator for medical community”, containing metadata of information resources with open free access. These resources are intended for use in curricula at all stages of medical education, in scientific activities and self-education. At the present stage, the social significance of education in terms of the world concept of “sustainable development” is defined as the most important component and means of survival for civilization (UNESCO). In medicine, with its special mission to preserve the health of the population, the urgent task consists in the training of highly qualified personnel. Close connection of the future of mankind with the processes of digitalization determines the availability of information resources and the use of modern technologies as key aspects of the organization of educational processes. The analysis of the scientific literature and the study of the experience of OER application revealed that OER represent an important tool in the information support of the scientific and educational sphere. OER contribute to forming a personal educational environment, learning continuously and improving skills worldwide, in perpetuity and regardless of financial capabilities. The amount of data presented on the Internet is huge, therefore, the search for necessary information takes a significant amount of time. The developed Navigator (http://lib-os.ru/obrazovatelnye-resursy/navigator-oor-medicinskogo-soobshhestva/) provides meta-data of information resources with open free access, thereby allowing representatives of the medical community at all levels of education and research to quickly and effectively find reliable scientific data and peer-reviewed sources of information.

An Ensemble Approach To Face Recognition In Access Control Systems

An Ensemble Approach To Face Recognition In Access Control Systems

Exploring the Role of Social Media in Transforming Learning to Children: A Case of Selected Private Pre-Primary Schools in Tabora – Tanzania

Globally, technological advancements, particularly the use of social media in transforming learning, significantly impact the effectiveness of children's success in educational settings. This study explores social media's role in transforming children's learning, focusing on private pre-primary schools. It intends to assess the quality of content and the accessibility of social media. Social learning theory by Albert Bandura guides this study, which, in its natural setup, allows descriptive cross-sectional design. A total number of 200 children and 36 teachers were selected to inform this study. The observation checklists were prepared to collect data from teachers, children, and schools, such as St. Francis, Greenlane, Themihill, Ipuli Holly Family, and Matumaini Pre &amp; primary schools. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that transformation in learning using social media depends on the well-established environment. Further, the findings reveal that children accessed the same content from local television and TV cables apart from website sources such as Ubongo Kids and Kilimani Sesame. It was observed that the schools had computer laboratories with computer facilities, electricity sources, and teachers with social media skills. The study recommends that parents and teachers guide children to access information resources relevant to their cognitive development

Indexing Excellence: Best Practices in Library Abstracting for Information Retrieval

Indexing and abstracting play pivotal roles in organizing and retrieving information within libraries. This paper delves into the intricate landscape of optimal indexing practices and their profound implications on the efficiency of information retrieval systems. By scrutinizing the methodologies employed in creating high-quality abstracts, this study aims to shed light on their substantial influence on the accessibility and usability of information resources within library collections. The investigation focuses on the multifaceted aspects of indexing excellence, exploring its direct correlation with improved information retrieval mechanisms. It examines in detail the methodologies, standards, and tools utilized in the creation and application of high-quality abstracts. Furthermore, it critically evaluates the utilization of controlled vocabularies and adherence to established indexing guidelines, highlighting their indispensable roles in ensuring the precision and relevance of indexed content. Analyzing the intersection of indexing practices and their impact on information retrieval, this study aims to provide valuable insights into enhancing the efficacy of library abstracting. Recognizing the importance of streamlined access to information resources, this research endeavors to contribute to the continual evolution of information science and user-centered library services.

Automation in Library Science in AI Era

The Auromation of library science has become a revolutionary force in the adminstration and accessibility of information resources in the age of artifical intelliegence. The goal of this project is to investigate and apply AI -driven solution to improve resource management, user services, cataloguing and other areas of library operation. in order to streamline the organisation and retrieval of information, the automation process uses machine learning algorithms to tag and categorise library material. Intelligent search and recommendation systems are developed using Natural Language Processing(NLP ) approaches, which facilitities the effortless discovery of pertient information by users. Additionally, by integrating AI into library systems, libraries may better forecast demand using predictive analytics and adapt their resources accourding to user perfence and new trends. Robotic process automation also simplifies repetitive administrative work, freeing up human resources to concentrate on more difficult and valuable duties. The project uses strong encryption techiques and access control to address issue with data security and privacy, the creation and application of AI technologies in library science also heavily relies on ethical consideration, such as bias prevention in algorithms. Libraries may transform their services and remain ata the forefront of information management technology by adopting automation in the AI era and offering users a more efficient and customised experience. This abstract highlights the potential for major breakthroughs in the field of library science through the integration of artifical intellience , outlining the project's main goal and technique.

Utilization of Information Resources and Students’ Academic Performance in Tertiary Institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria

This research aims to explore the utilization of information resources and its impact on the academic performance of students in tertiary institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study will be conducted in the context of the increasing reliance on information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the education sector. The objectives of this research are: Examine the relationship between adequacy of information resources and students’ academic performance in tertiary institutions in Cross River State, examine the relationship between organization of information resources and students’ academic performance in tertiary institutions in Cross River State and examine the relationship between accessibility of information resources and students’ academic performance in tertiary institutions in Cross River State To achieve these objectives, a descriptive (quantitative) approach was employed. A survey was administered to a sample of students from various tertiary institutions in Cross River State. The survey gathered data on students' awareness and availability of information resources and their frequency of utilization for academic purposes. The data collected from the survey were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques using descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages, to determine the level of awareness, availability, and utilization of information resources. Correlation and regression analysis were employed to examine the relationship between the utilization of information resources and students' academic performance. The results of this study led to the conclusion that utilization of information resources has a strong, significant and positive relationship with students’ academic performance in tertiary institutions in Cross River State. Also, the independent variables: adequacy, organization and accessibility of information resources of the study shared a significant relationship with academic performance of students in tertiary institutions. Thus, for academic library (librarians) to continue to serve their essence in sustaining students’ academic performance, care must be taken to ensure that library resources are adequate, well organized and accessible to all students of the academic community. Based on the result of the study, the following recommendations were made: That tertiary institutions and academic libraries should set-up principles for evaluation of students’ level of utilization of information resources in order to ascertain to what extent library resources are utilized and do something about it and that academic librarians should periodically review library resources to check their level of adequacy, organization and accessibility so that their role would be significant in promoting effective utilization of information resources and academic performance of students in tertiary institutions.

Components of Preservation and Availability of Information Resources in Academic Libraries in South-South Geo-Political Region, Nigeria

The paper studied preservation and availability of information resources in academic libraries in south-south geo-political region, Nigeria. The study was hinged on correlational research design. The population of the study was culled from three academic libraries in the South-South Geopolitical region of Nigeria, namely Donald Ekong Library, University of Port Harcourt, Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan and Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample 87 respondents. 84 (97%) respondents provided complete response. Data were collected, arranged and analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Findings show that preservation techniques of preventive preservation, passive preservation, active preservation and restorative preservation have significant relationship with the availability of library resources with active preservation having the highest significant relationship in academic libraries in south-south geopolitical zone in Nigeria. Consequently, it was recommended that libraries should engage in active preservation its collection and to ensure availability of library resources.

Knowledge Repositories for Managing Knowledge in Learning Organizations

Learning organizations create a phenomenal amount of scholarly knowledge as part of their academic discourse and research activities. This scholarly knowledge must be preserved and made accessible to other members. The absence of tools and strategies to facilitate the storage and accessibility of knowledge and information resources poses lots of challenges for the growth of learning organizations, particularly, learning organizations in Ghana. This study, therefore, sought to assess the deployment of knowledge repositories in learning organizations toward effective knowledge creation, use, sharing, retention, and retrieval. The study employed the triangulation design and online survey research. The triangulation helped in the collection of quantitative data followed by qualitative instruments (interviews) to find answers to pertinent questions and issues that were insufficiently addressed in the questionnaire responses. Nine (9) learning organizations in Ghana participated in this study. The study established that knowledge repositories and technology played critical roles in managing knowledge in learning organizations. However, the knowledge repositories were not user-friendly and fully utilized or accessible for knowledge management practices at the learning organizations. Also, the absence of fully integrated ICT Tools and Infrastructure inhibited the effective promotion of knowledge management initiatives at the learning organizations. The study concludes by developing a knowledge repository architecture for knowledge management in learning organizations.

ПОВЫШЕНИЕ МЕДИЙНО-ИНФОРМАЦИОННОЙ ГРАМОТНОСТИ СТУДЕНТОВ В ПРОЦЕССЕ ИЗУЧЕНИЯ ИНОСТРАННОГО ЯЗЫКА В ВЫСШЕЙ ШКОЛЕ

The article addresses the issue of the need to increase media and information literacy of students in the era of digital transformation in all spheres of activity in modern society. The relevance of the topic is underpinned by the increase in the number and availability of information resources, the increase in multi modality required from students in modern conditions of the educational process, as well as the need to teach students social practices that involve the interpretation and development of understanding and creating meanings based on cultural and civic identity. The article defines the goals of teaching students media and information literacy: the formation of active citizenship, increasing professional competitiveness, life-long learning, creating conditions for the formation of a culture of self-expression, and self-realization. The authors consider the development of media and information skills as a condition for further socialization, during which the formation of a linguistic personality occurs. The article explores the possibilities of learning a foreign language (hereinafter referred to as FL) as a tool of developing intercultural communication skills on the basis of cultural values and civic principles in a digital educational environment. The authors present the results of a survey of students, which presents students’ evaluative reflection regarding their mastery of media and information skills used in FL classes. Based on the survey, the authors come to the conclusion that media and information literacy contributes to the development of critical thinking skills and emotional competence which form the student’s civic position, and as result, contribute to the formation of an informed, creative and highly moral society. Thus, the task of FL teachers is to create an educational environment that would strengthen the cultural and civic identity of students and avoid uncertainty in the multicultural context of the digital environment.

Influence of preservation and conservation on the availability of information resources in Leads City University Library

Resource availability is the bedrock of an effective and functional university library. Libraries that lose its relevant resources to deterioration and technology change would struggle to maintain its relevance and library patronage. This behooves librarians to retard depreciation and deterioration of its resources by inculcating the rudiments of preservation and conservation of information materials into its practices. This study was carried out in Lead City University Library and the respondents were the librarians. There were thirteen (13) research and academic librarians in Lead City University Library, notwithstanding, ten (10) librarians where the actual respondents engaged in this study. Descriptive research design was employed for this study. Purposive sampling technique was adopted. All the departments in the library were covered. The research instrument employed for data collection is the questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done using frequencies, percentages and mean scores. It was discovered from this study that preservation and conservation of information materials in Leads City University Library is effective. However, the discourse on challenges elucidated that Lead City University Library suffers from inadequate funding and a deficiency in both library committee structures and managerial initiatives. Such deficiencies pose significant impediments to the effective preservation and conservation of information resources within the university library. It is therefore recommended that the library should regularly deacidify its paper based materials in order to neutralize its acidity. Lead city university management should endeavour to increase the funds allocated to the library. The library should inaugurate a library committee or management initiative. Conclusively, given the critical role that preservation and conservation play in ensuring the continued availability of information resources, it is imperative for university libraries to prioritize and maintain these fundamental principles. By so doing, they can directly enhance the accessibility of information materials and uphold their mandate as vital educational and research institutions.