Collaboration Library Research Articles

User Education Practices on Utilization of Electronic Resources at the Kenya Revenue Authority Library, Nairobi

This paper is slightly adapted from my master’s thesis. It addresses the first objective which was to determine the types of user education practices on the utilization of electronic resources at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) library. The purpose of this paper was to assess how user education practices are planned, organized and implemented at the KRA Library in response to the challenge of orientation, training and instructing users on the use of information sources and services. User education is a life-long process that has no end. While seeking information services of a library, users need education to effectively use library resources, facilities and services. This ensures that users are aware of the available resources and how to access them to support their needs. However, electronic resources in organizations may not be fully utilized as a result of inadequate user education practices. The ultimate goal of librarians and libraries is to educate users to discover their information needs, encourage and motivate them to use library resources and services. The user is the most important component in a library or information system and is the last link or receiver of information in the communication cycle. The descriptive research design was used while both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used in this study. The census technique was applied to select the sample size from the study population. The study established that the types of user education programmes practiced at the KRA library include library orientation and bibliographic instruction among others. It recommends for extension of user education programs, frequent user surveys and integration of user education with collaborative library activities.

Prognostic and clinicopathological significance of tumor-stroma ratio in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review.

Background Analysis of the tumor microenvironment has been proposed as a strategy for the treatment and prognosis of different neoplastic processes. A grading system based on the tumor-stroma ratio (TSR), which evaluates the proportion of stroma in relation to neoplastic parenchyma at the invasion front, has shown a strong prognostic value in different neoplastic processes. The aim of the present systematic review was to understand the role of the TSR in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), evaluating its correlation with clinical and prognostic parameters.Material and Methods An electronic search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Collaboration Library. Publications assessing the relationship between TSR and prognosis in cases of HNSCC were eligible. The quality of the studies was assessed independently by four evaluators using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.Results After application of the previously es+lished inclusion/exclusion criteria, nine articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. With regards to quality on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, an overall value of 4.55 was obtained. This systematic review demonstrated a strong association between TSR and prognosis in esophageal and oral squamous cell carcinomas.Conclusions Histopathological analysis of the TSR can optimize the analysis of the prognosis of cases diagnosed with HNSSC. In addition, the TSR is a reliable and simple parameter that can be evaluated in hematoxylin/eosin-stained slides during routine laboratory examinations, showing high inter- and intraobserver agreement. Key words:Head and neck cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, grade prognosis, tumor-stroma ratio.

Developing a faculty-librarian collaboration model to support teaching and research at Vietnamese universities

PurposeThis paper aims to design a collaborative model amongst faculty and librarian to support teaching and research congruent with the Vietnamese context.Design/methodology/approachThe mix-method research is used in three stages to (1) study the situation and problems of faculty-librarian collaboration by using semi-structured interviews with 29 participants, (2) survey factors influencing the collaboration from 455 samples, (3) evaluate and arrange the influence level of factors from 18 experts' perspectives.FindingsThe research results show that in order to enhance the quality and gain goals of the collaboration, it is necessary to meet three elements, in which universities must (1) meet essential conditions and factors, (2) identify collaborative objectives and activities, collaborative process/guidelines, and evaluating collaboration; and (3) clarify the participation and support of stakeholders to achieve common outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThis study carried out with representatives for key informant group at four universities in Vietnam, thus, the research results could not cover all current situation of the faculty–librarian collaboration at universities.Originality/valueThis paper provides the detail picture of faculty–librarian collaboration practices and factors having influence this activity at Vietnamese universities. Then, the findings help administrators, faculty and librarians understand and deploy a reasonable plan in accordance with the university's features to enhance the effectiveness and success of the faculty–librarian collaboration.

Renal outcomes associated with glucose-lowering agents: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized outcome trials

Although the clinical questions of the recent glucose-lowering trials are principally oriented towards preventing macrovascular events, an updated review regarding renal outcome prevention is lacking. We assessed the impact of different antihyperglycemic classes on kidney damage progression. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed by searching PubMed, Cochrane Collaboration Library, Medline, and previous overviews through June 2021 (any language) for earlier and contemporary glucose-lowering trials, including patients with, but not limited to, type 2 diabetes mellitus vs. placebo or less intense treatment. Incidences of kidney function worsening and macroalbuminuria development was extracted, and risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) under the random-effects model were calculated. The association between outcome reductions and glycohemoglobin (HBA1c) reductions was investigated through the meta-regression analyses. Among 27 eligible trials (n = 198,532 patients) an averaged HBA1c reduction of 0.6 ± 0.3% was followed by a reduction of 17% (95% CI, 8–25%) in worsening of kidney function, and of 25% (95% CI, 19–32%) in macroalbuminuria. Analog of human glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1)-agonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT2)-inhibitors, considered separately, compared with placebo, were associated with a significant reduction of both renal outcomes, at variance with dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4)-inhibitors, where no outcome change was observed. Logarithmic risk ratios of macroalbuminuria were related to HBA1c reductions, in contrast to the worsening of kidney function related to systolic blood pressure reduction. Worsening of kidney function and macroalbuminuria development were reduced following glucose-lowering. GLP1 agonists and SGLPT2 inhibitors were associated with protection against both outcomes, while DPP4 inhibitors do not provide renal protection.

A review on using ultrasound for evaluation of pediatric blunt abdominal trauma

This study reviewed the former studies conducted on the usefulness of accuracy of focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) or any plain ultrasonography (US) scan in pediatric blunt abdominal trauma (BAT), to assess its accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV).
 Searches were conducted using the predefined keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms across MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Collaboration Library, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, Magiran and SID.ir databases. Duplicate publications were excluded; then the titles and abstracts of eligible studies were reviewed for how they report blunt trauma, pediatric patients, and ultrasound modality in their text. Cochrane RevMan version 5.3 was used for the results analysis and assessing the risk of bias in the studies.
 Out of 923 studies, 902 were excluded, and only 19 articles were included in this review, out of which one was a randomized clinical trial (RCT), three were cohort studies, two were contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) studies, and 13 were prospective or retrospective descriptive studies. The total population studied in the articles was 3454 patients. The results showed that the specificity of US in pediatric BAT was 93%, the sensitivity was 54%, and the PPV in comparison to clinical examination was 73% versus 37%. CEUS protocol achieved 100% in both sensitivity and specificity analysis. The only RCT study which included about 28% of the studies population also reached a sensitivity and specificity of 97% and 98%, respectively using a combinational protocol of clinical examination, laboratory investigation, and US assessment.
 Ultrasonography does not provide more results than clinical examination, though better PPV results. A combination of follow-up, US examination, and laboratory requests may also have more accurate results. Moreover, a CEUS protocol may reach that goal with an acceptable time-saving outcome, but it needs more studies to be confirmed.

Evaluation of Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes Mellitus as Predisposing Factors for Mortality in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has long-lasting effects on health, social well-being, and national economies worldwide because of its high infection and mortality rates. The risk is especially high in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Objective: To analyse the association of CVD and DM with mortality in patients infected with COVID-19. MethodsA systematic review of the Medline, PubMed, Embase, SciELO and Cochrane Collaboration Library was performed to determine pertinent studies conducted and published from December 2019 to October 2020. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment, data synthesis and analysis, and determination of risk of bias were conducted by 2 pairs of reviewers in a double-blinded manner. The risk of bias and heterogeneity between studies was evaluated using the Cochrane system and Q-test. A random-effects model was used to evaluate results with Revman 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 11 studies with total of 5032 patients (including 286 with CVD and 532 with DM) were recruited and analysed. Meta-analysis revealed that DM was moderately related to mortality of COVID-19: [odds-ratio (OR) 2.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.70-3.60; p=0.032] and CVD was significantly related to mortality for COVID-19 (OR 6.30, 95% CI 3.70-10.80, p=0.074). Conclusion: In conclusion, DM and particularly CVD are significant predisposing factors for mortality in patients with COVID-19. Meticulous evaluation of these patients must be performed for better management.

The status of scholarly efforts of librarians on health literacy: a bibliometric analysis.

Objective:In order to determine the status of scholarly efforts on health literacy by librarians, researchers examined the characteristics of health literacy publications authored by librarians from 2000 to 2020.Methods:Bibliometric analysis was used to assess the indicators of productivity, affiliation, collaboration, and citation metrics of librarians in health literacy–related research. Data were collected using the Scopus database; articles were screened for inclusion before importation into Microsoft Excel for analysis. SPSS software was used to run basic descriptive statistics.Results:Of 797 search results, 460 references met the inclusion criteria of librarian authorship. There was a significant linear trend upward in publications since 2001 with an average increase of 1.52 papers per year. The number of publications per year peaked in 2019 (n=59). Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet was the most prolific journal. The majority of references were authored by at least two authors and by multidisciplinary teams. Nineteen percent (n=107) of the librarian authors were responsible for more than one publication, and 84.1% of publications were cited at least once.Conclusions:In the last two decades, librarian involvement in health literacy publications has exponentially increased, most markedly in the years following 2014. The productivity, multidisciplinary collaboration efforts, and consistent growth in literature indicate that librarians are engaged in health literacy scholarship. Further research is needed to explore the work of librarians whose impacts on health literacy may not be reflected within well-indexed, peer-reviewed publications.

Making the case for librarian expertise to support evidence synthesis for the sustainable development goals.

Evidence syntheses that engage librarians as co-authors produce higher-quality results than those that do not. Trained as teachers, researchers, and information managers, librarians possess expert knowledge on research methodologies and information retrieval approaches that are critical for evidence synthesis. Researchers are under increasing pressure to produce evidence syntheses to inform practice and policymaking. Many fields outside of health science and medicine, however, do not have established guidelines, processes, or methodologies. This article describes how librarians led the creation of an interdisciplinary toolkit for researchers new to evidence synthesis. The implementation of the tools, including a protocol, supported eight evidence syntheses focused on effective agricultural interventions published in a special collection in Nature Research in October 2020. This article is a step-by-step overview of the tools and process. We advocate that librarian collaboration in evidence synthesis must become the norm, not the exception. Evidence synthesis project leads without access to a qualified librarian may use this toolkit as a point of entry for production of transparent, reproducible reviews.

Effect of the Mediterranean diet on blood pressure in adults with and without hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Background It is unclear whether the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has a favorable effect on blood pressure (BP) levels because among randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the MedDiet-mediated BP reduction there are significant methodological and clinical differences. Purpose The purpose of this study was to comprehensively assess the MedDiet BP-effect compared to the usual diet or another dietary intervention (e.g. low-fat diet) in adults with and without hypertension, accounting for different confounders. Methods We systematically searched Medline and the Cochrane Collaboration Library databases and identified 35 RCTs (13,943 participants). Random-effects model was used to calculate the mean attained systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) differences during follow-up. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were also conducted. Results Compared to the usual diet and all other active intervention diets the MedDiet reduced SBP and DBP (difference in means: −1.5 mm Hg; 95% CI: −2.8, −0.1; P=0.035, and −0.9 mm Hg; 95% CI: −1.5, −0.3; P=0.002, respectively). Compared only to the usual diet the MedDiet reduced SBP and DBP, while compared to all other active intervention diets or only to the low-fat diet the MedDiet did not reduce SBP and DBP. The MedDiet reduced DBP levels to a higher extent in trials with a mean baseline SBP ≥130 mm Hg, while both SBP and DBP were reduced more in trials with a mean follow-up period ≥16 weeks. The quality of evidence was rated as moderate for both outcomes according to the grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) approach. Conclusions The adoption of the MedDiet was accompanied by a relatively small, but yet significant BP reduction, while higher baseline SBP levels and longer follow-up duration enhanced the BP-lowering effect of the intervention Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Remembrance in Action: Educating and Responding to the Holocaust in today’s world

A school librarian and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Teacher Fellow addresses the challenge of teaching 21st century learners about the Holocaust, demonstrating how to enrich collaborative instruction and library programing through innovative Museum resources. This paper highlights “History Unfolded,” the Museum’s growing database of WWII era newspapers promoting historical thinking and media literacy; “Experiencing History,” a primary source digital learning tool; the availability of Museum exhibitions and supplemental Holocaust projects that can be successfully implemented by school library practitioners worldwide. As we face a resurgence of neo-Nazism and increased Anti-Semitism, school librarians can be transformational leaders in Holocaust education initiatives, encouraging an equitable and inclusive environment in the greater community. 

Use of biomaterials in the surgical regenerative treatment of peri-implantitis: systematic review

The aim of this study was to review the scientific literature regarding the effectiveness of different biomaterials in the regenerative treatment of peri-implantitis. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Science Direct, Embase, and the Cochrane Collaboration Library. Studies on the use of biomaterials in the regenerative treatment of peri-implantitis were selected. The search strategy retrieved 253 articles. After selection, six articles met all inclusion criteria and were included in the present systematic review. The studies showed that an initial therapeutic approach consisting of plaque control and implant surface decontamination and subsequent surgery for biomaterial placement were essential for the successful regenerative treatment of peri-implantitis defects. Analysis of all biomaterials used in surgical regenerative treatment showed that bovine bone grafts provided superior outcomes in terms of new bone formation compared to autogenous grafts and nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite. It is important to note that porous titanium granules have emerged as a promising biomaterial for the regenerative treatment of peri-implantitis. In conclusion, biomaterials are promising for the treatment of peri-implant bone defects and the number of in silico biomaterials that can provide treatment of excellence to patients with this condition is expected to increase in the near future.

Advocacy of the Sustainable Development Goals in Jordanian academic libraries

In view of the increased importance of the Sustainable Development Goals and the limited number of public libraries in Jordan, it is important to investigate the role and practices of academic libraries in promoting knowledge and skills to support the Sustainable Development Goals in Jordan. It is also important to explore the challenges that might hinder the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals. The results of this study support the fact that academic libraries can significantly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals ( M = 3.53) by providing access to relevant and up-to-date information ( M = 4.16) and giving training on information literacy ( M = 4.03). Access to information contributes to the quality of life of society ( M = 4.41). This article provides insights for academic librarians and decision-makers into disseminating measures for promoting knowledge and skills related to the Sustainable Development Goals among students and the public community in Jordan. The study recommends some relevant strategies, such as the collaboration of academic libraries with governmental and health institutions to support the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals in Jordan.

Educational collaboration of Russian libraries: The possibilities and prospects

Collaboration is one of the most efficient forms of cooperation within the system of continuing library and information education. The study is based on general scientific methods, including that of institutional analysis. The study subject is collaboration as an instrument of interaction and joint efforts, wшер the results to be actualized through exchange of knowledge, experience and skills in a specific educational ecosystem. The study object is collaboration within the system of continuing library professional education. With resource, organizational and process approaches, the essence of the concept of "collaboration" is identified; the focus is made on its special institutional structure and role in efficient interaction between the subjects of knowledge economy. The essence of the definition of "educational collaboration" is revealed, taking into account the inherent features and various individual approaches to its interpretation. The experience in building the collaboration of library continuing education providers, i.e. "LENINKA" Corporate University of the Russian State Library and Department of Continuing Professional Education of the State Public Scientific and Technological Library of the Russian Academy of Sciences Siberian Branch, is analyzed (20192020). The special role of collaboration in providing continuing professional education to Russian library specialists is emphasized. It is demonstrated that collaboration in education facilitates co-organization of professional communities, render their activities more efficient and highly demanded within the digital economy and knowledge society.

Creating an annual evaluation framework for library faculty

This article describes the faculty-lead process and outcomes of a collaborative annual library faculty evaluation project. The authors share the process used at Boise State University's Albertsons Library, including the drivers, team member roles, communication strategies, challenges, discoveries, revision process, evaluation criteria, and the implemented framework. One key discovery is that while library faculty seek the clarity and transparency that a framework can provide in the evaluation process, they often favor differing evaluation criteria, thereby necessitating a structured yet flexible framework. The personal nature of assessing one's work made it an emotional process requiring sensitivity; and while evaluations can never be fully objective, faculty highly value consistent implementation. These findings add complexity to the process of creating a faculty evaluation framework suitable for everyone's needs. There is little scientific research in library sciences on this topic, and much of it is not current. As a result, the library faculty intend to continue to evaluate this process over time.

Diversifying and Transforming a Public University’s Children’s Book Collection: Librarian and Teacher Education Faculty Collaboration on Grants, Research, and Collection Development

An education librarian and faculty member collaborated on research grants to study teacher education student’s experiences with diverse books and to develop library collections. This study explores the development of internally grant-funded linguistically and culturally sustaining children’s book collections and assesses the impact of the grants with a model that analyzes research guide use, library instruction sessions, and reflection on grant-funded research, among other components. Intentional collection practices, including grant-funded collection development; faculty partnership; nontraditional bibliographic tools; and alternative forms of access, discovery, and shelving led to a vital and linguistically and culturally sustaining collection which reflects education student’s diverse identities.

Could Private Legislation Be the First Key to Unlocking the Nation’s Information Resources in the Battle against Misinformation?

Unfiltered, unverified information flows freely on the web and is much more easily found and used than reliable sources. There are logical reasons for this, as quality, reliable information often costs both time and money to investigate, verify, and publish. However, that type of investment only justifies the charging for the information at the outset, not the cabining of it once it is available and has been purchased. Where public libraries have acquired content, they should be allowed to maximize its use in society within the bounds of copyright. Such use is within the spirit of copyright and its hope for an informed citizenry and more equal access to information. Private legislation coupled with library collaboration on multiplying access points could make quality information available to the public in a quantity and manner that could help fight the war on misinformation.

Is Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Effective in Reducing Trauma Symptoms among Traumatized Refugee Children? A Systematic Review.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40653-021-00370-0.

Chemsearch: collaborative compound libraries with structure-aware browsing.

Chemsearch is a cross-platform server application for developing and managing a chemical compound library and associated data files, with an interface for browsing and search that allows for easy navigation to a compound of interest, similar compounds or compounds that have desired structural properties. With provisions for access control and centralized document and data storage, Chemsearch supports collaboration by distributed teams. Chemsearch is a free and open-source Flask web application that can be linked to a Google Workspace account. Source code is available at https://github.com/gem-net/chemsearch (GPLv3 license). A Docker image allowing rapid deployment is available at https://hub.docker.com/r/cgemcci/chemsearch.

Generation of collaborative open source library services platforms: FOLIO case study

Generation of collaborative open source library services platforms: FOLIO case study

Surgical prevention of terminal neuroma and phantom limb pain: a literature review.

The incidence of extremity amputation is estimated at about 200,000 cases annually. Over 25% of patients suffer from terminal neuroma or phantom limb pain (TNPLP), resulting in pain, inability to wear a prosthetic device, and lost work. Once TNPLP develops, there is no definitive cure. Therefore, there has been an emerging focus on TNPLP prevention. We examined the current literature on TNPLP prevention in patients undergoing extremity amputation. A literature review was performed using Ovid Medline, Cochrane Collaboration Library, and Google Scholar to identify all original studies that addressed surgical prophylaxis against TNPLP. The search was conducted using both Medical Subject Headings and free-text using the terms “phantom limb pain,” “amputation neuroma,” and “surgical prevention of amputation neuroma.” Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria, including six prospective trials, two comprehensive literature reviews, four retrospective chart reviews, and three case series/technique reviews. Five techniques were identified, and each was incorporated into a target-based classification system. A small but growing body of literature exists regarding the surgical prevention of TNPLP. Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR), a form of physiologic target reassignment, has the greatest momentum in the academic surgical community, with multiple recent prospective studies demonstrating superior prevention of TNPLP. Neurorrhaphy and transposition with implantation are supported by less robust evidence, but merit future study as alternatives to TMR.