Knowledge Creation In Networks Research Articles

Optometric Education After the Pandemic: Trends in Knowledge Networks and Virtual Internationalization

Introduction: The world has undergone an educational transformation during the confinement of the year 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher education has taken an abrupt turn towards virtuality, the internationalization of research, the creation of knowledge networks and the exchange of experiences in online linking and research. Objective: The objective is to socialize experiences among optometry schools and associations of eye care professionals to show the changes in the training of optometrists post pandemic in Latin America. Methodology: Through the action-participation methodology, networks were created between 21 higher education institutions, associations and research groups and international organizations in the area of knowledge of visual health in several countries: Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, United States, Puerto Rico among others where projects in continuing education, mirror classes and through the leadership of the ethics committee of the Latin American Association of Optometry and Optics (ALDOO) and the Volunteers Optometry services for humanity (VOSH) courses were designed on the Zoom platform and Meet as part of the collaborative work of the network. Results: Through these alternatives, knowledge networks in optometry were consolidated in order to disseminate experiences in different countries. Likewise, a curricular framework was created as a guide for institutions that offer optometry with basic competencies and flexibility to allow in the future to strengthen international mobility, improve the quality of scientific writing and the creation of macro research projects that respond to the public policies of the World Health Organization. Some experiences developed within optometry programs and schools in Latin America have allowed the different actors to be articulated: teachers, administrators, students, international experts in order to build and enrich global networks and alternative virtual strategies to improve significant learning, technology transfer and local development in optometry and the development of joint research projects in order to improve the quality of publications. The objective of this article is to socialize educational experiences during the pandemic in the area of optometry. Conclusions: The trend of optometry education is to work in networks from research groups created and directed by experts, training in alternative areas such as the applications of artificial intelligence, non-technology at the service of visual health, through the delivery of mirror classes, virtual mobility of researchers and strengthening the internationalization of optometry and visual health in different academic settings. These are some of the points that the authors have been consolidating to prepare for virtuality, uniting the actors in the educational process that will undoubtedly remain over time as part of the strengthening of computer communication technologies and virtual education.

Integrating evidence from research into decision-making for controlling endemic tropical diseases in South East Nigeria: perceptions of producers and users of evidence on barriers and solutions

BackgroundEndemic tropical diseases (ETDs) constitute a significant health burden in resource-poor countries. Weak integration of research evidence into policy and practice poses a major challenge to the control of ETDs. This study was undertaken to explore barriers to the use of research evidence in decision-making for controlling ETDs. It also highlights potential strategies for addressing these barriers, including the gaps in research generation and utilisation in the context of endemic disease control.MethodsInformation on barriers and solutions to integrating research evidence into decision-making for controlling ETDs in Anambra State, Nigeria, was collected from 68 participants (producers and users of evidence) during structured discussions in a workshop. Participants were purposively selected and allocated to groups based on their current involvement in endemic disease control and expertise. Discussions were facilitated with a topic guide and detailed notes were taken by an appointed recorder. Outputs from the discussions were synthesised and analysed manually.ResultsCross-cutting barriers include a weak research linkage between producers and users of evidence and weak capacity to undertake health policy and systems research (HPSR). Producers of evidence were purported to conceptualise and frame their research questions based on their academic interests and funders’ focus without recourse to the decision-makers. Conversely, poor demand for research evidence was reported among users of evidence. Another user barrier identified was moribund research units of the Department of Planning Research and Statistics within the State Ministry of Health. Potential solutions for addressing these barriers include creation of knowledge networks and partnerships between producers and users of evidence, institutionalisation of sustainable capacity-building of both parties in HPSR and revival of State research units.ConclusionsEvidence-informed decision-making for controlling ETDs is limited by constraints in the interactions of some factors between the users (supply side) and producers (demand side) of evidence. These constraints could be solved through stronger research collaborations, institutionalisation of HPSR, and frameworks for getting research into policy and practice.

‘There’s a Catch-22’ – The complexities of pain management for people with advanced dementia nearing the end of life: A qualitative exploration of physicians’ perspectives

Background: Pain management is a cornerstone of palliative care. The clinical issues encountered by physicians when managing pain in patients dying with advanced dementia, and how these may impact on prescribing and treatment, are unknown. Aim: To explore physicians’ experiences of pain management for patients nearing the end of life, the impact of these on prescribing and treatment approaches, and the methods employed to overcome these challenges. Design: Qualitative, semi-structured interview study exploring barriers to and facilitators of pain management, prescribing and treatment decisions, and training needs. Thematic analysis was used to elicit key themes. Setting/participants: A total of 23 physicians, responsible for treating patients with advanced dementia approaching the end of life, were recruited from primary care (n = 9), psychiatry (n = 7) and hospice care (n = 7). Results: Six themes emerged: diagnosing pain, complex prescribing and treatment approaches, side effects and adverse events, route of administration, importance of sharing knowledge and training needs. Knowledge exchange was often practised through liaison with physicians from other specialities. Cross-speciality mentoring and the creation of knowledge networks were believed to improve pain management in this patient population. Conclusion: Pain management in end-stage dementia is complex, requiring cross-population of knowledge between palliative care specialists and non-specialists, in addition to collateral information provided by other health professionals and patients’ families. Regular, cost- and time-effective mentoring and ongoing professional development are perceived to be essential in empowering physicians to meet clinical challenges in this area.

Conservation and Development in Latin America and Southern Africa: Setting the Stage

Romero, C., S. Athayde, J. E. Collomb, M. DiGiano, M. Schmink, S. Schramski, and L. Seales. 2012. Conservation and development in Latin America and Southern Africa: setting the stage. Ecology and Society 17(2): 17. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-04863-170217

Knowledge creation in networks: a comparison between firm-network and network of firms

Network is often considered as a support of knowledge creation. We consider that two main forms of networks can be identified in the economy: horizontal and vertical. We propose to compare these networks according to the question of knowledge creation. The aim of this article is then to demonstrate mathematically the hypothesis that a decentralized network is more efficient in terms of knowledge creation. This hypothesis supposes that interactions between firms promote collective learning and collective knowledge and increase performances. We propose to describe, in terms of mathematical metaphors, the two forms of network in order to compare afterwards their dynamical evolution.JEL Codes: D85, L2, O3

Knowledge creation in networks: a comparison between firm-network and network of firms

Network is often considered as a support of knowledge creation. We consider that two main forms of networks can be identified in the economy: horizontal and vertical. We propose to compare these networks according to the question of knowledge creation. The aim of this article is then to demonstrate mathematically the hypothesis that a decentralized network is more efficient in terms of knowledge creation. This hypothesis supposes that interactions between firms promote collective learning and collective knowledge and increase performances. We propose to describe, in terms of mathematical metaphors, the two forms of network in order to compare afterwards their dynamical evolution.JEL Codes: D85, L2, O3

Putting the human touch into knowledge management

PurposeThe paper aims to describe the development of a practical approach to the provision of knowledge facilitation in a major research organisation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the UK's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and its Knowledge Services Department's approach to knowledge facilitation.FindingsThe ready availability of information/subject experts in the organisation encourages effective information gathering and use, together with the informal creation of knowledge networks running in parallel with the formal ones within the organisation.Practical implicationsDefines pragmatic and effective services, philosophy and tools introduced to improve the effective use and reuse of information and corporate knowledge. In addition there is a steady move from the provision of standard services to an information consultancy environment.Originality/valueRedefines the role of library and information services to meet twenty‐first century needs.