Enhance Information Dissemination Research Articles

The effect of interpersonal relationships on epidemic spreading in weighted multilayer networks

During the epidemic outbreak, people's reactions to social contacts of varying degrees of intimacy exhibited significant differences. Historical data further reveal that interactions between groups play a crucial role in the epidemic's transmission chain. In light of this, it is essential for epidemiological models to account for more complex interaction mechanisms. Based on this understanding, we have developed a weighted dual-layer network model. One layer simulates the spread of information through 2-simplexes, while the other simulates the actual transmission paths of the disease based on physical contact. The weight between two nodes represents individual differences in information acceptance and self-protection among neighbors with different relationships. We conducted a theoretical analysis using the Micro-Markov Chain Approach to examine transmission behaviors, and we also implemented numerical simulations using the Monte Carlo Method. The simulation results aligned with the theoretical analysis, indicating that stronger interpersonal relationships can enhance information dissemination, prompting more individuals to adopt protective measures, which in turn helps curb the spread of the disease.

“The police came in white protective suits and with batons, it was pure disaster” – a multi-stakeholder perspective on infection control in reception centers for asylum seekers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations residing in confined settings such as refugee shelters: Physical distancing measures were challenging to implement in shelters due to shared rooms or communal use of kitchens and sanitary facilities, which increased the risk of infections. Meanwhile, individuals’ capabilities for individual protection strategies were severely impaired by the structure of the shelters. Consequently, shelters had the duty to develop and implement strategies for the prevention and handling of SARS-CoV-2 infections. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of refugees, NGO employees, and shelter directors regarding COVID-19-related measures in German refugee shelters. The study aimed to identify challenges and conflicts arising from implemented measures, as well as expectations for improved support during the pandemic.MethodsSemi-structured and narrative interviews were conducted with 6 refugees, 6 facility managers, 12 NGO staff, and 2 social service agency staff from February to August 2022. Qualitative content analysis was employed to analyze the data, identifying overarching themes and codes.ResultsThe study uncovered challenges and conflicts resulting from pandemic measures, particularly mass quarantine orders, within refugee shelters. Lack of transparency and ineffective communication worsened tensions, with refugees feeling distressed and anxious. The quarantine experience had a negative impact on refugees’ mental health, which was exacerbated by limited social interaction and leisure-time activities. Shelter managers encountered administrative challenges when implementing measures due to facility constraints and limited resources, while NGO employees encountered obstacles in providing immediate assistance due to legal regulations and a lack of cooperation from shelter managers.ConclusionsThe study highlights that shelters are problematic institutions from a public health perspective. It shows the importance of implementing customized pandemic interventions in refugee shelters that take account of the diverse needs and experiences of both refugee and staff. To achieve this, we recommend to establish an ethics committee and involve various stakeholders in decision-making processes. Additionally, enhancing information dissemination to promote transparency and public understanding of measures is crucial. These insights can help develop comprehensive and effective pandemic plans for refugee shelters, ensuring better preparedness for future public health crises.

DMSeqNet-mBART: A state-of-the-art Adaptive-DropMessage enhanced mBART architecture for superior Chinese short news text summarization

Mandarin Chinese, a globally prevalent language, boasts an abundance of regularly refreshed short news texts accessible online. Consequently, devising concise summaries of these texts has emerged as a pivotal challenge for enhancing information dissemination and comprehension efficiency. To tackle this issue, we introduce DMSeqNet-mBART, an innovative model grounded in the mBART framework, positioning it as a state-of-the-art solution for Chinese short news summarization. DMSeqNet-mBART incorporates the Adaptive-DropMessage technique, an innovative methodology that intelligently discards or retains information contingent upon the attention mechanism’s output. Furthermore, the model integrates several enhanced technologies, such as dynamic convolutional layers, gated residual connections, customized feed-forward networks enhanced with batch normalization, self-attention, and cross-attention, all aimed at bolstering the performance and robustness of Chinese short news summarization. Rigorous comparative experiments, conducted across six recognized Chinese short news summary datasets, demonstrate that DMSeqNet-mBART significantly surpasses industry-leading models like T5, MLC, PLCC, and GPT-4 in terms of fluency, completeness, robustness, and accuracy. These results, as validated by benchmarks including BERTScore, BLEU, and ROUGE metrics, underscore the model’s superiority across diverse evaluation standards.

Evaluation of Sector 6 Citarum Harum's Social Media for Waste Management

The study aims to analyze the utilization of information media platforms by the Citarum Harum Task Force Sector 6 in waste management endeavors within the Baleendah District, Bandung Regency. The platforms under scrutiny include Instagram (@guardian_sektor6), YouTube (guardian_citarum), and TikTok (guardian_citarum). Employing a qualitative approach, the study integrates interviews, direct observations, and document analysis. Findings underscore the imperative of developing an official website to enhance information dissemination and organization. Notably, while the Instagram account @guardian_sektor6 demonstrates consistent posting and visually appealing content, shortcomings include inconsistent hashtag usage and limited content diversity. Similarly, the YouTube channel guardian_citarum maintains posting consistency but lacks optimization in SEO utilization and incomplete video descriptions. Meanwhile, TikTok account guardian_citarum, though active and visually engaging, underutilizes features such as hashtags and User-Generated Content. Consequently, the research output comprises a wireframe layout design for the official website of the Citarum Harum Task Force Sector 6. It is envisaged that this wireframe design will amplify the effectiveness of information delivery and waste management socialization efforts in the areas overseen by the Citarum Harum Task Force Sector 6.

Comparing the willingness to invest returns among green, sustainability, and blue bonds

This study explores whether investors' willingness to invest returns (WTIR) differs across environmental and sustainability bonds (ESBs) with varying scopes. Employing the double-bound dichotomous choice contingent valuation method (DBDC-CVM), the research surveyed Japanese retail investors to estimate their average levels of WTIR for green, sustainability, and blue bonds, respectively. The study discovered that investors are willing to invest in bonds with a stronger environmental focus such as green and blue bonds at a lower return rate, in contrast to sustainability bonds that address broader social issues. This suggests the importance for issuers of ESBs to clarify the specific focus of the bonds when promoting investment in such securities. Moreover, knowledge of ESBs can increase the WTIR, highlighting the need for policies aimed at enhancing information dissemination. Additionally, the levels of social responsibility and altruism among investors can increase the WTIR, emphasizing the significance of environmental and sustainability education. This underscores the significance of educating individuals to foster greater interest in environmental and social issues, cultivating a mindset that extends to caring about the well-being of others.

The Effectiveness And Challenges Of E-Government Implementation Through The Media Center In The City Of Palangka Raya

Public administration is crucial for government operations and public welfare as mandated by the 1945 Constitution of Indonesia. Technology, especially E-Government, has made public services more efficient. Since Presidential Instruction No. 3 of 2003, various government agencies, including local governments, have adopted E-Government to improve services. However, challenges such as isolated information systems, security issues, data inconsistency, and inadequate infrastructure require standardization. The Palangka Raya City Government utilizes information technology through the Media Center, supported by the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, to enhance information dissemination and networking between local, provincial, and central governments. This study analyzes the effectiveness of the Media Center in Palangka Raya, identifying challenges such as a lack of competent human resources, outdated facilities, limited internet access in remote areas, and insufficient administrative budgets. Data were collected through documentation, observation, and interviews, and analyzed qualitatively. The findings highlight major challenges and suggest improvements for electronic public services, ultimately contributing to increased community engagement and welfare.

Beyond the Myths: Misinformation and Its Effect on Taxpayer Behaviour

The study investigates the impact of misinformation on taxpayers' tax compliance behaviour, aiming to uncover the psychological and economic repercussions on citizens. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study conducted interviews with eight participants, followed by a thematic analysis to identify prevailing themes in taxpayer responses to misinformation. The findings reveal that misinformation significantly influences taxpayer behaviour, leading to stress, mistrust of tax authorities, and subsequent non-compliance. Analysis of the interview data highlighted the role of digital platforms in spreading misinformation, the susceptibility of newer businesses and younger taxpayers, and the erosion of trust and tax morale as critical factors affecting compliance behaviour. The study underlines the broader implications of misinformation on the tax system's integrity and the fiscal relationship between taxpayers and authorities, calling for strategies to enhance information dissemination and taxpayer education to bolster compliance and trust.

Enhancing Information Dissemination in Libraries: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Impact of Social Media and Mobile Applications in the college students of Naxal Block

The current study investigates the usefulness of social media and mobile applications in enhancing information distribution within libraries, with a focus on college students in the Naxal Block. A detailed study is conducted to assess the impact of these digital tools on the accessibility of library resources and services. To gather viewpoints from 284 selected individuals, a mixed-methods approach is used, which includes questionnaires and interviews. The findings provide useful insights into college students' awareness, involvement, preferences, and barriers to using social media and mobile applications for library information distribution in the Naxal Block.

Technical Efficiency of Broiler Production in Delta State, Nigeria

Purpose: The study examined the technical efficiency of broiler production in Delta State, Nigeria. Specifically, it determined the effects of socio-economic characteristics of the farmers on production output, determined the profitability of broiler production, and established the levels of technical efficiency attained by the farmers. It also ascertain the socio-economic factors of the farmers that influence their technical efficiency levels; assessed the nature of returns to scale and elasticities of broiler production inputs; and identified the constraints to broiler production in the area. A survey research design approach was used in the study. Multistage random sampling technique was used to select 240 registered broiler farmers. Primary data were collected in the 2019 production season using structured questionnaire administered to the respondents by personal interview. Methodology: Descriptive and parametric statistics such as frequencies, means, percentages, ratios, enterprise budgeting, profit function regression and Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier regression techniques were used in data analysis. Findings: Findings indicated that broiler production output was significantly influenced by age, household size, farm size, farming experience and cost of feeds while gender, marital status, educational level, access to credit and extension visits were not significant. Mean technical efficiency scores of 0.94 was attained with 0.97 maximum and 0.90 minimum. Output elasticities with respect to farm size, labour, capital and feeds were 0.42, 0.13, 0.13 and 0.17 respectively. Technical efficiency of the farmers was significantly influenced by educational level, farming experience, household size, gender and access to credit, but weakly determined by age. Broiler farms operated at decreasing returns to scale. Major constraints to broiler production in the area arranged in descending order of seriousness were high cost of feeds, inadequate capital, high cost of labour, parasites and diseases, high mortality rate and inadequate feeds. Unique contributor to theory, policy and practice: Policy measures such as increased budgetary allocation to livestock production, subsidization of inputs, provision of soft loans to broiler farmers by relevant institutions, provision of requisite infrastructures and improved funding of extension agencies to enhance information dissemination to broiler farmers are advocated.

Community Preparedness to Recurrent Flood Disasters in Babessi, Rural Cameroon

Purpose: Flood is a recurrent natural disaster that has caused enormous human and material damage in many places and continues to hit rural communities at an alarming rate. Flood affects the community extensively and it is crucial for them to be prepared to reduce the risk faced in the event of a flood disaster. The need to improve on education, local flood disaster committee, public awareness and early warnings as preparedness measures to prevent and manage flood disasters by rural communities is therefore indispensable. This study aims to determine the current level of flood preparedness amongst households in Babessi, Cameroon as well as other contributing factors to preparedness such as the availability of flood forecast and early warning and public awareness to prepare for floods.
 Methodology: This study used the mixed methods approach that combined descriptive and analytical perspectives. It collected and analyzed both qualitative and quantitative data concurrently and sequentially and integrated data at one or more stages in the process. Using a structured questionnaire, data was purposively and randomly selected from 317 households from the same. Quantitative data were supplemented by 7 key informant interviews and 2 focused group discussions. All quantitative data generated from the questionnaires were entered into a template designed in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20). The data were cleaned and later on analyzed using both SPSS and Microsoft Excel 2013. For qualitative data (FGDs and KIIs), they were recorded in the field using Dictaphones (voice recorder) and later on transcribed and typed into a word processing program (Microsoft Word 2013). The transcribed data were analyzed using Nvivo version 11, and themes were established in relation to research objective. Results were presented using tables, figures and charts.
 Findings: Using descriptive analysis, the findings indicated that the preparedness measures were mostly stocking of equipment (sand and sand bags) followed by emergency savings, stocking of emergency relief materials (food, water and drugs). Availability of flood forecast and early warning systems, education and public awareness were low overall preparedness level. The population of Babessi needs heightened sensitization on the impending dangers of flood hazard and be encouraged to participate in implementing the adopted strategies to prevent and manage subsequent flood disasters.
 Recommendations: The Social Representations Theory (SRT) informed this study. A social representation is a system of values, ideas and practices regarding a given social object, as well as the elaboration of that object by a group for the purpose of communicating and behaving. For policy, to enhance information dissemination, investments should be made in improving communication infrastructure and disseminating timely and accurate information about flood risks, early warnings, evacuation procedures, and available support services.

Solution to Overcome Import Tariff Barriers for Vietnamese Goods Exported to the European Union Market

The research aims to propose solutions for overcoming non-tariff barriers in the export of Vietnamese goods to the European Union (EU) market. The study identifies common characteristics within the bloc, using data collected from 2015 to 2022. Various methods such as statistical analysis, balance analysis, interpretation, deduction, synthesis analysis, logic methods, and forecasting were employed. Based on the research findings, the author suggests several groups of solutions to address non-tariff barriers when exporting goods to the EU market: Government-related solutions (Enhancing information dissemination, promoting EU trade laws and policies; Proactively addressing anti-dumping barriers); Association-related solutions (Improving information collection and processing capabilities; Willingness to litigate and counter-litigate); Legal consulting organizations' solutions; Business-related solutions; Solutions for the seafood industry; Solutions for the footwear industry; Solutions for the textile and garment industry.

The Role of Indigenous Communication Systems for Rural Development in the Tolon District of Ghana

This study explores the role of Indigenous Communication Systems (ICSs) in the Tolon District of Ghana, and how they are used as sites for cultural constructions, and platforms for propagating information for rural development.The study adopts social constructivism epistemological worldview and qualitative content analysis to interpret participants’ perspectives on the role of ICSs as sites for cultural constructions and propagating information for rural development in the Tolon District of Ghana. The study revealed that ICSs such as storytelling, drumming, the town crier, provide an avenue for the indigenous people to disseminate important information to rural communities in a language the local people are familiar with, understand, and as well inculcate good ethical and moral values to the up-coming generation. Considering this, the study recommends that ICSs should be refined and maintained to promote indigenous knowledge communication. Finally, the study uncovered that indigenous people hybridized or synchronized indigenous communication systems with new media technologies to enhance information dissemination in the rural communities. Therefore, the study suggests that rural communities could integrate both western communication technologies and traditional media forms to promote participatory media content creation and effective information dissemination in the rural communities for effective development.

Interactive Digital Notice Boards for Universities in Ghana

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to design and implement an Interactive Digital Notice Board (IDNB) for universities to address the limitations of traditional notice boards and improve communication among students, faculty, and staff.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data collection through surveys and qualitative data collection through interviews with key stakeholders. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
 Findings: The study found that the IDNB was an effective communication tool that enhanced information dissemination and facilitated interaction among students, faculty, and staff. The IDNB was also perceived as user-friendly and visually appealing.
 Research Limitation/ Implication: The study was limited to the CCTU campus, and the findings may not be generalizable to other contexts. The study also did not evaluate the long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness of the IDNB.
 Practical Implications: The IDNB has practical implications for CCTU as it can improve communication efficiency and reduce paper wastage associated with traditional notice boards. The IDNB can also serve as a platform for targeted advertising, event promotion, and student engagement.
 Social Implications: The IDNB can enhance social interactions and create a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff. It can also promote inclusivity by providing access to information in multiple languages and formats, catering to the diverse student body at CCTU.
 Originality/Value/ Novelty: The IDNB is novel in its interactive and user-friendly design, which sets it apart from traditional notice boards. It also integrates multimedia features, such as videos and images, to enhance engagement and information retention. The IDNB can serve as a blueprint for other institutions looking to adopt innovative communication strategies.

Impact of Facebook Conspiracy Theories on COVID-19 among Pakistani Users

The article delves into the intricate dynamics between online conspiracy theories, Facebook engagement, and perceptions of the pandemic. Examining three hypotheses, the study unveils the interplay between Facebook users' doubts regarding the pandemic, the formulation of conspiracy theories by online groups, and the impact of inadequate government communication on the spread of fake news. Through a meticulous survey-based approach, the researcher collected and analyzed data from a diverse group of participants, including medical professionals, media personnel, religious leaders, recovered patients, and the general public. The study's results highlight a discernible connection between conspiracy theories and public doubts about the pandemic, while underscoring Facebook groups' role in amplifying and perpetuating unfounded claims. It stresses the crucial role of effective governmental communication in curbing misinformation dissemination. The research's theoretical implications shed light on the interplay between digital spaces, public perceptions, and the diffusion of conspiracy-driven narratives. From a practical standpoint, the study accentuates the necessity of targeted interventions to promote accurate information and mitigate the harmful effects of conspiracy theories on public beliefs and behaviors. It highlights the importance of fostering responsible digital citizenship and enhancing information dissemination strategies, particularly in times of crisis.

Secure edge computing vulnerabilities in smart cities sustainability using petri net and genetic algorithm-based reinforcement learning

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) revolution has emerged as a promising network that enhanced information dissemination about the city's resources. This city's resources are wirelessly connected to different constrained devices (such as sensors, robotics, and actuators). However, the communication of this wireless information is threatened by several malicious attacks, cyber-attacks, and hackers. This is due to unsecured IIoT networks that were exposed as a potential back door entry point for the attacks. Consequently, this study aims to develop a security framework for the smart cities’ sustainability edge computing vulnerabilities using Petri Net and Genetic Algorithm-Based Reinforcement Learning (GARL). First, a common trust model for addressing information outflows in the network using a distributed authorization algorithm is proposed. This algorithm is implemented on a secure framework modeling in Petri Net called secure trust-aware philosopher privacy and authentication (STAPPA) for mitigation of the privacy breach in the networks. Genetic Algorithm-based Reinforcement Learning (GARL) is used to optimize the search, detect anomalies, and shortest route during the agent learning in the environment. The detection and accuracy rate results obtained over a secure framework using reinforcement learning are 98.75, 99, 99.50, 99.75, and 100% during simulation in the network environment. The average sensitivity of the detection rate is 1.000, while the average specificity outcome is 0.868. The result of the GARL simulation model obtained shows the best distance of 238.84 * 10−3 fitness when the search space is optimized by reducing the number of chromosomes to 10 in the model. These approaches help to detect anomalies and prevent unauthorized users from accessing edge computing components in the city architecture.

Exploring Stakeholder Attitudes towards Digital Agricultural Communication and Services

Digital agricultural communication and services enhance agricultural production by delivering real-time data, information, and support to stakeholders, thereby substantially extending the reach and impact of agricultural extension. The study, conducted in 2023, encompassed all three agro-climatic zones within Telangana and employed an ex post facto research design. Data collection involved personal interviews with a sample size of 180 farmers, 30 input dealers, 30 extension personnel, and 30 scientists. The study found that more than half (57.04%) of the overall sample expressed favorable attitudes toward digital agricultural communication and services. Mean attitude scores varied, with scientists scoring the highest (172.87), followed by farmers (169.23), extension personnel (166.37), and input dealers (165.23). Regression analysis using selected independent variables produced R2 values of 0.789 for farmers, 0.805 for input dealers, 0.720 for extension personnel, and 0.870 for scientists, indicating the effectiveness of the chosen independent variables in explaining changes in the dependent variable. These findings indicate the favourable attitude of stakeholders towards digital agricultural communication and services, laying a strong foundation for advancing digitalization in agriculture. This could enhance information dissemination and service improvements in the agricultural ecosystem.

Enhancing Community Engagement and Outreach: Strategies for Information Dissemination at the Bangladesh National Museum

Museums, traditional custodians of cultural heritage, are adapting to the digital age. The Bangladesh National Museum faces the challenge of effectively disseminating information to engage with an evolving, diverse audience. This research explores strategies for enhancing community engagement and outreach through innovative information dissemination. Using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews with museum visitors, staff, and community members, this study captures quantitative and qualitative data. It emphasizes contemporary roles, such as inclusivity, accessibility, and relevance. Findings offer insights into current community engagement and information dissemination at the Bangladesh National Museum. Recommendations, informed by visitor perspectives and global best practices, empower the museum to navigate the digital era while preserving its core role as a cultural steward and educator. By enhancing information dissemination, the museum can bridge cultural understanding, foster lifelong learning, and contribute to sustainable societal development.

Information Communications Technology (ICT) as a factor enhancing Information Dissemination on Climate Change in Public Libraries in North – Central Nigeria

Information Communications Technology (ICT) as a factor enhancing Information Dissemination on Climate Change in Public Libraries in North – Central Nigeria

Knowledge, Exposure, Peer Pressure, and Awareness Among Teenagers on Perceived Factors Influencing Teenage Pregnancy

This study aimed to determine teenagers? knowledge, awareness, exposure, and peer pressure on perceived factors that influence teenage pregnancy which may serve as a basis for intervention program development. It employed a descriptive-survey method using a validated researcher-made questionnaire to gather data. The 106 respondents involved from the rural town of Tampilisan were obtained through a convenient sampling technique. Weighted mean and Kruskal Wallis H-Test were used for data analysis. The study revealed that teenagers were ?moderately knowledgeable? in terms of sex education, they are ?less exposed? too risky behaviors from the internet, and ?less experienced? peer pressure. Furthermore, there was no significant difference existed among the respondents? exposure to risky behaviors, extent of peer pressure, and extent of awareness of teenage pregnancy when grouped according to educational level, however, respondents differ significantly in terms of knowledge of sex education. Moreover, when respondents were grouped according to family structure, there was no significant difference existed among them. The findings suggest that an intervention program enhancing information dissemination through various mediums can be recommended, to help and guide teenagers in achieving safe, fulfilling, and enjoyable relationships and prevent unplanned pregnancy in the future.

Impact of Cyber-extension and Social Media (WhatsApp and Facebook) on Extension Workers in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

The main purpose of this study is to examine the impact of cyber-extension and social media on extension workers service delivery in Gwagwalada area council in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Three objectives guided the study. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select a total of 100 extension workers from the study area. Using a set of structured questionnaire, data were obtained and analysed using descriptive statistical tools (frequency counts, percentages and mean score. The cyber-extension tool most used for capacity building was mobile phone (mean = 3.8), as most used, WhatsApp (mean = 2.8) and Facebook (mean = 2.6). Least used tool was MySpace, (mean = 0.7). Major constraints faced by the extension agent were economic constraints (57%) infrastructural constraints (66%) use of e-mail (55%), use of YouTube (53%) and use of twitter (77%). The rate of constraint in deploying cyber-extension and social media was adjudged high. The researchers suggest that there is a great need to train extension agents on the use of these tools. In addition, increase funding of extension activities involving utilization of cyber extension and social media should be considered to enhance information dissemination in the study area.