Finding Aids Research Articles

Metanoia and Ahimsa: Inputs in Inter-Religious Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and Jainism

The study aims to unlock metanoia and Ahimsa as fundamental doctrines of Christianity and Jainism, respectively, that can bring harmony and peace through their character of inclusivity and listening. These are also important traits to achieve the goals of UNSDG that facilitated total human development in various spheres of life. Metanoia is an all-embracing Christian concept about change of heart, while Ahimsa is a Jainist doctrine on non-violence and causing no harm to any life form. In interreligious dialogue, their inputs open doors for transforming potentials that can address issues in achieving sustainable development. Husserl’s phenomenological framework aids in finding meeting points that can bridge different religious strands. His phenomenological approach provides listening and suspension of judgments to bridge and deepen meaningful encounters. The research contends that both Catholicism and Jainism quest for spiritual liberation as a goal. Christianity adheres that metanoia is a way to achieve that where, through change of heart, it brings individuals to nothingness, shown in the unconditional love exemplified by Jesus on the cross. Jainism meets this view where ahimsa is the foundational principle in achieving spiritual liberation. Ahimsa goes with the other two pillars, namely, anekanta (multiplicity of viewpoints) and aparigraha (non-possession as lifestyle). Christianity and Jainism intersected in their aspirations for well-being and total liberation. Both agreed that human beings need to purify through righteous actions or positive karma. Aside from the e-library method, the research engaged in actual research collaboration with Jainist scholars that deepened the study. Through inclusivity and integration of common areas for social welfare achieved in inter-religious dialogue, the church’s agenda of synodality is facilitated.

Advancing healthcare with artificial intelligence: diagnostic accuracy of machine learning algorithm in diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy in the Brazilian population

BackgroundIn healthcare systems in general, access to diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening is limited. Artificial intelligence has the potential to increase care delivery. Therefore, we trained and evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of a machine learning algorithm for automated detection of DR.MethodsWe included color fundus photographs from individuals from 4 databases (primary and specialized care settings), excluding uninterpretable images. The datasets consist of images from Brazilian patients, which differs from previous work. This modification allows for a more tailored application of the model to Brazilian patients, ensuring that the nuances and characteristics of this specific population are adequately captured. The sample was fractionated in training (70%) and testing (30%) samples. A convolutional neural network was trained for image classification. The reference test was the combined decision from three ophthalmologists. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve of the algorithm for detecting referable DR (moderate non-proliferative DR; severe non-proliferative DR; proliferative DR and/or clinically significant macular edema) were estimated.ResultsA total of 15,816 images (4590 patients) were included. The overall prevalence of any degree of DR was 26.5%. Compared with human evaluators (manual method of diagnosing DR performed by an ophthalmologist), the deep learning algorithm achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.98 (95% CI 0.97–0.98), with a specificity of 94.6% (95% CI 93.8–95.3) and a sensitivity of 93.5% (95% CI 92.2–94.9) at the point of greatest efficiency to detect referable DR.ConclusionsA large database showed that this deep learning algorithm was accurate in detecting referable DR. This finding aids to universal healthcare systems like Brazil, optimizing screening processes and can serve as a tool for improving DR screening, making it more agile and expanding care access.

Seasonal variations and the prevalence of phenolic profiles in ambient fine particulate matter and their impact on oxidative potential

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) poses numerous health risks, with oxidative potential (OP) serving as a critical marker of its toxicity. Synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) and bisphenols (BPs) influence reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in PM2.5, and exposure to these compounds induces oxidative stress in organisms, thereby potentially affecting the OP of PM2.5. We detected 26 phenols (including 12 SPAs, 5 transformation products (TPs), and 9 BPs) in PM2.5 sample collected from October 2018 to September 2021 in Wuhan, China. Among them, 19 substances were detected at a detection frequency greater than 50 % in PM2.5 sample. AO 2246 and BHT were the main components of SPAs, and BHT-Q and BPA had the highest concentrations in TPs and BPs, respectively. PM2.5 mass concentrations and phenolic levels were higher in winter and autumn. Substances within groups were strongly correlated, suggesting the same or similar source of exposure. This finding aid in more precise pollution source identification and is crucial for comprehensively evaluating their combined health effects. Furthermore, we determined the OP of PM2.5 and found that BPs were related to increased OP and ROS. This suggests that the toxicity of PM2.5 is influenced not only by its concentration but also by its chemical composition, with BPs potentially enhancing its toxic effects. These factors should be fully considered when assessing the health impacts of PM2.5.

A Finding Aid of Archives: the Concept Content and Features of its Presentation on the Websites of Central State Archives of Ukraine

The aim of the article is to highlight the content of the concept “a finding aid” of archives, and peculiarities of its presentation on the websites of central state archives of Ukraine. Research methods: scientific analysis, synthesis, generalisation. The terminological analysis helps to clarify the essence of concepts related to the archive finding aid. Structural and systemic approaches allow to consider the finding aid of archives as a system of interconnected archival directories. The scientific novelty of this research lies in the fact that different definitions of the finding aid as a set of archival directories and an auxiliary element of any archival directory are revealed; the conducted analysis of the websites of the central state archives of Ukraine shows a number of shortcomings; recommendations regarding the presentation of the finding aid on the websites of the central state archives of Ukraine are offered. Main conclusions. The war in Ukraine and the optimisation of the system of central state archives led to their reduction (7 archives were created o ut of 9). Reducing the number of archives should improve the organisation of their websites, but we have to note the lack of standardisation in the presentation of the archives’ finding aid. The concept of “the finding aid” can be considered, firstly, as a set of archival directories in any form, and secondly, as an auxiliary element of any archival directory. The analysis of the websites of the central state archives of Ukraine proved the following: the absence of a unified representation of the finding aid apparatus on the websites; the dispersion of elements of the finding aid on the website; collections of archival documents often do not have an explanation of what kind of collection they are, as well as for what purpose they were created. Such a situation does not improve search capabilities of archive users, and makes it difficult to find the necessary information. In our opinion, it is necessary: to unify the presentation of the finding aid apparatus (to separate printed and electronic ones); submit short abstracts for document collections.

Redefining Archival Reference: Relationship-based Reference

ABSTRACT This article argues that archival access systems require a new archival ecosystem (physical infrastructure, access tools, e.g., catalogs, findings aids, indexes, rules policies procedures, and institutional supports) and a broader conceptual framing. Based on the findings from sixteen interviews with archivists, this article proposes a multifaceted, relationship-based access framework. The framework focuses on supporting users studying difficult histories or members of oppressed communities in a physical archives but also highlights elements that all users might appreciate.

Archival meta-metadata: revision history and positionality of finding aids

This article starts from two observations about archival description. First, creating finding aids requires significant judgment and interpretation, and is therefore inevitably influenced by the positionalities—the perspectives, personal histories, and social identities—of the archivists. Second, finding aids occasionally call for revision, sometimes to fit a new data standard or reflect an evolving collection, but also to correct errors, reduce bias, and remove harmful language. In light of these observations, this article has two aims. First, it develops and presents a theoretical rationale for recording metadata about finding aids, including revision history and authorship, arguing for transparency about positionality as a response to recognizing the infeasibility of impartiality. Second, it presents the results of a survey of state archivists in the US, who were asked about their descriptive practices and their attitudes regarding disclosing their authorship of finding aids. Results of the survey reveal diverse practices, as well as some hesitation to embrace expressions of positionality in the context of description. The article closes with a discussion of options for conceptualizing metadata about finding aids and the professional role of archivists, concluding with two general recommendations.

Modeling Residential Energy Consumption Patterns with Machine Learning Methods Based on a Case Study in Brazil

Developing efficient energy conservation and strategies is relevant in the context of climate change and rising energy demands. The objective of this study is to model and predict the electrical power consumption patterns in Brazilian households, considering the thresholds for energy use. Our methodology utilizes advanced machine learning methods, such as agglomerative hierarchical clustering, k-means clustering, and self-organizing maps, to identify such patterns. Gradient boosting, chosen for its robustness and accuracy, is used as a benchmark to evaluate the performance of these methods. Our methodology reveals consumption patterns from the perspectives of both users and energy providers, assessing the corresponding effectiveness according to stakeholder needs. Consequently, the methodology provides a comprehensive empirical framework that supports strategic decision making in the management of energy consumption. Our findings demonstrate that k-means clustering outperforms other methods, offering a more precise classification of consumption patterns. This finding aids in the development of targeted energy policies and enhances resource management strategies. The present research shows the applicability of advanced analytical methods in specific contexts, showing their potential to shape future energy policies and practices.

Approach to Acute Traumatic and Nontraumatic Diaphragmatic Abnormalities.

Acute diaphragmatic abnormalities encompass a broad variety of relatively uncommon and underdiagnosed pathologic conditions, which can be subdivided into nontraumatic and traumatic entities. Nontraumatic abnormalities range from congenital hernia to spontaneous rupture, endometriosis-related disease, infection, paralysis, eventration, and thoracoabdominal fistula. Traumatic abnormalities comprise both blunt and penetrating injuries. Given the role of the diaphragm as the primary inspiratory muscle and the boundary dividing the thoracic and abdominal cavities, compromise to its integrity can yield devastating consequences. Yet, diagnosis can prove challenging, as symptoms may be vague and findings subtle. Imaging plays an essential role in investigation. Radiography is commonly used in emergency evaluation of a patient with a suspected thoracoabdominal process and may reveal evidence of diaphragmatic compromise, such as abdominal contents herniated into the thoracic cavity. CT is often superior, in particular when evaluating a trauma patient, as it allows rapid and more detailed evaluation and localization of pathologic conditions. Additional modalities including US, MRI, and scintigraphy may be required, depending on the clinical context. Developing a strong understanding of the acute pathologic conditions affecting the diaphragm and their characteristic imaging findings aids in efficient and accurate diagnosis. Additionally, understanding the appearance of diaphragmatic anatomy at imaging helps in differentiating acute pathologic conditions from normal variations. Ultimately, this knowledge guides management, which depends on the underlying cause, location, and severity of the abnormality, as well as patient factors. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

History of Education Meets Digital Humanities: A Field-Specific Finding Aid to Review Past and Present Research

ABSTRACT Research in the field of History of Education has experienced a remarkable increase in recent decades. Resulting publications are referenced in generalist databases that do not catalogue academic works according to the specific characteristics of History of Education. Seeking to give response to this bibliographic gap, we are developing a database catered for historians of education that aims to map out present, past, and future research. Conceived within the framework of Digital Humanities/Digital History, Hecumen is being designed, with the aid of Artificial Intelligence, as an open access finding aid that permits (1) conducting specific and multilevel complex engine searches, (2) having a panoramic view of publications; (3) mapping out relevant/missing areas of research, and, ultimately, (4) keeping up to date with the research produced by historians of education. This paper presents, contextualises, and problematises Hecumen – a digital tool that will facilitate and boost History of Education research.

Hydrogen generation via water splitting with hexagonal silicon monolayers as (photo)catalysts

Here, we explore the possibility of using pristine hexagonal silicon (hex‑Si) monolayers as (photo)catalysts for water splitting. We found that pristine hex‑Si monolayers show promise as H2O activation site, promoting oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and energetically favorable O2 production in both acidic and alkaline media. However, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and OER on this surface do require a substantial overpotential due to the weak bond between H2O and the pristine hex‑Si monolayer, strong H and OH adsorption on the hex‑Si surface, and the energy needed for OOH binding in both acidic and alkaline conditions. Understanding these findings aids in developing hex‑Si-based (photo)catalysts for future water splitting reactions.

Ver en Español: A Pilot Project to Investigate Translation Methods for Archival Exhibits and Finding Aids

The internationalization brought about by online finding aids and the United States’ expanding diverse population necessitates a renewed focus on representation and accessibility in archival research. The accessibility of archival resources depends on the language in which the content is offered to the public. Throughout the United States, the Spanish-speaking population continues to grow. Employees in the University of North Texas Special Collections department obtained grant funding to translate finding aids and digital exhibits into Spanish, with an emphasis on finding a translation solution that offered a balance between cost and quality (i.e., readability and accuracy). This article discusses possible options for translation, including translation vendors, Office 365, and DeepL; findings of the project, with specifics about the cost-effectiveness and quality of each option; and general advice to other institutions interested in undertaking translation projects, regardless of available resources.

Parametric and Nonparametric Approaches of Reid Vapor Pressure Prediction for Gasoline Containing Oxygenates: A Comparative Analysis Using Partial Least Squares, Nonlinear, and LOWESS Regression Modelling Strategies with Physical Properties

This study provides insights into the challenges involved in predicting the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) of gasoline-oxygenate blends (GOB), which is an important indicator of fuel quality and compliance with environmental and performance standards. Given the enormous variety of gasoline compositions and ratios available, there is a significant demand for a fast, straightforward, and cost-effective technique to predict RVP without relying on costly instruments or complicated spectral measurements that involve numerous input variables. A comparative performance analysis has been performed for different regression modelling strategies for predicting RVP in GOB, which is valuable for researchers and practitioners in the petroleum industry for saving time and money. Parametric and nonparametric approaches were compared using partial least squares regression (PLSR), nonlinear regression (NLR), and nonparametric regression (NPR) models. Locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) approach was applied to the NPR model. The gasoline’s physical characteristics (distillation curves and density) formed the basis for the analysis of these models’ performances. Acceptable error metrics have been reached for root mean square error of calibration and prediction (RMSEC and RMSEP) values, for the PLSR, NLR, and NPR models, which are 4.790, 6.235, 4.739, 6.149, 3.968, and 6.029, respectively, which are close for those reported in literature. The NPR model eliminates parametric constraints and allows for a different kind of data structure to emerge. The established models here demonstrate a sound ability to overcome barriers by omitting the use of inconvenient spectral measurements to save expense and simplify data calibration, making them a promising approach for RVP detection of GOB. This finding aids in the development of more accurate RVP prediction models and contributes to the optimization of fuel formulations.

Case study: Accessioning and describing digital archival acquisitions using encoded archival description crosswalks

In 2021, the University of Southern California (USC) Libraries migrated to a new digital asset management system, Orange DAM, to administer its digital collections. The USC Libraries used this migration as an opportunity to improve its workflows for describing and enabling access to born-digital archival acquisitions. This case study examines the strengths and weaknesses of the USC Libraries’ past and current workflows for accessioning born-digital archival material. The case study focuses on the Libraries’ current workflow, which uses an Orange DAM export feature in conjunction with ArchivesSpace — an archives management application — to create and link the description of born-digital archival collections across USC’s discovery systems. The current workflow, created by the USC Libraries’ accessioning archivist in 2023, involves exporting metadata in an Encoded Archival Description (EAD) format from Orange DAM, editing the EAD using regular expressions, and then importing the description into an ArchivesSpace finding aid. While the current workflow prioritises expedited access over detailed description, it significantly improves the discoverability of new acquisitions of digital archives compared with previous workflows. Despite some duplication issues arising from the lack of built-in system integrations, this workflow strikes a balance between process efficiency and descriptive detail, aligning with the USC Libraries’ current operational limitations for managing digital archives.

Arbiters of Ugliness: A Review of Strategies for Describing Offensive Archival Materials

As archivists increasingly concede that neutrality is impossible, we suggest that non-action is still action. It follows that to treat reasonably offensive records as any other record is to apply an interpretation that they are innocuous, unremarkable, and uncontroversial. Archivists may perceive the stakes of describing these materials as particularly high, but they lack a comprehensive set of descriptive strategies in consideration of interpretive ethics. As a result, existing practices are likely to be local or ad hoc. This research aims to identify and explore descriptive strategies archivists use which serve to construct (or concede) the meaning that certain historical materials are potentially offensive using a combination of literature review, evaluation of finding aids and descriptive metadata, and exploratory interviews with archivists and other memory institution professionals. Results supported the assumption that strategies are largely ad hoc practices and local norms influenced by a handful of culturally sensitive descriptive protocols; underscored that strategies are contextually implemented; and revealed practical and philosophical divisions between archivists working with largely offensive collections and those working with largely uncontroversial ones. These findings suggest that while a comprehensive set of descriptive strategies may support a community grappling with its professional legacy, there may be no strategy capable of reconciling matters of ethics and discoverability, and the highly contextual practices are incompatible with overly rigid frameworks.

Cataloging Architectural Drawings: Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Age

The special approaches to cataloging architectural drawings that were developed in the analog era of printed catalogs have persisted for over half a century. But the growth of digital technology in more recent years has created new challenges and opportunities for custodians of architectural drawings that have yet to be fully explored. This article examines traditional approaches to cataloging architectural drawings in the United Kingdom, including the highly influential system developed at the Royal Institute of British Architects in the 1970s, alongside recent literature and examples of modern finding aids to reveal the impact that digital technology has had on the practice of archival description, together with the possibilities that new technology offers for presentation and access to online descriptions. By highlighting the key developments in digital cataloging and relating them to the medium of architectural drawings, this article will enable custodians of architectural collections to ensure that their catalogs are fit for purpose in the digital age.

The Path of Least Resistance: Optimizing Metadata Practices through User Assessment

As part of a multi-faceted research project examining user engagement with various types of descriptive metadata to improve metadata services, Utah State University Libraries Cataloging and Metadata Services unit investigated user search behavior in library catalog (MARC) records, Encoded Archival Description (EAD) finding aids, and most recently in digital collection metadata. The authors used web log analysis to determine how users interacted with CONTENTdm, categories of search terms used, and where search terms were found in a record. Key findings included that navigation through CONTENTdm using clickable queries (links) is a prominent user search pattern, dates are an important faceting tool and date ranges as a clickable link are heavily used, users demonstrated a more engaged research pattern when searching with geographic terms, and subject and transcription metadata fields match user search terms at a significant rate and are likely to be high drivers of search results.

Access to Public Archives in Europe: progress in the implementation of CoE Recommendation R (2000)13 on a European policy on access to archives

ABSTRACT In this paper, we present the results of a Europe-wide survey on the implementation of CoE Recommendation R (2000)13 on a European policy on access to archives conducted in October 2022 on behalf of the Council of Europe (CoE). It shows that overall great progress has been made in improving access to their public Archives. It also shows that there are still deficits in some instances, for example in the availability of finding aids for classified holdings or in the granting of access corrections for otherwise inaccessible archive holdings. We also highlight several challenges to the accessibility of archives, many of which are related to the ongoing process of digitalization. On the one hand, there is the growing expectation of users that collections be digitized and made accessible online, while at the same time the available resources of the Archives remain scarce. Finally, digitalization and the adoption of the GDPR also exacerbate the tension between data protection and freedom of information — often at the detriment of accessibility.

Archiving Archaeological Data: Understanding Current Practice through Case Studies from Established Repositories

The workflows examined are representative of operational workflows around data assessment and data removal that are common to all data repositories, as well as specific strategies of dealing with Microsoft Access Databases, a commonly deposited file format used by archaeologists for assessment and analysis. The paper will present each workflow as a succinct case study with an emphasis on why the decisions have been made to follow a certain method. This will be followed by a discussion on similarities and differences in approach and implementation so as to bring together core recommendations that can be used by others currently building or scoping the development of new digital repositories in the archaeological sector. The paper will link out to copies of the detailed workflows and policies to be deposited within COPTR, a finding aid for helping find tools to deal with practical data management issues.

Awareness and User Satisfaction With Archival Services At the Archives Management Department (RAMD) in Tanzania

This study assesses the awareness of, and user satisfaction with, archival services that the Records and Archives Management Department (RAMD) provides in Tanzania. It also identifies constraints undermining effective service access. Employing a descriptive research design and a mixed-methods approach, the study collected data from 81 respondents. Of these, four (4) were key informants who participated in interviews, with the remaining 77 taking part in a questionnaire survey. We subjected qualitative data to content analysis and processed quantitative data with the help of the SPSS. Then, Chi-square tests determined the association between the respondents’ awareness of archival services and their demographic characteristics. The study found moderate awareness among the respondents, with gender and education levels varyingly influencing such awareness. On the one hand, the majority of the respondents reported dissatisfaction with RAMD services, particularly the reading room space, service processes, and finding aids. On the other hand, a one-sample test revealed that the respondents were satisfied with record content and customer care. Inadequate ICT infrastructure, reading facilities, material deterioration, and the lack of web-based finding aids emerged as major constraints that contributed to user dissatisfaction. The study results suggest that RAMD should transition to the use of digital platforms (such as websites), as well as use of mass media (like radio and television), to enhance public awareness of RAMD’s services. Moreover, the RAMD should also create a more user-friendly environment, expand the reading room space, train employees, and digitise all the archival materials.

It is a Matter of Perspectives

Digitalization and technological developments lead to increased expectations of instant access to archives and archival information. Concurrently, archival information systems and access tools are becoming more advanced, which opens new arenas for possible users and use in the archival domain. Research on the development of digital archives, finding aids, and archival interfaces, highlight the importance of reflecting the understanding of user needs, behaviors, expectations, and their use of technology. The current study, based on a systematic literature review with thematic analysis, addresses the multiple perspectives of users and their use in the archival context. The results show that a ‘user’ is a complex and heterogeneous conceptualization, pragmatically adapted depending on perspectives and contexts. Studies of users and use are strongly bound to their context and the current study further highlights the question of if and how users and use can be viewed outside of their contexts. Research points to a more individual perspective where different user studies and methods explore the user’s cognition and perception to paint a picture of what a user understands and how they use archival records.