Information Environment Research Articles

Altmetric coverage of health research in Ireland 2017-2023: a protocol for a cross-sectional analysis.

Scientific publications have been growing exponentially, contributing to an oversaturated information environment. Quantifying a research output's impact and reach cannot be solely measured by traditional metrics like citation counts as these have a lag time and are largely focused on an academic audience. There is increasing recognition to consider 'alternative metrics' or altmetrics to measure more immediate and broader impacts of research. Better understanding of altmetrics can help researchers better navigate evolving information environments and changing appetites for different types of research. Our study aims to: 1) analyse the amount and medium of Altmetric coverage of health research produced by Irish organisations (2017 - 2023), identifying changes over time and 2) investigate differences in the amount of coverage between clinical areas (e.g., nutrition vs. neurology). Using Altmetric institutional access, we will gather data on research outputs published 1 January 2017 through 31 December 2023 from active Irish organisations with Research Organisation Registry (ROR) IDs. Outputs will be deduplicated and stratified by their Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification relating to ≥1 field of health research: Biological Sciences, Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Health Sciences, and Psychology. We will clean data using R and perform descriptive analyses, establishing counts and frequencies of coverage by clinical area and medium (e.g., traditional news, X, etc.); data will be plotted on a yearly and quarterly basis where appropriate. Improved understanding of one's information environment can help researchers better navigate their local landscapes and identify pathways for more effective communication to the public. All R code will be made available open-source, allowing researchers to adapt it to evaluate their local landscapes.

When ethnic minorities hit the headlines: The longitudinal associations between news features and adolescents' ethnic prejudice.

Ethnic prejudice poses great challenges to adolescents' adjustment to multicultural societies. However, little is known about the role of the media in influencing attitudes in adolescence. Combining information environment and ecological development theories, the current study examined the longitudinal associations between the quantity, valence (i.e., neutral, positive, and negative), and target (i.e., migrant, refugee, and foreigner) of the news about ethnic minority groups and youth's affective and cognitive prejudice. In total, 962 adolescents (Mage = 15.67, 48.13% females) completed questionnaires at two time points, and news data were gathered from a national newspaper. While news quantity did not matter, positive and negative news were respectively associated with reduced and increased levels of cognitive, but not affective, prejudice. Nuanced associations emerged when accounting for the news target. Results were replicated regardless of adolescents' direct consumption of newspapers. These findings highlight the role of the information environment and suggest the need to account for it in planning interventions.

Enhancing Writing Skills with Social Media-Based Corrective Feedback

This study investigates the effectiveness of utilizing corrective feedback delivered through social media networks to enhance the writing skills of students at Andijan State Institute of Foreign Languages. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the research explores the integration of platforms such as Facebook to facilitate peer feedback, track student progress, and provide personalized learning experiences tailored to individual needs. The study involved a controlled experiment where participants were divided into an experimental group receiving online feedback and a control group receiving traditional feedback. The findings reveal that corrective feedback provided through social media significantly improves writing accuracy, fluency, and complexity. Students in the experimental group demonstrated marked improvements in sentence structure, grammar, vocabulary, and content organization compared to those in the control group. Moreover, the study highlights the potential of social media as an engaging and collaborative tool that motivates students and supports continuous learning outside the traditional classroom setting. These results underscore the importance of incorporating technology into language instruction, suggesting that social media networks can serve as an effective medium for enhancing the writing skills of learners in both formal and informal educational environments. The implications of this study are significant for educators seeking innovative methods to support student development and improve writing proficiency in the digital age.

Creation and functioning of the information-rich space of biological and ecological education of the Technopark "Quantorium" in the conditions of integration of interaction between schools and pedagogical University

The publication reflects the solution of the task of creating a Technopark space functioning on the basis of the latest information, communication and IT technologies for the implementation of modern biological and environmental education in the school-university system using the resources of the Quantorium Technopark. The authors of the study discuss the importance of integrating modern technologies and resources into the educational process in order to increase the effectiveness of learning and the practical applicability of knowledge in this field. The purpose of the article is to describe the concept of an information–rich technological space of biological and environmental education and the principles of its implementation on the basis of the Technopark “Quantorium”. The research methodology is based on the principles of developing training courses and educational and methodological support for them, involving the preparation of educational programs designed to implement innovative methods and the latest technologies in the field of biology, bioengineering, biotechnology and ecology; the use of laboratory and practical work, as well as large-scale application of biological and environmental experiments based on the use of technical resources of the Technopark. The results of the study. The paper analyzes in detail the main components of the technological information-rich space, including information systems, equipment and software used to develop training courses and laboratory work on environmental and biological topics. The role of the Technopark “Quantorium” as a center for innovation and support of educational projects, contributing to the introduction of modern educational technologies, is also considered. In their article, the researchers present the concept of an innovative information-rich space for the practical implementation of biological and environmental education. It is based on the multidisciplinary integrated application of all the resources of the Technopark “Quantorium”. The implementation of this concept will create an effective and innovative information and educational environment for school students and pedagogical university students, contributing to the development of environmental awareness and the training of qualified specialists in the field of ecology and biology.

Psychological Operations During the Russian War of Aggression in Ukraine

Abstract The article analyzes the way and motivation of the Russian Federation to carry out psychological operations in the war of aggression that it has unleashed in Ukraine from the perspective of the information environment. These operations are specific to the cognitive layer of the information environment and are aimed at influencing the perceptions, behavior, and decisions of both the Ukrainian population and the international community by using disinformation, propaganda, and manipulation. By analyzing these operations, it highlights how Russia has exploited the lack of robust regulation of social networks. The analysis underlines the importance of developing effective strategies to counter these operations by increasing information resilience and strengthening protection mechanisms against harmful external influences.

Mapping the Way: Teaching Music Information Literacy in the Contemporary Information Landscape

abstract: Information literacy instruction in the twenty-first century stands at a crossroads of multiple socio-cultural trends, recent technological advances (specifically, artificial intelligence applications and large language models), shifting professional standards, and new developments in local educational settings. It is now necessary for instructors to act as explorers of the information environments in which they live and work, observing and staying cognizant of these developments while utilizing the principles of information ethics as a compass for guiding their work. In this article, the author explains how developments in local settings, combined with the above factors, can serve as an impetus for reinventing information literacy instruction. The author presents a variety of strategies for teaching information literacy in music in both credit-bearing courses and "one shot" instructional sessions that incorporate existing information literacy standards and values in information ethics. Curriculum mapping is highlighted as a strategy for planning and codifying pedagogical strategies while keeping lesson planning adaptable and responsive to specific learning needs. Recommendations for other instructors acknowledge that the process of delivering effective information literacy instruction in music is ongoing; success will depend upon how instructors choose to respond to contemporary societal developments and the educational needs of students and colleagues at their respective institutions.

Strategi Efektif dalam Manajemen Kelas untuk Meningkatkan Keterlibatan Siswa

Increasing student participation is one of the main goals in education.Effective classroom management plays a key role in achieving this goal. This overview describes some effective classroom management strategies to increase student participation. Create a positive and informative learning environment. This can be achieved by building positive relationships with students, setting clear rules and expectations, and positively reinforcing desired behaviors. Implement active learning that is student-centered.This can be done by using various learning methods, such as collaborative learning, project-based learning and problem-based learning. Provide effective feedback and evaluation. Effective feedback and assessment help students understand their progress and learn from their mistakes. Parent and community involvement. Parents and the community can play an important role in supporting student learning.

Development of a Informal Environmental Education Program for Out-of-School Youth

Development of a Informal Environmental Education Program for Out-of-School Youth

Against Disinformation: Bridging Science and Public Discourse

The Science and Society Research Group at the Ludovika University of Public Service organised a conference in Budapest on 13 October 2023 titled: ‘Science and disinformation: how science can support society against disinformation’. The conference explored the complex relationship between science, society, and disinformation. A panel discussion was held with the aim of examining the challenges and strategies for science communication in the context of the ever-increasing issues of dis-/misinformation. The discussion highlighted the multifaceted factors that influence public trust in science; the role of digital culture on science communication and scientific knowledge production; the impact of artificial intelligence; and the relationship between science and business developments on science disinformation, especially on science-related conspiracy theories. The participants helped shed light on how science communication strategies can be improved to stabilise trust in a multi-stakeholder information environment. This article summarises the main insights and conclusions from the discussion.

The co-evolution of AI technology and information environment: Diagnosing social impacts and exploring governance strategies

The co-evolution of AI technology and information environment: Diagnosing social impacts and exploring governance strategies

Supporting Aging-in-Place: Drivers and Desired Outcomes of a Healing Environment for Older Adults in Block Spaces of High-Density Cities.

Aim: The objective of this study was to develop a comprehensive multidimensional framework by identifying the key drivers and components associated with the health of older people in healing environments, and to apply this framework in high-density city block spaces, creating opportunities for aging in place. Background: Effective theoretical and practical research frameworks are necessary to determine how to best support older adults in high-density city areas as they face aging-related challenges. Methods: The methodological approach involved bibliometric analysis (SciMAT) and systematic literature review of approximately 4446 articles related to rehabilitation settings and older adults. The review focused on literature that developed concepts and research frameworks and provided an empirical foundation. Results: The review identified four types of drivers for a healing environment for older individuals in high-density city blocks (HEOI-HCBs): self-environment, interpersonal, physical, and informational environments. These drivers were linked to eight desirable outcomes: initiative acquisition, shared vision, trust, empathy, integrity, systematicity, networking, and perceived usefulness. Conclusion: The drivers and outcomes formed the HEOI-HCBs framework, each representing a distinct dimension of the HEOI-HCBs concept. This study and the resulting framework facilitate the application and understanding of healing environments.

Features of Reference and Bibliographic Services for Students in University Libraries

Students are in a continuous process of communication, using various information environments and electronic resources of the Internet. But at the same time they do not interact with libraries enough, they do not know their capabilities. This paper highlights the issue of effective use of modern technologies to create forms and methods of reference and bibliographic services adapted to the information needs of students. The purpose of the article is to identify the experience of foreign university libraries aimed at attracting students and increasing their awareness of reference services on the basis of publications in English-language periodicals. Readers belonging to the Internet generation are an active segment of the target audience, and specialists of reference and bibliographic services should study their individual information needs and purposefully promote library resources and services oriented to the youth audience. One of the ways to solve these problems is to organize library cooperation programmes, where librarians integrate their knowledge and skills into the educational process, being in constant contact with both students and university lecturers. The article considers the key vectors of development of reference and bibliographic services in the conditions of modern society. It is concluded that students prefer a multi-level hybrid model of reference bibliographic service with the fulfillment of user requests (remotely and face-to-face) in the context of their personal preferences in combination with independent search using information resources of libraries.

The applications of artificial intelligence in personalized medicine

Personalized medicine provides advanced diagnostics, customized therapies, and proactive health management, taking into account the distinct genetic and socioeconomic profiles of each patient. The rapid development of contemporary technologies, such as the combination of biology and information technology, has laid a solid foundation for the development of artificial intelligence in the field of personalized medicine. This article primarily explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to personalized diagnosis and treatment. Firstly, AI can use big data analysis, machine learning, and especially deep learning to quickly detect early disease indicators from massive medical data to provide patients with more accurate diagnosis and prediction. Secondly, AI can help develop a more personalized treatment plans by analyzing relevant data such as patients' genetic information, lifestyle, and social environment. This article focuses on the technical advantages and current applications of AI in personalized medicine to better understand the known challenges and future potential of the field.

Capitalizing on Diversity: The Impact of Board Gender Diversity on the Value of Excess Cash

This paper provides novel and comprehensive evidence regarding the impact of board gender diversity on the valuation of excess cash in companies. By analyzing a robust dataset of publicly listed firms in France from 2005 to 2017, the study finds that companies with a higher representation of women on their boards tend to significantly increase the value attributed to their excess cash reserves. The results suggest that investors perceive these companies as more capable of managing their cash efficiently, leading to a higher valuation. This perception likely stems from the belief that diverse boards contribute to better decision-making processes, which in turn enhances the effectiveness of cash utilization. Furthermore, the study uncovers that the positive relationship between board gender diversity and the valuation of excess cash is even more pronounced in firms that demonstrate high earnings quality. This finding underscores the importance of a transparent and reliable informational environment in strengthening the link between gender diversity and the efficient use of corporate resources. The research contributes to the broader corporate governance literature by emphasizing the critical role of board gender diversity in not only promoting effective cash management but also in increasing overall firm value through improved investor confidence and resource allocation strategies.

Corruption and insider trading

We investigate firm corruption in China by extracting a measure of corruption from published financial statements and use this to demonstrate that corruption impacts the trading decisions of insiders. Specifically, we show that insiders in firms that are more corrupt trade more aggressively, and they are more willing to trade on their private information as evidenced by the increased informativeness of their trades, in respect of both purchases and sales. This link between firm corruption and trade informativeness is robust to the inclusion of a number of factors that are known to influence the informativeness of such trades, including trade characteristics, insider characteristics and the firm's information environment. We also consider the effect of the appointment of a new CEO or Chair. Overall, corruption related trade informativeness holds consistently for both purchases and sales. Finally, we show that this measure of corruption is robust to the inclusion of several alternative indicators of corporate misconduct.

The architecture of the system of intelligent analysis of competencies for updating university educational programs

The problem of updating educational programs and educational content is closely related to the need to adapt them to the changing conditions of regional labor markets. The solution to the problem is achieved through the collection and analysis of data on the competence requirements of employers for the qualifications of specialists (the data itself can be extracted from job advertisements on open resources on the Internet). The article presents a method of using search robots and text data processing modules to obtain formalized descriptions of competence requirements and compare them by degree of similarity with competence descriptions from educational programs. For a comparative analysis of competency requirements, a clustering method was developed using fuzzy logic and a neural network. The architecture of the collection and intelligent analysis system includes search crawlers, a module for parsing text data with cleaning from information noise, a data consolidation module, a keyword dictionary generation module, a module for synthesizing competency vectors, a clustering module, a distributed registry of formalized descriptions of competencies, etc. The results of the comparative analysis are crucial for assessing the compliance of competencies of specialists trained in regional universities with the requirements of employers in the regions. The assessment allows to develop recommendations for updating educational programs and educational content of an educational institution, as well as to carry out adaptive adjustment of information and educational environment components of higher educational institutions.

Well-informed or misinformed? News-Finds-Me perception in shaping sexual and reproductive health knowledge and behavioral intentions among Chinese women

The News-Finds-Me (NFM) perception reflects individuals’ belief of being well-informed even without actively seeking out news on social media. Despite studies examining the NFM perception in political and COVID-19 contexts, its implications in specific health contexts and the underlying mechanisms toward behavioral outcomes remain largely unexplored. Through a nationwide online survey of Chinese women residing in both rural and urban areas, this study revealed a positive association between the NFM perception and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) misperceptions, as well as an overassessment of factual knowledge. Furthermore, this study identified the mediating roles of knowledge miscalibration and SRH misperceptions linking the NFM perception to SRH behavioral intention. Notably, the relationship between the NFM perception and knowledge miscalibration was contingent upon individual differences in optimism regarding personal risks related to SRH diseases. The findings of this study not only extend the negative implications of the NFM perception in the SRH context and behavioral outcomes but also provide practical guidelines for promoting effective health learning in the contemporary algorithm-driven information environment.

Determinants of disposition effect in the real estate market: Evidence from Taiwan

This paper examines the disposition effect and its determinants in the Taiwanese real estate market. Our empirical results show that while a disposition effect does exist, its effects decayed after 2012. Further analyses employing quantile regression on the holding period reveal that the disposition effect persists even after investors retain assets for extended durations. Our findings also indicate that investors maintain a propensity to sell wining assets and hold losing assets even when confronted with extreme returns. Thus, we conclude that disposition effect in the real estate market could be best explained by prospect theory. Most importantly, we demonstrate that changes in the disposition effect are attributed to an enhanced information environment involving, for example, economic events, policy changes, and market conditions associated with information transparency. These findings suggest that information environment and trading volume are pivotal factors influencing households' behavioral biases.

Navigating informal business institutions in Africa: Expatriates’ response to the ‘magendo’ phenomenon in Uganda

This paper explores how expatriates deal with host country informal business practices that differ from their home country institutional frameworks. We note that expatriate business people working in emerging markets of Africa often contend with corrupt business practices rooted in local informal institutions and the lack of strong formal institutions regulating business practices. We also observe that while local people take informal institutions such as magendo, as a way of life and adjust to them, expatriates being ‘outsiders’ respond in different ways. The study employed a qualitative phenomenological design that involved in-depth interview of a small sample of expatriates operating in Uganda. For data analysis, NVivo 11 was used to search for and retrieve chunks of labelled data. The key findings indicate that expatriates from countries with strong formal institutions experience the most frustrations and often reject informal business practices. On the other hand, expatriates from countries with weak institutions are more pragmatic and easily adapt to existing practices in the new environments. Multinationals however, often reject informal business practices due to their market power and strict codes of conduct.The study recommends that small-medium category expatriates targeting Africa need to align with influential local people so as to navigate business informalities that characterise informal business environments.

China's cognitive bias premium: An exploration of innovation information

The complexity of innovation information often results in investors' cognitive bias, manifesting as an imbalance in the significance attributed to innovation quantity versus innovation quality. Based on investor cognitive bias, this paper explores the problem of innovation pricing in China's A-share market. Empirical findings indicate that cognitive bias creates a premium, primarily driven by mispricing. Moreover, we contend that mispricing originates from the innovation information environment and firms' innovation strategy. Our heterogeneity analysis indicates that the cognitive bias premium is more pronounced in high-tech industries, firms with lower market capitalization, and those facing stronger financial constraints.