Importance Of Information Research Articles

The Importance of Environmental-forest Education in Managing Information on Natural Resources

Contemporary conditions of socially responsible economy underline the growing demand and importance ofinformation on natural resources. Care for environmental protection and shaping sustainable development is reflected inmany legal acts, documents and school textbooks in Poland. This information, through its disclosure and sharing,contributes to the dissemination of knowledge in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development, whileshaping the pro-environmental behaviour of the public. Environmental-forest education is of key importance in managinginformation on natural resources. The main purpose of this article is to (1) determine the number of activities of selectedentities conducting environmental-forest education, (2) identify the strengths and weaknesses of environmental-foresteducation, (3) propose changes determining effective management of information on natural resources usingenvironmental-forest education. The following research methods were used in the article: literary critical analysis, surveys,qualitative methods (case study), snowball method and tabular techniques for presenting results.

Mapping gold pathfinder metal ratios in Northern Nevada, USA: A compositional analysis approach

The use of pathfinder metals has been employed with relative success, to some extent, since low concentrations, weathering, deposit locations, among other factors, makes pinpointing targets harder. Classical methods, using multivariate statistics are limited and do not yield good results on harder-to-reach deposits, making the proper usage of the available information of utmost importance. In this work, compositional analysis is used to identify pathfinder elements for Carlin-type gold deposits more efficiently. Compositional geostatistics is then applied to obtain a variogram model and to krige the balance scores, producing heat maps showing possible gold prospects. The area of study focused on the northern part of the state of Nevada, which houses several Carlin-type gold districts. More specifically in the northern Carlin trend, where important mining complexes such as Meikle, Carlin and Bootstrap are located. The data was treated with the “compositions”, “Robcompositions” and “selbal” packages for R® and the basic steps were: 1. Exploratory analysis of the data; 2. Calculation of compositions; 3. Principal compositional component analysis (CoDaPCA) and Optimal balances analysis; 4. Selection of sub compositions; 5. Modeling the variogram; 6. Kriging; 7. Mapping the interpolation of compositions represented by the chosen balance score. The results have shown the importance of the balance (Sb)/(Ba, K, Na) as a gold pathfinder. The interpolation shows that strengthened signals from the balance are spatially close to the Carlin-type gold mining districts in both Area B and C. The methodology showed the potential to be used as part of a larger prospection study not just for gold, but for other commodities as well.

The significance of aragonite in the interpretation of the microscopic archaeological record

AbstractAragonite is one of the metastable polymorphs of calcium carbonate and is commonly found at archaeological sites in the form of mollusk shells and speleothems. Other occurrences include corals, fish otoliths, seed endocarps, wood ash, and lime plaster. These materials contain microscopic embedded information of fundamental importance for the assessment of the state of preservation of the archaeological record, the reconstruction of paleoenvironments, the identification of pyrotechnological processes, and the establishment of absolute chronologies. However, this information can be used only if the aragonite found at archaeological sites preserves its pristine structure and chemistry. Aragonite is metastable at ambient conditions and tends to dissolve and recrystallize into secondary aragonite or calcite, a process that entails the loss of its original elemental and isotopic signature. Therefore, well‐grounded archaeological interpretations depend on the correct identification of aragonite and the careful characterization of its basic properties. This article reviews the dissolution processes of different types of aragonite, the methods used for their identification, and the archaeological information that can be extracted. Particular emphasis is given to the discussion of key issues regarding absolute dating and postdepositional processes of archaeological sediments, and to a detailed overview of the recently observed pyrogenic aragonite.

Leg extension force-velocity imbalance has negative impact on sprint performance in ball-game players

ABSTRACT Ballistic actions are imperative in sports where performance depends on power production across a relevant range of contraction- and movement velocities. Force-velocity-power () profiling provides information regarding neuromuscular capabilities and vertical performances, but knowledge regarding its associative value towards horizontal movements is scarce. Therefore, we conducted profiling and analysed associations with uni- and multidirectional ballistic performance tasks in 27 international- to national-level athletes (18.9 ± 2.6 years, 182.9 ± 7.1 cm and 79.2 ± 11.9 kg). Low to moderate correlations were observed between theoretical maximal power (max) and horizontal acceleration (R = −0.43), speed (R = −0.64), sprint (R = −0.60) and agility (R = −0.59) performances. Force-velocity imbalance (FvIMB) significantly (P ≤ 0.05) strengthened the correlations towards sprinting ability (from −0.60 to −0.74) and agility (from −0.59 to −0.68), however, both correlations remaining weaker than for jumping performances (R = 0.78–0.86). In conclusion, profiling provides information of importance for horizontal and vertical performances with a significant positive effect of max, but negative effect of FvIMB. Assessment of lower-extremity neuromuscular capabilities through profiling and associated development of training programmes targeting compensation of either force- or velocity deficit may benefit the ability to utilise a given power potential.

Feasibility as a mechanism for model identification and validation

As new technologies permit the generation of hitherto unprecedented volumes of data (e.g. genome-wide association study data), researchers struggle to keep up with the added complexity and time commitment required for its analysis. For this reason, model selection commonly relies on machine learning and data-reduction techniques, which tend to afford models with obscure interpretations. Even in cases with straightforward explanatory variables, the so-called ‘best’ model produced by a given model-selection technique may fail to capture information of vital importance to the domain-specific questions at hand. Herein we propose a new concept for model selection, feasibility, for use in identifying multiple models that are in some sense optimal and may unite to provide a wider range of information relevant to the topic of interest, including (but not limited to) interaction terms. We further provide an R package and associated Shiny Applications for use in identifying or validating feasible models, the performance of which we demonstrate on both simulated and real-life data.

САНАРИПТИК САБАТТУУЛУКТУН РОЛУ ЖАНА МААНИСИ

The article analyzes the importance of informatization of education in Kyrgyzstan, the role of information technology in improving the lives and activities of citizens. Informatization of education is a factor in the development of the education system as a whole. It allows the young generation to learn the capabilities of information technology, acquire skills and their application in life situations. The article traces the development of the concept of computer and information literacy, the constituent elements of these concepts. The development of mobile technologies, the adoption of conceptual documents on digital transformation made it possible to talk about the need to ensure digital literacy of citizens. The content of the concept of “digital literacy”, the point of view of researchers on this issue, and the varieties of this concept are analyzed.

Micro-analytical characterization of thorium-rich aggregates from Norwegian NORM sites (Fen Complex, Telemark)

In this study we performed microscopic characterization of mineral particles that were collected in the thorium-rich Fen Complex in Norway and identified and isolated based on autoradiography in function of their radioactivity. For this we combined information obtained with X-ray absorption μ-CT, μ-XRF and μ-XRD, both in bi- and in three-dimensional (tomographic) mode. We demonstrate that radionuclides and metals are heterogeneously distributed both within soil samples and within individual Th-enriched aggregates, which are characterised as low-density mineral bulk particles with high density material inclusions, where Th as well as several metals are highly concentrated. For these sites, it is important to take into account how these inhomogeneous distributions could affect the overall environmental behaviour of Th and progeny upon weathering due to human or environmental factors. Moreover, the estimated size of the Th-containing inclusions as determined in this work represents information of importance for the characterization of radionuclides and toxic metals exposure, as well as for assessing the viability of mining for Th and rare-earth metals in the Fen Complex and the associated environmental impact.

Nick, Nick. Who’s There? Ethical Considerations When Reporting on the Dark Net

ABSTRACT This article examines ethical considerations of journalists who engage in reporting on the so-called “dark net” using an anonymous nick. Through in-depth interviews with journalists and assignment editors in three Norwegian media houses, the research identifies ethical considerations relating to the research phase, publishing phase and the journalist’s security. The informants adhere to the principles of using false identity as a last resort to reveal information of significant importance to society. Whereas four informants consider the use of nicks as using false identity, two informants challenge such an understanding. This discrepancy might call for an evaluation of whether the present code of ethics is relevant for today’s digital reporting environment. Internal and external transparency is considered essential when using nicks on the dark net for journalistic purposes. The need for documentation is balanced against the need to reduce harm and avoid prosecution due to the illegal character of the content investigated. Keeping one’s nicks secret for future reporting and for source protection is stressed. Encryption and physical distance to those investigated provides protection for journalists. Still, their regular online presence makes them vulnerable to anonymous, digital threats.

Quality of life and patient preferences among Danish patients with ulcerative colitis – results from a survey study

Objective: To explore health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and assess preferences for medical treatment attributes to obtain information of the relative importance of the different attributes in a Danish population with ulcerative colitis (UC).Methods: We used data from an online survey collected in March 2018 among people with self-reported UC. A total of 302 eligible respondents answered the HRQoL questionnaires (EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D-5L) and the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ)), and 212 also completed the discrete choice experiment (DCE). The probability of choosing an alternative from a number of choices in the DCE was estimated using a conditional logit model.Results: The respondents had an average SIBDQ score of 4.5 and an HRQoL score of 0.77, applying the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. HRQoL correlated with disease severity, and the respondents had lower HRQoL than did a gender- and age-matched subset of the Danish population. The most important medical treatment attribute was efficacy within eight weeks. Additionally, respondents stated a preference for avoiding taking steroids, for fast onset of effect and for oral formulations.Conclusions: HRQoL correlates with disease severity, and patients with UC have lower HRQoL than the general population. The most important treatment attribute was efficacy, but patients also would like to avoid steroids, value fast onset of effect and prefer oral formulations.

Barriers encountered when exploring nurse practitioner postgraduate training programs.

With the increasing complexity of today's patients, the demand for nurse practitioner (NP) postgraduate training programs is growing. At least 70 such programs exist, yet information about these programs is limited. A sample of 52 program websites were investigated for information of importance to NPs, employers, and NP faculty. Of the postgraduate training program websites studied, information regarding at least one of the elements investigated was absent from the program website. This lack of information availability makes exploring, selecting, or recommending a postgraduate training program difficult. As the number of programs and the number of graduating NP students continue to grow, the existence and consistency of information regarding new and existing programs will be increasingly important for the accuracy of prospective trainee exploration of such programs and for researchers interested in gathering consistent data.

Utility-Driven Data Analytics on Uncertain Data

Modern Internet of Things (IoT) applications generate massive amounts of data, much of it in the form of objects/items of readings, events, and log entries. Specifically, most of the objects in these IoT data contain rich embedded information (e.g., frequency and uncertainty) and different level of importance (e.g., unit utility of items, interestingness, cost, risk, or weight). Many existing approaches in data mining and analytics have limitations such as only the binary attribute is considered within a transaction, as well as all the objects/items having equal weights or importance. To solve these drawbacks, a novel utility-driven data analytics algorithm named HUPNU is presented, to extract High-Utility patterns by considering both Positive and Negative unit utilities from Uncertain data. The qualified high-utility patterns can be effectively discovered for risk prediction, manufacturing management, decision-making, among others. By using the developed vertical Probability-Utility list with the Positive-and-Negative utilities structure, as well as several effective pruning strategies. Experiments showed that the developed HUPNU approach performed great in mining the qualified patterns efficiently and effectively.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus species isolated from cats and dogs.

Background:Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) are an emerging global problem with serious public health concern.Aims:This study investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of commensal Staphylococcus species isolated from healthy and clinical cats and dogs.Methods:Nasal swab samples were collected from animals and processed using selective and semi-selective mediums. Presumptive isolates were subjected to biochemical testing and analyzed using the Phoenix automated identification and susceptibility testing system. PCRs protocols were used to screen for mecA and pvl genes.Results:In total, 151 pets (103 cats and 48 dogs) were enrolled, of which 14 dogs (29%) and 24 cats (23%) were colonized with various Staphylococcus species mainly originated from healthy animals. A total of 38 staphylococci isolates were collected and distributed between 24 coagulase-negative and 14 coagulase-positive staphylococci. Only 13 staphylococci strains were identified as MRS, out of which only five isolates expressed that the mecA gene exclusively originated from healthy pets.Conclusion: This is the first study reporting the prevalence and colonization status of staphylococci species and MRS strains isolated from cats and dogs in Libya. The study reports important information of medical and clinical importance on antimicrobial and multidrug resistance of different staphylococci strains, particularly the coagulase negative species.

The importance of informatization of education system

The importance of informatization of education system

Record Linkage Approaches Using Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and Mortality Data for Public Health Analyses and Epidemiologic Studies.

The use of Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data has greatly increased in recent years as these data have accumulated as part of the response to the opioid epidemic in the United States. We evaluated the accuracy of record linkage approaches using the Controlled Substance Monitoring Database (Tennessee's [TN] PDMP, 2012-2016) and mortality data on all drug overdose decedents in Tennessee (2013-2016). We compared total, missed, and false positive (FP) matches (with manual verification of all FPs) across approaches that included a variety of data cleaning and matching methods (probabilistic/fuzzy vs. deterministic) for patient and death linkages, and prescription history. We evaluated the influence of linkage approaches on key prescription measures used in public health analyses. We evaluated characteristics (e.g., age, education, sex) of missed matches and incorrect matches to consider potential bias. The most accurate probabilistic/fuzzy matching approach identified 4,714 overdose deaths (vs. the deterministic approach, n = 4,572), with a low FP linkage error (<1%) and high correct match proportion (95% vs. 92% and ~90% for probabilistic approaches not using comprehensive data cleaning). Estimation of all prescription measures improved (vs. deterministic approach). For example, frequency (%) of decedents filling an oxycodone prescription in the last 60 days (n = 1,371 [32%] vs. n = 1,443 [33%]). Missed overdose decedents were more likely to be younger, male, nonwhite, and of higher education. Implications of study findings include underreporting, prescribing and outcome misclassification, and reduced generalizability to population risk groups, information of importance to epidemiologists and researchers using PDMP data.

Annual cropland mapping using data mining and OLI Landsat-8

ABSTRACT In the state of Paraná, Brazil, there are no major changes in areas cultivated with annual crops, mainly due to environmental laws that do not allow expansions to new areas. There is a great contribution of the annual crops to the domestic demand of food and economic demand in the exports. Thus, the area and distribution of annual crops are information of great importance. New methodologies, such as data mining, are being tested with the objective of analyzing and improving their potential use for classification of land use and land cover. This study used the classifiers decision tree and random forest with Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) temporal metrics on images from Operational Land Imager (OLI)/Landsat-8. The results were compared with traditional methods spectral images and Maximum Likelihood Classifier (MLC). At first, seven classes were mapped (water bodies, sugarcane, urban area, annual crops, forest, pasture and reforestation areas); then, only two classes were considered (annual crops and other targets). When classifying the seven targets, both methods had corresponding results, showing global accuracy near 84%. NDVI temporal metrics showed producer’s and user’s accuracy for the annual crop class of 86 and 100%, respectively. However, if considering only two classes, the NDVI temporal metrics reached global accuracy of near 98% and producer’s and user’s accuracy above 94%.

Language hybridity among Nepali Twitter users: Trend and possible implications

In Nepal, Twitter has recently been one of the fastest means of communication and information sharing app. This social networking site is used to express ideas, communicate messages, dispute opinions and expression of others and vent frustrations. What is striking is the use of hybridity or bilingualism in tweets in which Nepali and English are used freely and almost inseparably not just in chitchats but also in communicating information of public importance. Curious to see if such ybridity has the potential to contribute to changing perspectives on teaching and learning English, a brief study was undertaken in November-December 2018 as wells in June 2019. The study included selection of random tweets within the specific period of time and their analysis in terms of the currency and diversity of opinions expressed. The results show that hybridity is popular among Nepali tweeters not just in casual expressions, but also in serious communications, such as in formal complaints/notices, advertisements and commentaries on issues of public concern. The result also indicates that the ELT community cannot remain aloof of the language pattern.

Development of a core information set for colorectal cancer surgery: a consensus study

Objective‘Core information sets’ (CISs) represent baseline information, agreed by patients and professionals, to stimulate individualised patient-centred discussions. This study developed a CIS for use before colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery.DesignThree phase...

Reproductive biology of Silver Croaker (Plagioscion squamosissimus) species of fishery importance in the Lower Amazon, Pará, Brazil

Fishing is an important commercial activity in the Amazon region. In the Lower Amazon, the species Plagioscion squamosissimus, popularly known as silver croaker, is one of the main commercial fish of the region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive biology of that species commercialized in Santarem-PA in order to quantify the sex ratio, determine the reproductive period, and estimate the average length at the first sexual maturation (L50). The specimens were collected weekly between August 2014 and July 2015 in the main fish landing port in the city. A total of 314 individuals were sampled, being 170 (54.14%) females and 144 (46.85%) males. The total lengths were higher for females, with no significant difference for gender. The maximum reproductive activity was observed in the end of the drought and in the beginning of the flood season (November, December and February). The total length average considering the first sexual maturity (L50) was estimated in 19,6 cm for females. These results can be translated into information of extreme importance for local fishery management, targeting both conservation and rational use of natural stocks of silver croaker.

Identification of the semideciduous and deciduous Oak species of the Salento Peninsula and their relevance to archaeological contexts: A metric approach

Oak charcoals recovered from archaeological sites can yield information of fundamental importance to our understanding of human economic and cultural development over time and the ecological setting in which this took place. To this end, the present paper describes the anatomical patterns of modern semideciduous and deciduous oaks and those of charcoals of semideciduous and deciduous oaks found in archaeological contexts in the Salento Peninsula. The preliminary results indicate that the oak species of the past could be different from those of today, and that different species seem to have been used for different purposes. For example, a post in the fortification walls probably is of a different species from the wood used to build the monumental gate in the same fortifications (Roca, Middle Bronze Age).

Privacy-Preserving Linkage of Genomic and Clinical Data Sets.

The capacity to link records associated with the same individual across data sets is a key challenge for data-driven research. The challenge is exacerbated by the potential inclusion of both genomic and clinical data in data sets that may span multiple legal jurisdictions, and by the need to enable re-identification in limited circumstances. Privacy-Preserving Record Linkage (PPRL) methods address these challenges. In 2016, the Interdisciplinary Committee of the International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC) launched a task team to explore approaches to PPRL. The task team is a collaboration with the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) Regulatory and Ethics and Data Security Work Streams, and aims to prepare policy and technology standards to enable highly reliable linking of records associated with the same individual without disclosing their identity except under conditions in which the use of the data has led to information of importance to the individual's safety or health, and applicable law allows or requires the return of results. The PPRL Task Force has examined the ethico-legal requirements, constraints, and implications of PPRL, and has applied this knowledge to the exploration of technology methods and approaches to PPRL. This paper reports and justifies the findings and recommendations thus far.