Selection Of Information Sources Research Articles

What are the source selection criteria?: Lessons from mothers' health information‐seeking behavior

AbstractThis research investigated mothers' health information source selection behavior, specifically, what criteria they consider important for their source selection. Online surveys were completed by 851 mothers: 255 U.S.‐born mothers, 296 Korean‐born mothers, and 300 Korean immigrant mothers living in the United States. Results indicated that health information perceived to be “accurate/credible”, “easily accessible”, and “active/updated” tended to be used most often. Moreover, when a series of one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests was conducted, statistical group differences were identified in 9 out of 10 source characteristics (e.g., “accurate/credible”, “active/updated”, “interactive/able to respond” etc.). Implications for information professionals when providing health information services are also discussed.

Education through Health Work: the knowledge and practice of health professionals in Brazil

Abstract Background The Study discusses education through health work in Brazil through socio-historical and political-economic analysis to face the movement for reorienting professional training in health. Workforce planning, successful experiences and alternatives in inter-ministerial programs show a policy of professional training in health with an international influence on the health paradigm for tackling social inequalities (WHO, 2006). Importance of the research lies in the analysis of the health needs of the population with no answers. Guiding question inserts the dissociated character between the professional training model of higher education schools in health and the work redefined by the Unified Health System (SUS). Methods Integrative Bibliographic Review of documents related to the model of training through health work in the database of the Virtual Health Library (VHL), Mapping of Interministerial Programs to design the model for reorienting the National Policy for Permanent Education in Health (PNEPS) and National Curricular Guidelines (DCN's). The selected information sources with inclusion criteria used studies in the form of articles, ministerial documents and professional training. Results Brazil portrays the replacement of the health care model by SUS and by the political ordering of professional health education curricula, however, higher education institutions, still remain resistant. Conclusions The curricular reorientation is identified in successful experiences of higher education courses and practices, creation of the Secretariat for Management through Health Work (SGTES), insertion of inter-ministerial education programs through health work that promote change through alternative curricula within health schools. Key messages Education through health work. Professional training in health. Interministerial education / health programs.

Western and Chinese media representation of Africa in COVID-19 news coverage

ABSTRACT In news production and dissemination, media represent communities, countries, and continents by constructing concepts, images, and identities as viewed by selected information sources. It is often assumed that foreign countries are labelled ‘Others’ by global media and misrepresented. This study aims to explore how differently Western and Chinese media source and frame events in Africa. Comparative content analysis of news coverage of COVID-19 prevention in Africa revealed that Western media used African official, African non-official, and Western non-official channels as information sources whereas Chinese media mainly used African and Chinese official sources. The result demonstrated that Western media covered events in Africa in Conflict, Negativity, Human interest, Impact, Eminence, and Novelty frames in positive, neutral, and negative tones whereas Chinese media covered mainly in Impact, Eminence and Novelty frames mostly in positive tone. Overall, the results suggest that Western media coverage of the events is not predominantly negative; and Chinese media coverage is uncommonly affirmative. The findings also suggest that sourcing shapes frames, tones, and representation of ‘Others’ by news media.

A Novel Method for Objective Selection of Information Sources Using Multi-Kernel SVM and Local Scaling.

Advancement on computer and sensing technologies has generated exponential growth in the data available for the development of systems that support decision-making in fields such as health, entertainment, manufacturing, among others. This fact has made that the fusion of data from multiple and heterogeneous sources became one of the most promising research fields in machine learning. However, in real-world applications, to reduce the number of sources while maintaining optimal system performance is an important task due to the availability of data and implementation costs related to processing, implementation, and development times. In this work, a novel method for the objective selection of relevant information sources in a multimodality system is proposed. This approach takes advantage of the ability of multiple kernel learning (MKL) and the support vector machines (SVM) classifier to perform an optimal fusion of data by assigning weights according to their discriminative value in the classification task; when a kernel is designed for representing each data source, these weights can be used as a measure of their relevance. Moreover, three algorithms for tuning the Gaussian kernel bandwidth in the classifier prediction stage are introduced to reduce the computational cost of searching for an optimal solution; these algorithms are an adaptation of a common technique in unsupervised learning named local scaling. Two real application tasks were used to evaluate the proposed method: the selection of electrodes for a classification task in Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) systems and the selection of relevant Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) sequences for detection of breast cancer. The obtained results show that the proposed method allows the selection of a small number of information sources.

An Information Source Selection Model Based on Evolutionary Game Theory

Abstract Information source selection (ISS) is ubiquitous across a myriad of scientific disciplines. Previous studies mainly viewed the issue of ISS as a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem, and therefore used MCDM methods to investigate it. However, many important aspects, for example, the dynamic process of ISS, the impact of different kinds of factors on ISS, and the stability of the solution of ISS, have not attracted enough attention and are still lacked of deep investigation. In this paper, an evolutionary game model is proposed to study this issue from theoretical perspective. That is to say, an ISS game is developed to formalize the interaction relationship between information sources, and replicator equation about population dynamics is used to mimick the dynamically evolutionary process in ISS. Within the proposed model, two kinds of factors, subjective factors and objective factors, have been separately considered and their respective influence on ISS has been distinguished. Furthermore, the dynamic process of ISS is presented clearly, and the stability of the solution is also investigated mathematically. Illustrative examples show that the proposed model sheds new light into the issue of ISS.

Appraising information literacy skills of students in Singapore

PurposeTo investigate information literacy (IL) skills of secondary students in Singapore after integration of these skills into school curriculum. The study also explored cyber wellness skills of the students.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 14 secondary schools, located in different geographical zones of the country. A total of 3,306 secondary students participated in this survey. A scoring scheme was devised to assess IL skills of the students.FindingsThe students achieved an overall mean score of 52.6%, which is considered as a “middle” level of IL competency. The students obtained high mean scores for two IL skills: “defining information task and analysing information gaps” (60.5%) and cyber wellness (60.1%). Lowest scores were achieved for two IL skills: “selecting information sources” (47.4%) and “appraising the information process and product” (48.0%).Research limitations/implicationsThis study has not investigated IL knowledge of teachers, responsible for teaching IL components. Similarly, content analysis of school textbooks, integrating IL skills, could be useful.Practical implicationsIt appeared that integration of IL skills into school curriculum showed limited success in imparting these skills. This paper suggests measures for improving the integration of IL skills into school curriculum. Findings of this survey will be useful to curriculum planners, education administrators, instructors teaching IL skills and school librarians.Originality/valueThis study was unique as, in addition to standard IL skills, it also investigated cyber wellness skills. It was desirable as now social media have become a popular source for information seeking and sharing.

Agricultural Information Sources for Management of Agricultural Enterprises: Kırşehir Province Case

Türkiye tarım sektörünün oluşturduğu değer büyüklüğü açısından Dünyada sayılı ülkeler arasında yer almaktadır. Bu kadar büyük değere rağmen potansiyelini yeterince değerlendirememesinin en önemli nedeni tarımdaki yapısal sorunlarıdır. Etkin bir örgütlerinin olmaması nedeni ile örgütsel bağlılıklarının düşüklüğü, girişimcilik ve inovasyon konusunda yeterli ortamın oluşturulamamış olması, tarımsal üretici gelirlerindeki aşırı dalgalanma ve belirsizlikler, öğrenim seviyesinin düşüklüğü, tarımda yaşlanma, sosyal güvenlik, gibi unsurlar tarım işletmesinde tarımsal işlerinin yönetimini olumsuz etkilemektedir. Bunun yanı sıra tarımda uzmanlaşma ve bu uzmanlaşmanın tabana yansımaması yani üretici-araştırıcı köprüsündeki kopukluk ve güvensizlik üreticileri informal bilgi kaynaklarına yöneltmektedir. Kırşehir ilinde (Toplam 7 ilçede) 304 tarım işletmesi yöneticisi ile yapılan bu anket çalışmasında tarım işletme yöneticilerinin tarımsal işleri yönetmesinde kullandıkları tarımsal bilgi kaynakları ve bu kaynakların seçiminde etkili faktörler incelenmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda, tarımda halen gelenekselci yaklaşımların ağırlığını koruduğu, tarımda yaşlanma problemi ve artı değer oluşturacak yeterli ortamın olmaması nedenlerine bağlı olarak üreticilerin bilgi kaynakları seçiminde halen informal kaynakları seçtikleri belirlenmiştir. Özellikle geliri olumlu yönde etkileyecek değişkenler tarımda işletme yöneticilerini formal bilgi kaynaklarına yöneltmektedir. Sonuç olarak Türkiye’de üreticilerin gereksinim duydukları tarımsal bilginin iyi yetişmiş uzman eller ile ulaştırılması amacı ile “Tarımsal Eğitim ve Yayım” çalışmalarında yapısal değişikliklere gidilmeli ve strateji, amaç ve hedeflerin belirlenerek bu hedeflere ulaşmak için yapısal reformlara ihtiyaç vardır.

Descriptive Models of Sequential Decisions in Engineering Design: An Experimental Study

Abstract Engineering design involves information acquisition decisions such as selecting designs in the design space for testing, selecting information sources, and deciding when to stop design exploration. Existing literature has established normative models for these decisions, but there is lack of knowledge about how human designers make these decisions and which strategies they use. This knowledge is important for accurately modeling design decisions, identifying sources of inefficiencies, and improving the design process. Therefore, the primary objective in this study is to identify models that provide the best description of a designer’s information acquisition decisions when multiple information sources are present and the total budget is limited. We conduct a controlled human subject experiment with two independent variables: the amount of fixed budget and the monetary incentive proportional to the saved budget. By using the experimental observations, we perform Bayesian model comparison on various simple heuristic models and expected utility (EU)-based models. As expected, the subjects’ decisions are better represented by the heuristic models than the EU-based models. While the EU-based models result in better net payoff, the heuristic models used by the subjects generate better design performance. The net payoff using heuristic models is closer to the EU-based models in experimental treatments where the budget is low and there is incentive for saving the budget. This indicates the potential for nudging designers’ decisions toward maximizing the net payoff by setting the fixed budget at low values and providing monetary incentives proportional to saved budget.

Application of network analysis methods in the selection of information sources

A possibility of applying network analysis for solving practical tasks related to the selection of information sources. It is proposed to consider the following algorithm of actions necessary for qualitative selection of sources of information based on the analysis of the citation network of scientific publications. A possibility of applying a information sources ranking on a list of "important" articles of a citation network, is reviewed. Existing algorithms of clustering graphs are reviewed and analyzed. A formal description of the network is given and parameters of centrality of citation network nodes are presented. A method of calculating a degree of centrality according to relevance of network nodes, with importance and weight of a series of parameters that are required for publications ranging articles of the citation network. A mathematical model of selecting documents for a library collection on a list of "important" articles of a citation network, is reviewed.

Periodic Information-seeking Behaviors of First-time Mothers in China

Abstract First-time mothers have a unique and varied set of information needs, but at present, these needs are seldom adequately addressed by libraries in China. As a first step in making libraries more helpful to this group, this study reports the results of a series of interviews aimed at understanding new mothers’ current information seeking behaviors. Thirty-seven first-time mothers (children from first year of birth to six years of age) took part in semi-structured in-depth interviews, answering questions about their information demand, information source selection (and factors influencing this selection), and obstacles encountered in the process of information search. It was found that first-time mothers’ information-seeking behavior varies from stage to stage, e. g. between pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period. Internet search plays an important role because of its perceived convenience and accessibility, but trust is the key factor during the process of information selection, regardless of source. Overall, the mothers we interviewed seldom use the library. This paper puts forward some suggestions to remedy that situation: libraries might consider opening a first-time-mothers reading room, increasing cooperative promotions with other institutions, providing diversified service projects, and organizing reading-promotion activities for first-time mothers at different stages. If implemented, these suggestions promise to help mothers navigate the transitions of pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare.

A theory grounded framework of information behaviour of SMEs on Emerging Information Communication Technology (EICT) adoption decision making

Although studies have made significant efforts to study information behaviour using numerous model and extended ones, many have extrapolated the findings of others as if small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operate in the same way other sectors do. This has slowed down the development of an integrated framework aimed at understanding the information behaviour of SMEs. The paper, examines information behaviour of SMEs by explicitly exploring the determinants of perceived information need for EICT adoption by SMEs, information source selection for EICT adoption by SMEs and factors influencing information sources selection for new ICT adoption by SMEs. Qualitative approach was adopted with the use of unstructured and semi-structured interviews with 20 participants drawn purposeful from Luton directories. The study developed an integrated framework underpinned by the TOE framework and helped identify the critical determinants of perceived information need, information sources selection when the need for EICT arises and factors influencing SMEs information source selection for EICT adoption decision-making.

Plant-based foods in Canada: information, trust and closing the commercialization gap

Purpose Despite the growing awareness of links between meat consumption and human, animal and environmental health, consumption rates of protein rich plant-based foods (PBFs) in Canada remain relatively low. The purpose of this paper is to better understand how information sources and trust relate to PBFs in Canadians’ diets, and how these variables may factor into closing the commercialization gap for PBFs in Canada. Design/methodology/approach A geographically representative sample of Canadians (n=410) participated in a 20-minute, online survey. The survey consists of 24 questions covering demographic characteristics, motivations behind current and future food choices, frequency of current PBF consumption, sources of information about PBFs and trust levels of these sources. Findings Most Canadians get information about PBFs from labels, the internet and family and friends, but only half trust these sources to provide accurate information. Sources of information (e.g. licensed health care professionals) that rank high in trust are only consulted by a minority of respondents. Several information sources (e.g. family and friends) are associated with consumers’ willingness to try new PBFs, whereas other sources (e.g. labels) are associated with Canadians being unlikely to try new PBFs. Originality/value Understanding the patterns of where Canadians access information about PBFs and what sources of information are trusted can help to strategically place information about PBF qualities among select information sources and to remove some of the information barriers contributing to the PBF commercialization gap.

M67 PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS AND SLC6A4 GENE VARIANTS: POSSIBLE MODULATION OF ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

The selection of information sources in a distributed information retrieval environment remains a critical issue. In this context, it is known that a distributed information retrieval system consists of a huge number of sources. Ensuring retrieval effectiveness is to search only sources which are likely to contain relevant information for a query. An important number of heuristics exist among which we quote genetic algorithm that is used to solve the above problem. The proposed genetic algorithm consists in finding the best selection in large space of potential solutions; where a solution is represented as a combination of a set of sources. The improvement of selection accuracy is assured based on the user’s track through the use of sources, to say that source description is enriched with tags from the tagging history.

Density maps of geophysical study as a new type of integrated characteristic of geophysical fields in atlases

Abstract. Nowadays the geophysical section of traditional atlases is not sufficiently informative. The amount of geophysical fields’ maps rarely exceeds two. On the other hand, the electronic GIS atlases invariably include in their composition maps of study of geophysical observations, which make it possible to assess the level of exploration on the mapped territory. The creation and design of such maps today are limited to displaying only the factual location of observation profiles and other objects. In order to expand the possibilities of analyzing geophysical information, the authors suggests a method for creating of density maps of geophysical study. The study on these maps is shown with isolines – usual method for geophysical maps. The authors of this article describe the method of creating density maps of geophysical study. This method includes the following steps: selection and analysis of information sources of geophysical study; choice of study parameters for mapping; calculation of the density of objects of geophysical study; interpolation and creation of isolines of objects of geophysical study density. The created study maps of density dynamics represent the approbation of the method; they allow increasing the information content of geophysical section of the atlas. The study is also a special factor that determines general need of mapping the phenomenon and characterizes the availability of data sources for mapping. Therefore, the opportunities for using developed maps for the automated determination of the atlas structure are also shown in the article.

Investigating the process of evidence-informed health policymaking in Bangladesh: a systematic review.

Over the last four decades, Bangladesh has made considerable improvements in population health, this is in part due to the use of evidence to inform policymaking. This systematic review aims to better understand critical factors that have facilitated the diffusion of scientific evidence into multiple phases of health policymaking in Bangladesh. To do this an existing policy framework designed by Shiffman and Smith in 2007, was used to extract and synthesize data from selected policy analyses. This framework was used to ensure the content, context and actors involved with evidence-informed policymaking were considered in each case where research had helped shape a health policy. The ‘PRISMA Checklist’ was employed to design pre-specified eligibility criteria for the selection of information sources, search strategy, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and process of data extraction and synthesis. Through our systematic search conducted from February to May 2017, we initially identified 1859 articles; after removal of duplicates, followed by the screening of titles, abstracts and full-texts, 24 articles were included in the analysis. Health policy issues included the following topics: maternal and child health, tobacco control, reproductive health, infectious disease control and the impact and sustainability of knowledge translation platforms. Findings suggested that research evidence that could be used to meet key targets associated with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were more likely to be considered as a political (and therefore policy) priority. Furthermore, avenues of engagement between research organizations and the government as well as collective action from civil-society organizations were important for the diffusion of evidence into policies. Through this article, it is apparent that the interface between evidence and policy formulation occurs when evidence is, disseminated by a cohesive policy-network with strong leadership and framed to deliver solutions for problems on both the domestic and global development agenda.

Influence of course type and assignment features on students' information seeking behaviors

ABSTRACTExploring students' information seeking behavior and its influencing factors during assignment completion process can help promote teaching and learning performance. In this study, we collect college students' assignment information and their information seeking behaviors during assignment completion process through questionnaires. In total we have data of 162 courses ranging from a variety of majors. We analyzed the relationship among course type, assignment features and information behaviors during assignment completion process. We found students' information sources election is closely related to course type and assignment cognitive complexity, and their preferred information type is also related to assignment type. Results also indicate that assignments from professional compulsory courses emphasize more on basic cognitive learning, while other courses more on advanced cognitive learning. These findings are useful for course instructors to improve students' information literacy through assignments.

Farmers, information, and nutrient management in the US Midwest

In an age of increasingly available options, which sources of information about nutrient management do farmers use to guide their management decisions and why? Recent work reveals emerging shifts in how farmers access information about technology and practices related to their operation. In this study, we use survey data gathered in 2014 in the US Corn Belt to examine the information sources that farmers use, the likely influence those sources will have on their nitrogen (N) fertilizer decisions, and whether some information sources are held in higher regard than others. We explore the factors shaping whether farmers use multiple information sources as well as their consultation of particular ones. Our empirical analysis reveals that most farmers in our sample use multiple information sources and that the number of sources used varies by having attended college and farm size. Just over three sources are used on average among the full sample, with those reporting having some college using more than three and large operators using four sources. Farmers9 perception of these sources differs in the degree to which they perceive the importance of recommendations to influence management practice decisions. Among our sample, fertilizer dealers, crop consultants, seed suppliers, and university extension are greatly valued and influential sources. Finally, education and years in farming shape the selection of multiple information sources or the intensity of information gathering, and along with these factors, attitudes and values influence the importance farmers place on various sources for N recommendations.

Findings from a Case Study on Refugees Using MOOCs to (Re)enter Higher Education

This paper presents a case study evaluating the online learning experience of ten refugees on MOOCs. Qualitative data were collected from the learners, generating a set of 43 statements depicting the learners’ experience of learning, which were analysed using an augmented Community of Inquiry (CoI) theoretical framework. The key findings show that learners particularly desired teaching presence in terms of facilitation and feedback on their progress; they viewed online social presence as being important but generally not well managed in MOOCs; and they expressed cognitive presence mainly in terms of the selection and use of information sources. Learning presence (the additional element of the “augmented” CoI framework) was described primarily in terms of the importance of goal-setting and planning. The implications for organisations supporting refugees and other learners in disadvantaged circumstances on MOOCs are discussed.

KEGIATAN PUBLIC RELATIONS SEBAGAI UPAYA PENGUATAN EKSISTENSI PERPUSTAKAAN

Library is an institution which provides selected information sources and services for people. The information sources available in library are selected and provided systematically makes people easy to find the needed information. However, some libraries suffer of lack of user so must be done library management for existance empowerment. This paper discuss implementation of “ pencils” of public relations, it is a strategy in library empowerment conducted in Telkom University Open Library. Pencils of public relations is a strategy based on creating good relationship with relevant stakeholders which consists of publications, events, news, community involvement, identity tools, lobbying, and social investment. The research method used is descriptive qualitative and data collected by interview and focus group discussion. The results shows that the Telkom University Open Library has implemented “ pencils ” of public relations in strengthening its existence.

User-Source Fit and Financial Information Source Selection of Millennials

This study investigated Millennials’ source selection while searching for financial information to improve financial well-being. Results from an online survey of 488 business students at a Western U.S. university showed that Millennials used multiple sources when looking for financial information, but only sources whose perceived attributes fit the seekers’ preferences were considered; respondents favored family, employer/university, and government sources. Associations between personal characteristics (personal financial well-being, financial issue involvement, financial health self-efficacy, gender, and perception of source attributes) and financial information source selection were examined. Findings suggest financial practitioners, universities, and employers can improve their “fit” as financial information sources for Millennials by cocreating financial information with them, tailoring the communication channels, and enhancing the accessibility of information.