Types Of Information Sources Research Articles

Utilization of Media and Institutional Support for Urban Farming in Pekanbaru City

Urban farming is important in supporting food security in urban areas. This study aims to identify the use of communication media in implementing urban farming and supporting institutions in the application of urban farming. This research was conducted using a survey method with samples selected in tiers representing each extension institution of farmer women groups. Furthermore, data were gathered from interviews and FGDs. The results showed that accessing information and communication behavior was in the excellent category with a score of 4.65. There are different types of facilities that are currently used by farmers to access information, namely smartphones where the extension workers always provide information related to farming, and printed extension media such as brochures, flyers, and books related to vegetable farming. Farmer knowledge about information sources is also in an excellent category. They know the types of information sources and how to get information according to their needs that comes from reliable and accurate sources. Farmers received full support from local leaders and the government through the food crops and fisheries office of the city of Pekanbaru with regular counseling held by extension workers, and socialization related to urban farming. Keywords: extension media, institution support, urban farming, women farmer group

Corruption and media surveillance of power in Argentina and Peru: The coverage of Clarín and El Comercio during the vaccination scandals against COVID 19

In Argentina and Peru, the COVID-19 emergency brought corruption scandals related to skipping the line to access the vaccine and its illicit application to political authorities and other figures. From a methodology based on media frames and predominant information source types, this study analyzes how the leading online press media in Argentina and Peru, namely Clarín and El Comercio, reported the scandals, locally known as Vaccine VIP and Vacunagate, respectively.

Communicating COVID-19 vaccine information to Chinese communities in the UK: a qualitative study of their knowledge, information sources and trust

IntroductionIn late 2020, the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rates of Chinese people living in the UK were estimated between 52% and 57%, significantly lower than that of the general population (76%)....

A Study on Advertising Effectiveness Depending on Information Source Type (Real Human vs. Virtual Human)

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the differences in information source properties according to the type of information source (real human vs. virtual human) and to empirically analyze the impact of the information source type on advertising attitude and product attitude. In addition, this study examined the moderating effect of consumer gender on the effect of information source type on advertising attitude, and the mediating effect of advertising attitude on the effect of type of information source on product attitude. Theoretical framework: The Source effect refers to the degree to which consumers' message acceptance varies depending on the information source, that is, the properties of the advertising model. In general, representative properties that affect information source effectiveness include expertise, trustworthiness, and attractiveness. The Uncanny Valley theory is the theory that when humans see a non-human being, the more it resembles a human being, the more they feel favorable towards it, but when it reaches a certain level, they feel displeased with it. Methodology: To test hypotheses, this study conducted an online and offline mixed survey, and a total of 410 questionnaires were used in the final analysis. To test validity and reliability of measurement tools, this study did factor analysis and reliability analysis. Hypotheses were tested with t-test and ANOVA analysis. To test mediating effects, it did mediating regression analysis. Findings: The findings of data analysis were as follows. First, when the information source type was a virtual human, the level of information source properties was lower than when the information source type was a real human. When the information source type was a virtual human, expertise and trustworthiness were low, and there was no difference in attractiveness. Second, when the information source type was a virtual human, the attitude toward advertising was low. Third, the information source properties of the virtual human advertising model were confirmed to have a positive (+) effect on consumer advertising attitudes. Fourth, the information source properties of the virtual human advertising model were confirmed to have a positive effect on consumer product attitudes. Fifth, the impact of the type of information source on advertising attitude was found to be higher for male consumers than for female consumers, confirming that there is a moderating effect of consumer gender. Sixth, it was confirmed that advertising attitude has a positive effect on product attitude. Seventh, it was confirmed that the effect of information source type on product attitude was mediated by advertising attitude. Research, Practical & Social implications: The results of this study suggest the following implications. First, this is the first level of research to theoretically verify the effectiveness of advertisements featuring virtual humans and examine whether the theoretical foundation of the information source effect can be extended to virtual humans. Second, this study empirically verified the moderating effects of consumers' psychological mechanisms and demographic factors on the effect of information source types on advertising attitudes. Originality/value: This study empirically analyzed the source effect of a virtual human advertising model based on the information source effect and the uncanny valley effect.

Report on the 4th Workshop on Reducing Online Misinformation through Credible Information Retrieval (ROMCIR 2024) at ECIR 2024

The 4th Workshop on Reducing Online Misinformation through Credible Information Retrieval (ROMCIR 2024) was part of the Satellite Events of the 46th European Conference on Information Retrieval (ECIR 2024). ROMCIR served as a platform for discussions on accessing accurate information and addressing the issue of information disorder prevalent in the online landscape at that time. In general, the challenge is multifaceted, encompassing various types of information sources (e.g., websites, social media posts, ...) across different platforms and domains (e.g., fake news detection, health-related information retrieval, propaganda reduction). Additionally, in this edition, the critical need to assess the impact of generative models like Large Language Models (LLMs) on inadvertently amplifying misinformation and explore their potential role in supporting Information Retrieval Systems (IRSs) began to emerge. In this context, diverse approaches to the problem of access to truthful information found their place. Keynote speech and articles in this year's workshop mainly focused on themes such as health misinformation, multimedia and multimodal fact-checking, and information filtering to combat misinformation. Date : 24 March 2024. Website : https://romcir.disco.unimib.it/.

The psychological implications of COVID-19 over the eighteen-month time span following the virus breakout in Italy.

In a short time, the COVID-19 pandemic has exerted a huge impact on many aspects of people's lives with a number of consequences, an increase in the risks of psychological diseases being one of them. The aim of this experimental study, based on an eighteen-month follow-up survey, is to assess the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, changes in stress, anxiety and depression levels, and the risks of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A follow-up survey was performed on a sample of 184 Italian individuals to collect relevant information about the psychological impact of COVID-19. Predictors of the components of the psychological impact were calculated based on the ANCOVA model. The analysis of the online questionnaires led to the conclusion that a high percentage of the participants suffer from levels of stress, anxiety and depression higher than normal as well as an increased risk of PTSD. The severity of such disorders significantly depends on gender, the loss of family members or acquaintances due to the pandemic, the amount of time spent searching for COVID-19 related information, the type of information sources and, in part, on the level of education and income. The time factor had a more severe effect on the low-income population. COVID-19 has entailed a very strong psychological impact on the Italian population also depending on the coping strategies adopted, the level of mindful awareness, socio-demographic variables, people's habits and the way individuals use the available means of communication and information.

Patient experiences of information-sharing and patient-centred care across the broad landscape of primary care practice and provision: a nationally representative survey of Australian adults

BackgroundAustralian government strategies and frameworks have been developed in recent years to encourage the integration and coordination of primary care delivery; including patient-centred approaches to clinical and preventative care, and health promotion. This study aims to explore patient experiences of information-sharing and patient-centred care across various primary care clinical settings, with a particular focus on clinical encounters with GPs, naturopaths, osteopaths and acupuncturists.MethodsData about healthcare utilisation and experiences from a 63-item cross-sectional survey obtained from a nationally representative sample of Australian adults aged ≥ 18 years were analysed. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used to explore differences in the experiences of knowledge and information sharing during GP consultations among those who also consulted with a naturopath, osteopath or acupuncturist, compared those who had not. Logistic regression was used to investigate correlations between participants perceptions about GP consultation outcomes, and the GP’s information-sharing behaviour or perceived experience of patient-centredness.ResultsAcross 2354 participants, verbal explanation (76.3%) and/or individualised handouts (16.8%) were the most common type of information shared in GP consultations. Individuals who consulted with a GP and a naturopath, an osteopath, or an acupuncturist reported a lower rate of receiving a verbal explanation from their GP but higher rate of receiving other types of information sources including handouts. Over one quarter of study participants who visited a GP did not discuss any of their health information with their GP. Information sharing was lower for individuals who also visited a naturopath, osteopath or acupuncturist. Participants scored their consultations with a GP as patient-centred, but these scores were lower among participants who also consulted with at least one other primary care practitioner type included in the study.ConclusionsPublic health and health services researchers, policymakers and leaders of primary care professions have a role and responsibility to ensure practitioners are confident and competent in sharing health information with their patients that considers their health literacy needs, and the importance of patient-centred care. Research focussed on a more in-depth understanding of the differences and relationships observed across the primary care landscape in this study is recommended.

How Do Information Sources Influence the Purchases of Tourism, Culture, and Entertainment? An Analysis of China Family Panel Studies Data

Information sources affect people’s tourism, culture, and entertainment buying. It is therefore important to study the apportionment effects by information source type and comprehensively analyze how information sources positively or negatively impact the consumption of tourism, culture, and entertainment. This research analyzed the influence of four information sources on such buying based on data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) from 2014 to 2018. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationships among variables. The findings were that: (1) information sources (Internet, broadcast, print, and word of mouth) had a significant positive impact on tourism, culture, and entertainment buying; (2) the effects of information were significantly different based on age, education level, and place of residence (urban vs. rural); and (3) information source digitalization increased the share of TCE consumption in overall household consumption through improving social interactions and convenience of transactions. The findings contribute to alleviating the information asymmetry in tourism consumption, helping tourism enterprises develop targeted marketing measures, and promoting the improvement of residents’ tourism consumption.

Increasing compliance with public health guidelines among adolescents: Lessons for the future from the US COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose: To explore factors influencing compliance with COVID-19 recommended preventive behaviours focusing on types of information sources about COVID-19, learning about disinfectant use and constructs of the Health Belief Model among adolescents at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: Cross-sectional descriptive design. Setting: A survey was distributed electronically to organisations, parents and student groups in Southern California 10 months after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sample: A total of 217 students aged between 12 and 19 years old. Measures: Questions were adapted from a previous nationwide online survey about COVID-19. Analysis: Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the data. Results: The most common type of information (communication) source was an interpersonal one (parents), and the least common type was an official (federal, school) source. Statistically significant better protective behaviours aligned with COVID-19 recommendations were seen in students who received more information from official sources; less information from social media or friends; believed in the accuracy and benefits of utilising the COVID-19 pandemic information and learned about the use of disinfectants and were confident in cleaning surfaces of devices and equipped. However, those who perceived themselves at risk of COVID-19 infection and had perceived high risks in general reported lower (but not statistically significant) compliance with protective behaviour. The level of knowledge about COVID-19 was not statistically associated with compliance with protective behaviour. Conclusion: Parents’ role in guiding adolescents is critical. Evidence-based information about COVID-19 should be delivered through official sources to facilitate adolescents’ understanding and active participation in public health efforts.

Citation Analysis of Post Graduate Theses Submitted to Department of Renewable Energy Sources in College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra

Citation analysis helps to understand the different ways that users look for material. Citation analysis can be used to calculate the obsolescence rate. Finding the rate of obsolescence of publications in the field of renewable energy sources is the aim of this study. Citation analysis is being done on M.Tech. (Agril.Engg.) PG theses that were submitted to the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology's department of Renewable Energy Sources. The study uses theses that were submitted between 2017 and 2021. There are 14 theses in total, with 707 citations. Analysis is also conducted to determine the Authorship pattern and Types of Information Sources that the researchers mentioned in their theses.

The impact of new energy vehicle information sources on mass consumers' purchase intentions: an investigation in China

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact and mechanism of new energy vehicle (NEV) information sources (IS) on mass consumers' purchase intentions (PIs) in China.Design/methodology/approachAround 902 valid questionnaires were collected using the questionnaire to analyze the different effects of three types of IS (official, interpersonal and commercial) on mass consumers' PIs. Besides, this study investigates the mechanisms by examining the mediating effect of perceived risk (PR) and the moderating effect of individual differences like age and education level.FindingsThe three types of NEV IS stimulate the PI of mass consumers, but there are some differences, with interpersonal information sources (IISs) having the strongest contribution, followed by official information sources (OISs) and commercial information sources (CISs) the least. Meanwhile, PR plays a mediating role in the effect of NEV IS on mass consumers' PIs, and age and education level moderate the influence paths. Specifically, the moderating effect of age mainly works on the negative impact of PR on PI, while education level moderates the influence of IS on PR.Originality/valueThis study contributes to filling the gaps in the current understanding of the role played by NEV IS in shaping consumer preferences and choices. It provides valuable insights for automotive manufacturers, policymakers and marketers to tailor their marketing strategies and improve information dissemination to effectively promote NEV adoption among mass consumers.

What triggers tourists’ anxiety? The differential impacts of crisis information source types in social media on tourists’ cross-border travel anxiety

ObjetivoEste estudio pretende revelar el mecanismo desencadenante y las condiciones límite de la ansiedad de los turistas ante los viajes transfronterizos (CBTA) a partir de diferentes fuentes de información sobre crisis (CIS).Diseño/metodología/enfoqueBasándose en el modelo heurístico-sistemático (HSM), este estudio construye una vía teórica de formación de la CBTA de los turistas. A partir de las crisis basadas en la competencia y en la moral, se examinaron las hipótesis mediante tres experimentos situacionales, dirigidos a turistas potenciales chinos y malayos.ResultadosLa información sobre crisis difundida por organizaciones desencadena una mayor CBTA de los turistas que la gubernamental, con la incertidumbre percibida como mediadora. Los recursos de los mensajes de comunicación de crisis (CCMA) (racionales frente a emocionales) moderan negativamente las relaciones anteriores. Los CCMA racionales funcionan para la comunicación de crisis gubernamental, mientras que los CCMA emocionales para las organizativas.Implicaciones prácticasLos resultados proponen que las organizaciones de gestión de destinos (OGD) deberían considerar estrategias heurísticas a la hora de difundir información sobre crisis turísticas transfronterizas. Prestar atención al efecto diferencial de las CCMA ayuda a prevenir crisis secundarias.Originalidad/valorEste estudio reexamina la causa-efecto y los mecanismos de intervención de las reacciones de los turistas a la información sobre crisis, lo que amplía la investigación sobre la gestión de crisis turísticas transfronterizas y la aplicación de la HSM en dicho contexto.

MicroRNA Promoter Identification in Human With a Three-level Prediction Method.

The accurate annotation of miRNA promoters is critical for the mechanistic understanding of miRNA gene regulation. Various computational methods have been developed for the prediction of miRNA promoters solely employing a single classifier. Most of these computational methods extract either sequence features or one-sided signal features, and the accuracy and reliability of predictions need to be improved. To address these issues, we present miPTP, a three-level prediction method that combines SVM, RF, and correlation coefficients. It is capable of identifying miRNA promoters based on both DNA sequence and ChIP-Seq data (RPol II). By sequentially integrating these two types of information sources with the three methods selected, miPTP can identify miRNA promoters with higher accuracy and sensitivity compared to specific existing methods. Finally, the reliability of miPTP is validated by examining the conservation, CpG content, and activating histone marks in the identified miRNA promoters.

Out-of-vocabulary word embedding learning based on reading comprehension mechanism

Currently, most natural language processing tasks use word embeddings as the representation of words. However, when encountering out-of-vocabulary (OOV) words, the performance of downstream models that use word embeddings as input is often quite limited. To solve this problem, the latest methods mainly infer the meaning of OOV words based on two types of information sources: the morphological structure of OOV words and the contexts in which they appear. However, the low frequency of OOV words themselves usually makes them difficult to learn in pre-training tasks by general word embedding models. In addition, this characteristic of OOV word embedding learning also brings the problem of context scarcity. Therefore, we introduce the concept of “similar contexts” based on the classical “distributed hypothesis” in linguistics, by borrowing from the human reading comprehension mechanisms to make up for the deficiency of insufficient contexts in previous OOV word embedding learning work. The experimental results show that our model achieved the highest relative scores in both intrinsic and extrinsic evaluation tasks, which demonstrates the positive effect of the “similar contexts” introduced in our model on OOV word embedding learning.

Interaction with peers online: LGBTQIA+ individuals' information seeking and meaning‐making during the life transitions of identity construction

AbstractPeople search for information and experiences and seek meaning as a common reaction to new life challenges. There is little knowledge about the interactions through which experiential information is acquired, and how such interactions are meaningful to an information seeker. Through a qualitative content analysis of 992 posts in an online forum, this study investigated lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals' online information interactions and meaning‐making with peers during their life transitions of identity construction. Our analysis reveals LGBTQIA+ people's life challenges across three transition stages (being aware of, exploring, and living with a new identity). Three main types of online peer interactions were identified within: cognitive, affective, and situational peer interactions. We found that online peer interactions are not only a type of information source that LGBTQIA+ individuals use to acquire understanding about themselves but a unique space for transformation learning and meaning‐making where they share self‐examination and reflection, conduct assessments and assumptions, and obtain strength and skills to initiate and adapt life transitions. The findings have theoretical contributions to the development of information behavior models of transitions and practical implications on providing information services that support LGBTQIA+ individuals' meaning‐making during the life transition.

Fact or fiction: An experiment on how information sources and message framing influence vaccine risk perception

In view of the growing disinformation about vaccines on social media since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, effective communication strategies encouraging vaccine uptake are needed. We conducted an experiment through an online, preregistered survey to explore which types of information sources are more trusted by the population regarding the risks of the Covid-19 booster, and which types of message frames are more effective in influencing the perception of risks for children. We surveyed a representative sample composed of 1,800 Spaniards in June 2022. The two dependent variables were respondents’ perceptions of (1) the Covid-19 booster vaccine effectiveness and (2) the safety of the Covid-19 vaccine for children. Participants were randomly exposed to different messaging regarding these vaccines, with different sources of information (scientific consensus, scientific dissensus, governmental, influencers and medical doctors), and different message framing (pro- and anti-vaccine storytelling and pro- and anti-vaccine scientific data). Additionally, some respondents who did not receive any messaging formed a control group. Our findings suggest that different information sources and frames can influence people’s risk perception of vaccines. The source ‘medical doctors’ had a positive effect on risk perception of the Covid-19 booster vaccine (p < 0.05), and pro-vaccine messages, in the form of both storytelling and scientific expository frames, had a positive effect on respondents’ risk perception of the vaccine for children (p < 0.1 and p < 0.05, respectively). On the one hand, male and older respondents rated booster vaccines as more effective than female and younger respondents. On the other hand, right-wing respondents believed vaccines are somewhat less safe for children than left-wing respondents. These findings might support the development of strategic communication in vaccination programmes by public health departments to improve immunization rates in the general population. The practical and theoretical implications are discussed.

Representation of Information Sources in the Regional News Agenda of the TASS Agency

The article is devoted to the problem of balancing the news agenda within the representation of newsmakers. The paper analyzes approaches to study the institutions and authority representation as news sources, and highlights the fact of the dependence of news editorials on PR-structures as a general trend that has developed in world practice in recent decades. The author analyzes the range of information sources that journalists of the most extensive correspondent network in the country TASS agency have been working with for 10 years. The article discusses various types of information sources, and also presents the author's version of it based on the "Galtung's triangle". According to this, the percentage of the presence in the news various newsmakers — representatives of government, business, and civil society — was calculated using the content analysis method. Data on the share of exclusive information on the agency's feed and its dynamics over 10 years have been obtained, and the difference in this indicator in various federal districts of the Russian Federation was shown. The study demonstrates how often journalists attract additional sources working with press releases. The results indicate a high degree of editorial dependence on regional officials as information sources, as well as the hypertrophied presence in the news of law enforcement agencies, emergency services, etc. The author concludes that the information sources range used by journalists in the regions reflects the dominance of the executive branch; journalists should interact more actively with representatives of the legislature, business structures and civil society.

Applicant reactions to algorithm‐ versus recruiter‐based evaluations of an asynchronous video interview and a personality inventory

AbstractIn two studies, we examined the effects of algorithm‐based (vs. recruiter‐based) evaluations of an asynchronous video interview and a personality inventory on applicant reactions. In line with our expectations, we found several negative applicant reactions to the use of algorithms. Specifically, in Study 1 (N = 172), informing participants that an algorithm, rather than a recruiter, had analysed their interview and personality inventory increased feelings of emotional creepiness, and reduced fairness perceptions, perceived predictive validity and feedback acceptance. In Study 2 (N = 276), we were able to replicate these effects for fairness perceptions and perceived predictive validity. Furthermore, in both studies, algorithm‐based evaluations negatively affected feedback acceptance, organizational attraction and job acceptance intentions through fairness perceptions. However, in contrast with our expectations, selection decision favourability did not influence the impact of evaluation source (recruiter vs. algorithm) on applicant reactions. In Study 2, we also found some tentative evidence that applicant reactions to algorithm‐based evaluations are not affected by the type of information source (i.e. verbal vs. nonverbal cues) on which the algorithm is based.

Consumption of information and citizen’s perception of the sources consulted during the Covid-19 pandemic: A study of the situation based on opinion polls

The aim of this cross-sectional study is to analyze the consumption of information about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Spain and to ascertain the public’s perception of the role of journalists, the media, the scientific community, and governmental and health authorities. The methodology involved taking a descriptive survey of a sample of 1,800 people who were representative of the Spanish population, were of legal age, and were residents of the 17 autonomous communities, between June 6 and 22, 2022. Age, political leaning, attitude toward vaccines, and level of education were determining variables. The results show that ideology and age are the factors that most condition the use of different types of information sources. Centrists consume more traditional media than those on the political left or right, who are the least likely to obtain their information from traditional media. And left-wingers rely more on official sources, such as health authorities, in contrast to centrists or right-wingers. Anti-vaccinationists (anti-vaxxers) prefer alternative sources. Meanwhile, the use of sources does not differ between men and women. Their consumption behavior is similar, which shows that gender is not a variable that significantly influences information consumption, neither in the selection of sources nor in the perception of the role of science and journalism. In general, the main sources of information consulted during the COVID-19 pandemic were the traditional media and the health authorities. In the context of the pandemic, young people consumed the least information and expressed the greatest distrust in journalism and science.

A Study on the Regulatory Fit Effects of Influencer Types and Message Types

This study compared the persuasive effects of human and virtual influencers. Virtual influencers persuade consumers; however, there is insufficient research on strategies that can elicit consumer responses to them. Additionally, we aimed to verify the impact of information source types and message types (rational/emotional) and the interaction effects of regulatory focus tendencies through consumer attitudes (sharing intention/purchase intention). A survey was conducted with 323 South Korean consumers concerning posts on influencers’ Instagram accounts. The responses were processed through multivariate analysis of covariance. The main effects were significant for both information sources; however, consumers showed greater sharing and purchase intentions after interacting with virtual influencers. In addition, a three-way interaction between the independent variables was confirmed, suggesting that consumer persuasion must account for the information source type, the nature of the message, and consumer tendencies. The study results offer insights for establishing effective message strategies to reach consumers.