Information To Users Research Articles

MetaboScope: A statistical toolbox for analyzing 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra from human clinical studies

Abstract Motivation Metabolic phenotyping, using high-resolution spectroscopic molecular fingerprints of biological samples, has demonstrated diagnostic, prognostic, and mechanistic value in clinical studies. However, clinical translation is hindered by the lack of viable workflows and challenges in converting spectral data into usable information. Results MetaboScope is an analytical and statistical workflow for learning, designing and analyzing clinically relevant 1H nuclear magnetic resonance data. It features modular pre-processing pipelines, multivariate modeling tools including principal components analysis (PCA), orthogonal-projection to latent structure discriminant analysis, and biomarker discovery tools (multiblock PCA and statistical spectroscopy). A simulation tool is also provided, allowing users to create synthetic spectra for hypothesis testing and power calculations. Availability and implementation MetaboScope is built as a pipeline where each module accepts the output generated by the previous one. This provides flexibility and simplicity of use, while being straightforward to maintain. The system and its libraries were developed in JavaScript and run as a web app; therefore, all the operations are performed on the local computer, circumventing the need to upload data. The MetaboScope tool is available at https://www.cheminfo.org/flavor/metabolomics/index.html. The code is open-source and can be deployed locally if necessary. Module notes, video tutorials, and clinical spectral datasets are provided for modeling. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Advances online.

Health economics and services research in symbiosis: STREAMLINEing mental health services in Austria

Abstract Objectives The cost of mental diseases exceeds 4% of GDP in Europe. In Austria, every 5th person lives with mental ill-health (MIH). Ongoing epidemiological, demographic and societal changes increase the need for easily accessible, better integrated and good value services. In STREAMLINE, we combine, harmonize and implement the latest methods in human service mapping and economic costing to optimize future service provision and financing for MIH in Austria. Methods We comprehensively assess the availability, activity and affordability of human services targeting MIH in Vienna within the health and social care, education, labour and justice sectors based on a conceptual mind map. We identify services through extensive literature, document and web searches plus expert consultations. Services are mapped and costed according to the European PECUNIA methods: classification of the main service types using the international DESDE taxonomy of human services; development of Reference Unit Costs using the PECUNIA RUC templates with primary data; validation of the results with secondary data; compilation of a comprehensive multi-sectoral service catalogue; and synthesis for spatial and policy analyses. Results We identified 756 sources, 75% individual organisations, 5% multi-organisations and 20% existing provider lists. 84% relate to health and social care, 10% labour, and 3% education and justice sectors each. 58% deliver care to adults, 37% to children & adolescents, and 5% support carers. Further service mapping and RUCs will be presented. Discussion STREAMLINE pioneers in coordinated public mental health services and economics research at scale. Assessed levels of fragmentation call for better integration, improved transition, reduced spatial inequity and increased support for carers. Results increase the feasibility of service evaluations from a societal perspective. Planned public service atlas facilitates information and access for service users and carers. Funding: WWTF Key messages • New methods for harmonized health services and economics research allow comprehensive information for optimized future mental health service planning and financing. • Assessed levels of fragmentation highlight the need for better integration, improved transition, reduced spatial inequity and increased support for carers.

Research on the Speed of Information Transmission and User Cognition in the New Media Era

This article explores the dynamics of information transmission speed and its impact on user cognition in the new media era. With the rapid evolution of digital technologies and social platforms, the speed at which information is shared and consumed has dramatically increased. This acceleration has reshaped how users perceive, process, and engage with content. The research examines how the fast-paced nature of information dissemination affects users' attention spans, critical thinking, and information retention. Additionally, it analyzes the potential cognitive overload caused by the constant influx of data and the role of algorithms in influencing user behavior and information consumption patterns. The findings highlight the need for a deeper understanding of how users navigate this complex media landscape and offer insights into improving digital literacy to help users make informed decisions in a high-speed information environment.

Digital Storytelling for People With Cognitive Impairment Using Available Mobile Apps: Systematic Search in App Stores and Content Analysis.

Growing evidence suggests cognitive and social health benefits can be derived from digital storytelling for older adults with cognitive impairment. Digital storytelling apps offer the potential to serve as an on-demand, easy-to-access platform for enhancing cognitive abilities and promoting social well-being. Yet, despite the increasing quantity of such apps being available on the market, there is a gap in research investigating their quality. This app review aims to assess the digital storytelling apps available in the Chinese market and evaluate them in accordance with the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). The goal was to identify key features and evaluate the overall quality in the context of cognitively impaired users. A systematic search was conducted in both the Google Play store (Google LLC) and iTunes store (Apple Inc), using English and Chinese keywords. Apps were chosen according to specific criteria that included features, including (but not limited to) memory capture, story saving, cue-based reminiscing, and the ability to share stories or memories with others. The MARS was used by 3 individual researchers to independently assess app quality across several domains, such as engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information quality, for both Android and iOS apps. From an initial screening of 297 apps, only 9 (3%) met the criteria for detailed evaluation using MARS. The reviewed apps featured capture memory, save, reminisce, and share functions, which are critical in supporting cognitive functions and enhancing user engagement. The analysis revealed patterns in platform diversity and geographical distribution of developers, with apps available on both iOS and Android. Memoirs of Life and Memorize: Diaries, Memories, Notes, Ideas, Timelines, Categories (Fair Apps Mobile) had the highest mean MARS scores of 3.35, indicating strong engagement, functionality, and information quality, while the lowest score was 2.33. The overall mean score across all apps was only 3.03 (SD 0.60), highlighting significant variation, particularly in information quality. User feedback also showed considerable variability, ranging from 0 comments for apps such as Grand Storyteller (VarIT Inc) and PWI Storyteller (Project World Impact, LLC) to as many as 5361 comments for FamilySearch, which received extensive positive reviews. This wide range of user feedback underscores the importance of continuous improvement and user-centered design, particularly in enhancing information quality and content accuracy. The systematic search and evaluation highlight the diverse capabilities yet variable quality of digital storytelling apps available within the Chinese market, reflecting user experiences, satisfaction levels, and efficacy in supporting cognitively impaired users. While some apps excel in engagement and functionality, others need significant improvements in information quality and user interface design to better serve those with cognitive impairments. Future research is recommended to investigate regional limitations and features that would result in more inclusive and effective digital storytelling apps.

Bridging sentiment and finance: An exploration of BOD statements and bank ratios in Jordan

Purpose: This study explores the intricate interplay between sentiment extracted from Board of Directors (BOD) statements and the traditional financial metrics of banks. It investigates the relationship between a bank’s financial performance, measured by various financial ratios, and the sentiment expressed in BOD statements.Design/methodology/approach: Drawing from a dataset encompassing BOD statements from 15 Jordanian banks spanning 2017 to 2021, sentiment analysis techniques are employed to derive sentiment scores. These scores are then juxtaposed with principal components distilled from financial metrics to examine their predictive relationship.Findings: Preliminary findings reveal significant non-linear patterns between Hu and Liu’s (2004) sentimental analysis (Lui_sen), the Data Science Lab’s (n.d.) multilingual sentiment tool (multi_sen), and the principal components. A subsequent random-effects panel regression further elucidates these relationships, highlighting the significant influence of specific principal components on sentiment scores. This study provides a compelling case for integrating sentiment analysis with traditional financial indicators, offering a more comprehensive toolkit for evaluating bank performance.Research limitations/implications: Future research should explore broader datasets across multiple sectors, to validate the generalisability of the findings beyond the banking sector in Jordan.Practical implications: This research holds implications for investors, analysts, and stakeholders by combining sentiment analysis with traditional financial metrics. It offers deeper insights into the health of banks and the intentions of management. This integrated approach allows stakeholders to make informed decisions and mitigate risks based on a more comprehensive view of banks' financial situations. Additionally, the possibility of real-time sentiment analysis enables the dynamic monitoring of banking institutions' financial health as updated data becomes available.Social implications: The study’s results are valuable to users of financial information, aiding the Association of Banks and the Central Bank of Jordan in formulating policies for the banking sector. Auditors, consultants, and regulatory bodies in Jordan can also benefit from these insights.Originality/value: This is the first study exploring the relationship between sentiment extracted from BOD statements and traditional financial metrics in Jordan. It provides novel evidence of this relationship, contributing to the literature on the integration of textual data analysis and financial performance.

Improving Biomedical Science Literacy and Patient-Directed Knowledge of Tuberculosis (TB): A Cross-Sectional Infodemiology Study Examining Readability of Patient-Facing TB Information

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) continues be the leading cause of death globally due to an infectious agent. There is a paucity of data describing the readability of patient-facing TB information for service users. The aim of this study was to calculate the readability of multiple global TB information sources.MethodsInformation on tuberculosis (n = 150 sources) included nine categories, Patient-facing information: WHO publications (n = 17), International governments (n = 19), Hospitals (n = 10), Non-government organisations (NGOs)/charities (n = 20), Cochrane Plain Language Summaries (n = 20); LabTestsOnlineUK (n = 4) and Scientific-facing information: Clinical trials (n = 20), Cochrane abstracts (n = 20), Scientific abstracts (n = 20). Readability was calculated using Readable software, defined by (i) Flesch Reading Ease (FRE), (ii) Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), (iii) Gunning Fog Index and (iv) SMOG Index and two text metrics [words/sentence, syllables/word].ResultsMean readability values for TB information for the FRE and FKGL were 35.6 ± 1.6 (standard error of mean (SEM)) (US Target ≥60; UK Target ≥90) and 12.3 ± 0.3 (US Target ≤8; UK Target ≤6), respectively, with mean words per sentence and syllables per word of 17.2 and 1.8, respectively. Cochrane Plain Language Summaries had similar readability scores to their matching scientific abstract (p = 0.15). LabTestsOnlineUK yielded a mean FRE score of 51.5 ± 1.2, a mean FKGL score of 10.2 ± 0.5 and text metric scores of 16.7 ± 2.3 and 1.6, for words per sentence and syllables per word, respectively. In descending order, TB information from international governments, hospitals and LabTestsOnlineUK were the most readable (FRE = 57.9, 54.1 and 51.5, respectively), whereas scientific abstracts and Cochrane abstracts were the most difficult to read (13.0 and 30.2, respectively).ConclusionPatient-facing TB information analysed had poor readability. Effective communication of biomedical science concepts and information relating to TB is vital for service users to enhance their health literacy of tuberculosis, thereby promoting better clinical outcomes. Biomedical scientists are important custodians of scientific information for their service user populations, including other healthcare professionals within the TB multidisciplinary (MDT) team and patient service users. When preparing TB information, this should be checked and modified in real time employing readability calculators, to align with health readability targets.

Public non‐financial reporting: Reflection of environmental aspects of development and activities of economic entities

The article considers economically significant information reflected in public non‐financial reporting, enabling reflection on the environmental aspects of an organization's development. The analysis aims to articulate problems in the disclosure economically significant information in public non‐financial reporting due to a significant difference between national and international requirements in terms of the environmental aspects of development.In the process of conducting this study, a monograph (descriptive) research method, a system analysis method and a comparative analysis method were used.The results of the study confirmed the need to improve environmental reporting as part of the development of the concept of non‐public financial reporting, while authors emphasising the need to develop the composition and content of environmental reporting, taking into account the integration of financial and non‐financial reporting. The application of the approaches outlined in the article allowed the generation of more transparent information for all interested users regarding the environmental activities of companies and will bring national and international standards closer to application.The environmental reporting of companies and its components are proposed as part of the development of the concept of public non‐ financial reporting.

Towards a sustained and fit-for-purpose European ocean observing and forecasting system

The EU funded project EuroSea brought together key actors of the European ocean observing and forecasting communities with key users of the ocean observing products and services in order to better integrate existing ocean observation systems and tools, and to improve the delivery of ocean information to users. EuroSea was constructed around the ocean observing value chain that connects observations to users of ocean information, and, just as intended, the value chain concept was a useful prism to improve the system. In this article, we summarize some of the main take-home messages from EuroSea on the needs for developing the European Ocean Observing System and its links with modeling and forecasting systems. During the project, the challenges and gaps in the design and coordination of the European ocean observing and forecasting system were identified and mapped. Many gaps and challenges related to the observations of physical, chemical and biological Essential Ocean Variables were identified. Some of these gaps are related to technological developments, while others are caused by insufficient and short-term funding leading to a not sustainable system, management, and cooperation between different entities, as well as limitations in foresight activities, policies and decisions. This article represents a compilation of the broader needs for advancing the observing and forecasting system, and is meant as a guide for the community, and to funders and investors to advance ocean observing and the delivery of ocean information in Europe. To enhance the sustainability of ocean observations, which is paramount for a reliable provision of quality oceanographic data and services, several recommendations were compiled for ocean observing networks, frameworks, initiatives, as well as the ocean observing funders within the European nations, and the European Commission.

The Distinction Between Search and Discovery Systems : A Scholarly Analysis

This comprehensive analysis explores the fundamental distinctions between search and discovery systems in the context of information retrieval and user interaction. The article examines the underlying principles, methodologies, and user experiences associated with each system, elucidating their unique roles in the modern digital landscape. By comparing key aspects such as user intent, interaction models, algorithmic foundations, and evaluation metrics, the article highlights the complementary strengths of these paradigms. The research also investigates emerging hybrid approaches that combine elements of both search and discovery, addressing evolving user expectations and the challenges of information overload. Through this in-depth exploration, the article contributes to the ongoing discourse on the future of information access and informs the development of more effective, user-centric systems capable of meeting diverse information needs in an increasingly complex digital ecosystem.

The Shariah non-compliance (SNC) disclosure index of Islamic banks in Malaysia

Purpose This study aims to examine the Shariah non-compliance (SNC) disclosure index for all 16 Malaysian Islamic banks from 2015 to 2020. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research methodology was adopted that included content analysis. The data were gathered from banks’ annual reports from 2015 to 2020. To achieve this, firstly, the disclosure index was developed by examining the disclosure requirements of the regulator and previous studies. The index was then used to measure the level of disclosure index for all these banks. Findings The overall average SNC disclosure index for the Islamic banks from 2015 to 2020 remained low at 0.57. However, the values were comprised of mandatory and voluntary items. For the former, the SNC disclosure index was quite high at 0.82, but for the voluntary items, the value was 0.40. Progressive improvement can be observed in the disclosure practices of the majority of the Islamic banks between 2015 and 2020; nevertheless, certain banks displayed a deterioration in their disclosure practices. Research limitations/implications This study has several limitations, including the index used, the research period and the fact that it was restricted to SNC events. Practical implications These findings add value for information users by assuring them of the accountability of Islamic banks in terms of transparency, as well as their effectiveness in managing and mitigating SNC events. Regular monitoring and strong enforcement by the regulator are essential to achieve full compliance with the stipulated requirements. Originality/value This study offers a disclosure index for analysing SNC events in depth by segregating the disclosure into mandatory and voluntary items for each Islamic bank and making recommendations for future research. In addition, it provides a broad overview of current trends in SNC and the associated issues, as well as insights for regulators and the public in terms of the transparency levels of Islamic banks in relation to SNC event disclosure.

Practice of the systematization and centralization of archive fund materials of the PJSC ALROSA geological exploration complex

Effective usage of information accumulated over decades of geological exploration requires a tool that allows cataloging, describing, and providing access to both paper and electronic versions of the materials. Despite gradual digitalization of all the major geological exploration processes, there still remains large volume of the materials from previous years on paper media (technical reports, projects, etc.). They continue to be systematically digitized, while new reporting materials are generated in digital form. In addition, thematic scientific articles and publications are annually published. How to combine all the materials and to ensure quick and convenient access to them? There exist various ways to achieve this goal. The Vilyuisk Geological Exploration Expedition (VGRE) of PJSC ALROSA has taken the path of developing a dedicated information system «EFB GRK» designed to store and get access to the information on geological reports, scientific works, articles, etc. Each type of the documents is provided by its own attribute information; several types of the documents are grouped into thematic sections. The system allows one to obtain information on the availability of the projecting and reporting documentation in the archive funds with ability to order and receive and to trace the movement of such documentation.

IMPLEMENTASI METODE WEBQUAL 4.0 TERHADAP KEPUASAN MAHASISWA PADA PENGGUNAAN SISTEM INFORMASI AKADEMIK (SIAKAD) UNIVERSITAS PRABUMULIH

The rapid development of information and communication technology has driven increased efficiency across various sectors, including academics. The Academic Information System (SIAKAD) at Universitas Prabumulih is an integrated service for lecturers, students, and staff to support academic activities. This study aims to evaluate user satisfaction with SIAKAD using the Webqual 4.0 model, which assesses website quality based on three dimensions: usability quality, information quality, and service interaction quality, and their impact on user satisfaction. The results of this study are expected to provide a comprehensive overview of SIAKAD's strengths and weaknesses, serving as a foundation for future system improvements.Keywords: SIAKAD, User Satisfaction, Webqual 4.0 Method

Anomaly Detection in Time Series Data

This paper presents a novel unsupervised approach for anomaly detection in marine diesel engines using a Transformer Neural Network based autoencoder (TAE) and residual analysis with Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) and Sum of Squares of Normalized Residuals (SSNR). This approach adeptly captures temporal dependencies within normal time-series data without the necessity for labeled failure data. To assess the performance of the proposed methodology, a dataset containing faulty data is generated under the same operational profile as the normal training data. The model undergoes training using normal data, after which the faulty data is reconstructed utilizing the trained model. Subsequently, SPRT and SSNR are used to analyze the residuals from the observed and reconstructed faulty data. Significant deviations surpassing a predefined threshold are identified as anomalous behavior. Additionally, this study explores various architectures of Transformer neural networks and other types of neural networks to conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of the performance of the proposed approach. Insights and recommendations derived from the performance analysis are also presented, offering valuable information for potential users to leverage. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach can accurately and efficiently detect anomalies in marine diesel engines. Therefore, this approach can be considered as a promising solution for early anomaly detection, leading to timely maintenance and repair, and preventing costly downtime. Also, avoid accidents with probability severe consequences.

Information or Noise? Examining the Effect of Discretionary Disclosure of Accounting Estimates on Financial Analyst Forecasts

Whether discretionary disclosure of accounting estimates increases or decreases the decision usefulness of financial information is a fundamental issue in accounting and finance. Our paper speaks to this issue by examining the effect of discretionary disclosure of accounting estimates on the forecasting behaviour of financial analysts, who are sophisticated users of financial information and play a crucial role as an information intermediary in the capital markets. We find that discretionary disclosure of accounting estimates (made in the 10‐K management discussion and analysis and financial statement footnotes) reduces analyst forecast errors and analysts’ tendency to round their annual earnings forecasts. These effects are more pronounced when analysts issue forecasts for companies with high accounting reporting complexity. Overall, the results suggest that discretionary disclosure of accounting estimates reduces information costs by providing relevant information for analysts’ forecasting decisions.

Clinicians' use of Health Information Exchange technologies for medication reconciliation in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: a qualitative analysis.

Medication reconciliation is essential for optimizing medication use. In part to promote effective medication reconciliation, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) invested substantial resources in health information exchange (HIE) technologies. The objectives of this qualitative study were to characterize VA clinicians' use of HIE tools for medication reconciliation in their clinical practice and to identify facilitators and barriers. We recruited inpatient and outpatient prescribers (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants) and pharmacists at four geographically distinct VA medical centers for observations and interviews. Participants were observed as they interacted with HIE or medication reconciliation tools during routine work. Participants were interviewed about clinical decision-making pertaining to medication reconciliation and use of HIE tools, and about barriers and facilitators to use of the tools. Qualitative data were analyzed via inductive and deductive approaches using a priori codes. A total of 63 clinicians participated. Over half (58%) were female, and the mean duration of VA clinical experience was 7 (range 0-32) years. Underlying motivators for clinicians seeking data external to their VA medical center were having new patients, current patients receiving care from an external institution, and clinicians' concerns about possible medication discrepancies among institutions. Facilitators for using HIE software were clinicians' familiarity with the HIE software, clinicians' belief that medication information would be available within HIE, and their confidence in the ability to find HIE medication-related data of interest quickly. Six overarching barriers to HIE software use for medication coordination included visual clutter and information overload within the HIE display; challenges with HIE interface navigation; lack of integration between HIE and other electronic health record interfaces, necessitating multiple logins and application switching; concerns with the dependability of HIE medication information; unfamiliarity with HIE tools; and a lack of HIE data from non-VA facilities. This study is believed to be the first to qualitatively characterize clinicians' HIE use with respect to medication reconciliation. Results inform recommendations to optimize HIE use for medication management activities. We expect that healthcare organizations and software vendors will be able to apply the findings to develop more effective and usable HIE information displays.

A Study of digital literacy among the marginalizes in Thailand: Issues, challenges for implementation and the way forward

The concerns about digital literacy in Thailand especially relevant to fake news, disinformation, and misinformation keep increasing and creating a multifaceted challenges to various sectors of Thai society i.e. financial, commercial, politics, society, and health-related. Among the areas identified include digital contents creation, dissemination, and social media enabling various information with complex challenges such as the proliferation of fake news, disinformation, and misinformation affected more kinds of negative effects currently. This study employs mixed-research method quantitative (survey questionnaire) and qualitative (Focus group discussion, observation, interview) data collection and analysis. A total of 315 samples and key informants were involved as well as grouped under 5 categories: marginal youths, elderly, community leaders, teachers, also government workers focusing on digital literacy knowledge and skills relevant to fake news. It also highlights the relevant contexts i.e. regulatory frameworks and mechanisms driven by key agencies in Thailand. Two main results were revealed that reflected the objectives of the study accordingly: The first objective is (1) overview of digital literacy and how to achieve it. The findings summarized from survey questionnaire include 1.1) even regulations exist found inadequate enforcement and low public awareness call for more effective and collaborative communication from all partners starting from the government agencies; 1.2) urgent need for public awareness communication campaigns emphasizing all the marginalized groups. Youths expressed in the interviews about their contribution to help reduce all kinds of fake news; 1.3) support more friendly ICT context provision such as availability, affordability, accessibility, usability, and useful information. The second objective is (2) mechanism for digital skills empowerment. The feedback from key informants include: 2.1) strengthening digital literacy skills among all marginalized groups to be a smart citizen then can help protecting themselves, their families and their communities; 2.2) all agencies from policy to local i.e. community leaders, educational institutions, private sectors, social media companies, civil society, and others must synergized more contributions; 2.3) educational institutions must design digital literacy academy with digital new-skills for the marginalizes, ensuring them for their safety and future job demands; 2.4) private sectors should support and co-designing digital products and services that address all current needs; 2.5) local government, and all partners should take an active collaboration and enforcement. The study concluded with implications and suggestions for future research in line with SDGs.

Development and validation of an instrument to evaluate the perspective of using the electronic health record in a hospital setting

BackgroundEvaluating healthcare information systems, such as the Electronic Health Records (EHR), is both challenging and essential, especially in resource-limited countries. This study aims to psychometrically develop and validate an instrument (questionnaire) to assess the factors influencing the successful adoption of the EHR system by healthcare professionals in Moroccan university hospitals.MethodsThe questionnaire validation process occurred in two main stages. Initially, data collected from a pilot sample of 164 participants underwent analysis using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to evaluate the validity and reliability of the retained factor structure. Subsequently, the validity of the overall measurement model was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in a sample of 368 healthcare professionals.ResultsThe structure of the modified HOT-fit model, comprising seven constructs (System Quality, Information Quality, Information technology Service Quality, User Satisfaction, Organization, Environment, and Clinical Performance), was confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis. Absolute, incremental, and parsimonious fit indices all indicated an appropriate level of acceptability, affirming the robustness of the measurement model. Additionally, the instrument demonstrated adequate reliability and convergent validity, with composite reliability values ranging from 0.75 to 0.89 and average variance extracted (AVE) values ranging from 0.51 to 0.63. Furthermore, the square roots of AVE values exceeded the correlations between different pairs of constructs, and the heterotrait-monotrait ratio of correlations (HTMT) was below 0.85, confirming suitable discriminant validity.ConclusionsThe resulting instrument, due to its rigorous development and validation process, can serve as a reliable and valid tool for assessing the success of information technologies in similar contexts.

Exploring Instructors' Experiences with Learning Management Systems: A Technological Perspective on User Satisfaction in Distance Learning

The rapid growth of educational technology in higher education has led to the widespread use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in distance learning. However, limited research has focused on measuring instructors' satisfaction with these systems, despite its critical role in course engagement and enhancing student interaction with course content. This study proposes a comprehensive framework for evaluating instructors' satisfaction with LMS usage. Thus; We adopted DeLone and McLean's Information System Success Model to empirically assess the relationships between Information Quality (INQ), System Quality (SYQ), Service Quality (SQ), Perceived Usefulness (PU), User Loyalty (UL), and User Satisfaction (US). The results indicate that SQ has a greater effect on the US than SYQ, PU, and INQ. Moreover, the results show that the US has a significant direct influence on UL. The study focuses on higher education instructors and employs a questionnaire-based survey for data collection. Based on the results, it is recommended that LMS design should consider the needs of both instructors and students, incorporating the latest technological advancements. Neglecting instructors' satisfaction in LMS development could negatively influence the outcomes of distance learning courses.

Experimental insights on sound characteristics and psychoacoustic parameters on axial fan performance in heat pump systems

This study focuses on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and experimental measurements of the sound power level of an axial fan used in heat pump systems. Calculations and experiments were systematically conducted for three different fan-evaporator distances. CFD results, including kinetic energy and velocity vector values, were obtained and compared with experimental sound power results. The relationships obtained were thoroughly examined in terms of their impact on psychoacoustic parameters. This study was conducted to contribute to the understanding of fan performance and sound characteristics in heat pump systems. The results provide crucial information for users aiming to reduce air-source noise and determine optimized fan-evaporator distances for acoustic comfort.

E-Waste Management Practices Through the Eyes of Responsible Departments at Malaysian Public Universities

Electronic and electrical waste (E-waste) has been identified as the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. In Malaysia, forecasts indicate that it will soon reach 24.5 million units of e-waste by the year 2025. Today, higher learning institutions also contribute to the rapidly growing threat of e-waste. Besides mobile phones, the usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment at universities keeps increasing and contributes to the increased quantity of e-waste, while the handling and disposal methods of e-waste still need to be improved. The purpose of this paper is to examine the current e-waste management system as well as to investigate the critical challenges constraining e-waste management at public universities in Malaysia. By using a qualitative approach, a number of interview sessions have been conducted with the responsible departments at six established public universities in Malaysia. It has been found that currently only e-waste generated from used electric and electronic equipment (EEE) which have been declared as university assets are being managed by the responsible departments at the six universities. All six universities are using the standard process of handling their e-waste since every single process needs to comply with the requirements of the Ministry of Finance (MOF). This remains the main constraint to flexibility or improvement of the current system. The universities are also facing some challenges, among others, lack of awareness and knowledge on how to properly handle e-waste among university citizens, no clear sustainable policy at the university, lack of facilities within the university compound to support the proper practice of e-waste disposal as well as lack of education and related training provided to the campus citizens. This paper also provides some recommendations for the improvement of e-waste management towards sustainability and offers an agenda for future research.