Information Science Research Articles

CARDBiomedBench: A Benchmark for Evaluating Large Language Model Performance in Biomedical Research: A novel question-and-answer benchmark designed to assess Large Language Models' comprehension of biomedical research, piloted on Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Biomedical research requires sophisticated understanding and reasoning across multiple specializations. While large language models (LLMs) show promise in scientific applications, their capability to safely and accurately support complex biomedical research remains uncertain. We present CARDBiomedBench, a novel question-and-answer benchmark for evaluating LLMs in biomedical research. For our pilot implementation, we focus on neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), a domain requiring integration of genetic, molecular, and clinical knowledge. The benchmark combines expert-annotated question-answer (Q/A) pairs with semi-automated data augmentation, drawing from authoritative public resources including drug development data, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and Summary-data based Mendelian Randomization (SMR) analyses. We evaluated seven private and open-source LLMs across ten biological categories and nine reasoning skills, using novel metrics to assess both response quality and safety. Our benchmark comprises over 68,000 Q/A pairs, enabling robust evaluation of LLM performance. Current state-of-the-art models show significant limitations: models like Claude-3.5-Sonnet demonstrates excessive caution (Response Quality Rate: 25% [95% CI: 25% ± 1], Safety Rate: 76% ± 1), while others like ChatGPT-4o exhibits both poor accuracy and unsafe behavior (Response Quality Rate: 37% ± 1, Safety Rate: 31% ± 1). These findings reveal fundamental gaps in LLMs' ability to handle complex biomedical information. CARDBiomedBench establishes a rigorous standard for assessing LLM capabilities in biomedical research. Our pilot evaluation in the NDD domain reveals critical limitations in current models' ability to safely and accurately process complex scientific information. Future iterations will expand to other biomedical domains, supporting the development of more reliable AI systems for accelerating scientific discovery.

The role of α-tocopherol in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Scientific reports from various areas of the world indicate the potential role of tocopherols (vitamin E) in particular α-tocopherol in the prevention and therapy of Alzheimer's disease. The current phenomenon is related to the growing global awareness of eating habits and is also determined by the need to develop the prevention, management and therapy of Alzheimer's disease. This article is a review of current research on the action of the active form of vitamin E-α-tocopherol and its impact on the development and course of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, to contrast this information, selected primary research on this topic was included. The aim of this article is to analyze and summarize the available scientific information on the effects of the active form of vitamin E, α-tocopherol, on the development and course of Alzheimer's disease. In the structure of the review, particular attention was paid to the analysis of the pathophysiological processes of the disease and the biochemical features of the action of α-tocopherol. To discuss the relationship between the effect of α-tocopherol and the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease, a literature review was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Elsevier. During the search process, the following keywords were used: "tocopherols", "vitamin E", "α-tocopherol", "Alzheimer's disease" in various combinations. The process was conducted in accordance with the adopted search strategy taking into account the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common, irreversible neurodegenerative disease, so many scientists are actively looking for substances and/or strategies to prevent its development and to slow down its course in patients. Alpha-tocopherols (ATF) are a factor that inhibits the pathophysiological processes associated with the development of AD by reducing the formation of atherogenic amyloid B (AB). Additionally, this type of tocopherols has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has a positive effect on the metabolic functioning of mitochondria. It has been shown that a higher intake of α-tocopherol (ATF) was associated with a reduced risk of developing dementia and the occurrence of mild types of cognitive impairment (MCI). Various sources indicate an insufficient supply of ATF in the diet. ATF supplementation may potentially help to slow down the course of Alzheimer's disease, which is why this substance may be popularized in the treatment of this disease in the future. However, there is a need for further research on this issue.

Harvey Cushing: France Military Hospital Surgical Unit Head and World War I U.S. Army Medical Corps Commissioner.

This historical account reviews the course and lasting impact of Dr. Harvey Cushing (1869-1939) in neurosurgery. The writing of this project was sparked by the discovery of original scientific and bibliographical information about Cushing. It is a thorough review of archival documents about Harvey Cushing and the Cushing family. Harvey Cushing received his early schooling at the Cleveland Manual Training School, which provided him early access to science and developed his manual dexterity. Along with obtaining a degree at Yale University and training at both Harvard Medical School and The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Cushing collaborated with Louise Eisenhardt, Riva Rocci, Ivan Petrovich Pavlov, William Stewart Halstead, and Sir William Osler. Cushing wrote several monographs including Blood Vessel Tumours of the Brain, The Pituitary Body and its Disorders, and Tumors of the Nervus Acousticus. Cushing served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, worked as the surgical unit head for a French military hospital, and treated Lieutenant Edward Revere Osler. Cushing's armamentarium included electromagnets for brain surgery. He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and received various accolades. Cushing trained Walter Dandy, Louise Eisenhardt, and Wilder Penfield. This historical reconstruction provides glimpses into the personality of Dr. Harvey Cushing and his marked impact on neurosurgery and adds to the growing literature on his person.

Social Media Analysis of High-Impact Information and Communication Journals: Adoption, Use, and Content Curation

The use of social media to disseminate academic content is increasing, particularly in scientific journals. This study has the following two main objectives: first, exploring the use of social media by high-impact academic journals in two different SJR categories (Library and Information Sciences and Communication), and second, analyzing content curation carried out by the world’s most influential journals in both areas. The research methodology is descriptive with a quantitative approach regarding the items studied. The study finds that COM journals have a stronger social media presence than LIS journals, and X dominates in both categories and regions as the top social network, with significant influence as the only platform. On the other hand, content curation was found to a high degree in both areas, especially in the LIS area, with 93% vs. 80% in COM. The study highlights that both COM and LIS journals primarily focus on promoting recent articles, with COM diversifying content more than LIS. In terms of the content curation techniques used in both areas, the majority are abstracting and summarizing.

Transforming Medicine: Cutting-Edge Applications of Nanoscale Materials in Drug Delivery.

Since their inception in the early 1960s, the development and use of nanoscale materials have progressed tremendously, and their roles in diverse fields ranging from human health to energy and electronics are undeniable. The application of nanotechnology inventions has revolutionized many aspects of everyday life including various medical applications and specifically drug delivery systems, maximizing the therapeutic efficacy of the contained drugs by means of bioavailability enhancement or minimization of adverse effects. In this review, we utilize the CAS Content Collection, a vast repository of scientific information extracted from journal and patent publications, to analyze trends in nanoscience research relevant to drug delivery in an effort to provide a comprehensive and detailed picture of the use of nanotechnology in this field. We examine the publication landscape in the area to provide insights into current knowledge advances and developments. We review the major classes of nanosized drug delivery systems, their delivery routes, and targeted diseases. We outline the most discussed concepts and assess the advantages of various nanocarriers. The objective of this review is to provide a broad overview of the evolving landscape of current knowledge regarding nanosized drug delivery systems, to outline challenges, and to evaluate growth opportunities. The merit of the review stems from the extensive, wide-ranging coverage of the most up-to-date scientific information, allowing unmatched breadth of landscape analysis and in-depth insights.

Generalized factor-type exponential estimators of population mean in sample surveys

The present article deals with a generalized class of estimators for estimating the population mean in sample surveys, employing various combinations of auxiliary variables and considering some values of characterizing constant alpha ranging from -1 to +1. The proposed estimator may be consider as an efficient extension to the work of Singh and Shukla (Metron, 45(1-2): 273-283, 1987), Bahl and Tuteja (Journal of information and optimization sciences, 12(1), 159-164, 1991) and Kadilar (Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods: Vol. 15 : Iss. 2 , Article 15, 2016). The sampling properties of the suggested estimators have been derived up to the first degree of large sample approximations. The suggested estimators are shown to have smaller mean squared errors than the existing exponential estimators considered in this paper. The percent relative efficiencies with respect to the usual mean estimator are calculated. An improvement has been shown over the existing exponential estimators through theoretical conditions as well as by a numerical and simulation study based on COVID-19 death in India.

Do Academic Libraries Contribute to Students' and Communities' Wellbeing?: A Scoping Review.

Background/Objectives: Academic libraries offer a range of activities and initiatives for their students and community users. However, wellbeing, as a concept in academic libraries, is not very well defined and is poorly understood. The objective of this scoping review was to examine the role of academic libraries in student and community wellbeing, identify the various kinds of activities and initiatives that they carry out to address their wellbeing, and uncover gaps that might require further research. Methods: An extensive search was conducted in the Library Information Sciences Association (LISA), Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC), Medline (OVID), Scopus, and Web of Science (WOS) databases. Grey literature was searched on a selection of library websites and digital repositories. Data were extracted from studies that met the inclusion criteria for the scoping review. Themes were identified by the authors and reported as a narrative summary. Results: Of the 5437 records identified, a total of 40 documents were included in this scoping review. The authors identified 11 different kinds of activities and initiatives carried out in academic libraries that promote student and community wellbeing, i.e., (1) animal-assisted activities; (2) facilitating dialogues about belonging and identity; (3) fun recreational activities; (4) study support; (5) physical activity promotion; (6) meditation, yoga, and mindfulness; (7) book clubs; (8) art exhibitions; (9) technology and digital support; (10) free food and tea; and (11) health awareness. These activities were found to promote the physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of student and community users. Conclusions: This review highlights the need for further systematic research on the long-term effects of wellbeing initiatives and activities on both student and community users, and how they might impact aspects of wellbeing for specific population groups such as senior citizens and LGBTQIA members. This scoping review demonstrates the potential of academic libraries in promoting health and wellbeing for their users.

Exploring power imbalance in reciprocal scientific information sharing within a hydraulic fracturing policy subsystem

Exploring power imbalance in reciprocal scientific information sharing within a hydraulic fracturing policy subsystem

Cyber anti-intellectualism and science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, science communication played a crucial role in disseminating accurate information and promoting scientific literacy among the public. However, the rise of anti-intellectualism on social media platforms has posed significant challenges to science, scientists, and science communication, hindering effective public engagement with scientific affairs. This study aims to explore the mechanisms through which anti-intellectualism impacts science communication on social media platforms from the perspective of communication effect theory. This study employed a cross-sectional research design to conduct an online questionnaire survey of Chinese social media users from August to September 2021. The survey results were analyzed via descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and a chain mediation model with SPSS 26.0. There were significant differences in anti-intellectualism tendency among groups of different demographic characteristics. The majority of respondents placed greater emphasis on knowledge that has practical benefits in life. Respondents' trust in different groups of intellectuals showed significant inconsistencies, with economists and experts receiving the lowest levels of trust. Anti-intellectualism significantly and positively predicted the level of misconception of scientific and technological information, while significantly and negatively predicting individuals' attitudes toward science communication. It further influenced respondents' behavior in disseminating scientific and technological information through the chain mediation of scientific misconception and attitudes toward science communication. This research enriches the conceptual framework of anti-intellectualism across various cultural contexts, as well as the theoretical framework concerning the interaction between anti-intellectualism and science communication. The findings provide suggestions for developing strategies to enhance the effectiveness of science communication and risk communication during public emergencies.

Students' Attitudes Towards Using Artificial Intelligence Applications in Scientific and Research Activities: Mobile Applications as a Model

The field of mobile applications is considered part of the outputs of artificial intelligence technologies, which have changed the ways of dealing with mobile phones and using them in all aspects of life, particularly in the field of education and learning. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of using mobile applications by university students to access information and knowledge resources that meet their scientific and research needs, to identify the positive and negative attitudes expressed about their experience with these applications, and to identify the difficulties that hinder their benefit from them in learning and research activities. Additionally, it seeks to reveal the extent of their awareness of the importance of using library services based on mobile applications. The researcher followed the descriptive-analytical method to obtain information through a questionnaire distributed via Google Forms to a sample of 350 master's students from the Departments of Library and Information Science and Psychology at the University of Algiers. The study yielded several scientific results, including students' awareness of the importance of using mobile applications for research and information retrieval, and a positive attitude towards using search engines and social media programs to access knowledge resources that meet their research and scientific needs, as well as distance education platforms for carrying out educational activities and interacting with professors. The study also indicated that weak internet connectivity and the lack of mobile-based library services in university libraries are among the difficulties hindering students from benefiting from the features of mobile applications for research and information retrieval that meet their scientific and educational purposes Keywords: Smart phone applications, Smart phone services, Information retrieval

Scientometric tools in strategising the development of scientific periodicals: the case of the journal Digital Models and Solutions

The present study is dedicated to the development of scientometric tools for the strategic advancement of a scientific periodical, exemplified by the journal of the Ural State University of Economics, “Digital Models and Solutions”. The research involved a compre hensive analysis of the publication activity and thematic profile of this journal, as well as a general statistical examination of Russian academic journals indexed in the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI) that pertain to the upper echelon of the State Rubricator of Scientific and Technical Information category “Informatics”. Primary data collection was conducted using the platforms elibrary.ru, CyberLeninka and CrossRef. The data analysis and visuali zation were performed utilizing the R programming language. The construction of thematic networks was carried out using the VOSviewer software, while additional visualization of certain results was executed using Scimago Graphica. The findings of the study identify the current positioning of the journal “Digital Models and Solutions” among scientific publi cations in informatics, define target scientometric indicators for its prospective growth, and propose specific recommendations for the strategic development of the journal, aimed at enhancing its competitiveness and scholarly impact.

Feedback from the younger generation on health information shared by their parents on WeChat: types, antecedents and consequences

PurposeIn China, it is prevalent for parents to share health information on WeChat and receive feedback from their children. This study aims to investigate the feedback from younger generations regarding their parents’ health information sharing. It will examine the different types of feedback, explore the factors influencing it and analyze the outcomes that result from this feedback exchange.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical findings draw on the qualitative analysis using grounded theory. This study collects data from 34 participants (17 pairs of one young person and one parent) through in-depth interviews and WeChat chat records. Then, a theoretical model was developed through open, axial and selective coding.FindingsFeedback can be classified into five types: support, correction, perfunctoriness, ostracism and rejection as well as into “Affective-Behavioral-Cognitive” dimensions. Younger generations’ feedback types are influenced by a variety of factors, including information, emotion and individual and family-related factors. Each feedback type has distinct effects, such as altering older generations’ emotional and communication responses.Originality/valueThis pioneering study explores how younger generations in China perceive their parents’ health information sharing on social media. It highlights the importance of feedback in this context, providing actionable insights to enhance digital literacy among older adults, strengthen family bonds and enhance the spread of valuable and scientific health information online.

Observation of quantum temporal correlations well beyond Lüders bound

The ability of achieving strong quantum spatial correlations has helped the emergence of quantum information science. In contrast, how to achieve strong quantum temporal correlations (QTCs) has remained as a long-standing challenge, thus hindering their applications in time-domain quantum control. Here we experimentally demonstrate that by using a parity-time (PT)–symmetric single ion, the conventional QTC limit known as the Lüders bound can be well surpassed within a standard measurement scenario, approaching the predicted maximum QTC value. Our work, as a step toward quantum engineering of PT devices in the time domain, can stimulate more efforts on operating various quantum devices with the aid of strong QTC resources. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Portraying the Geography of US Airspace with 3-Dimensional GIS-Based Analysis and Visualization

The United States identifies, monitors, and defends a vast network of controlled airspaces surrounding its own and allied territories. These controlled airspaces include civilian aviation classes (A through G), drone flying regions, and special use (military) air classifications. These controlled spaces are invisible to the naked eye and often go unnoticed. Managing and portraying data that function in two and three dimensions poses significant challenges that have hindered prior analyses or geovisualizations of controlled airspaces, but we demonstrate here how many of these can be surmounted to visually represent the spatial extent and patterns of US-controlled airspace. In this paper, we demonstrate how these complex spaces can be graphically represented and highlight how cartographic and geovisual representations of often-overlooked domains contribute to a richer understanding of the reach and character of US airspace. The methods described for this work can be extended to other types of multidimensional objects and may facilitate more robust considerations of how Geographical Information Science (GIS) can be useful in analyzing and depicting airspace and territorial claims in three dimensions.

Nanowrinkle waveguide in graphene for enabling secure Dirac fermion transport

Abstract Localized states in graphene have garnered significant attention in quantum information science due to their potential applications. Despite graphene’s superior transport and electronic properties compared to other semiconductors, achieving nanoscale confinement remains challenging due to its gapless nature. In this study, we explore the unique transport properties along nanowrinkles in monolayer graphene. We demonstrate the creation of a one-dimensional conduction channel by alternating pseudomagnetic fields along the nanowrinkle, enabling ballistic Dirac fermion transport without leakage. This suggests a feasible method for secure quantum information transfer over long distances. Furthermore, we extend our analysis to bent nanowrinkles, showcasing well-guided Dirac fermion propagation unless the bent angle is sufficiently large. Our demonstration of the nanowrinkle waveguide in graphene introduces a novel approach to controlling Dirac fermion transport through strain engineering, for quantum information technology applications.

Defining bank branch trade areas for optimal distribution networks in mergers and acquisitions

PurposeThis study introduces a methodology that combines geographic information technologies and consumer behaviour principles to define, delineate and quantify the trade area (TA) of a bank branch within the context of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The goal is to design an optimal distribution network tailored to the needs of financial institutions involved in M&A activities.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a procedure for TA delimitation, grounded in a theoretical model supported by marketing and consumer behaviour theories, focusing on proximity, purchase frequency and product type.FindingsAddressing a gap in the literature, this study highlights TA delineation as a key element in marketing strategy, exploring its role in establishing optimal distribution networks, particularly for financial institutions engaged in M&A.Research limitations/implicationsFor simplicity, the study focuses on a single bank branch, rather than a broader dataset.Practical implicationsThe proposed methodology enables more accurate delineation of TAs in M&A processes, mitigating the negative effects often overlooked by banks during mergers and acquisitions.Social implicationsThis approach helps reduce the risk of financial exclusion for vulnerable clients, promoting social and economic equity and fostering a fairer, more cohesive society.Originality/valueThis study is innovative in integrating geographic information science (GIS) metrics into location science, proposing fragmentation analysis to quantify the spatial structure and configuration of TAs. This approach departs from traditional practices, as these specific metrics have not been collectively applied in previous research.

Artificial Intelligence in Library Studies

Artificial intelligence has emerged as a promising technology in the post-pandemic era, significantly impacting the library ecosystem and the direction of library and information science studies. This study aims to map AI-related research in libraries to identify opportunities and discuss future directions. Using textual analysis of data from Scopus, the study analyzed article titles with the burst detection algorithm and abstracts with scattertext and lemmatization. Six burst words were detected out of twelve frequently appearing in titles. Scattertext results showed a comparison between the service side (red) and the development side (blue) in libraries. Research increasingly focuses on AI utilization for library services and natural language processing (NLP) to enhance services. On the development side, AI involves product creation and encompasses AI literacy frameworks, policies, and their impact on libraries. AI affects studies in libraries by changing application methods, such as machine learning and NLP. Future research will become more diverse, considering the unique characteristics of each library.

Transmembrane Prostate Androgen-Induced Protein 1 Molecular Modeling and Refinement Using Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics.

Transmembrane prostate androgen-induced protein 1 (TMEPAI), a type 1b transmembrane protein, is highly expressed in many types of cancer and is involved in cancer signaling pathways. TMEPAI affects the TGF-β, androgen receptor, Wnt, and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. Although TMEPAI interactions are known, information about their structure is limited. This study performed TMEPAI structure prediction via a computational approach with template-free modeling using multiple Web server and refining with coarse-grained molecular dynamics to improve the understanding of its characterization, mechanism, and interactions, followed by intensive server-based validation. As a result, the predicted TMEPAI isoform structure was validated for all parameters, and the trRosetta server provided the most reliable predicted structure. This research is expected to provide preliminary scientific information about the TMEPAI structure prediction and apply it to develop targeted cancer therapy drugs.

Development of an open access systematic review instructional video series accessible through the SPI-HubTM website

Given the key role of systematic reviews in informing clinical decision making and guidelines, it is important for individuals to have equitable access to quality instructional materials on how to design, conduct, report, and evaluate systematic reviews. In response to this need, Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Center for Knowledge Management (CKM) created an open-access systematic review instructional video series. The educational content was created by experienced CKM information scientists, who worked together to adapt an internal training series that they had developed into a format that could be widely shared with the public. Brief videos, averaging 10 minutes in length, were created addressing essential concepts related to systematic reviews, including distinguishing between literature review types, understanding reasons for conducting a systematic review, designing a systematic review protocol, steps in conducting a systematic review, web-based tools to aid with the systematic review process, publishing a systematic review, and critically evaluating systematic reviews. Quiz questions were developed for each instructional video to allow learners to check their understanding of the material. The systematic review instructional video series launched on CKM’s Scholarly Publishing Information Hub (SPI-HubTM) website in Fall 2023. From January through August 2024, there were 1,662 international accesses to the SPI-HubTM systematic review website, representing 41 countries. Initial feedback, while primarily anecdotal, has been positive. By adapting its internal systematic review training into an online video series format suitable for asynchronous instruction, CKM has been able to widely disseminate its educational materials.

Оцінка безпечності дієтичної добавки “Rheumacаre Ultra”, оптимізація дієтологічних умов для функціонування суглобів

In Ukraine, among chronic diseases, pathology of the musculoskeletal system is one of the most frequent problems, and about 3.5 million people have problems with the musculoskeletal system and its various complications, which require continuous therapy throughout life. Aim. Generalization of the results of a comprehensive sanitary and hygienic assessment of the safety for consumers of a dietary supplement created to support the normal functioning of joints; data analysis of electronic publishers Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, other foreign and domestic sources of scientific information on the research topic. Materials and Methods. The dietary supplement "Rheumacare Ultra" has been tested for the content of heavy metals and pesticides for compliance with the State Sanitary Rules and Regulations of Ukraine. The microbiological safety of the dietary supplement was controlled by the content of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms. The method of ultra-high-performance high-speed mass spectrometric liquid chromatography with electron spray ionization (UPLC-MC/MC, Waters, USA) and the gas chromatography method were used to determine the content of pesticide residues; the content of lead, cadmium, mercury was determined by the atomic emission method (instrument ‒ atomic emission spectrometer "SHIMADSU ICPE ‒ 9820"). Results. Based on expert assessment of documentation, analysis of data sources of scientific information, results of sanitarychemical, radiological and sanitary-microbiological studies, it was established that dietary supplement "Rheumacare Ultra" ("Rheumacare Ultra") is safe for the health of consumers and can be used for purpose: to promote the normalization of metabolism, optimization of the chemical composition of the diet, creation of optimal dietary conditions to support the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system, in particular ‒ joints; to purposefully affect the growth of the level of adaptation capabilities of the human body in conditions of constantly increasing harmful effects of the environment. Conclusions. Assessing the safety of traditional Ayurvedic recipes is a difficult task due to the multicomponent composition of organic-mineral complexes and the lack of complete information on the chemical structure of biologically active components of endemic plants and their impact on human health. Keywords: dietary supplements, sanitary and hygienic assessment, musculoskeletal system, joints.