Information Literacy Research Articles

Survey on health literacy and related factors among firefighters of emergency management departments in Southwest China

ObjectiveAlthough health literacy (HL) has emerged as a critical public health concern, research on HL in emergency management departments is limited. This study aimed to investigate the awareness of HL and associated factors among firefighters of emergency management departments in southwest China to provide a basis for carrying out targeted health education.MethodsA cross-sectional convenience sample of 1,742 firefighters from an emergency management department in southwestern China was surveyed from February to April 2023 using the Chinese Citizen’s Health Literacy Questionnaire (2019 version). The chi-square test, linear trend chi-square test, Fisher’s test, rank sum test, and multifactorial logistic regression model were used to identify influential factors associated with HL.ResultsThe HL level of the 1742 respondents was 34.3%. Age, ethnicity, education level, length of service, type of job, smoking status, types of parental jobs, annual household income, time of daily internet use, etc. (P < 0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicate that type of job (OR = 0.648, 95%CI:0.426–0.985), length of service (OR = 0.496, 95%CI:0.251–0.981), household income (OR = 1.900, 95%CI:1.443–2.502), daily internet usage time (OR = 0.726, 95%Cl:0.588–0.896), health status (OR = 0.750, 95%Cl:0.585–0.962) and frequency of organizing HL sessions (OR = 1.603, 95%Cl:1.101–2.330) were influencing factors affecting the HL of the officers and soldiers.ConclusionThe health literacy level of firefighters in the Emergency Management Department in Southwest China was 34.3%. Lower levels were found in the health-related skills dimension (HRS, 30.1%) and in infectious disease control (ID, 30.7%). Health information literacy (HI, 34.3%) was lower than the national level. The type of urban and rural areas, literacy level, and household income level may be the factors affecting the level of health literacy among the respondents. Therefore, health education and promotion interventions should target high priority dimensions (HRS, HI, and ID) and should focus on strengthening health literacy levels of firefighters with rural types, low education levels, and low household income to improve their health.

Digital Literacies as Socially Situated Pedagogical Processes: Genealogically Understanding Media, Information, and Digital Literacies

&lt;span lang="EN-GB"&gt;&lt;span&gt;Despite the increasing importance of digital literacies for citizens to be able to participate in society, there is little scholarly agreement over what digital literacies entail. This conceptual ambiguity hinders the translation of digital literacies into educational programs and policies that foster citizens’ digital literacies and inclusion. While various authors have attempted to define &lt;em&gt;digital&lt;/em&gt; literacy separately and in relation to other concepts, such as &lt;em&gt;information&lt;/em&gt; literacy and &lt;em&gt;media&lt;/em&gt; literacy, little attention has been paid to the historical backdrop of these concepts. By tracing the historical development of three literacies (media-, information-, and digital literacy), we reflect on how societal demands shaped conceptual frameworks of these literacies and how these conceptualizations are situated within the broader pedagogical systems that aim to enable participation in digital societies. Using a genealogical approach, we explore and describe the changes in definition, understanding, and enactment of the three literacies, which illustrate how these concepts have developed towards the conceptual frameworks we employ today. Based on this analysis, we argue that digital literacies must be flexible to anticipate challenges that result from the rise of new technologies and need to be appropriated within different socio-cultural contexts. We pledge for an understanding of digital literacies as socially situated pedagogical processes aimed at the way citizens appropriate digital practices within their daily lives. This implies shifting away from formulating one-size-fits-all understandings based upon generic uses of digital technologies. Instead, we must appropriate the understandings of digital literacies based upon their socio-technical, cultural, political, economic, and material dimensions.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;

How much ICT literacy is required? The epistemic perceptual framework of Iranian university faculty members during the COVID-19 pandemic

Nowadays, information and communications technology literacy (ICT) means more than achieving isolated digital and technological skills. ICT literacy means the skills young people need in the digital world in which information and interaction are accessed through such digital technologies as social networks, virtual environments, and smartphones. To enhance the ICT literacy of these “digital natives”, university faculty are encouraged to implement digital technology in their classes and this will be fulfilled if they are highly competent in the area. This situation gained more prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as the educational systems all around the world were reshaped requiring educators to embrace new educational technologies in instruction. This study is based on the premise that faculties play a key role in successful incorporation of digital technology in higher education. To explore the issue, the epistemic perceptual framework of 285 male and female university faculty members teaching different fields of study in both public and private universities in Iran was investigated considering their knowledge and perception of ICT literacy, its integration at academic levels, and how coronavirus pandemic has affected the incorporation of digital technology in teaching. Exploring the results showed that there was a significant difference between the lecturers’ actual and perceived ICT literacy in Iran. It was revealed that some faculty had never used technological tools in their classes before the pandemic and the situation has forced them to adopt digital teaching. However, most faculty favored digital integration claiming the pandemic had caused them to improve their ICT literacy and teaching methods. The findings called for an urgent need for faculty’s continuous and effective ICT education upgrading which in turn results in training a more efficient young generation for the digital world.

The past, present and future developments in mariculture in the coastal waters of mainland Tanzania

AbstractMarine coastal resources are crucial to Tanzania's socio‐economic development and are a lifeline for the livelihoods and incomes of coastal communities. This study provides an overview of the coastal development of mariculture in mainland Tanzania and suggests future development strategies. The review article covers extensive reports available through field interviews, government policy documents, library literature searches and field work carried out by the authors. Despite the immense potential of mariculture to improve food security for localcommunities, its development has been uneven. Specifically only seaweed farming has advanced to commercial‐scale production. Other mariculture activities, such as finfish farming (e.g. milkfish, silver pompano), shellfish farming (e.g. prawn, mud crab and half‐pearl) and sea cucumber farming, are underdeveloped and confined to small‐scale operations. Locally consumed finfish, such as milkfish and pompano, have not attracted investors out of fear that the recovery of investment may not be achieved due to the low prices offered in the market. In this context, the sustainable use of coastal resources through mariculture becomes paramount to alleviating poverty and facilitating controlled migration from rural to urban. This comprehensive review explores the historical evolution and current status of mariculture initiatives in the coastal waters of mainland Tanzania, which presents a crucial aspect of the socio‐economic development of the nation. With declining global capture fisheries production and a growing demand for fish protein, Tanzania has strategically embraced mariculture as a viable alternative. The article traced the development of mariculture since the 1970s, highlighting past and current initiatives managed by government agencies, non‐government organizations and the private sector. Notable successes, such as seaweed culture, are highlighted along with the challenges that hinder the growth of marine farming activities. The review integrates insights from a comprehensive survey in coastal Tanzania, focusing on mariculture activities and collecting information on people who have stopped such practices, elucidating reasons for quitting. By consolidating experiences from past and present mariculture initiatives, this review provides valuable guidance for decision‐making towards promoting sustainable mariculture that supports coastal communities while preserving marine biodiversity.

Assessing the impact of information literacy on farmers’ decision-making processes: A mixed-methods approach

This article investigates the link between information literacy and farmers’ decision-making processes, highlighting the potential for improving information literacy to promote sustainable agricultural practices. This study employed a mixed-methods approach – that is, qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. It was found that gender did not significantly influence the reported skills and behaviours. However, the use of digital technologies showed a significant positive correlation with seeking information on new agricultural practices ( r = .254, p &lt; .01). This shows that proficient users of digital tools are more likely to seek new agricultural information actively. This research emphasizes the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among farmers and stakeholders to effectively use agricultural information in decision-making, with implications for academic research and practical agricultural interventions.

The Impact of Media Literacy and Internet Information Trustworthiness on Fact-Checking Behavior among Elderly Internet Users: The Moderating Role of Critical Thinking

In the digital age, the spread of misinformation has become a significant concern for individuals and societies worldwide. This study examines the impact of media literacy and the trustworthiness of internet information on fact-checking behavior among retired elderly internet users, with a particular focus on the moderating role of critical thinking. Using a questionnaire survey method, data were collected from 379 retired elderly internet users. The study employs Media Literacy Theory to explore how media literacy and trust in internet information influence the frequency of fact-checking behavior. Results indicate that higher media literacy and trust in internet information are both positively associated with increased fact-checking behavior. Additionally, critical thinking significantly moderates these relationships, enhancing the positive impact of media literacy on fact-checking behavior.

University students’ information literacy skills and impact of training in Bangladesh

This article examines university students’ perceived skill levels in utilizing internet resources and library tools, as well as accomplishing specific information-skills tasks, and assesses the impact of information literacy training in Bangladesh. The study involved two phases: first, a survey was administered to a sample of 257 students and, second, an experiment was conducted with 28 students to examine the effectiveness of training. The survey results show that the students perceived their skills with internet resources and library tools to be at a high level, with significant differences found in skill levels based on gender and age. Additionally, the students reported a high level of perceived skills in completing information tasks, with no significant differences found across the demographic variables. In the experimental study, the participants exhibited low task performance on a set of 22 task questions prior to training, achieving an overall correct score of 28.4%. However, a significant improvement in correct scores (57.1%) was observed after participating in the skills training.

Exploring Influences on ICT Adoption in German Schools: A UTAUT-Based Structural Equation Model

The 2018 International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS) provides a comprehensive dataset with contextual information on German school environments. The data comes from responses by eighth-grade teachers and principals to a questionnaire about Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for teaching. We performed an exploratory re-analysis examining what influences teachers' adoption and use of ICT by employing six factors — Social Influence, Effort Expectancy, Performance Expectancy, Facilitating Conditions, Behavioural Intention, and Use Behaviour — from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). We measured relationships between these constructs with a Structural Equation Model (SEM) consisting of 15 indicators provided by the ICILS study. The goodness of fit measures indicated confirmation of the model (RMSEA = .05, SRMR = .05, CFI = .93, TLI = .91). Our findings show that teachers' attitudes toward ICT and the school administration's support affected how ICT was applied in the classroom.

Fostering ecosystem understanding: The synergistic impact of inquiry-based instruction and information literacy

In the field of environmental education, it is crucial to obtain a profound understanding of students' learning about ecosystem concepts, particularly with regard to the intricate processes of material cycling. Material cycling involves the movement and transformation of elements and compounds within ecosystems and serves as a cornerstone for effective instructional techniques aimed at improving learning outcomes. This study examines the synergistic potential of merging inquiry-based instruction with information literacy within the context of the “mini ecosystem” theme to increase seventh-grade students' comprehension of ecosystem concepts, material cycling, modeling design, and visual literacy. Utilizing a quasiexperimental design, the student cohort was divided into an experimental group that was exposed to inquiry-based instruction and information literacy and a control group that utilized integrated audiovisual media. Assessment tools included standardized tests, open-ended inquiries, design drawings, and evaluations of visual literacy.This study sheds light on students' comprehension of concepts related to ecosystems and material cycling and highlights the effectiveness of integrating inquiry-based instruction and information literacy. Notably, the experimental group surpassed the control group in several aspects, including understanding and higher-order thinking of ecosystem concepts, overall model design with material selection, and overall visual literacy, including aesthetic techniques and creative imagination. However, no significant differences were found in conceptual design or material cycling of model design or in theme composition in visual literacy. In both groups, students with higher pretest scores did not exhibit improvement in the understanding of ecosystem concepts. Despite the identified limitations, the results underscore the potential benefits of each individual component (i.e., inquiry-based instruction and information literacy) as well as their combined synergistic effect in bolstering students' grasp of ecosystem concepts. The study concludes by discussing its limitations and providing suggestions for future research.

The construct of integrated group discussion (IGD) among undergraduate students: to what extent does group discussion performance reflect performance on IGD tasks?

Abstract Integrated group discussion (IGD) tasks represent a new type of integrated speaking task that requires students to communicate with their peers after comprehending and using provided source materials. With its potential to enhance effective communication and information literacy, IGD stands at the core of language education. Although the IGD task type has become increasingly popular, its construct is still unexplored. In this study, 124 Hong Kong undergraduate students completed an IGD task and a group discussion (GD) task (i.e., without source materials) in Putonghua. Four factors, speech and expression, content with source use, interaction, and language usage, were extracted to represent IGD performance. Two indicators of GD performance (linguistic expression and engagement in interaction) significantly predicted IGD performance, explaining 21.9 % of its total variance. The large proportion of unexplained IGD performance variance suggests that IGD tasks may be worth implementing. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed in details.

Analyzing California Student Media Festival winning videos

ABSTRACT The researchers conducted an extensive examination of winning student videos from the California Student Media Festival (CSMF) spanning the years 2009–2023. This content analysis aimed to gauge the quality of these videos and shed light on the diverse participation of schools in the festival. By scrutinizing high-quality videos across different school levels and years, the researchers sought to identify common technical and content factors, particularly those that reflect media and information literacy. The analysis also examined the patterns of participating schools. The analyzed videos not only provided insights into the evolving interests and agendas of students but also showcased their adeptness in embracing emerging technologies and employing a variety of digital tools. Notably, the presence of media assignments and teacher guidance underscored the vital role of school support and instruction in nurturing students’ media production skills. However, the study also revealed that there remains untapped potential for growth in the realm of media literacy education.

Hybrid procurement model for the construction of library literature and information resource procurement

To improve the efficiency of intelligent procurement of library literature and intelligence resources, the study conducts the design of literature and intelligence resources procurement model. The procurement model is constructed by using the support vector machine, and the optimal parameters of the support vector machine are obtained by using the genetic algorithm. The experimental results demonstrated that the mean square error of the proposed model was only 0.03, which was 40 % lower compared with the procurement models based on other optimization algorithms. The average accuracy of the proposed model was as high as 95.18 % and the prediction accuracy was 95.78 % compared to other methods. The accuracy was improved by 15.11 %, 24.57 % and 19.67 % respectively compared to other models. The results show that using genetic algorithm to optimize support vector machine can effectively improve the prediction speed and prediction efficiency of the model. The proposed hybrid procurement model based on genetic algorithm and support vector machine can effectively meet the needs of library literature and intelligence resources procurement construction. The model has positive application significance in library literature and intelligence resources procurement.

Opportunities and challenges of using geospatial technologies in teaching school geography in Kazakhstan

The rapid advancement of technology and widespread access to digital resources have transformed teaching practices and enhanced educators’ competencies. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offer new avenues for understanding global events and conducting multidimensional analyses. This study aimed to evaluate teachers’ potential use of geospatial technologies by analyzing the objectives of geography curricula for grades 7–11 in Kazakhstan. Additionally, this study investigated barriers to GIS adoption among geography teachers and strategies for cultivating geospatial thinking skills. The research employed curriculum analysis and a teacher survey involving 208 respondents from across Kazakhstan. The results indicated moderate adoption of geospatial technologies, with mobile GIS applications being most prevalent. However, obstacles such as equipment costs, lack of experience, and time constraints hinder their utilization. This study underscores the importance of integrating geospatial technologies in geography education to foster students’ spatial thinking, creativity, and information literacy. Moreover, this study highlights the role of a GIS in enhancing educators’ and students’ proficiency in modern geoinformation systems and digital technologies. The findings offer practical insights for educators and serve as a valuable resource for enhancing geography instruction and promoting geospatial technology integration in the classroom.

The Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Library and Information Centre

Artificial intelligence has taken over many industries and is seen as a continuation of human intelligence. Artificial intelligence applications in libraries have revolutionized the information industry. Additionally, it has given modern libraries' development fresh life. It is believed that integrating artificial intelligence into library operations will open up new internet resources for libraries. Virtual reality, which engages users with libraries and improves information literacy abilities, is one of the valid innovations that librarians are constantly utilizing to engage and expand services for their patrons. It wouldn't be incorrect to argue that the development of the computer accelerated the process of digitization, much as the discovery of the wheel ushered in the mechanical age of human existence. Humans are the only animals with the innate ability to think for themselves. With the power of independent thought, humans have created a great deal of innovative technologies. One example of them is the development of the computer. The most significant development in computer technology that humans have made with the use of their intelligence is artificial intelligence. The goal of the computer science field of artificial intelligence is to build computers with human-like intelligence. Almost everywhere that computers are used, artificial intelligence is now being deployed. The need for this is growing daily, namely in the areas of science, health, automobiles, engineering, climates, business, pharmaceuticals, and academic libraries. AI must be used in libraries for both technical and library services purposes. The application of AI will expedite and improve the quality of work done in libraries, allowing them to offer a greater number of services with fewer staff members. KEYWORDS: Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Internet of Things, Smart Library.

Advancements in ectopic reservoir placement for inflatable penile prostheses.

Traditional reservoir placement (RP) into the space of Retzius during three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis implantation has been associated with serious bladder, iliac vessel, and bowel complications, encouraging the development of "ectopic" RP methods. In this study we sought to document an up-to-date, comprehensive analysis of ectopic RP techniques regarding both patient satisfaction and clinical complications. A PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library literature search of English language articles from 1966 to 2023 with keywords "inflatable," "penile prosthesis," "reservoir," and "placement" gave 179 publications, 70 of which were included in a comprehensive chronology and investigation after review. Overall, 12 retrospective studies detailing 9 ectopic RP techniques were compared for discussion. Sufficient data for comparison were found for 9 ectopic RP methods: posterior/anterior to transversalis fascia (PTF/ATF); high submuscular (HSM); HSM "Five-Step" technique (HSM-FST); lateral retroperitoneal (LR); sub-external oblique (SEO); direct vision, transfascial (DVT); low submuscular with transfascial fixation (LSM w/ TFF); and midline submuscular reservoir (MSMR). Although rare, serious complications have occurred with the use of ectopic RP techniques: 2 bladder perforations on implantation with PTF RP, a delayed bowel obstruction with HSM RP, and a colonic injury in a patient with a history of colon surgery with LR RP. Generally, herniation is the most relevant clinical complication in ectopic RP. At the time of this review there was no reported herniation with LR, SEO, LSM w/ TFF, or MSMR, likely due to fixation steps and/or reinforced spaces. Regarding patient satisfaction, HSM, HSM-FST, and LSM w/ TFF had similarly high rates of patient satisfaction while other techniques had no patient satisfaction data available. Importantly, reservoir palpability/visibility relates directly to patient satisfaction. Levels of palpability and/or visibility were reported in patients who underwent PTF/ATF, HSM, HSM-FST, SEO, and LSM w/ TFF, whereas no palpability was reported in patients who underwent LR, DVT, and MSMR. Proper comparison of ectopic methods is not possible without standardized patient surveys, consistent complication reporting, and larger sample sizes, indicating the need for a large, prospective, multisurgeon trial.

Effect of Tronclass combined with team-based learning on nursing students’ self-directed learning and academic performance: a pretest-posttest study

BackgroundSelf-directed learning ability is crucial for lifelong learning. The inadequate self-directed learning ability of nursing students in China may be due to their deficiency in self-management or learning initiative.ObjectiveTo explore the effect of online learning platform (Tronclass) combined with team-based learning on nursing students’ self-directed learning and academic performance.DesignPretest-posttest design.ParticipantsFrom March to July 2023, 69 undergraduate third-year nursing students from a university in Hunan Province were selected through a whole-group sampling method.MethodsThis study used Tronclass to carry out team-based learning in the teaching process of pediatric nursing courses. It compared the self-directed learning ability nursing students before and after courses, and juxtaposed their academic performance with those of their counterparts who graduated in previous years.ResultsWhen comparing compare motivation, self-management, teamwork and information literacy, which are four subscale aspects of the self-directed Learning Ability Scale, the post-survey scores for these four dimensions are greater than the pre-survey results. The results of the study showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05), in the students who engaged in Tronclass combined with team-based learning. Specifically, these students received higher midterm and final grades than to those who had already graduated and did not participate in these activities. (P < 0.05).ConclusionCombining Tronclass with team-based learning enhances nursing students’ ability to engage in self-directed learning and improves their performance in midterms and finals, thereby fostering the development of comprehensive competence.

Health Information Literacy as a Panacea for Mitigating the Spread of Coronavirus Pandemic in Nigeria

Health Information Literacy as a Panacea for Mitigating the Spread of Coronavirus Pandemic in Nigeria

Scalable competitive intelligence education through micro-learning and micro-credentials

It is essential for students, both inside and outside the business school, to learn business information literacy skills to make ­evidence-based decisions. To address this need, faculty from a large public university developed a competitive intelligence digital module using micro-learning and micro-credentialing concepts designed to be scalable for use in many disciplinary areas. During the pilot, students in a first-year Management course and a senior capstone Engineering Technology course were surveyed to determine their perceptions of the content’s utility and usability. This paper presents the results of this survey to determine student perceptions and if there are any disciplinary differences.

What sources do individuals use to validate arguments in scientific discourses today? An exploratory study of YouTube comments on vaccination

PurposeThis study aims to explore scientific discourses on vaccination in YouTube comments using the Connectivism theory as a foundational guide in the inquiry of understanding knowledge seeking and sharing. The authors sought to understand how individuals share and seek information by using external sources through URL links to validate their arguments.Design/methodology/approachUsing content analysis, the authors extracted and analysed 584 random comments with URL links from eight YouTube videos scientifically addressing the purpose of vaccines. The comments were coded by stance (pro, anti, and neutral) and the type of resource to observe how their links were used.FindingsThe results showed that URL links were composed of quotes, questions, and opinions. Many sources came from research papers, conspiracy websites, or other videos. Some of the comments did not accurately reflect the information from research papers and showed little scientific reasoning. This suggests the need for critical evaluation among individuals when finding information online.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings can be expanded to explore different types of information literacy practices in the comment section of social media for both informal and formal environments.Practical implicationsYouTube is useful in fostering scientific discourse and information-seeking/sharing practices among individuals. However, considering the inaccuracy of content deliverance, educators and individuals will need to consider how to teach/conduct information literacy skills when implementing social media for educational purposes.Originality/valueOnly a few studies have conducted research on comments using URL links, the originality of sources and how the sources were used in argumentation.

Stakeholders Alignment in CSR Implementation in Southeast Asian Agro-industry

This article focuses on the broader misalignment of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs by multi-national corporations in Southeast Asia, particularly in the agricultural sector. It explains the likely causes of such impact through the lens of the Stakeholder Theory. The paper aims to illustrate how corporations present and strategize their CSR initiatives, emphasizing that the proposed solutions may only sometimes align with the actual needs of the recipients. Using Freeman's perspective/ This paper argues that an intrinsic disparity exists between the intentions and execution of CSR programs, particularly those initiated by multi-national companies, and the divergence of expectations between corporations acting as implementers and the recipients of these programs. Despite the clear articulation of these requests by most affected locals, multi-national corporations often need help to meet these demands. As a result, the lack of accessible information and limited consumer literacy, coupled with political and commercial branding by ASEAN, creates a conducive environment for CSR misalignments.Keywords: CSR; Southeast Asia; agriculture; stakeholder theory