Public Access Research Articles

Preserving contemporary newspapers: A new survey of state libraries in the USA

Newspaper collections require the use of archival science techniques and public librarianship. Indexing and public access are necessary for the provision of newspapers, while preservation underpins these efforts. In the United States, newspaper publishing tactics are changing quickly, causing upheaval in reading rooms and archival stacks. At the same time, the users’ focus upon digital access to newspapers has been wrongly conflated with the preservation formatting required to save them. A new U.S. survey of state library directors and newspaper collection managers addresses ways in which archivists and librarians evolve so that current titles with intrinsic value can be dovetailed into existing newspaper collections. Traditional practices of filming, digital image collecting, and print rotation still prevail. The survey was completed in 2023, and it is hoped that the findings will stimulate new discussions about newspaper preservation in the 21st century.

Association of dietary anthocyanidins intake with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular diseases mortality in USA adults: a prospective cohort study

Anthocyanins, as a type of polyphenolic compound, have been discovered to offer multiple health benefits to humans, including anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. This prospective cohort study aims to examine the relationship of dietary intake of anthocyanin with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular diseases mortality in the US. The aim of this research was to explore the possible correlation between anthocyanin consumption and the mortality rate from all causes as well as from cardiovascular disease. Based on the Public Access NHANES-linked National Death Index files up to December 31, 2019, we identified mortality status and heart disease-specific causes of death. A multivariate Cox regression analysis was employed to evaluate the effects of anthocyanin intake on mortality outcomes, generating hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusting for various demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and comorbid conditions. Additionally, we utilized Kaplan-Meier survival curves, subgroup analyses. In different scenarios, dietary anthocyanin intake was assessed using restricted cubic spline models. A total of 11,959 participants completed the final cohort, averaging 47.12 years of age (SD ± 0.35). Following adjustments for multiple variables, an inverse relationship was identified between anthocyanin intake in the highest quartile and all causes mortality, yielding a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.52–0.89). Similarly, elevated anthocyanin consumption was linked to a reduction in heart disease mortality, with HR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.38–0.97). Additionally, dose–response curve revealed a consistent decrease in both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality with increasing anthocyanin intake. Further subgroup analyses revealed that elevated intake of anthocyanins was linked to decreased all-cause mortality in White individuals and males. Moreover, high anthocyanin intake was significantly correlated with reduced all-cause mortality irrespective of hypertension or hyperlipidemia status. Our research indicates that an appropriate dietary intake of anthocyanins is associated with a reduction in overall mortality rates. Furthermore, the findings reveal a substantial association between anthocyanin intake and decreased mortality from cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that anthocyanins may effectively lower the risk of cardiovascular-related deaths.

Open science practices among authors published in complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine journals: An international, cross-sectional survey.

Open science practices aim to increase transparency in research and increase research availability through open data, open access platforms, and public access. Due to the increasing popularity of complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM) research, our study aims to explore current open science practices and perceived barriers among CAIM researchers in their own respective research articles. We conducted an international cross-sectional online survey that was sent to authors that published articles in MEDLINE-indexed journals categorized under the broad subject of "Complementary Therapies" or articles indexed under the MeSH term "Complementary Therapies." Articles were extracted to obtain the names and emails of all corresponding authors. Eight thousand seven hundred eighty-six researchers were emailed our survey, which included questions regarding participants' familiarity with open science practices, their open science practices, and perceived barriers to open science in CAIM with respect to participants' most recently published article. Basic descriptive statistics was generated based on the quantitative data. The survey was completed by 292 participants (3.32% response rate). Results indicate that the majority of participants were "very familiar" (n = 83, 31.68%) or "moderately familiar" (n = 83, 31.68%) with the concept of open science practices while creating their study. Open access publishing was the most familiar to participants, with 51.96% (n = 136) of survey respondents publishing with open access. Despite participants being familiar with other open science practices, the actual implementation of these practices was low. Common barriers participants experienced in implementing open science practices include not knowing where to share the study materials, where to share the data, or not knowing how to make a preprint. Although participants responded that they were familiar with the concept of open science practices, the actual implementation and uses of these practices were low. Barriers included a lack of overall knowledge about open science, and an overall lack of funding or institutional support. Future efforts should aim to explore how to implement methods to improve open science training for CAIM researchers.

Teachers’ Perception of Corrupt Practices at Teaching Service Commission in Nigeria

Corruption is a global problem that has affected education in Africa and Nigeria, affecting the system’s efficiency. Two research questions guided this study. This study explored teachers’ perception of corrupt practices in the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) in Nigeria with particular reference to Ekiti state. A descriptive research design and a quantitative approach were adopted. Random sampling technique was used in this study and 180 participants were selected for this study. The study participants were given a questionnaire known as the Perceived Corrupt Practices Questionnaire (PCPQ) to obtain the views of the participants. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and percentages. The findings revealed many forms of corruption in the Ekiti State Teachers Service of Nigeria, including collecting official documents, bribery for admission to public schools and access preferences. Teachers also believe that corruption in the Board of Education is responsible for destroying social welfare and poor educational achievement in Nigeria. It was concluded that corruption reduces the resources available to schools, limits access to education, and reduces the quality of services in the state.

Penolakan Kebijakan Relokasi dan Implikasinya terhadap Hak Asasi Pedagang di Cisoka, Kabupaten Tangerang

This study examines the rejection of the relocation policy stipulated in PERBUP Kabupaten Tangerang No. 60 of 2016 by traders in the Cisoka District. Findings indicate that the majority of traders oppose the policy due to the prohibition of street vendors (PKL) in the new market and the imposition of fees for public access. This situation significantly impacts the traders' income, potentially lowering their standard of living. The rejection reflects human rights issues, specifically the traders' right to work and earn a decent living. Dissatisfaction arises from a policy that lacks support and imposes access fees on the public. The study emphasizes the importance of involving traders in the formulation of policies affecting their livelihoods. The government is urged to review the relocation policy to be more inclusive and consider the aspirations and needs of the community. Overall, this research provides insights into the negative impacts of relocation policies that do not take into account the needs and rights of traders, highlighting the necessity of a fairer and more sustainable approach in policy-making to support the overall welfare of the community.

Artificial Intelligence Chatbots in Action: Optimizing Benefits Enrollment in Public Administration

This article examines the implementation of artificial intelligence-powered chatbots in public sector benefits enrollment processes, focusing on their potential to streamline operations, enhance user experience, and reduce administrative burdens. Through a comprehensive analysis of case studies in healthcare and social security benefits programs, we demonstrate that chatbots can significantly improve efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility in enrollment procedures. Our findings indicate a 30-40% reduction in processing times and a marked increase in application completion rates. However, challenges related to data privacy, system integration, and user acceptance persist. This article contributes to the growing body of literature on digital transformation in public administration by providing empirical evidence of chatbots' effectiveness in benefits enrollment. We conclude that while chatbots offer promising solutions to longstanding issues in public sector service delivery, their successful implementation requires careful consideration of technical, ethical, and user-centric factors. Our study has important implications for policymakers and public administrators seeking to leverage AI technologies to enhance public service efficiency and accessibility

The Effect of Islamic Financial Socialization and Education on Public Interest in Using Islamic Banking Services

This study aims to analyze the influence of Islamic finance socialization and education on public interest in using Islamic banking services. Involving 66 respondents in two major cities in Indonesia, this study uses a survey method with questionnaires to collect data that measures respondents' perception and understanding of Islamic finance principles, such as profit-sharing and the prohibition of usury. Data analysis using SPSS shows that socialization and education of Islamic finance have a significant positive influence on the increase in public interest in using Islamic banking services, where more than 65% of respondents reported an increase in interest after participating in the socialization and education program. These findings indicate that effective education strategies are very important in communicating Islamic finance concepts in order to build public understanding and trust. The implication of this study is the need for Islamic banks and financial institutions to continue to strengthen Islamic financial socialization and education programs to expand public access to sharia-based financial services. This step not only supports the growth of the Islamic banking sector, but also strengthens sustainable financial inclusion in Indonesia.

Effect of insurance type on Management of Vancouver B Periprosthetic Fractures: length of stay, discharge destination and cost implications.

To assess the effect of private versus public insurance on hospital length of stay, discharge destination, and costs in managing Vancouver B periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF). A retrospective cohort study of PFF patients operatively managed at five public trauma centers. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay. Secondary outcomes included discharge destination and costs related to implants and hospital beds. The study included 195 PFF cases (133 public, 62 private). Private patients had lower ASA scores (2.8 versus 3.1, P = 0.006) and were more likely to come from independent residences (87% versus 74%, P = 0.045). Private patients spent 8 fewer days in the hospital (12 ± 8 versus 20 ± 19 days, P < 0.001) and were more often discharged to rehabilitation (74% versus 48%, P = 0.003). Public hospital costs were higher for public patients ($37 456 versus $25 324, P = 0.005), largely due to longer stays. Implant costs were similar between private and public patients, but patients that underwent revision surgeries increased costs significantly compared to patients that underwent open reduction and internal fixation alone ($6257 versus $3511, P < 0.001). Private insurance was linked to shorter hospital stays and increased discharge to rehabilitation. Public PPF patients incur an average cost of $37 456 for public hospitals, compared to $25 324 for private patients. Delays in public patient rehabilitation access may prolong hospital stays, suggesting a need for alternative care pathways, such as PPF tailored home-based rehabilitation and support programs.

Enhancing Access Across Europe for Documents Published According to Freedom of Information Act: Applying Woogle Design and Technique to Estonian Public Information Act Document

In the Netherlands, the Open Government Act (Wet openbare overheid or Woo/Wob in Dutch) is in effect, with the primary objective of ensuring a more transparent government. In line with the legislation, a search engine named Woogle has been designed and developed to centralize documents published under the Open Government Act. The Estonian Public Information Act serves a similar purpose and requires all public institutions to publish information generated during official duties, fostering transparency and public oversight. Currently, Estonia’s document repositories are decentralized, and content search is not supported, which hinders people’s ability to efficiently locate information. This study aims to assess public information accessibility in Estonia and to apply Woogle’s design and techniques to Estonia’s document repositories, thereby evaluating its potential for broader European implementation. The methodology involved web scraping data and documents from 57 Estonian public institutions’ document repositories. The results indicate that Woogle’s design and techniques can be implemented in Estonia. From a technical perspective, the alignment of the fields was successful, while it was found that content-wise, the Estonian data present challenges due to inconsistencies and lack of comprehensive categorization. The findings suggest potential scalability across European countries, pointing to a broader applicability of the Woogle model for creating a corpus of Freedom of Information Act documents in Europe. The collected data are available as a dataset.

Surfing a culturally-relevant physical activity: a new wave for health promotion

Abstract Background Surfing originated with Native Hawaiians prior to Western contact. It has since gained worldwide popularity, with an estimated 50 million surfers globally, and recently became an official Olympic sport. Associations have been reported between surfing and mental and physical health outcomes, greater community cohesion, and stronger intra-family relationships. Despite this evidence, surfing is deeply understudied in the context of health promotion. Purpose Surfing was analyzed from a mixed methods perspective to explore factors associated with lifetime participation and current engagement, including gender, race/ethnicity, chronic disease, social context, meaning, and average time of participation. Methods Hawai’i adult residents (n = 1066) completed an online or phone questionnaire. Modified Poisson regression models were fit for lifetime engagement and having a self-reported chronic disease, adjusting for primary race/ethnicity, age, gender, and education. Results Over their lifetime, 42% of respondents (50% men and 37% women) had participated in surfing. Engagement was highest during youth and young adulthood, and decreased with age, yet trends varied notably by race/ethnicity, gender, and generation. Lifetime surfing engagement was significantly related to lower likelihood of diabetes (aPR:0.72; 95%CI:0.56-0.92;p=0.009). Individuals who regularly participated in surfing typically did so with friends (78%) or family (61%); average surfing session duration was 209 minutes. Qualitative results revealed the relevance of surfing across levels of influence for health and wellbeing from physical fitness to community, culture, history and spirituality. Conclusions This work provides insights on the health promotion opportunities of surfing across the life-course and populations, including disease prevention and management. This study has implications for planning and policy locally and globally to achieve optimal community and planetary health. Key messages • Surfing is not only a sport for elite athletes, but also an activity that can support community and individual health and wellbeing in many populations over the lifespan. • Promotion of surfing and public ocean access can support multidimensional influences for wellbeing and should be a focus of cross sector collaborations for optimal community and planetary health.

Diversity of fish otoliths from the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea: Report on the first digital collection of fish otoliths (Actinopterygii) from the Atlantic region of Mexico

The Otolith Collection of Fishes from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea was created with the objective to conserve and illustrate the diversity of these structures from species living in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the freshwater and brackish systems of the Yucatan Peninsula, incorporating morphological descriptions and morphometric data. Otoliths, non-skeletal calcareous structures that develop in the inner ear of fish, are essential for balance and hearing. They have become pivotal tools for age and growth determination, population analysis, and ecological, trophic, and archaeological studies due to their resistance to degradation and the extensive information they provide about the environment and physiology of fish. The collection now includes otoliths from 214 species, representing 67 families, obtained through sampling campaigns and collaborations with local fishermen. The otoliths are extracted using techniques that ensure the integrity of the structures for later preservation. High-resolution images were obtained using optical and scanning electron microscopy, and these images are stored in an online database. This database facilitates research and teaching by providing public access to digital specimens and associated data. In addition to fostering academic development, this collection represents a significant step towards the creation of a national platform for otolith data analysis, aligned with international efforts to digitize biological collections. Despite the financial and logistical challenges involved in building and maintaining biological collections, this collection demonstrates its value as an essential resource for taxonomic, systematic, and ecological studies, as well as for biodiversity education and awareness. The online availability of the collection not only facilitates access to data but also promotes innovation and international collaboration in the study of fishes and their habitats.

Cougar spatiotemporal response to human activities in a multi‐use forest landscape on southern Vancouver Island

Recreational activities have been shown to induce fear responses in carnivores, causing both spatial and temporal displacement that can have cascading effects on the wider ecological community. Cougars Puma concolor are one species that are particularly sensitive to human disturbances as they have been found to be impacted by various forms of recreational activities. This research aimed to quantify the spatial and temporal responses of cougars to human activities on southern Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Fifty camera traps were deployed in a systematic probabilistic sampling design and data from the summer season of 2022 was used for analyses. We modeled cougar weekly occurrence frequency in relation to human (hikers and bikers) occurrence frequency, vehicle occurrence frequency, and landscape features, using generalized linear mixed models. Temporal responses of cougars were investigated using activity pattern analysis to compare activity patterns within a recreation area and a restricted public access reserve. Cougars avoid occurring at sites where recreationalists frequently visited, but not sites frequented by vehicles on unpaved roads. We observed minimal influence of habitat features or prey availability on cougar occurrence frequency, as measured by information loss (AICc scores). Activity pattern analysis did not demonstrate significant differences in cougar daily activity patterns between the recreation area and no‐entry reserve, suggesting a lack of temporal response. These results suggest recreational activities on southern Vancouver Island are impacting cougar spatial – but not temporal – behavioral dynamics. Insights on how cougars respond to recreational activities can help inform landscape management and policies by providing information that can be used to mitigate negative impacts and thus ensure that recreational activities are remaining compatible with conservation efforts.

INSTAGRAM @ INDONESIABAIK.ID ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AS A MEDIUM FOR DISSEMINATING PUBLIC INFORMATION

Social media is a platform that allows users to engage in interaction, collaboration, and the formation of virtual social communities. Social media plays an important role in the dissemination of information. This research aims to study how to manage Instagram accounts owned by the Indonesian government, namely, Indonesian accounts belonging to Kominfo. The research uses a qualitative approach to gather in-depth narratives and detailed accounts from informants. The data was collected through interviews, observations, and literature studies. Finally, the data was interpreted to answer the research questions and provide meaningful insights. This study contributes to understanding the effective management of social media platforms, specifically Instagram, as a tool for disseminating public information. The study provides insights into strategies and practices that can optimize social media usage for public communication, enhancing engagement, information accessibility, and public awareness. This could provide further insights into optimizing social media strategies for public information dissemination.

Closer to the people? Determinants of citizen–MP contact in Africa

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the determinants of contact between citizens and Members of Parliament (MPs) in Africa by combining theories of contact developed in advanced Western democracies with theories of clientelism developed in the Global South. Based on Afrobarometer data matched with constituency‐level electoral data, we provide a first analysis of the determinants of citizen–MP contact in 32 African countries, encompassing a broad range of regime types. We find that smaller districts and single‐member districts strengthen contact across regime types, while electoral competitiveness is only positively associated with contact in more democratic settings. In line with clientelist theories of public resource access, district links to national ruling coalitions are positively associated with contact, but we find little evidence of partisan bias. Overall, we find that contact theories travel remarkably well across regions and regime types, and we caution against interpreting clientelistic contacts as harmful for democracy.

Readiness of government employees on workplace digital transformation and its correlation to employees’ productivity using Herzberg two-factor theory

This research study evaluates the preparedness of government employees to implement digital transformation and its impact on employee productivity by incorporating Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory. The Philippine government has launched several automation and digitalization initiatives to enhance public administration and increase accessibility to government services. However, digital transformation has posed challenges to employee productivity and motivation, leading to inefficiency and a lack of incentive to perform tasks due to employees' unawareness of various aspects of digitalization. The study employs a quantitative correlation research design, utilizing statistical treatments such as Weighted Mean and Pearson R to analyze and interpret the data. According to the findings, while government employees are ready and willing to embrace digital change, there is potential to increase the effectiveness of digital technologies in reducing workplace stress and improving overall well-being. The study also found a significant relationship between the readiness of government employees for workplace digital transformation and their productivity, as explained by Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory.

Appearance-Based Gaze Estimation as a Benchmark for Eye Image Data Generation Methods

Data augmentation is commonly utilized to increase the size and diversity of training sets for deep learning tasks. In this study, we propose a novel application of an existing image generation approach in the domain of realistic eye images that leverages data collected from 40 subjects. This hybrid method combines the benefits of precise control over the image content provided by 3D rendering, while introducing the previously lacking photorealism and diversity into synthetic images through neural style transfer. We prove its general efficacy as a data augmentation tool for appearance-based gaze estimation when generated data are mixed with a sparse train set of real images. It improved the results for 39 out of 40 subjects, with an 11.22% mean and a 19.75% maximum decrease in gaze estimation error, achieving similar metrics for train and held-out subjects. We release our data repository of eye images with gaze labels used in this work for public access.

Ultrasensitive allele inference from immune repertoire sequencing data with MiXCR.

Allelic variability in the adaptive immune receptor loci, which harbor the gene segments that encode B cell and T cell receptors (BCR/TCR), is of critical importance for immune responses to pathogens and vaccines. Adaptive immune receptor repertoire sequencing (AIRR-seq) has become widespread in immunology research making it the most readily available source of information about allelic diversity in immunoglobulin (IG) and T cell receptor (TR) loci. Here we present a novel algorithm for extra-sensitive and specific variable (V) and joining (J) gene allele inference, allowing reconstruction of individual high-quality gene segment libraries. The approach can be applied for inferring allelic variants from peripheral blood lymphocyte BCR and TCR repertoire sequencing data, including hypermutated isotype-switched BCR sequences, thus allowing high-throughput novel allele discovery from a wide variety of existing datasets. The developed algorithm is a part of the MiXCR software. We demonstrate the accuracy of this approach using AIRR-seq paired with long-read genomic sequencing data, comparing it to a widely used algorithm, TIgGER. We applied the algorithm to a large set of IG heavy chain (IGH) AIRR-seq data from 450 donors of ancestrally diverse population groups, and to the largest reported full-length TCR alpha and beta chain (TRA; TRB) AIRR-seq dataset, representing 134 individuals. This allowed us to assess the genetic diversity within the IGH, TRA and TRB loci in different populations and to establish a database of alleles of V and J genes inferred from AIRR-seq data and their population frequencies with free public access through an online database.

A Review of Existing Sources for the Design of an Archaeological Underwater Cultural Heritage Database of Puglia Region (Italy)

Abstract. Underwater cultural heritage (UCH) in Italy is under-documented despite its significance. Creating a comprehensive UCH database is essential but faces challenges, such as complex documentation processes, data interoperability, and international standard adherence. This paper examines data models, standards, and the use of webGIS and databases for underwater cultural heritage documentation in Italy and globally. International documents like the 1996 ICOMOS Charter and the 2001 UNESCO Convention emphasize in-situ preservation. However, documentation efforts remain scattered, lacking a unified database. GIS technologies are vital for managing and analyzing UCH data but are underutilized for public access and tourism. Projects like Andar per Mare and Archim3des in the Puglia region aim to promote underwater cultural heritage using webGIS platforms. However, existing sources like CartaPulia face limitations, including a lack of standardization, specialized fields for underwater cultural heritage characteristics, and language barriers. The proposed solution involves creating a new data model based on standards, resulting in a bilingual geodatabase. This geodatabase will support scientific and tourism-focused webGIS applications, enhancing accessibility and promoting Italy's underwater cultural heritage. A unified database will prevent duplication, facilitate discoveries, and promote Italy's cultural heritage.

Identifying parentally perceived barriers for children with celiac disease to participate in elementary school meal programs

AbstractSeveral states have recently enacted laws permanently granting all public school students access to free breakfast and lunch. However, children with dietary restrictions, such as celiac disease, may encounter barriers to participation in these meal programs. We surveyed caregivers of school‐aged children with celiac disease to study barriers to universal school meals. More than half of the children with celiac disease did not participate in school meal programs due to concerns about the cafeteria's ability to prepare gluten‐free meals safely. Moreover, among those who were food insecure and gluten‐free food insecure, 50% had never consumed free school lunch and breakfast. Parental perception of nutritional quality, communication regarding gluten‐free options, and safety of school kitchens emerged as common obstacles to participation in these programs. Addressing these concerns is paramount to ensuring equitable access to nutritious meals for all students.

Harnessing Physical Training Resolve through the Modernization of Large-Scale Sports Venues in Selected Colleges in Henan Province, China

The results of this study highlight the relationship between the modernization of large-scale sports venues and the physical training resolve of students in selected universities in Henan Province, China. The findings indicate that while the modernization of sports facilities generally improved public accessibility and provided students with better infrastructure, it did not significantly influence all aspects of physical training resolve. There were significant correlations between public accessibility and students' motivation to participate in diverse sports activities, as well as between government-market dynamics and the duration of physical training sessions. However, areas such as social influence, peer support, and psychological constructs did not show strong associations with the modernization efforts. The study also found that the physical training resolve of students varied based on their course of study, with certain disciplines showing higher engagement in specific types of sports and psychological benefits. Overall, the results suggest that while modernization enhances some aspects of physical training, a more comprehensive approach is needed to fully support students’ physical engagement across all dimensions.