Information Science Research Articles

Upwind block-centered multistep differences for semiconductor device problem with heat and magnetic influences

In this paper, a mathematical model of semiconductor device with two important factors is discussed. Heat and magnetic influences are considered together. Its numerical approximation is important in information science and other technological innovation fields. The major physical unknowns (the potential, electron concentration, hole concentration, and the heat) are defined by four nonlinear PDEs: an elliptic equation, two convection-diffusion equations and a heat conductor equation. A conservative block-centered method is used to approximate the elliptic equation. The derivatives to time t, ∂∂t(⋅), are discretized by multistep differences for improving the computational accuracy. The diffusions and convection terms are treated by block-centered differences and upwind approximations, respectively. This composite numerical method is suitable for this nonlinear system. Firstly, numerical dispersion and nonphysical oscillations are avoided. Secondly, the unknowns and their adjoint vectors are obtained simultaneously. Thirdly, the law of conservation is preserved. An error estimates is derived. Finally, simple examples are given for showing the efficiency and accuracy.

Pipe production cost management model based on graph theory

The pipe production process is a complex dynamical system with a significant number of production operations and interconnected cost localization centres. Purpose. To develop a mathematical model of the process of handling analytical information of a pipe enterprise using graph theory for the needs of cost management at each production stage. Methodology. Technological flow charts of the production job, where the list of mandatory activities and routing of the operating process are indicated, were used to organize cost accounting by operational centres of their localization with the help of computer modelling elements, namely the graph theory. The work used a complex of research methods, including analysis and scientific synthesis of scientific and technical information; theoretical studies; methods of mathematical and computer modelling, engineering developments. Findings. The cost accounting process is represented by a directed hypergraph. Each production operation is associated with a graph vertex. Each vertex is assigned to a series of interrelated marks: type of technological operation; weight factor; the value of direct costs for the operation; the value of indirect costs for the operation; the expense factor. The initial state of the hypergraph is specified by means of its initial marking, which corresponds to the set cipher of the batch of pipes and its weight. Further execution of the marked hypergraph is performed by running the allowed vertices. Marking of the graph ends if all the information from the technological flow charts of pipe products has been used. Originality. A model of cost management by operational centres is proposed which will allow dividing the prime cost of pipes which differ according to the production technology. It is recommended to rank pipe products within each technologically similar group for an economically feasible allocation of costs between batches of pipes. The proposed process model of processing analytical information of the pipe enterprise using graph theory will allow providing data governance as for the prime cost of each individual batch of pipe products, will contribute to the improvement in the order generation procedure taking into account the acquired information, and will allow making the appropriate adjustments when making management decisions. Practical value. Calculation of expenses for production operations allows one to identify the most cost-intensive of them. Relying on the results of the calculation, the enterprise management has the opportunity to manage costs at any stage of the production process. Moreover, the model allows determining the amount of consumed metal for each production operation, which is relevant for pipe enterprises. It is appropriate to focus further scientific developments in this direction on the possibility of managing non-manufacturing cost with the help of mathematical models in economics to optimize the supply and sales activities of the enterprise.

Advancing Multi‐Optical Performances in Lanthanide‐Doped Fluoride Core@Shell Nanoarchitectures by Minimizing Cation Intermixing

AbstractCore/shell structures are widely employed to enhance photoluminescence efficiency and manipulate excitation dynamics in lanthanide‐doped fluoride nanoparticles (NPs). However, prominent cation intermixing leads to significant deviations from the expected optical performances, presenting a formidable challenge in a deeper understanding of the chemical processes involved, as well as developing efficient suppression methods. Here, a reliable and facile multi‐optical reference strategy to reveal the integral cation intermixing processes is designed. This strategy analyzes the presence of Ce3+ ions in the core (or shell) and their influences on near‐infrared light‐triggered upconversion (UC), ultraviolet (UV)‐activated downshifting (DS), and X‐ray‐excited optical/persistent luminescence (XEOL/XEPL) of Tb3+ ions in the shell (or core). The results demonstrate that a thin surface layer of core NPs dissolves to reach dissolution equilibrium, which then distributes throughout the entire shell layer, rather than being confined to an interfacial region. It is further developed an improved technique to greatly inhibit cation intermixing by successive shell growth with excessive cation precursors, enabling superior multi‐optical performances, including UC, DS, XEOL/XEPL, and time‐dependent multicolor evolution. The findings significantly advance the development of lanthanide‐doped fluoride core/shell NPs with superior optical performances, broadening their potential applications in bio‐medicine, healthcare, industrial inspection, and optical information science.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Acceptance of Health Science Information among WeChat Public Account Users: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of WeChat users towards health-related public accounts. The study included 567 participants who completed the questionnaire. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation among the 3 dimensions. Multivariate analysis identified independent factors associated with KAP scores. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 6.12 ± 2.29 (61.2% of the total), 55.83 ± 7.33 (69.8% of the total), and 14.07 ± 3.72 (70.4% of the total), respectively. Significant positive correlations were observed between knowledge and practice (r = 0.392, P < 0.001) as well as between attitude and practice (r = 0.319, P < 0.001). Age [OR = 0.29 (0.09, 0.91), P = 0.034], marital status [OR = 2.11 (1.04, 4.29), P = 0.038], income [OR = 2.42 (1.23, 4.75), P = 0.010], and physical condition [OR = 0.45 (0.24, 0.85), P = 0.014] were independent factors associated with KAP scores. WeChat users in China had relatively adequate knowledge and positive attitudes towards health-related public accounts. The findings highlight the potential of WeChat in enhancing health information dissemination in China.

A framework for curriculum transformation in quantum information science and technology education

The field of Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) is booming. Due to this, many new educational courses and university programs are needed in order to prepare a workforce for the developing industry. Owing to its specialist nature, teaching approaches in this field can easily become disconnected from the substantial degree of science education research which aims to support the best approaches to teaching in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields. In order to connect these two communities with a pragmatic and repeatable methodology, we have synthesised this educational research into a decision-tree based theoretical model for the transformation of QIST curricula, intended to provide a didactical perspective for practitioners. The Quantum Curriculum Transformation Framework consists of four steps: (1) choose a topic, (2) choose one or more targeted skills, (3) choose a learning goal and (4) choose a teaching approach that achieves this goal. We show how this can be done using an example curriculum and more specifically quantum teleportation as a basic concept of quantum communication within this curriculum. By approaching curriculum creation and transformation in this way, educational goals and outcomes are more clearly defined which is in the interest of the individual and the industry alike. The framework is intended to structure the narrative of QIST teaching, and with future testing and refinement it will form a basis for further research in the didactics of QIST.

Preferences regarding the Booster Dose of Covid-19: a cross-sectional study in Central Italy

Abstract Background Examining information sources, communication channels, and preferred content formats is crucial for adapting and improving future communication strategies in vaccination campaigns. This study aims to evaluate the information and communication preferences regarding the booster dose of Covid-19 among employees of the Central Tuscany Local Health Authority (CT-LHA). Methods From July to October 2022, a questionnaire was administered to 7,000 out of approximately 15,000 CT-LHA employees. The questionnaire analyzed communication, organizational, and access aspects regarding preferences for the Covid-19 booster dose. The sample was stratified into healthcare workers (HCWs) and non-healthcare workers (NHCWs). Chi-squared tests were performed using STATA, with the significance level set at 95%. Results The returned questionnaires were 1,885 (26.9%), with the majority being HCWs (64.4%). HCWs rated the quality of communication significantly lower compared to NHCWs, who rated it very high (p &amp;lt; 0.05). HCWs also rated the ease of booking the Covid-19 booster dose and access modalities to vaccination significantly lower than NHCWs (p &amp;lt; 0.05). NHCWs expressed a preference for receiving scientific information from Ministry of Health tutorials, while HCWs preferred information from their general practitioner (p &amp;lt; 0.05). HCWs preferred to receive organizational information from healthcare management, while NHCWs preferred information from vaccination physicians (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Additionally, HCWs preferred company operating procedures for disseminating information, whereas NHCWs preferred corporate communications circulars (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions HCWs and NHCWs showed differences in perceived quality of communication, ease of access to vaccination services, and preferred sources of information. HCWs rated the quality of communication and access to vaccination services lower than NHCWs. This results suggest the need for tailored communication strategies to effectively reach both groups. Key messages • Health organizations need to develop targeted communication approaches that address the specific needs and preferences of their employees. • Flexibility and adaptability are crucial to adapt communication methods and channels to strengthen vaccination initiatives and promote public health outcomes.

Development overview and research hotspots of Information Science &amp; Library Science based on SSCI data

This study uses the scientometric method to analyse the literature to summarise the development overview and research hotspots in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS), aiming at sorting out the knowledge structure of the discipline and providing references and information for deepening its research and development. This article takes 85 Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) journals in the field of LIS as the research object, from which 116,570 articles from 1900 to 2023 are collected as the basis of data analysis. It employs the scientometric method based on visualisation software to analyse four dimensions of the LIS discipline: annual publications, journal outputs distribution, production and cooperation, and present focus and research hotspots, finding that the overall development of the discipline is stable and shows some new topics.

Language Development Opportunities in Curricular and Trade Books: A Content Analysis

ABSTRACTThis content analysis explored children's fictional storybooks and informational science books to determine their differences in high‐quality text features that support oral language (OL) development. We also explored the opportunities for OL development in curricular books compared to trade books. Using systematic coding procedures, we evaluated the genre, vocabulary, syntactic variety, supportive visuals and cultural sensitivity in books from three kindergarten and Grade 1 reading curricula (n = 521) as well as a sample of commercially‐available trade books (n = 48). Descriptive information was averaged to determine the percentage of high‐quality text features included in each book type and genre. Results indicated that informational science trade books offered more opportunities for rich language experiences than their curricular counterparts or any of the fictional books. Thus, there is reason to believe that informational science trade books with high‐quality text features may promote OL development and enhance the learning of young students.

PENGARUH SENI KALIGRAFI DALAM MENUMBUHKAN KEMANDIRIAN FINANSIAL BAGI MAHASISWA

The art of calligraphy plays a significant role in fostering financial independence among students. Through intensive practice and meticulous attention to detail, this art form strengthens skills such as precision, patience, and creativity, crucial for personal financial management. This article explores how calligraphy can serve as an effective educational tool to enhance students' understanding of the importance of discipline, planning, and financial stewardship. Implementing calligraphy practices within higher education enriches visual culture and positively influences students' attitudes toward financial autonomy and responsibility. The method used in this research is qualitative, where the researcher collected data through online interviews and observations with informants. Additionally, the researcher referenced various theories from literature reviews such as scientific journals, books, and reliable information. The research findings indicate that the marketing strategy employed towards the informants involved online marketing strategies, including platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Through these strategies, they experienced increased sales. Furthermore, the informants implemented changes in product quality and sales services to ensure customer comfort and loyalty.

A conceptual classification scheme of invasion science

Abstract In the era of big data and global biodiversity decline, there is a pressing need to transform data and information into findable and actionable knowledge. We propose a conceptual classification scheme for invasion science that goes beyond hypothesis networks and allows to organize publications and data sets, guide research directions, and identify knowledge gaps. Combining expert knowledge with literature analysis, we identified five major research themes in this field: introduction pathways, invasion success and invasibility, impacts of invasion, managing biological invasions, and meta-invasion science. We divided these themes into 10 broader research questions and linked them to 39 major hypotheses forming the theoretical foundation of invasion science. As artificial intelligence advances, such classification schemes will become important references for organizing scientific information. Our approach can be extended to other research fields, fostering cross-disciplinary connections to leverage the scientific knowledge needed to address Anthropocene challenges.

Challenges library and information science (LIS) postgraduate students encounter in research topic selection

This study examines research topic selection among LIS postgraduate students in Tanzania. A quantitative approach was used to collect the data, and purposive sampling was used to recruit a total of 105 respondents. Key findings showed that research topic selection is influenced by how extensively the topic has been researched, postgraduates’ personal interests and whether the topic has been previously researched by a student. Insufficient research knowledge, little global LIS research exposure and insufficient supervisory leading roles affect research topic selection. Findings showed male and doctorate postgraduate students face more challenges in LIS research topic selection. The study concludes that LIS postgraduates’ research topic selection is challenging due to insufficient research methodology training and foundations. The study suggests research methodology training for supervisors and students, revising LIS curricula and appropriate research guidance to LIS postgraduates would be important in addressing the challenges found. The study also recommends the establishment of an LIS national repository centre with research content accessible to all students.

Studying technical sciences without borders: We use the navigator for open educational resources. Part 1. The Russian experience

Introduction. The introduction of information and communication technologies into learning processes expands the possibilities of using information resources and becomes one of the priorities of the transforming higher education system. These changes are reflected in the trends in the development and application of open educational resources. However, the scale and fragmentation of data on the Internet, as well as the lack of open educational resources standards, makes the information retrieval process a difficult task and requires professional skills.Purpose setting. To determine the relevance and prospects for the development of sectoral open educational resources, it is necessary to analyze their role in the modern educational system. It is important to identify the possibilities of using open access research in technical sciences as one of the tools to eliminate social inequality in higher education. To identify and present arguments for the purpose of justifying the need to develop an industry-specific «Navigator on OER of Technical Sciences» (hereinafter referred to as the «Navigator»).Methodology and methods of the study. The research methodology covers the study and analysis of scientific papers devoted to the development of tools and initiatives in the field of open educational resources in technical sciences both in Russia and abroad. This study is also based on the method of oral questioning of students, postgraduates and teachers of technical disciplines at universities in Novosibirsk. Results. An array of scientific literature and web resources has been studied, providing free access to scientific and educational information in the field of research under consideration. Taking into account empirical data, the necessity of developing a «Navigator» on open educational resources in the system of higher technical education is justified (http://lib-os.ru/issledovatelyam/resursy/obrazovatelnye- resursy/navigator-oor-techn-nauk/).Conclusion. The study of technical sciences using open educational resources contributes to the effective improvement of professional level and allows you to be aware of current solutions to innovative activities in the field of knowledge under consideration.

The Fabrication of Polyimide-Based Tunable Charge Traps Ternary Memristors Doped with Ni-Co Coated Carbon Composite Nanofibers

In the dynamic fields of information science and electronic technology, there is a notable trend towards leveraging carbon materials, favored for their ease of synthesis, biocompatibility, and abundance. This trend is particularly evident in the development of memristors, benefiting from the unique electronic properties of carbon to enhance device performance. This study utilizes sensitized chemical evaporation and spin-coating carbonization techniques to fabricate nickel-cobalt coated carbon composite nanofibers (SC-NCMNTs). Novel polyimide (PI) matrix composite memory devices were fabricated using in situ polymerization technology. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and micro-Raman spectroscopy analyses validated the presence of dual interface structures located between the Ni-Co-MWNTs, carbon composite nanofibers, and PI matrix, revealing a significant number of defects within the SC-NCMNTs/PI composite films. Consequently, this results in a tunable charge trap-based ternary resistive switching behavior of the composite memory devices, exhibiting a high ON/OFF current ratio of 104 and a retention time of 2500 s at an operating voltage of less than 3 V. The mechanism of resistive switching is thoroughly elucidated through a comprehensive charge transport model, incorporating molecular orbital energy levels. This study provides valuable insights for the rational design and fabrication of efficient memristors characterized by multilevel resistive switching states.

Evaluating and Predicting Meteorological Drought Using Different Climate Reanalysis Datasets over New South Wales, Australia

AbstractDroughts are one of the most disastrous natural hazards, primarily due to their persistence and spatial distribution. Drought prediction is one of the key challenges for effective drought management and to do so, studies often involve the use of station-based data which are effective only in regions with high-gauge density. Therefore, there is growing interest in the use of interpolated climatic grids to predict droughts. In recent decades, drought conditions have been aggravated by climate change and for that reason the use of climatic variables is important to accurately predict droughts. The analysis of any aspect of drought can be affected by the choice of data and drought index. Therefore, this study aims to identify the most suitable dataset and drought index for the New South Wales (NSW) region of Australia. The present study evaluates various precipitation datasets (Climate Research Unit (CRU), ERA-5, and Scientific Information for Land Owners (SILO)) and their corresponding variations on the Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI) at different time scales. Based on the findings, CRU was used to predict meteorological drought using machine learning techniques. The different machine learning models are Support Vector Regression, Random Forest and Artificial Neural Networks. The results suggest SVM to be the best performing model among these models for predicting SPI at short time scales (1 month and 3 month) and ANN to be the best performing model for long-term scales (6 months and 12 months). Such findings depict the capabilities of different models in examining drought characteristics and confirming the use of interpolated climatic grids thereby assisting in regional drought management.

The concept map as a tool for analyzing museum objects

AbstractThis paper discusses using the concept map to study museum objects. The tool's original purpose, which was created in the 1970s by Joseph Novak, was to graphically represent the construction of knowledge of scientific topics by learners, particularly children. Concept maps start from the premise that new knowledge is always built on previous knowledge and allow the representation, organization, and relationship between concepts, which are seen as the primary elements of knowledge. Novak recognized that its potential is insufficiently explored and encouraged its application in different disciplines and fields that deal with concepts and their relationships. This incentive led the Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) to adopt the concept map on an experimental basis to analyze objects in its collection. At first, the tool sought to emphasize the conceptual potential of museum objects and shed more light on their trajectory in time and space and the numerous possible connections with events, institutions, concepts, people, and other objects. In the initial experimental phase, the maps were included in papers presented at academic events and discussed with professionals dedicated to science and technology collections and other specialists in Museology and Information Science. In the second stage, maps began to be produced in greater numbers and on demand, focusing on objects selected for a temporary exhibition. Based on the assumption that museum objects are both unique and representative of a class of objects that share the same name and function, the maps constructed were based on Ingetraut Dahlberg's Theory of Concept, which distinguishes between general and individual objects and concepts.

Assessment of Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of Commercial Sparkling Wines Obtained Through Ancestral and Traditional Methods

Sparkling wines produced using the ancestral method, also known as Pét-Nats, are gaining more and more market share these days. However, scientific information on these wines is very scarce. The aim of this study was therefore to compare the physicochemical composition and sensory characteristics of a representative selection of commercial sparkling wines produced using the ancestral and traditional methods. Ancestral sparkling wines were more heterogeneous than traditional sparkling wines, as some of them showed lower internal pressure, higher turbidity, higher color intensity and lower effervescence. These differences are probably due to the fact that the protocol for making sparkling wines using the ancestral method is not as well defined as that for traditional sparkling wines. However, the ancestral method has the advantage of being able to work with riper grapes and a lower sulfur dioxide dosage.

Building search and analytical competences of master’s students for scientific reviewing

Today, scientific reviewing is not the area of strength of Russian researchers. In many ways, it is due to the lack of research competences taught to the graduate students, and, in particular, search and analytical competences that correspond to the active-operational component of the competence. To overcome this shortcoming, the authors have developed and tested an approach to selecting publications for scientific reviewing. The approach comprises five steps: selecting the starting sample, its expansion, truncation, analysis, and final selection. The pedagogical experiment accomplished with the small groups demonstrated significant increase in the level of research competences in the master’s students who took the specialized course Science Communication based on the above approach. The course resulted in increased competences essential for effective search and analysis of scientific information. Further implementation of the method will improve the educational environment for building research competences in graduate students.

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

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

Developmental Thermal Reaction Norms of Leatherback Marine Turtles at Nesting Beaches

Accurate scientific information is critical for undertaking appropriate conservation and management practices for imperiled species. One source of concern is that research findings might vary for non-biological reasons, including experimental design and analytical methods. To illustrate, we provide detailed modern analysis of reproductive data for leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). This species exhibits significant fluctuations in nesting densities across different regions, possibly driven by local rather than global factors. Key factors influencing these changes include hatching success and sex determination, both sensitive to incubation temperatures (e.g., lower temperatures yield more males, higher temperatures yield females). This study updates the understanding of temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) in this species using Bayesian statistics. Growth rate data from the West Pacific and Northwest Atlantic populations show a similar, monotone increase with temperature, affirming the reliability of the models used. The analysis of TSD patterns indicates that observed differences are more likely due to study methodologies and clutch-specific factors rather than regional differences. These findings challenge previous assumptions, showing that leatherback TSD does not conform to a simple on/off pattern but is influenced by multiple, interacting environmental factors. Population dynamics models must account for these complexities, recognizing that both sex ratios and hatching success are critical to understand the rapid changes observed in some leatherback populations.

Nutritional knowledge and related factors among hemodialysis patients: A systematic review

This systematic review aimed to examine the nutritional knowledge and related factors among hemodialysis patients. An exhaustive and methodical exploration was conducted across various global electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, as well as Persian electronic databases like Iranmedex and the Scientific Information Database. This search utilized keywords derived from Medical Subject Headings, specifically “knowledge”, “hemodialysis”, and “nutrition”, spanning from the inception of these databases until March 25, 2024. The quality of the studies incorporated into this systematic review was assessed utilizing the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS tool). In total, 721 hemodialysis patients in eight cross-sectional studies. Among the participants, 61.70% were male. The participants had a mean age of 55.03 (standard deviation [SD]=14.06) years. The studies incorporated in this systematic review were conducted in various countries: United Kingdom (n=2), India (n=2), Italy (n=1), Iran (n=1), Greece (n=1), and a joint study from Turkey and Finland (n=1). The nutritional knowledge among hemodialysis patients was 47.79 out of 100. This score indicates a suboptimal level of knowledge in this area. Factors including education level, attitude, practice, family income per month, and diet counseling were related to the nutritional knowledge of hemodialysis patients. Consequently, by focusing more on factors associated with nutritional knowledge such as the level of education, attitude, practice, monthly family income, and dietary counseling, policymakers and healthcare administrators can enhance the nutritional understanding of patients undergoing hemodialysis.