Web Content Analysis Research Articles

Integrated-Block: A New Combination Model to Improve Web Page Segmentation

Context: Web page segmentation methods have been used for different purposes such as web page classification and content analysis. These methods categorize a web page into different blocks, where each block contains similar components. Objective: The goal of this paper is to propose a new segmentation approach that semantically segments web pages into integrated blocks and obtains high segmentation accuracy. Method: In this paper, we propose a new segmentation model that semantically segments web pages into integrated blocks, where (1) it merges web page content into basic-blocks by simulating human perception using Gestalt laws of grouping; and, (2) it utilizes semantic text similarity to identify similar blocks and regroup these similar basic-blocks as integrated blocks. Results: To verify the accuracy of our approach, we (1) applied it to three datasets, (2) compared it with the five existing state-of-the-art algorithms. The results show that our approach outperforms all the five comparison methods in terms of precision, recall, F-1 score, and ARI. Conclusion: In this paper, we propose a new segmentation model and apply it to three datasets to (1) generate basic-blocks by simulating human perception to segment a web page, (2) identify semantically related blocks and regroup them as an integrated block, and (3) address limitations found in existing approaches.

Communication pedagogy in public affairs programs: Insights from a study of MPA and MPP curricula

Communication is a critical government function that has important implications for public administration and effective governance. This research study explores how communication competencies are taught in public affairs programs in the United States. Based on a general web content analysis of graduate programs, and specific analyses of course titles, course descriptions, and course syllabi, this study examines the extent to which communication competencies are integrated into public affairs curricula. This paper also discusses how communication skills map on to the five NASPAA core competencies. Compared to previous decades, communication courses are increasingly emphasized in public administration programs. But there is greater potential for such offerings in the age of digital government, social media, and Artificial Intelligence. This study’s findings have important implications for the teaching and practice of public affairs.

Techniques to detect terrorists/extremists on the dark web: a review

PurposeWith the proliferation of terrorist/extremist websites on the World Wide Web, it has become progressively more crucial to detect and analyze the content on these websites. Accordingly, the volume of previous research focused on identifying the techniques and activities of terrorist/extremist groups, as revealed by their sites on the so-called dark web, has also grown.Design/methodology/approachThis study presents a review of the techniques used to detect and process the content of terrorist/extremist sites on the dark web. Forty of the most relevant data sources were examined, and various techniques were identified among them.FindingsBased on this review, it was found that methods of feature selection and feature extraction can be used as topic modeling with content analysis and text clustering.Originality/valueAt the end of the review, present the current state-of-the- art and certain open issues associated with Arabic dark Web content analysis.

Web content analysis and design trends of Agricultural Universities’ Library Website in Gujarat State, India: A study

The library is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the field of the modern education system. The advancement of information technology leads libraries and resources center to adopt the IT environment to reach and build the targeted users. The content is widely used in our day-to-day life, now in the digital era, web content is widely spread over the website. The Library field also transforms its content into web content. The present study is to assess the web content and design trend of agricultural university library websites in the state of Gujarat. A checklist was designed for the data collection and for evaluating library websites based on referred literature. The study tries to evaluate the content of the agricultural university library of Gujarat state in response to basic information, physical and electronic resources, E-learning platform, Services, Value-based services, and web 2.0 services. The library web pages/websites must be maintained regularly and updated. This will make the demand for the library web pages among the users.

Library websites of top 10 Universities in India: Web content analysis

Library websites of top 10 Universities in India: Web content analysis

Sustainable Development Goals In Ecovillages

In 2015 the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs ) were ratified by 195 countries. To be achieved by 2030, the goals aim to transform our world by leaving no one behind. In 2017 the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) investigated how 30 ecovillages from 5 continents already contributed to the UN SDGs. The results were presented on the 2018 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). Based on the GEN research outcomes, we examined 17 international Ecovillages. We aimed to understand how ecovillages relate to the UN SDG framework. The research was done with Ecovillages Around the World subject students. Before the analysis, students became acquainted with the SDGs’ targets and their implications in different communities. The research methods were web-content analysis and self-assessment from the ecovillages’ representatives, and the results were compared. The research proved that studied ecovillages already contribute to most SDGs; still, most do not know or intend to use the SDG framework. The results indicate a communication gap between the global political community and local ecovillages. Both global and local efforts aim to support sustainable development, but there could be vast differences in the interpretation of sustainability. Therefore, there is a significant need to establish communication channels and platforms to support the partnership between stakeholder groups working for sustainability at different levels.

Open data for accountability at times of exception: an exploratory analysis during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeAt exceptional times, governments are entrusted with greater authority. This creates significant concerns over governments’ transparency and accountability. This paper aims to pursue a twofold objective: assessing the patterns of open government data during the extraordinary time initiated by the COVID-19 pandemic drawing relevant policy and managerial implications regarding the future development of open data as a mechanism of accountability at times of exception.Design/methodology/approachThe study follows exploratory research, relying on a web content analysis. The empirical setting is provided by 20 Italian regional governments during the COVID-19 pandemic as a shock that has triggered an exceptional time for governments.FindingsResults on the desirable (extrinsic and intrinsic) characteristics of the data analyzed show that in the empirical setting investigated, open data does not enable to properly address the accountability concerns of a demanding forum at times of exception.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper enriches the state of the art on accountability and provides both scholars and practitioners (e.g. policymakers, managers, etc.) a current reading of data-driven orientation as a stimulus to the accountability of public administrations during exceptional times.Originality/valueThe paper investigates open data as a condition of public accountability, assessing whether and how Italian regional governments have concretely opened their data to enable their forums to elaboration of an informed opinion about their conduct during the ongoing pandemic. This fosters the understanding of how accountability is deployed in times of exception in light of the possibilities offered by the availability of online platforms.

Machine Learning Applications in Mental Health and Substance Use Research Among the LGBTQ2S+ Population: Scoping Review.

BackgroundA high risk of mental health or substance addiction issues among sexual and gender minority populations may have more nuanced characteristics that may not be easily discovered by traditional statistical methods.ObjectiveThis review aims to identify literature studies that used machine learning (ML) to investigate mental health or substance use concerns among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+) population and direct future research in this field.MethodsThe MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, IEEE Xplore, and Summon databases were searched from November to December 2020. We included original studies that used ML to explore mental health or substance use among the LGBTQ2S+ population and excluded studies of genomics and pharmacokinetics. Two independent reviewers reviewed all papers and extracted data on general study findings, model development, and discussion of the study findings.ResultsWe included 11 studies in this review, of which 81% (9/11) were on mental health and 18% (2/11) were on substance use concerns. All studies were published within the last 2 years, and most were conducted in the United States. Among mutually nonexclusive population categories, sexual minority men were the most commonly studied subgroup (5/11, 45%), whereas sexual minority women were studied the least (2/11, 18%). Studies were categorized into 3 major domains: web content analysis (6/11, 54%), prediction modeling (4/11, 36%), and imaging studies (1/11, 9%).ConclusionsML is a promising tool for capturing and analyzing hidden data on mental health and substance use concerns among the LGBTQ2S+ population. In addition to conducting more research on sexual minority women, different mental health and substance use problems, as well as outcomes and future research should explore newer environments, data sources, and intersections with various social determinants of health.

Functional Settings of Hospital Outdoor Spaces and the Perceptions from Public and Hospital Occupant during COVID-19.

Hospital outdoor spaces play an important role for the safety and well-being of users (patients, visitors, and staff), particularly during a pandemic. However, the actual needs of these spaces are often overlooked due to the design and management process. This study investigates the perceptions of the public and occupants on the functional settings of outdoor spaces, and provides evidence for building a safe and resilient hospital during (and after) COVID-19. A multi-method approach of web content analysis (WCA) and a web-based survey was employed. Reports were collected from three mainstream websites; keywords were extracted and then categorized, pertaining to the functional settings of outdoor spaces. Three groups of occupants from Southwest Hospital (staff n = 47, patients n = 64, visitors n = 73) participated in the survey to identify their perceptions of these functional settings. Based on the 657 reports and 33 keywords selected, 7 functional settings were identified: health check (HC), quarantine and observation (QO), food and delivery (FD), healing and restoration (HR), waiting and rest (WR), transportation and parking (TP), load and unload (LU). From all users, HC (4.13) was thought to be the most expected function setting while FD (2.61) was the least. Regarding the satisfaction level, most users were satisfied with HC (3.22) while WR (2.16) was the least satisfying. The users also showed significant differences regarding expectation and satisfaction pertaining to their groups. The results indicate that the current outdoor space could not fully meet the needs of users, regarding the emerging functional setting, due to the pandemic. Users showed significant different perceptions on the functional setting due to their roles. The mismatch between the outdoor space and the users’ needs on emerging functional settings resulted in low satisfaction and high expectation in the survey. Environmental interventions with adaptive and flexible strategies should be adapted for these functional settings. The differences of users should be fully recognized by administrators, decision-makers, and designers.

Accountability disclosure of SOEs: comparing hybrid and private European news agencies

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the financial and non-financial accountability disclosure patterns of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), as hybrid organizations.Design/methodology/approachAdopting the hybridity concept and resorting to stakeholder theory, this paper works on a comparison between the accountability disclosure patterns of hybrid and private organizations operating in the same industry. European national news agencies are selected as units of analysis and an extensive web content analysis is performed on three categories of information.FindingsSOEs are found to disclose a broader spectrum of information than private organizations, and differences between them have been found. Nevertheless, both financial and non-financial disclosures are underdeveloped in the two organizational types.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper illustrates how hybridity explains SOEs’ accountability disclosure patterns. Results could not be complemented through information on disclosure through alternative channels. Future studies are encouraged to perform simultaneous comparisons among hybrid, public and private organizations, as well as considering industry specifics.Practical implicationsAs web accountability disclosure helps to address the demands of distant stakeholders, efforts are needed to enhance SOEs’ web accountability disclosures and not to undermine democratic accountability relationships.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the ongoing debate on the accountability mechanisms and style of SOEs. Using a framework for hybrid organizations provides an understanding of how SOEs, as hybrid organizations, disclose information for accountability. In turn, this allows, and then promotes, the investigation of social phenomena by conceiving hybridity as a standalone institutional space.

Integrating research tools with library websites

Purpose The present investigation aims to measure the extent of the adoption of research tools among libraries of higher education (HE) institutes across the world based on the types of research tools and their diverse purposes of use. This study also intends to identify the current practices followed by the HE libraries to implement research tools. Design/methodology/approach First, a stratified sampling method was used to select 130 HE libraries from four continents – Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America. Second, a two-step Web content analysis was followed to collect data from the selected libraries along the parameters chosen for the survey. Findings This study gives an overview of the recent advances in the use of research tools by the libraries with numerous examples. Highlighting the differential rate of adoption of research tools across the regions, this study illustrates the degree of acceptance of research tools among the libraries. Research limitations/implications This study limits itself to a handful of libraries with English websites in four regions only to avoid the language limitation of the researcher. Inaccessible websites of libraries of HE institutes were also excluded from the survey. Originality/value Future researchers may use the evaluation instruments as basic tools to develop advanced research instruments to carry out Web content analysis in diverse spheres. This study guides librarians to develop an improved understanding of the requirements of an immersive online environment with enhanced accessibility to a multiplicity of research tools and facilities to provide improved research support throughout the entire research life cycle.

Web content and social media analysis on children's lifestyles even during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract Background One of the main aims of the project ‘Peer education as a tool to reach and involve families and schools in the promotion of healthy lifestyles of children' - funded by the Italian Ministry of Health - is the web & social media (SM) content analysis relating to children's eating habits, physical activity and sedentary behaviours. By discovering which influencers deal with health topics, when, how, and through which channels they do it, countermeasures can be planned, if needed, foreseeing better users' health literacy. This ‘web and social listening' and its analysis are even more relevant now at the pandemic, as the parents' use of the web and SM has increased. Methods Four areas of interest were selected: nutrition, physical activity, sedentary lifestyle and overweight. For each, keywords were defined to search for relevant content (mention). The data were collected between May and December 2020. Results The mentions collected were 38.146. Of these, 29.666 were used to contruct the panel of 3.100 citations subjected to qualitative analysis. The main Preliminary Results: - Source type: social media 48%, web 52%. 45% of SM content were from Twitter, Instagram (40%), Facebook (14%) and YouTube (0.3%). Facebook accounts had the largest audience Audience profile: 62% women and 38% men; 51% of these were 45-54 and 30% 35-44 years old The most relevant words were: physical activity, children, children's snack, correct nutrition References to the topic ‘COVID-19' in the mentions collected concerned 14% of the analysed content The main organisations, by volume of citations, were: World Health Organisation (12%); National Institute of Health (6%); Italian Food Union (6%); Istat (5.5%); Doxa (5%); OKkio alla Salute (5%); Ministry of Health (4%); Coldiretti (4%); UNICEF (3%). Conclusions The results will contribute to producing indications for health promotion and increasing Internet users' health literacy. Key messages Women are the main users of the topics investigated. Children and adolescents’ health was the central theme in the mentions collected relating to Covid-19.

The application of digital technologies in company responses to COVID-19: an integrative framework

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged organisations to adapt and redesign their processes and management practices in response to the rising emergency. Governments across the globe have implemented strategies to reduce infection and mortality, and build resilience. Most response strategies and actions have leveraged the potential of digital technologies (DT). However, despite the importance of DT in supporting business continuity, an integrative framework describing how DT can support organisational responsiveness in relevant disruptions is still not available. This research presents the outcomes of a web and social content analysis of 40 world-leading corporations facing the COVID-19 emergency. The study identifies how these organisations have used DT in 12 activities related to the management of operations, human resources, and customers. For each activity, a set of digital enablers are identified, and the deriving organisational value is outlined. The contribution of this research lies in reinvigorating and advancing the scholarly discussion on the centrality of DT for the enhancement of organisational preparedness in critical scenarios. From a managerial perspective, this research provides business leaders and managers with a checklist useful to define digital-enhanced business continuity plans.

Linking Sustainability, Embeddedness and Marketing Strategies: A Study on the Craft Beer Sector in Italy

This paper proposes an in-depth analysis of the branding strategies implemented by agricultural craft breweries in Italy. For small-scale companies operating in the emerging craft beer sector, effective branding strategies play a key role in differentiating themselves from their competitors and gaining competitive advantages. The paper focuses on the concept of sustainability and its relation to Neolocalism. In addition, the paper analyses to what extent the craft brewing companies leverage the status of agricultural craft breweries. A mixed-method approach is adopted in the analysis. A Web Content Analysis (WebCa) led to the extrapolation of relevant information from the company websites. The data were coded according to a 1/0 binary scheme (presence/absence) and subjected to cluster analysis. The results highlight the presence of six different typologies of strategies implemented by the agricultural craft breweries, thus identifying six clusters. The six clusters differ in their emphasis on both agricultural brewery status and the components characterising the corporate brand and the attributes defining the concept of sustainability.

Black articles matter: exploring relative deprivation and implicit bias in library and information science research publications of Africa and other continents

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore relative deprivation and implicit bias in library and information science research publications of Africa and other continents.Design/methodology/approachResearch design used for this study is descriptive survey research. Specifically, the study will adopt both web content analysis and survey to collect data. The content analysis covers the whole continents of the world: Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Northern America, Pacific Region and Western Europe; using the Webometrics World Ranking of Universities and the SCImago/Scopus Journal Ranking. Library and information science was used as the search and control parameter. The scopes covered by the research are: 1. Ascertaining the visible publishing and assessment standards of top library and information science (LIS) journals, which was evaluated using Kleinert and Wager (2010)'s study.FindingsIt was found out among others that editors making fair and unbiased decisions as policy is seen in 33% of the journals, which is very poor. All the structural disparities, such as presence ranking, impact ranking, excellence ranking, etc. were favouring Europe and the Americas mainly. As much as rejection is getting to these respondents, research generally is also suffering by missing out on some untapped knowledge and ideas from these deprived populations. Many authors are losing faith in their capabilities and are now afraid of venturing into tedious research exercises because it will most likely be rejected either ways.Research limitations/implicationsIt is an established fact that social media gains research impact and attracts international collaborations. In support, studies such as Hassan et al. (2019) reported the fact that tweet mentions of articles with positive sentiment to more visibility and citations. They claim that cited articles in either positive or neutral tweets have a more significant impact than those not cited at all or cited in negative tweets. In addition, Hassan et al. (2020) equally highlighted tweet coupling as a social media methodology useful for clustering scientific publications. Despite the fact that social media have these influences on research and publications visibility and presence, the context of the present research did cover this scope of study. The study focused mainly on sources from Scopus as well as results from responses. Further studies can be carried out on this area.Originality/valueResearch studies linking “Black Articles Matter” to relative deprivation and implicit bias in research publications, especially in library and information discipline, are very rare. Also, the scope of approach of the study is quite different and interesting.

Enhancing professional and practical experiences for MPA students: Lessons from a manager-in-residence program

ABSTRACT Considerable scholarly attention has been paid to various efforts aimed at preparing graduate students for careers as practitioners of public administration. One such approach is hiring practitioners-in-residence (PIR) or employing professors of practice. This paper first reports results of a web content analysis of 355 NASPAA programs that determined the extent of use of PIRs. Results show that only 17% of programs explicitly list a practitioner-in-residence. Given that less than a fifth of programs have practitioners-in-residence on their faculty, this paper provides an in-depth description of one such initiative i.e., Texas State University’s experience with the Manager-in-Residence (MIR) program. Numerous ways in which the MIR program helped connect MPA students with the practice side of public administration are described. Finally, the implications of such a program for public administration pedagogy and practice and its potential for adoption by programs are discussed.

Getting the food out: A content analysis of the online communication of Seattle food banks during the initial response to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has threatened food availability, accessibility, and acceptability. Food banks are experiencing increased demand at the same time as operational challenges due to COVID-19. The objective of this study was to assess if and how food banks have utilized web and social media platforms to communicate dynamic information relevant to food security to a growing clientele amid a widespread emergency. We conducted a content analysis of web and social media communications made by 25 Seattle food banks in April and May 2020, which corresponded with the two full months of Washington Governor Inslee’s initial stay-at-home order (March 25–May 31, 2020). We developed and applied a codebook to assess if communications contained information related to food availability, accessibility, and acceptability in the context of COVID-19, as well as other descriptive information, such as changes to food bank operations. Our findings show that food banks in Seattle communicated the most on web and social media platforms about food avail¬ability and accessibility, while they communicated less commonly about food acceptability. Past disasters have exposed the need to include food acceptability in disaster planning to ensure that emergency food can be equitably distributed and consumed by diverse populations. Our results suggest that food banks may wish to periodically assess the main themes of their online communications and the reach of their different platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic as one strategy to facilitate community food security.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown on the Activities of European Football Companies

Purpose: This paper aims to show the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on selected football companies' economic, financial, and sports situations. Design/Methodology/Approach: The first part of this research study discusses some particular points of the business strategy and risk management in the context of football companies’ management. Four football companies' economic and financial situation is presented, namely: Borussia Dortmund, Juventus Turin, Manchester United, and Olympique Lyonnais. The focus is on sports, economic and financial criteria to assess the standing of football companies. This paper combines the conclusions from secondary data analysis, content analysis of web¬sites as well as qualitative and quantitative analysis. The study also employs a comparative analysis. Findings: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown have become a new reality for all football companies. It is thought that limiting essential financial sources of football companies might be a good lesson for the future. Football companies without economic rationality will have more and more problems. The crisis revealed weak economic foundations of football companies – some of them have even received public aid. Practical Implications: Football companies need to take several actions: a) strengthen cooperation with shareholders, b) continuously search for new sources of financing, c) conclude extended sponsorship agreements, d) increase online sales of goods. Building a solid financial foundation and looking to the future can help football companies get through times of crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Originality/Value: Contemporary football companies (especially in Poland) need recommendations and guidance in the area of financial management. The conducted research provides material that may be helpful in the better financial management of football clubs.

Between real and virtual: strategies of mobilisation of the radical right in Eastern Europe

ABSTRACT In this article, we explore radical right mobilisation beyond the electoral arena, looking at its characteristics and forms, as well as intensity and related factors (such as the preferred targets and issues). Within a comparative study of four country cases in Central and Eastern Europe the analysis is carried out by drawing on two novel datasets: i. a protest event analysis of RR street mobilisation (from 2008 to 2016; for a total of 1040 events collected) and, ii. formalised web content analysis of more than 200 radical right websites. We provide a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in the action strategies of (Eastern European) RR movements, activists and party actors-- comparing them with offline and online RR mobilisation in Western Europe. Common trends but also specificities of the Eastern European arena of RR contention are unveiled.

Rethinking the Attributes of Academic Certificates: Implications for Policy and Practice

Educational institutions and employers who depend on the authenticity of academic certificates for making admission and hiring decisions face a considerable challenge in identifying the features of genuine academic certificates including tedious verification processes and wrongful engagement of unqualified personnel. The purpose of this paper was to identify trends in academic certificate production with specific regards to their standard features, such as wording, security enhancements and features, and other unique features, and the extent to which these features contribute to the intrinsic and extrinsic values of certificates. Furthermore, the paper investigates the extent to which selected universities replace lost or damaged certificates. The study employed a qualitative design involving document and web content analysis. To address the central question of the study, the authors analysed the standard features of academic certificates issued by 20 universities across the globe. Furthermore, we performed a web content analysis to find policies or guidelines on the replacement of academic certificates. The results revealed that while academic certificates from the selected institutions bore a few unique characteristics, most of the certificates, however, bore many common features. Some of the common features included the location of the emblem/logo of the on the certificate, date of the award, degree name, signature specimen of top officials, and security features such as holograms. On the other hand, unique features included some certificates displaying a statement on the availability of electronic certificates, rendering of the university’s name in multiple languages, among others. The study also found that lost or mutilated certificates are replaced by European-based universities, whereas those in Africa did not. Among others, the paper recommended that awarding institutions in Africa should consider re-issuing lost or destroyed certificates.